Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Chris Calkins at 8:30 AM. For this meeting, Chris is serving as the chair and Jeff Savell is serving as the secretary. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare the final draft of the project, which must be submitted by January 15, 2007 to the West Central Directors. Meeting participants revised the draft of the new project and discussed when and where the next meeting would be held. Two ideas for locations were discussed: Hawaii and Texas. The participants discussed having the meeting sometime mid-March 2008. The Secretary for 2008 was voted on. Mariah Tanner Ehmke was elected to serve in this capacity. Scott Fausti will serve as Chair and Rhonda Miller will serve as Vice Chair for 2008.

Accomplishments: Objective 1: Improve meat quality, safety, and value at all levels of the supply chain to enhance competitiveness and to evaluate economic impact of these new approaches. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of biological type (early-moderate or late maturity) and implant status (estrogenic, combination, or nonimplanted; repeats included) on hot carcass weight (HCW, kg); longissimus muscle (LM) area (cm2); 12th-rib fat thickness (fat thickness, cm); kidney-heart-pelvic fat (KPH, %), and intramuscular fat (%) at harvest, to provide inputs to an ongoing program for modeling beef cattle growth and carcass quality. Forty-three publications from 1982 to 2004 with consistent intramuscular fat data were evaluated. Two studies were undertaken: 1) with fat thickness as a covariate and 2) with BW as a covariate. The difference between early-moderate and late maturity (studies 1 and 2) confirmed that frame size accounts for a substantial portion of the variation in carcass composition. Studies 1 and 2 also indicate that implant status had significant effects on carcass quality (CA). In a collaborative study with New Zealand scientists we showed that grass-fed beef is higher in certain bioactive compounds than grain-fed beef, but we need to determine grazing regimes optimizing content of nutritionally significant compounds and palatability. For several fatty acids, an interaction between treatment group and muscle indicated that muscles do not react exactly the same to treatment, but group rankings were usually the same for both muscles. In genomics studies conducted in collaboration with WSU scientist Dr. Zhihua Jiang, differences between double heterozygous animals at two polymorphic sites and slim genotype animals exceeded 2.3 standard deviations, providing evidence for a new mechanism - involvement of compound heterosis in extreme obesity (WA). Work was reported on breed type and stress related factors and how they affect beef palatability, pathogen interventions for hides, and in-home assessments of beef from the round. Getting work published in a timely manner was achieved (TX). Ongoing research at Iowa State University on fresh pork quality across breeds, postmortem muscle biochemistry, meat protein functionality, shelf-life extension, reducing carcass defects, reducing microbial pathogens has been conducted during the last year (IA). Colorado State University scientists conducted research addressing current red meat (a) safety, (b) quality, and (c) marketing issues in 2006. Our group conducted a study to better characterize cattle that do, versus cattle that do not, persistently shed E. coli O157:H7 using molecular techniques; this research resulted in isolation of E. coli O157:H7 molecular subtypes from a larger population that displayed relatively greater attachment efficacy than less prevalent subtypes. CSU researchers continue to conduct a substantial amount of research geared towards addressing prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products. Over time, food safety efforts continue to generate reduced prevalence of food-borne pathogens on meat as documented by USDA-FSIS and CDC. Red meat quality issues were addressed by completing efforts to characterize postmortem aging patterns and tenderness improvement of 18 beef muscles, resulting in NCBA Guidelines for Beef Aging. Efforts to research beef carcass instrument grading technology resulted in significant advancements during 2006 (CSU). Consumer valuation of wet and dry-aged beef was published. There were no differences in sensory traits for flavor, juiciness, tenderness, or overall acceptability between wet-aged Choice samples and dry-aged Choice samples and consumers placed similar bid values ($3.82/lb for wet-aged and $3.57/lb for dry-aged Choice). Consumers (29.3%) who preferred the dry-aged Choice were willing to pay $1.99/lb more for dry-aged samples, while those who preferred the wet-aged samples (39.2%) were willing to pay $1.77/lb. Wet-aged Prime samples were rated more desirable for flavor, tenderness, and overall acceptability than dry-aged Prime samples, and they were valued higher ($4.02/lb versus $3.58/lb, respectively). Consumers who preferred the wet-aged Prime samples (45.8%) paid $1.92/lb more and those who preferred dry-aged Prime (27.5%) were willing to pay $1.92/lb more. Although more consumers prefer wet-aged beef, markets do exist for dry-aged beef and consumers are willing to pay a premium for it. Fatty acid profiles of muscles from male and female veal calves in Portugal were obtained from animals harvested during spring and autumn. Neutral lipid content was most influenced by season. Neither sex nor slaughter season influenced cholesterol or alpha-tocopherol content. Males always had higher total saturated fatty acid content but lower total monounsaturated fatty acids than females. Generally, calves harvested in autumn had higher contents of conjugated linoleic acid. Phospholipid content was influenced by gender and season. Results demonstrated significant seasonal and muscle effects, but generally support the desirable nutritional advantages of veal. Internationally, carcass fabrication procedures are diverse, reflecting the uses for meat cuts in a particular country as well as for export. Many countries are unencumbered by the traditions of U.S. fabrication and thus have been free to explore alternative cutting strategies. An industry task force was convened at the University of Nebraska spring of 2006, which supported the need for improved fabrication procedures in beef. The group encouraged study of international fabrication strategies, cutting in such a way as to remove muscles intact rather than cutting them into smaller pieces, and evaluating tenderness variation across a muscle. Aspects of fabrication needing additional study were identified and have formed the foundation of a research proposal (NE). Research goals include conducting historically-rooted, policy-relevant research regarding food safety and international trade policy: (a) historical analysis of how niche-market export certification programs have resolved or exacerbated trade disputes over food safety and animal disease; (b) identification of food safety challenges and opportunities small- to medium-sized beef processors face in international niche markets; (c) development of international political economy framework(s) to explain domestic food safety policy at it pertains to beef; and (d) with a view to identifying possible niche-market export-certification opportunities, review of existing import-restriction data for foreign markets (available through the Economic Research Service) as well as food safety, animal disease, and plant disease regulatory notification data (available through the World Trade Organization) (KSU). Objective 2: Evaluate the impacts of the changing structure of the meat industry including price discovery under alternative pricing systems, trading institutions and methods of delivery. Economic analysis of early weaning as a herd management strategy for cow/calf operations was completed. Empirical work on regional public price reporting of fed cattle prices was completed for the SD and NE cash markets. Preliminary work on the effect mandatory price reporting had on value of AMS grid premium and discount price reports for slaughter cattle is under way. Evaluation of the weaning age treatment effect on feedlot performance and market value at slaughter for 184 steer calves from SD and ND found potential benefits for producers if they engage in an early weaning strategy. Early weaned steers had an average cost per kg gained of $1.10 as compared to normal weaned steers of $1.364. Early weaned steers were 7 weeks younger than normal weaned steers, but 41.7 kg lighter and had a slightly lower quality grade. Lower slaughter weight resulted in lower per head revenue. Thus the effect of early weaning on profit was not statistically significant. However, early weaning did reduce forage disappearance by 28% relative to the normal weaning group. Cows in the early treatment group, on average gained 7.27 kg versus normal weaned cows that lost, on average, 62.27 kg. Body condition score for cows in the early weaned group, on average, increased from 5.18 to 6.09, while cows in the normal weaned group declined from 5.26 to 4.70. Empirical work on regional public price reporting of fed cattle prices suggest that prior to the implementation of federal mandatory price reporting (MPR), the voluntary price reporting system (VPR) was providing market transparency in the South Dakota and Nebraska cash markets. Analysis indicates 75% of a price shock in the Nebraska cash market is transmitted immediately, 94% of the shock is transmitted the next transaction day, and by day two 98.5% of the shock is transmitted to the South Dakota cash market Research at the Wyoming station (WY) continues to focus on the impacts of reported price information and matching risk on bargaining behavior in private negotiation trading when there is advance production. More information does not necessarily improve market performance in this market environment. Increased market concentration alone may not necessarily result in the use of market power. At issue are factors or influences that potentially facilitate the use of monopoly power, such as matching risk. The research and extension program at Iowa State University has focused on economics information in animal health management and marketing practices. This work looks at the value of biosecurity, post weaning cattle management, and factors impacting and predicting individual animal performance and value in a grid marketing system (IA). Research examining economic incentives of investment in cattle and beef marketing systems of Argentina and Uruguay was completed. Government policies in Argentina increase the risk of investment in the Argentinean beef industry relative to Uruguay. Uruguay is further along in development of its beef industry for international competition (UT). ERS has completed initial research comparing Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and retail-store scanner data prices for meat cuts. ERS also completed the estimation-phase of a demand study that divides beef into three quality grades: (1) steer and heifer beef grading Prime and Choice, (2) steer and heifer beef grading Select and lower, and (3) cull-grade (cow & bull) beef. The study also included the demand for pork, chicken, turkey, and wholesale-to-retail processing services (ERS). Colorado State University scientists conducted research addressing current red meat (a) safety, (b) quality, and (c) marketing issues in 2006. Efforts to restore beef export trade continued following the 2003 detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. Although several key export markets were re-opened to shipments of U.S. beef (e.g., Japan, Korea, etc.) in 2006, export volume remained low due to overly-restrictive trade terms concerning definitions for prohibited tissues; research was initiated to assist U.S. negotiators and domestic policy-makers in clarifying such definitions. Prevalence of BSE in U.S. cattle has remained at two positive cows since initiation of enhanced surveillance in June of 2004 (CSU). Current efforts are focused on providing information and practical examples of strategies such as niche marketing, product branding, traceability, and process verification for adding value (OR).

Balut, H. and J.D. Lawrence. 2006. The value of certification claims at Iowa's feeder cattle auctions. Preliminary results paper presented at the NCCC-134 Conference on Applied Commodity Price Analysis, Forecasting, and Market Risk Management St. Louis, Missouri, April 17-18. A draft of the final results is in revision at the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and has been published as Iowa State University Extension IBC30. Babatunde A. and J.D. Lawrence. 2006. Value of Single Source and Backgrounded Cattle as Measured by Health and Feedlot Profitability. Paper presented at the NCCC-134 Conference on Applied Commodity Price Analysis, Forecasting, and Market Risk Management St. Louis, Missouri, April 17-18. Barioni, L.G., J.W. Oltjen, and R.D. Sainz. 2006. Iterative development, evaluation and optimal parameter estimation of a dynamic simulation model: A case study. Pages 251-25 in E. Kebreab, J. Dijkstra, A. Bannink, W.J.J. Gerrits and J. France (eds.), Nutrient Digestion and Utilization in Farm Animals: Modelling Approaches. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Carnagey, K.M., E.J. Huff-Lonergan, S.M. Lonergan, R.L. Horst, A.H. Trenkle, and D.C. Beitz. 2006. Use of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and dietary calcium manipulations to improve tenderness of beef. ISU Animal Industry Report. A. S. Leaflet 2055. Casey, S., B. Butler, and T. Ringkob. 2006. Carcass value returns from cull cows for the Hispanic and other niche markets. Proc. Cattlemen's Update, pp. 99-101. Univ. of Nevada-Reno. Fausti, S.W., B.A. Qasmi, D.G. Landblom, M. Beutler, P. Johnson, R.Gates, H. Patterson, and R. Salverson. 2006. Public Price Reporting, Marketing Channel Selection and Price Discovery: The Perspective of Cow/Calf Producers in the Dakota. Economics Staff Paper 2006-1, Department of Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. Fausti, S.W., D.G.Landblom, P. Johnson, M. Beutler, R.Gates., H. Patterson, R. Salverson, and S.I. Paisley. 2006. The Effect of Early Vs. Normal Calf Weaning and Feedlot Performance and Herd Management: A Northern Plains Case Study. Economics Staff Paper 2006-4, Department of Economics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. Gow, L. 2006. Old West Meets New West: A Story of Modern Cowboys and Native Americans in the Northwest. Rangelands, 28(1):19-22. Gow, L.R. 2006. Niche Marketing Your Beef Cattle. Oregon Beef Producer, 19(3):11-13, 23. Ibarburu, M. A. and J.D. Lawrence. Economic Analysis of On-Farm Biological Risk Management Practices. A series of interact worksheets to evaluate the cost and benefit of biosecurity recommendations as part of a Risk Management Agency funded project. Ibarburu, M.A., B.E. Doran, and J.D. Lawrence. Valuing Double Vaccination in Feeder Cattle. A.S. Leaflet R1999. Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 2005. Ibarburu, M.A. and J.D. Lawrence. Predicting Animals in Feedlot That Produce Discounted Carcasses. A.S. Leaflet R2001, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 2005. Kastner, J., and J. Ackleson. 2006. "Global Trade and Food Security: Perspectives for the Twenty-First Century." Pages 98-116 in James J.F. Forest (ed.), Homeland Security: Protecting America's Targets (Volume 1: Borders and Points of Entry). Westport, CT and London: Praeger Security International. Lakshmanan, R., K.L. Robbins, J.G. Sebranek and S. Jung. 2006. Influence of high-pressure processing and antioxidants on the quality of beef patties. ISU Animal Industry Report ASL-2054. Laury, A.M., and J.G. Sebranek. 2006. Extension of pork sausage shelf life using modified atmosphere packaging. ISU Animal Industry Report ASL-2051. Laury, A.M., and J.G. Sebranek. 2006. Use of carbon monoxide with carbon dioxide for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh pre-rigor pork sausage to improve shelf life. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (August). Abstract P2-11. Lawrence, J.D. 2006. Age Verification for Japan: What is Involved and is it Right for Me? WEMC FS#12-2006, Summer. Lawrence, J.D. The ABCs of Beef Marketing Programs. An extension factsheet explaining new terms used in the National Animal Identification System, Process Verified Programs, and Quality System Assessment programs. Lonergan, S.M. 2006. Addressing Eating Quality Traits In Fresh Pork Products. National Hog Farmer, December. Lonergan, S.M., R. Goodwin, E. Huff-Lonergan, K. Stalder, K.J. Prusa, T. Knight and D. Beitz. 2006. Classification of pork loin based on lipid composition to predict sensory and textural properties. ISU Animal Industry Report. A. S. Leaflet 2052. Lonergan, S. M., R. Goodwin, K. Stalder, K.J. Prusa, T. Knight and D. Beitz. 2006. Relationship of pork longissimus muscle fatty acid profile with pork loin texture and sensory traits. ISU Animal Industry Report. A. S. Leaflet 2053. Mennecke, B.E., A.M. Townsend, D.J. Hayes, and S.M. Lonergan. 2006. A study of the factors that influence consumer attitudes toward beef products using the conjoint market analysis tool. Center for Agricultural and Rural Development CARD Working Paper 06-WP 425. August. Oltjen, J.W. 2006. Animal agriculture and global food supply. Pages 371-377 in P.C. Garnsworthy and J. Wiseman (eds.), Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 2005. Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press. Oltjen, J.W., R.D. Sainz, A.B. Pleasants, T.K. Soboleva and V.H. Oddy. 2006. Representation of fat and protein gain at low levels of growth and improved prediction of variable maintenance requirement in a ruminant growth and composition model. Pages 144-159 in E. Kebreab, J. Dijkstra, A. Bannink, W.J.J. Gerrits and J. France (eds.), Nutrient Digestion and Utilization in Farm Animals: Modelling Approaches. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Patton, B.S., E. Huff-Lonergan, M. Honeyman, and S.M. Lonergan. 2006. The effect of space allocation in hoop structures on swine performance and pork quality. ISUAnimal Industry Report. A. S. Leaflet 2161. Patton, B.S., E. Huff-Lonergan, M. Honeyman, and S.M. Lonergan. 2006. Effects of finishing pigs in hoop structures on swine performance, pork composition and pork quality. ISUAnimal Industry Report. A. S. Leaflet 2162. Robbins, K.L., R. Lakshmanan, J.G. Sebranek and S. Jung. 2006. Potential of antioxidants to delay changes in beef and chicken patties due to high pressure treatment. Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (June). Abstract 2554. Sainz, R.D., L.G. Barioni, P.V. Paulino, S.C. Valadares Filho and J.W. Oltjen. 2006. Growth patterns of Nellore vs. British beef cattle breeds assessed using a dynamic, mechanistic model of cattle growth and composition. Pages 160-170 in E. Kebreab, J. Dijkstra, A. Bannink, W.J.J. Gerrits and J. France, eds., Nutrient Digestion and Utilization in Farm Animals: Modelling Approaches. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Santistevan, B., B.Butler, and T. Ringkob. 2006. Nutritional attributes of grass-fed beef. Field Day Poster, MSFL, Univ. of Nevada-Reno. Sebranek, J.G. 2006. Use of CO in Red Meats: Current Research and Recent Regulatory Approvals. In W.S. Otwell, M. Balaban and H. Kristinsson, eds., Modified Atmosphere Processing and Packaging of Fish: Filtered Smokes, Carbon Monoxide and Reduced Oxygen Packaging. Ames, IA.: Blackwell Publishing. Sebranek, J.G., T.A. Houser, B.J. Thacker, T.J. Baas, D. Nilubol, E.L. Thacker, D.L. Cook and F. Kruse. 2006. Effectiveness of transdermal, needle-free injections for reducing pork carcass defects. University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Allen D. Leman Swine Conference 33(suppl. 2006): 54. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS Jiang, Z., T. Kunej, T.A. Wibowo, J.J. Michal, Z. Zhang, C.T. Gaskins, J.J. Reeves, J.R. Busboom, and P. Dovc. 2006. The basal nucleus-encoded mitochondrial transcription genes and meat quality in beef cattle. Proceedings of 8th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production 2006. Lanblom, D.G., S.I. Paisley, P. Johnson, R. Gates, S.W. Fausti, and H. Patterson. 2006. Effects of Weaning Date and Retained Ownership on Cattle Performance and Forage Disappearance in Spring Calving Beef Systems. Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 57. Phillips, O.R. and D.J. Menkhaus. 2006. Maintaining Tacit Collusion in Repeated Ascending Auctions. Paper Presented at Economic Science Association Meeting, Tucson, AZ, September. Phillips, O.R. and D.J. Menkhaus. 2006. The Culture of Private Negotiation: Price Drift in Bilateral Bargaining, Selected Paper Presented at American Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA, July 23-26. Ringkob, T. P. 2006. High Sierra forage fed beef. Proceedings of Niche Meat Conference, Univ of Califonia-Davis.