PDA

View Full Version : Report: US cattle herd at lowest number since 1951




CaseyJones
01-31-2014, 06:55 PM
http://kxan.com/2014/01/31/report-us-cattle-herd-at-lowest-number-since-1951/


The lingering effects of drought across the Great Plains in recent years have led to another decrease in the U.S. cattle herd.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reports that the U.S. inventory of cattle and calves totaled 87.7 million animals as of Jan. 1. That was down by about 1.6 million cattle, or 2 percent, compared with this time last year.

The agency says this is the lowest January inventory since 1951.

A bright spot was a 2 percent increase in young, female cattle retained for breeding. One expert says that factor could allow the herd’s seven-year contraction to stabilize.

Icymudpuppy
01-31-2014, 07:50 PM
Meh, I don't eat much beef. Most of my red meat is venison and elk which I personally hunt, kill, gut, skin, butcher, package, and cook.

Anti Federalist
01-31-2014, 07:53 PM
The lingering effects of drought across the Great Plains in recent years have led to another decrease in the U.S. cattle herd.

???

That's not what the 2010 census said...

Moo.

enhanced_deficit
01-31-2014, 08:06 PM
In that case, hello Chinese beef.

But there should be good checks.

http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/China-cattle1.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=DfVmhsvduacYCM&tbnid=XjNOTAoJHlUFIM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblaze.com%2Fstories%2F2011 %2F11%2F13%2Fchinas-garbage-fed-beef-problem-cattle-graze-in-landfill-until-slaughter%2F&ei=KVbsUsyqNpLfkQfEkoC4Dg&bvm=bv.60444564,d.eW0&psig=AFQjCNGeh7HgauTvT08buHrDqLXlLfIucQ&ust=1391306061669456)
China’s Garbage-Fed Beef Problem: Cattle Graze in Landfill Until Slaughter

GunnyFreedom
01-31-2014, 08:21 PM
a story like this and no mention of the South Dakota blizzard last october?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/12/01/donated-cattle-sent-to-south-dakota-following-freak-blizzard-that-killed/

phill4paul
01-31-2014, 08:27 PM
In that case, hello Chinese beef.

But there should be good checks.

http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/China-cattle1.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=DfVmhsvduacYCM&tbnid=XjNOTAoJHlUFIM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblaze.com%2Fstories%2F2011 %2F11%2F13%2Fchinas-garbage-fed-beef-problem-cattle-graze-in-landfill-until-slaughter%2F&ei=KVbsUsyqNpLfkQfEkoC4Dg&bvm=bv.60444564,d.eW0&psig=AFQjCNGeh7HgauTvT08buHrDqLXlLfIucQ&ust=1391306061669456)
China’s Garbage-Fed Beef Problem: Cattle Graze in Landfill Until Slaughter

Ummmm..ooookayyyy.

Anti Federalist
01-31-2014, 08:29 PM
Ummmm..ooookayyyy.

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/8b/8b431d00e63f5c491766d9077b6373b75f234568239b65b134 dfa27c5ca603e9.jpg

eduardo89
01-31-2014, 09:04 PM
???

That's not what the 2010 census said...

Moo.

That was my exact thought when I saw the thread title. The American herd numbers 310 million strong, plus the cows and sheep!

GunnyFreedom
01-31-2014, 09:19 PM
In other news, The CPI will remove all forms of beef from it's calculation of inflation and replace it with chicken in order to avoid the artificial spikes in the CPI that come from actual inflation.

FindLiberty
01-31-2014, 10:58 PM
Where's my McD Angus?

enhanced_deficit
02-01-2014, 12:32 AM
http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/8b/8b431d00e63f5c491766d9077b6373b75f234568239b65b134 dfa27c5ca603e9.jpg

LOL
Seems real, this is source:


China's Garbage-Fed Beef Problem: Cattle Graze in Landfill Until ... (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/11/13/chinas-garbage-fed-beef-problem-cattle-graze-in-landfill-until-slaughter/)

TheBlaze
Nov 13, 2011 - China has another food problem: This time, it's cattle that spend their lives snacking on garbage before they're taken away for slaughter.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/11/13/chinas-garbage-fed-beef-problem-cattle-graze-in-landfill-until-slaughter/

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 12:40 AM
Where's my McD Angus?

Just so you know, "Angus" is just a marketing term to justify why cows with more than 50% black patched skin cost more. It turns out that they really only cost more because their skin makes for better black shoes, but call the beef "Angus" and people will pay more for that, too.

phill4paul
02-01-2014, 12:44 AM
Just so you know, "Angus" is just a marketing term to justify why cows with more than 50% black patched skin cost more. It turns out that they really only cost more because their skin makes for better black shoes, but call the beef "Angus" and people will pay more for that, too.

It's for people that like their meat charred black and with the consistency of shoe leather? I can see that.

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 12:47 AM
It's for people that like their meat charred black and with the consistency of shoe leather? I can see that.

LOL! I didn't know that myself, but our County GOP Chair is a cattle rancher, and he's clued us in. :-)

phill4paul
02-01-2014, 12:57 AM
LOL! I didn't know that myself, but our County GOP Chair is a cattle rancher, and he's clued us in. :-)

I've never bought into the Angus meme. Now Kobe beef is something that I would like to try. At least from pictures I can see some serious marbeling. Even still, a poorly cooked piece of Kobe wouldn't rival a good and rare piece of local ranch slice.

oyarde
02-01-2014, 01:06 AM
Just so you know, "Angus" is just a marketing term to justify why cows with more than 50% black patched skin cost more. It turns out that they really only cost more because their skin makes for better black shoes, but call the beef "Angus" and people will pay more for that, too.

have raised them , taste same as the brown ones to me....

oyarde
02-01-2014, 01:10 AM
That was my exact thought when I saw the thread title. The American herd numbers 310 million strong, plus the cows and sheep!

Well , I dunno as I have pd little attention this year . Herd numbers though , grain prices , oil prices do not dictate availability , whoever can buy it wins . As far as the US goes , numbers available here should be down due to high feed prices etc .

KCIndy
02-01-2014, 02:01 AM
In other news, The CPI will remove all forms of beef from it's calculation of inflation and replace it with chicken in order to avoid the artificial spikes in the CPI that come from actual inflation.

Funny, but it wouldn't surprise me a bit if they actually did it!

FindLiberty
02-01-2014, 07:34 AM
OK, thanks for the bovine education... So, I must have really only tasted that special pickle and premium bun that was used exclusively on the saltier McD Angus burgers? I don't think so. For me there's a huge difference; it's a deal breaker now.

Maybe they ran out of cow (like a shortage of pig affects the McRib?), or the human pigs just ran out of extra lunch money!

I'm guessing that they also lost a whole lot of money on their Angus items after they FUBAR'd those selection ID numbers around so 30% of their sales had to be returned, thrown away and then exchanged for the correct (desired) menu item. Another 30% of their formerly satisfied (but now inconvenienced) drive-through customers just kept the wrong items and kept on driving (while grumbling about poor customer service). I don't even drive in anymore, but still miss those tasty McD angus menu items.

juleswin
02-01-2014, 07:46 AM
In that case, hello Chinese beef.

But there should be good checks.

http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/China-cattle1.jpg (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=DfVmhsvduacYCM&tbnid=XjNOTAoJHlUFIM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblaze.com%2Fstories%2F2011 %2F11%2F13%2Fchinas-garbage-fed-beef-problem-cattle-graze-in-landfill-until-slaughter%2F&ei=KVbsUsyqNpLfkQfEkoC4Dg&bvm=bv.60444564,d.eW0&psig=AFQjCNGeh7HgauTvT08buHrDqLXlLfIucQ&ust=1391306061669456)
China’s Garbage-Fed Beef Problem: Cattle Graze in Landfill Until Slaughter


You do know why cows are made to wait before entering the slaughter house? you know its to fatten then up right? Knowing how much of a picky eaters cows are and amount of edible cow food that can be found in a dumpster, most cows will actually thin out if they are sent to the dumpster to get fat. I don't know what the true story behind that picture is but I am sure its not what you think it is.

Schifference
02-01-2014, 08:34 AM
I think the government should get more involved in beef issues before it becomes a real crisis.

belian78
02-01-2014, 08:42 AM
Well, nature has a way of providing though don't it? Best get a better appreciation for pork, wild boar populations are booming. :D

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 10:43 AM
OK, thanks for the bovine education... So, I must have really only tasted that special pickle and premium bun that was used exclusively on the saltier McD Angus burgers? I don't think so. For me there's a huge difference; it's a deal breaker now.

I am pretty sure (from experience) that they use a higher grade of beef for their 'Angus' patties than they do for their regular sawdust variety.


Maybe they ran out of cow (like a shortage of pig affects the McRib?), or the human pigs just ran out of extra lunch money!

I'm guessing that they also lost a whole lot of money on their Angus items after they FUBAR'd those selection ID numbers around so 30% of their sales had to be returned, thrown away and then exchanged for the correct (desired) menu item. Another 30% of their formerly satisfied (but now inconvenienced) drive-through customers just kept the wrong items and kept on driving (while grumbling about poor customer service). I don't even drive in anymore, but still miss those tasty McD angus menu items.

I haven't been inside a McD's in a long time, nor have I paid attention to them. Something happened with their Angus burgers?

enhanced_deficit
02-01-2014, 10:51 AM
You do know why cows are made to wait before entering the slaughter house? you know its to fatten then up right? Knowing how much of a picky eaters cows are and amount of edible cow food that can be found in a dumpster, most cows will actually thin out if they are sent to the dumpster to get fat. I don't know what the true story behind that picture is but I am sure its not what you think it is.

I admit I did not know much of this and wasn't thinking much.. except that any thought of imported "made in China" meat was not appealing.
I posted that Blaze report photo just because of the optics.

oyarde
02-01-2014, 12:40 PM
I do not use any Chinese meat.

enhanced_deficit
02-01-2014, 01:16 PM
I do not use any Chinese meat.

Me neither.. at least not knowingly.




Chinese Poultry Processors Will Be Allowed To Export Meat To The ... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/04/chinese-poultry-processor_n_3866877.html)
www.huffingtonpost.com/.../chinese-poultry-proc...‎The Huffington Post
Sep 4, 2013 - Unlike other meat imported to the U.S., the poultry shipped by Chinese processors will not require point-of-origin labeling. Under USDA rules ...
Wal-Mart recalls donkey product in China after fox meat scandal ... (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/02/us-walmart-china-idUSBREA0103O20140102)
www.reuters.com/.../us-walmart-china-idUSBREA0103O20140...‎Reuters
Jan 2, 2014 - Donkey meat is a popular snack in some areas of China, although it only accounts for a ... The U.S. retailer has had a troubled past in China.

oyarde
02-01-2014, 02:07 PM
Me neither.. at least not knowingly.




Chinese Poultry Processors Will Be Allowed To Export Meat To The ... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/04/chinese-poultry-processor_n_3866877.html)
www.huffingtonpost.com/.../chinese-poultry-proc...‎The Huffington Post
Sep 4, 2013 - Unlike other meat imported to the U.S., the poultry shipped by Chinese processors will not require point-of-origin labeling. Under USDA rules ...
Wal-Mart recalls donkey product in China after fox meat scandal ... (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/02/us-walmart-china-idUSBREA0103O20140102)
www.reuters.com/.../us-walmart-china-idUSBREA0103O20140...‎Reuters
Jan 2, 2014 - Donkey meat is a popular snack in some areas of China, although it only accounts for a ... The U.S. retailer has had a troubled past in China.


I am not a snob or a health nut , but I buy no meat from wal mart or any from china.I have a couple local places I use and everything I get there is usually from my own state .It actually costs a little less too if you only buy what is on sale that week or the Managers Special for the day

Zippyjuan
02-01-2014, 02:47 PM
Herds in California will likely be reduced due to water restrictions arising from the current drought. Will mean higher beef prices. Food prices will be higher too.

oyarde
02-01-2014, 02:50 PM
Herds in California will likely be reduced due to water restrictions arising from the current drought. Will mean higher beef prices. Food prices will be higher too.

I think alot of the dairy herd there has been thinned already.

FindLiberty
02-01-2014, 05:58 PM
Mmmm, McD's Angus Third Pounder Bacon & Cheese...
I admit that loved them, maybe too much.
Sad to report, they have been gone for ~8 months now (may they RIP).

I don't like their other burgers... they just can't beat that meat.
(NO, STOP. Don't even think about saying it...)

http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=14272

Just look at that picture... [sniffles]

oyarde
02-01-2014, 06:01 PM
Mmmm, McD's Angus... I admit that loved them, maybe too much.
Sad to report, they have been gone for ~8 months now (may they RIP).

I don't like their other burgers... they just can't beat that meat.
(NO, STOP. Don't even think about saying it...)

http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=14272

Just look at that picture... [sniffles]

Gone before I ever tried one then ...

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 06:38 PM
Mmmm, McD's Angus Third Pounder Bacon & Cheese...
I admit that loved them, maybe too much.
Sad to report, they have been gone for ~8 months now (may they RIP).

I don't like their other burgers... they just can't beat that meat.
(NO, STOP. Don't even think about saying it...)

http://www.burgerbusiness.com/?p=14272

Just look at that picture... [sniffles]

Wow, those were the only meat-products I'd ever eat at a McD's, and this is the first I'd heard of them going away. Shows you how long it's been since I've been to one. :p Now if I am going to eat fast food, I'll do an Arby's in a heartbeat. The fact that I've got 3-4 months worth of upgrading Arby's POS is just dangerous. On the other hand, spending 4 hours behind the counter I get to make a pretty solid judgement if I want to eat from that location...

If I have enough money though, nothing can get between me and a Baba Ganoush or a similar Greek/Mediterranean cafe.

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 06:40 PM
Gone before I ever tried one then ...

They actually resembled a real burger. :D

XNavyNuke
02-01-2014, 06:52 PM
have raised them , taste same as the brown ones to me....

The Holstein-mix week old bull calves have cost me the same per head for the past three years.

XNN

oyarde
02-01-2014, 07:06 PM
Wow, those were the only meat-products I'd ever eat at a McD's, and this is the first I'd heard of them going away. Shows you how long it's been since I've been to one. :p Now if I am going to eat fast food, I'll do an Arby's in a heartbeat. The fact that I've got 3-4 months worth of upgrading Arby's POS is just dangerous. On the other hand, spending 4 hours behind the counter I get to make a pretty solid judgement if I want to eat from that location...

If I have enough money though, nothing can get between me and a Baba Ganoush or a similar Greek/Mediterranean cafe.We have a couple good Greek owned places near me . They are good .

GunnyFreedom
02-01-2014, 07:15 PM
We have a couple good Greek owned places near me . They are good .

Some of the best food on Earth. A well-made lamb gyro with a side of baba ganoush will not only fill me up for as long as 6-8 hours, but unlike most foods I actually have MORE energy upon eating it. Probably one of the few foods on the planet I could get away with eating daily without getting sick of it.

tod evans
02-01-2014, 07:19 PM
Some of the best food on Earth. A well-made lamb gyro with a side of baba ganoush will not only fill me up for as long as 6-8 hours, but unlike most foods I actually have MORE energy upon eating it. Probably one of the few foods on the planet I could get away with eating daily without getting sick of it.

I don't mind the 120 miles I've gotta travel for real Greek food, it's worth it!

oyarde
02-01-2014, 07:30 PM
Some of the best food on Earth. A well-made lamb gyro with a side of baba ganoush will not only fill me up for as long as 6-8 hours, but unlike most foods I actually have MORE energy upon eating it. Probably one of the few foods on the planet I could get away with eating daily without getting sick of it.

The lamb gyro is my Brothers favorite , I like it all.

oyarde
02-01-2014, 07:33 PM
I don't mind the 120 miles I've gotta travel for real Greek food, it's worth it!

That is a long trip , I have 40 to the Doc twice a year and probably a little more than that ea day for work.Puts the modern gas price in perspective.

tod evans
02-01-2014, 07:35 PM
That is a long trip , I have 40 to the Doc twice a year and probably a little more than that ea day for work.Puts the modern gas price in perspective.

I make a day of it....."Big city" and all.....:o

Suzanimal
02-01-2014, 07:47 PM
Some of the best food on Earth. A well-made lamb gyro with a side of baba ganoush will not only fill me up for as long as 6-8 hours, but unlike most foods I actually have MORE energy upon eating it. Probably one of the few foods on the planet I could get away with eating daily without getting sick of it.

I don't know about that Mc Angus thing but I love greek food.
Never had baba ganoush, I get either a lamb gyro, souvlaki or spanakopita (I tried making it once and it was a disaster) with an ouzo & water. I stay full all day after eating greek but I don't usually feel more energetic (probably the ouzo).