CALF_News_December_2020_January_2021

9 CALF News • December 2020 | January 2021 • www.calfnews.net We Bring Information and Management Together! For more information email sales@turnkeynet.com, or call (800) 999-0049. Turnkey Computer Systems, LLC . 6117 Amarillo Blvd. West . Amarillo, Texas 79106 . Phone: (806) 372-1200 www.turnkeynet.com T he Turnkey Visual Management System is a decision support and analysis tool for feedyard management. INTRODUCING THE VISUAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FROM TURNKEY • Decision Support • Buyer Analysis • Vet/Feed Statistics • Customer Management • Customized Data Views • Multi-Yard Comparison • Customized Data Alerts • Scheduled Reporting staff at these agencies is very receptive to industry input on trade issues. Even as administrations come and go, these relationships remain.” Finding Funds Hanes says among the biggest chal- lenges facing CBB will be finding funds to address the industry’s promotion, research and education needs. The Beef Checkoff was created by Congress in 1985, assessing those selling cattle $1 per head for these kinds of efforts, and it hasn’t changed since. “Our biggest challenge is the lack of resources,” Hanes says.“There are several anti-beef groups out there that have very deep pockets. Today, we have fewer cattle making more beef. Plus, we’re facing infla- tion – the dollar just doesn’t go as far as it did when the checkoff was created.” Hanes says the Beef Checkoff is becoming more and more efficient, but “at some point we’re going to need more investment in these programs.” He notes that only the Beef Checkoff is doing this kind of industry-supporting work and has reacted by being as careful as possible in program spending.“The decision-making process has become more and more important,” with evalua- tion of ongoing programs and committee deliberations crucial to the process. The evaluation process and commit- tees are run by volunteer producers, Hanes says, so they are reflective of producer interests.“The checkoff is run by producers, for producers,” he says.“So, it’s in good hands.” Producer Roles In addition to their involvement in checkoff leadership, cattle producers should also stay engaged in every way possible to enhance their industry. That involvement benefits both individu- als and the industry as a whole.“It’s an industry that’s changing daily,”Woodall says.“We really can’t afford to get left behind.” Woodall says key to that involve- ment is membership in local, state and national cattlemen organizations. Not only does this give the industry input into government action and increase outreach with key audiences, but it gives producers access to the most current insight and analyses on industry issues. Cattle producers should also keep current on up-to-date production infor- mation.“Producer education can help individual producers be more effective, but just as important, it can make the industry stronger” by showing consum- ers that producers are committed to doing the right things, according to Woodall. Above all, Hanes says, producers should keep doing what they’re doing. “There’s a lot of high-quality beef out there,” he says.“Producers should keep that focus to meet the consumer demand for high-quality beef at a reasonable price.” He notes U.S. producers are not just providing for a U.S. beef market, but are competing in a global market, as well. “This crisis is all going to clear out,” Hanes says.“Our cattle producers are the best at what they do. That will keep us the leader in the global market.” 