Josh Maples, Extension Professor at Mississippi State University, reported that Beef exports have been exceptional throughout 2021 and are on pace for the strongest export year on record. The latest WASDE projects 2021 beef exports at 3.46 billion pounds, or about 9 percent larger than the current record in 2018.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the all-fresh beef retail price at $7.52 per pound during November, a few cents below the October level but roughly 21 percent above the same month a year ago.  Efforts put forth by the Extension Agent, Anderson County Cattlemen's Association Board, Extension Specialists in Beef Production, Economics, and Forages as well as area beef cattle cooperators are providing the opportunity for producers to see a different farming practice and learn more about the industry.  

Conducting monthly association meetings at the Extension Office has been a staple for the Cattlemen's Association in Anderson County. They are pairing these monthly meetings with 4 to 6 on-farm field days and farm demonstrations a year to give producers educational opportunities and insight into different practices useful for individual operations.  At the first field day meeting held in October, Dr. Kenny Burdine spoke about the cattle market and updated producers on the industry's trajectory, which provided the community critical insight into industry expectations and helped them consider alternative marketing approaches.  Dave Burge showed farmers his plans for Bale Grazing through 2021 and 2022 to provide a look into a revolutionary practice most producers have yet to see in person.

A total of 68 producers attended our first of 6 planned field day meetings through the next 12 months. These meetings will feature a host of different topics designed to help producers invest time, effort, and money more efficiently and effectively throughout the beef cattle supply chain.  Utilizing Cattlemen's meetings as a conduit, Extension's goal is to get producers more involved in industry-leading innovations quicker by providing them with the resources that include in-person and hands-on learning experiences. 

Participants in Anderson Counties' first on-farm Cattlemen's Association meeting described their appreciation for this programming style and gave suggestions for our future programs. They are interested in learning about meat processing and marketing, bull purchasing and genomics, herd health, nutrition, and proper forages.