Friday, May 22, 1998

Beef research figured into new computer model

By J.T. Smith / Farm Editor

Ranchers can now tap into up-to-date research via a new computer model that helps farmers and ranchers match their feed and genetic resources to best meet the demands of the marketplace.

It goes by the acronym "DECI" - which stands for "Decision Evaluator for the Cattle Industry."

The user-friendly model expolores "what if" management scenarios.

It helps cattle producers avoid costly mistakes or missed opportunities that otherwise might go unrecognized.

For example, here are some questions that are addressed by DECI:

-- Is the cost of harvested feeds impeding profitability?

-- Would reducing feed, or breeding cows to calve earlier or later in a season, make better use of forages available on the farm?

-- As choices involving feed are made, what happens to cow conception rates, weaning weights and the need for female replacements?

USDA's Agricultural Research Service developed the computer model and adapted it to personal computers, producers in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), consultants and beef Extension Service specialists who all helped evaluate progress.

A few weeks ago, DECI was combined with SPA (standard production analysis) that the NCBA already uses to evaluate economic performance of cattle.

DECI is designed with flexibility to evolve and adapt with updated research information.

The model could eventually help cattlemen evaluate costs versus returns for producing cattle to be marketed under a premium pricing system based on qualities such as meat leanness, rather than carcass weight.

A feature on DECI also appears in the May 1998 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

It's also at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may98/deci0598.htm on the World Wide Web.

Monsanto plans to buy seed companies

Monsanto Company has announced plans to buy two major seed companies in Delta & Pine Land Company and DeKalb.

Robert B. Shapiro, Monsanto chairman and CEO, said it will speed up the movement of technology to producers.

"The acquisitions of DeKalb and Delta & Pine Land provide both technology and global reach by creating broader seed platforms that enable us to better connect our traits to the needs of growers and processors - and allow us to more quickly anticipate new markets or marketplace trends," Shapiro said.

But there are some producers who worry about further consolidation and prospects for reduced competition with crop technology.

The National Cotton Council (NCC) staff reports that it has received a number of calls from growers expressing concern.

"We have relayed these concerns to Monsanto officials and asked them to respond to the industry's apprehension," said Jack Hamilton, NCC president.

Courting the Chinese market

Speaking of cotton, Cotton Incorporated staff made fabric presentations to several large audiences during a recent trip to China.

The denim fabrics shown in China were offered in a variety of finishes to enhance the appeal of the selections.

"Keeping new and innovative fabrics in the hands of manufacturers around the globe is vital to enhance U.S. cotton's share of the total fiber market," says J. Berrye Worsham, president and CEO of Cotton Incorporated.

A total of 21,700-plus apparel and home fabric requests were made during 1997 by textile mills and manufacturers.

This is a record, surpassing last year's total of 14,500.