Feed Cattle Market
Feeder cattle prices have turned ugly lately. In the last month, prices for 5 and 6 weight calves have dropped $10/cwt, that’s $50-60 per head. If you look back a little farther, prices have declined about $20 per cwt, or $100 per head since July-August timeframe. Feeder cattle prices almost always decline going into the big fall calf runs. But this is more than typical based on historic seasonal patterns.
Many of you ranchers will remember Dr. Dillon Feuz, former UNL Extension Marketing Specialist. Dillon is now with Utah State. He recently wrote a short article seeking to explain the reason for the surprisingly large price drop of recent months.
Dr. Feuz concluded his article by saying, “While cow-calf producers never want to sell their calves too cheap to feedlots, they may actually want to this year, or there may be no feedlots left to buy their calves next year.
Halloween food safety
Dr. Julie Albrecht, UNL Extension food specialist, recently sent out some Halloween safety tips. She writes, “Halloween is a festive time for food and drink but it is important to think safety first when it comes to food preparation and consumption.
Pumpkins are not just for carving jack o’ lanterns but also can be used for products like pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup.
Fresh pumpkins can spoil quickly. Pumpkin should be covered and refrigerated once the shell has been cut. Pumpkins used as a jack o’ lantern should not be eaten and should be thrown away as soon as possible after Halloween.
Following trick or treating, keep chocolate away from pets. Chocolate is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal to animals. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is very similar to caffeine. Pure, unsweetened chocolate or cocoa powder is the most dangerous for pets. Onions, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts also are toxic pet foods.
Even apple cider can be harmful if not pasteurized. Pasteurization is the heat process that kills harmful bacteria. If unsure of apple cider’s pasteurization, boil cider for at least a minute to kill of bacteria like E. coli.
Holidays are wonderful times to celebrate. Let’s keep them happy by practicing safe food handling techniques.
As always, you can call the extension office at 402- 376-1850, or visit us online for more information.
