This month’s column includes updates on USDA programs, information on upcoming meetings, January interest rates for Farm Service Agency loans, and Angus Foundation news from Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

ARC, PLC programs receive extension

The USDA on Dec. 18 announced ag producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can now enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year. The deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15, 2024. 

USDA requests public input on reporting for foreign ag land holdings

The USDA is requesting public input by Feb. 16 on how foreign filers report ag land holdings in the United States. The FSA is proposing to update the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act Report form so reporting can include data on long-term lessees, data to assess the effects of foreign investment on ag producers and rural communities, and to gather geospatial information. For more, visit https://bit.ly/3TPvGLa.

K-State’s Cattlemen’s Day scheduled for March 1

Kansas State University’s (K-State) Animal Sciences and Industry Department (ASI) will host Cattlemen’s Day 2024 Friday, March 1, at Weber Hall in Manhattan, Kan.

“We’re excited to announce our 111th KSU Cattlemen’s Day program,” says A.J. Tarpoff, K-State associate professor and Cattlemen’s Day co-chairman. “Our goal is to share the latest information and research with attendees to better prepare them for management decisions in the upcoming year.”

The day starts at 8 a.m. with refreshments, educational exhibits and a commercial trade show on the floor of Weber Arena. Richard Linton, K-State president, will kick off the program at 10 a.m., discussing the university’s strategy for the future. ASI Department Head Mike Day will share how ASI plans to embrace the past and look to the future. Glynn Tonsor, K-State ag economist, will present a beef industry economic outlook.

Afternoon sessions will feature K-State faculty and industry presentations in Weber Hall 123, 146 and 111 discussing an array of topics, including:

• K-State ASI Beef Research Update — ASI beef team;
• Beef Cuts that Add Value — Michael Chao, K-State ASI associate professor;
• Reproduction Update — Sandy Johnson, K-State ASI extension beef specialist, and Nicholas Dias, K-State ASI assistant professor; and
• Wildlife and Ranching — Drew Rickets, K-State extension wildlife management and control specialist.

Registration is $25 if paid by Feb. 23 or $35 at the door. There is no charge for students who preregister. For more information and online registration, visit www.ksubeef.org.

The 47th Annual Legacy Bull & Female Sale will begin at 4 p.m. at the Stanley Stout Center. Visit https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/services/legacy/ to learn more about this year’s offering and to request a sale book.

Galen and Lori Fink will be honored as the Stockman of the Year at the Annual Stockmen’s Dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Stanley Stout Center. A separate registration is required for the dinner.

USDA announces January 2024 lending rates for ag producers

The USDA announced loan interest rates for January 2024, effective as of Jan. 2. FSA loans provide important access to capital to help ag producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

Interest rates for operating and ownership loans for January 2024 are as follows:

• farm operating loans (direct): 5.625%;
• farm ownership loans (direct): 5.875%;
• farm ownership loans (direct, joint financing): 3.875%;
• farm ownership loans (down payment): 1.875%; and
• emergency loan (amount of actual loss): 3.750%.

FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool online. 

Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low. Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

• commodity loans (less than one year disbursed): 6.125%;
• farm storage facility loans:
  • Three-year loan terms: 4.375%;
  • Five-year loan terms: 4.125%;
  • Seven-year loan terms: 4.250%;
  • 10-year loan terms: 4.125%;
  • 12-year loan terms: 4.250%; and
• sugar storage facility loans (15 years): 4.375%.

2024 BIF Research Symposium and Convention program announced

The 2024 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention will be June 10-13 in Knoxville, Tenn. The annual symposium features 2½ days of educational programming focused on improving maternal traits and efficiency.

Monday, June 10, kicks off with the Young Producer Symposium at 1 p.m., followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. Monday evening a panel will focus on capturing the value of improved genetics and health in feeder-cattle production.

Tuesday’s general session will focus on “Building a better cow” and will include presentations by Jared Decker, University of Missouri; Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Bob Weaber, K-State; and Dave Lalman, Oklahoma State University.

Wednesday’s general session theme will continue the theme of building maternal excellence. Speakers will include Christine Baes, University of Guelph; Larry Kuehn, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center; and Mike Coffey, Scotland’s Rural College.

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon technical breakout sessions will focus on a range of beef-production and genetic-improvement topics.

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit www.beefimprovement.org. Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2024.

2024 Angus Foundation Heifer Package sells for $52,500

Express Ranches of Yukon, Okla., purchased the Angus Foundation Heifer Package on Jan. 5 for $52,500. The package, donated by Yon Family Farms of Ridge Spring, S.C., led off the National Angus Bull Sale during Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City. Since 1980, the heifer package has been sold to generate unrestricted funds to further the Angus Foundation’s mission of supporting education, youth and research for the breed. 

Yon Family Farms donated Yon Sarah K1233 (AAA *20450734) to headline the 2024 Angus Foundation Heifer Package. The bred heifer is a maternal sister to Yon Top Cut G730 (AAA +*19476453) and Yon Saluda (AAA +*20336998). Yon Sarah K1233 is safe in calf to Yon Toccoa F1054 (AAA +*19306162), with an anticipated due date of March 21. 

The heifer package also includes an advanced reproductive technology package from Trans Ova Genetics, trucking to the buyer donated by Lathrop Livestock Transportation and 30 days of mortality insurance donated by Jeanne Conover, Livestock Insurance Agent with Conover Auction Service.

“We just appreciate the opportunity to give back in a small way,” said Kevin Yon of Yon Family Farms. Kevin and Lydia Yon started the operation in 1996, and now work alongside their three children, Sally, Drake and Corbin, who each returned to the farm after attending college. The Yons host both a spring and fall production sale, selling around 425 registered Angus bulls and 200 females annually.

“The Yon family brought us an incredible female to offer for this year’s heifer package,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Their generosity, coupled with the incredible support from Express Ranches, will help us continue creating opportunities for the next generation.”

The Angus Foundation supports a diverse set of efforts focused on ensuring a bright future for the breed. Academic scholarships, leadership conferences and cutting-edge research are among the many programs sustained by the Angus Fund.