Today's Quote
I am always doing things I can't do; that's how I get to do them.
-Pablo Picasso
Monday, January 31, 2005
Sunday, January 30, 2005
From Clinton and Joanna Wilson, Norman, come this diddy...
Noah & His Ark in 2004
Some of you can relate to this more than others!
In the year 2004, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard..... but no ark.
"Noah," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed:
--I needed a building permit.
--I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.
--My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
--We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision.
--Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power, overpasses, and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
--Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
--When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
--Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
--I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.
--Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.
--To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The GOVERNMENT has beat me to it."
Some of you can relate to this more than others!
In the year 2004, The Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".
Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard..... but no ark.
"Noah," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"
"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed:
--I needed a building permit.
--I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.
--My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
--We had to go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a decision.
--Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power, overpasses, and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
--Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls. But no go!
--When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
--Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.
--I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Civil Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.
--Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.
--To make matters worse, the Customs and Immigration Agency seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?".
"No," said the Lord. "The GOVERNMENT has beat me to it."
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Oh boy.. oh boy...
A birdie told me that we might get to see Kaitlyn today.. and her parents too.. haha... geeeeze.. I sure hope so... miss that lil ole lady...
Friday, January 28, 2005
Clipping of the Day
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday ...
(From the New York Herald (New York, New York) 28 January 1870, page 5)
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday. It was discovered that on the arrival of the hospital ambulance with persons who had been accidentally injured, very laborious work ensued in having them carried on stretchers to the wards in the surgical departments of the hospital, and that some change should be resorted to, so that labor and inconvenience consequent thereon might be avoided. The Commissioners gave Warden Brennan full control in the matter, and, although it was only submitted to them on their morning tour to the institution, at ten o'clock last night Mr. Brennan had his wishes fully gratified. The special ward will contain beds, heaters and all other requisites, as well as a small apartment for the doctors. It will be seventy feet long and twenty-four wide. It is nicely painted in oil and is a patter of elegance and comfort for those who may be so unfortunate as to become its inmates.
**Humm.. sounds like it will be nicer than todays emergency rooms!
ADN Editor's Note: A history of Bellevue Hospital can be found at: www.med.nyu.edu/Bellevue/
(From the New York Herald (New York, New York) 28 January 1870, page 5)
A most important and necessary addition was added to Bellevue Hospital yesterday. It was discovered that on the arrival of the hospital ambulance with persons who had been accidentally injured, very laborious work ensued in having them carried on stretchers to the wards in the surgical departments of the hospital, and that some change should be resorted to, so that labor and inconvenience consequent thereon might be avoided. The Commissioners gave Warden Brennan full control in the matter, and, although it was only submitted to them on their morning tour to the institution, at ten o'clock last night Mr. Brennan had his wishes fully gratified. The special ward will contain beds, heaters and all other requisites, as well as a small apartment for the doctors. It will be seventy feet long and twenty-four wide. It is nicely painted in oil and is a patter of elegance and comfort for those who may be so unfortunate as to become its inmates.
**Humm.. sounds like it will be nicer than todays emergency rooms!
ADN Editor's Note: A history of Bellevue Hospital can be found at: www.med.nyu.edu/Bellevue/
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left.
-Yogi Berra
You give 100 percent in the first half of the game, and if that isn't enough, in the second half you give what's left.
-Yogi Berra
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
What a great day!!
Look who popped in to see Great Grandma Moffat today... Yelp, Aunt Freda and Uncle Ivan and Aunt Fannie Moffat from El Reno. They visited a bit in the am and went to lunch and then after lunch I ran over and got to visit with them. We all had a great visit! Took a few pics which I will post later on... but for now here is a tease!! Enjoy the day!
Check out Jon's new update....
http://www.backroaddesign.com/jonandrandi/ is the place to see a new picture of Kaitlyn Brooke Moffat... doing what comes natural!!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Today's Quote
Today's Quote
Worrying about something that may never happen is like paying interest on money you may never borrow.
-Unknown
Worrying about something that may never happen is like paying interest on money you may never borrow.
-Unknown
Fossils found on Capitol Hill
Fossils found on Capitol Hill
By Robert Haught
Potomac Junction
WASHINGTON - Everybody's talking about a startling new scientific discovery. An amateur paleontologist reports that he has found signs of dinosaurs inside the Capital Beltway.
Ray Stanford, 66, spent 10 years digging in streambeds near Interstate 95 before turning up footprints of a 6-foot-long dinosaur that roamed what is now Maryland 100 million years ago.
Stanford and federal geologists identified the tracks as belonging to a member of the hypsilophodon family, so they named it hypsiloichnus marylandicus.
These determined diggers were so happy about their find that they wrote it up in an international journal called Ichnos. They informed us that the "Hyp" family members walked on their hind legs most of the time but dropped to all fours to rest, eat or drink. One geologist described them as "the Mesozoic equivalent of rabbits."
Well, I hate to burst their bubble, but dinosaurs inside the Beltway are not a new discovery. Tourists visiting the U.S. Capitol will discover a number of them roaming the halls of the U.S. Senate. In many respects they're comparable to the "Hyp" species, even to rabbit-like behavior on some occasions.
Some of them are approaching extinction. Last year saw the return of mushmouthic carolinus, also known as Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, to the swamps of South Carolina. Exleaderus pterodaschle (former Democrat leader Tom Daschle) was banished to the hills of South Dakota.
The Senate has become an increasingly older preserve. In the 109th Congress, the average age of senators is 60.4 years, the oldest in history. Of course, one doesn't necessarily have to be old to have the characteristics of a dinosaur.
Here are some of the species remaining:
Senataurus rex -- Literal translation "king of the Senate." At 52, Senate majority leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has some time to go before becoming fossilized.
Pompousic orataurus -- There does not exist a more pompous orator than Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., at 87 the oldest member. This creature has a voracious appetite for partisanship and devours Republicans who get in his way.
Liberalis massachusettus -- Senate liberals have no fiercer fighter than Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. Now 72, he is showing signs of forgetfulness, such as this sputtering response to a question about how Barack Obama was elected senator by such a large margin in Illinois: "Why don't we just ask Osama bin -- Osama Obama -- Obama what --"
Ravenous porkbarrelaur -- Ted Stevens, the 81-year-old senior senator from Alaska, has sharp talons that grab large chunks of federal funds for his home state. He rivals Byrd as the pork barrel king of the jungle.
Ambitious hillaraptor -- While not a dinosaur in terms of age, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., commands attention with her reptilian tactics to fulfill her ambition of returning to the White House as president.
And if there aren't enough dinosaurs in the Senate to satisfy the fossil hunters, there's always the Supreme Court.
Robert Haught: potomacj@hotmail.com
Just thought this was cute, regardless of the side of the aisle you are on!
By Robert Haught
Potomac Junction
WASHINGTON - Everybody's talking about a startling new scientific discovery. An amateur paleontologist reports that he has found signs of dinosaurs inside the Capital Beltway.
Ray Stanford, 66, spent 10 years digging in streambeds near Interstate 95 before turning up footprints of a 6-foot-long dinosaur that roamed what is now Maryland 100 million years ago.
Stanford and federal geologists identified the tracks as belonging to a member of the hypsilophodon family, so they named it hypsiloichnus marylandicus.
These determined diggers were so happy about their find that they wrote it up in an international journal called Ichnos. They informed us that the "Hyp" family members walked on their hind legs most of the time but dropped to all fours to rest, eat or drink. One geologist described them as "the Mesozoic equivalent of rabbits."
Well, I hate to burst their bubble, but dinosaurs inside the Beltway are not a new discovery. Tourists visiting the U.S. Capitol will discover a number of them roaming the halls of the U.S. Senate. In many respects they're comparable to the "Hyp" species, even to rabbit-like behavior on some occasions.
Some of them are approaching extinction. Last year saw the return of mushmouthic carolinus, also known as Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, to the swamps of South Carolina. Exleaderus pterodaschle (former Democrat leader Tom Daschle) was banished to the hills of South Dakota.
The Senate has become an increasingly older preserve. In the 109th Congress, the average age of senators is 60.4 years, the oldest in history. Of course, one doesn't necessarily have to be old to have the characteristics of a dinosaur.
Here are some of the species remaining:
Senataurus rex -- Literal translation "king of the Senate." At 52, Senate majority leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., has some time to go before becoming fossilized.
Pompousic orataurus -- There does not exist a more pompous orator than Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., at 87 the oldest member. This creature has a voracious appetite for partisanship and devours Republicans who get in his way.
Liberalis massachusettus -- Senate liberals have no fiercer fighter than Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. Now 72, he is showing signs of forgetfulness, such as this sputtering response to a question about how Barack Obama was elected senator by such a large margin in Illinois: "Why don't we just ask Osama bin -- Osama Obama -- Obama what --"
Ravenous porkbarrelaur -- Ted Stevens, the 81-year-old senior senator from Alaska, has sharp talons that grab large chunks of federal funds for his home state. He rivals Byrd as the pork barrel king of the jungle.
Ambitious hillaraptor -- While not a dinosaur in terms of age, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., commands attention with her reptilian tactics to fulfill her ambition of returning to the White House as president.
And if there aren't enough dinosaurs in the Senate to satisfy the fossil hunters, there's always the Supreme Court.
Robert Haught: potomacj@hotmail.com
Just thought this was cute, regardless of the side of the aisle you are on!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
My lil' buddy is not here today...
and I am sad!!!
Jake headed up to the Farm at Helena to help Uncle Mike with all the tree damage they have had there from the ice. They probably will have a few extra chores too as Jerry Ray Shaklee is in the hospital. He is having test today, we think at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, but he is in Mercy Hospital in OKC. Shortness of breath, etc. Got pretty bad, but he is there now and they can fix it, so will try to keep everyone up to speed. Jerry is the Son of the late Don Shaklee, brother of Ann's father, Harold. Jerry runs hundreds of cattle on thousands of acres between Helena, Jet and Cherokee, and is always the first one with his hand out to help others, so there are several who are helping with his ranching and farming operation.
Have not heard a thing from Uncle Calvin, or Uncle Ivan on how either are doing. Hope ok!! Aunt Mert is doing ok, no news there either.
Mom has been running here there and yonder, getting new eye glasses, hearing aids, etc.. and before long she will be out cutting a rug... haha..... but she does feel better. She is starting to get Dad's things in order some and has a lot of business in town too. Jake and I have offered to take her many times, but she always .. almost always says nope, I can do it.. so we step aside. And she goes.
Really is warming up today. Weather man last evening talked of winter being over.. haha.. yea, right. Just wait till the third week in Feb. I have seen snow deeper than running boards then.. and once even saw sprinkle of snow in May!! But, it is warmer.. and as usual for Oklahoma, in a few days it is to be below freezing again.. It is 62 outside right now.. at 12:30pm. Lots of sunshine today.. how wonderful it is..
Hey, have a great day, enjoy it...
Jake headed up to the Farm at Helena to help Uncle Mike with all the tree damage they have had there from the ice. They probably will have a few extra chores too as Jerry Ray Shaklee is in the hospital. He is having test today, we think at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, but he is in Mercy Hospital in OKC. Shortness of breath, etc. Got pretty bad, but he is there now and they can fix it, so will try to keep everyone up to speed. Jerry is the Son of the late Don Shaklee, brother of Ann's father, Harold. Jerry runs hundreds of cattle on thousands of acres between Helena, Jet and Cherokee, and is always the first one with his hand out to help others, so there are several who are helping with his ranching and farming operation.
Have not heard a thing from Uncle Calvin, or Uncle Ivan on how either are doing. Hope ok!! Aunt Mert is doing ok, no news there either.
Mom has been running here there and yonder, getting new eye glasses, hearing aids, etc.. and before long she will be out cutting a rug... haha..... but she does feel better. She is starting to get Dad's things in order some and has a lot of business in town too. Jake and I have offered to take her many times, but she always .. almost always says nope, I can do it.. so we step aside. And she goes.
Really is warming up today. Weather man last evening talked of winter being over.. haha.. yea, right. Just wait till the third week in Feb. I have seen snow deeper than running boards then.. and once even saw sprinkle of snow in May!! But, it is warmer.. and as usual for Oklahoma, in a few days it is to be below freezing again.. It is 62 outside right now.. at 12:30pm. Lots of sunshine today.. how wonderful it is..
Hey, have a great day, enjoy it...
It just sounds great................
Wine Herb-Marinated Beef Steak
Ingredients:
2 beef bottom round (western griller) steaks, cut 1 inch thick (12 to 16 ounces each)
Marinade:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions:
Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks in skillet; cook 16 to 17 minutes for medium rare doneness, turning twice. (Do not overcook.) Carve steaks into thin slices.
Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients:
2 beef bottom round (western griller) steaks, cut 1 inch thick (12 to 16 ounces each)
Marinade:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions:
Combine marinade ingredients in small bowl. Place beef steaks and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade. Place steaks in skillet; cook 16 to 17 minutes for medium rare doneness, turning twice. (Do not overcook.) Carve steaks into thin slices.
Makes 4 servings.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Today's Quote:
Today's Quote
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
-Dolly Parton
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.
-Dolly Parton
Saturday, January 15, 2005
This young lady not only graduated from OSU, but in November, she received her Teaching Certificate (not sure of the correct name, but it means she's legal to teach!), but .... Today, Ms. Tammy Moffat is having a birthday ALL DAY LONG!! And to that end we want to wish her a very special birthday, may it be the bes one you have ever had, and may you have a ton more of them, every one better than the last! Happy Birthday, Tammy Moffat!!
Thought for the day....
Time can be a healer and a teacher
So many things I've learned from time
Looking back it's made me a believer
That poetry in motion really doesn't have to rhyme...
-Mike McClure, Oklahoma Singer/Songwriter
So many things I've learned from time
Looking back it's made me a believer
That poetry in motion really doesn't have to rhyme...
-Mike McClure, Oklahoma Singer/Songwriter
Friday, January 14, 2005
From Heather.. and it sounds oh so yummy..... haha... heh... oh my...
Chocolate Chip Dip
8 ounce cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup mini choc chips
Mix and roll into a ball. Chill until hard, overnight. Roll in
chopped pecans. Let soften slightly before serving. Use animal
crackers or teddy grahams instead of chips or crackers.
8 ounce cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup mini choc chips
Mix and roll into a ball. Chill until hard, overnight. Roll in
chopped pecans. Let soften slightly before serving. Use animal
crackers or teddy grahams instead of chips or crackers.
COW/CALF CORNER
COW/CALF CORNER
The newsletter
January 14, 2005
In this issue:
Canadian Border Situation Adds Uncertainty to Cattle Markets
Derrell S. Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Signs of Impending Calving in Cows or Heifers
Glenn Selk, OSU Extension Animal Reproduction Specialist
Canadian Border Situation Adds Uncertainty to Cattle Markets
In late December, USDA issued a final rule on opening the Canadian border to some live cattle and an expanded set of beef products that appeared to set a date of March 7 for increased trade. There has been and continues to be considerable concern over the impacts this will have on U.S. cattle markets. In the last week, several events have occurred that again increase uncertainty about the impacts and when the border may open.
Two lawsuits were filed this week, which could delay the opening beyond the March 7 date. One suit was filed by R-CALF, arguing that the rule was not restrictive enough and the other, filed by the American Meat Institute, argues that the rule is still too restrictive. Additionally, the Canadian government announced another positive BSE case, the second in two weeks. The USDA risk assessment included the possibility of additional BSE cases in Canada and although USDA initially stated that the new cases would not change implementation of the new rule, USDA has dispatched a technical team to provide some additional review of the situation in Canada. Any of these legal or administrative actions could result in delayed implementation of the rule.
The market most likely to be impacted significantly is the cull cow market. At the current time, this is the only cattle market still entirely closed as no cows or meat from animals over 30 months of age is allowed into the U.S. The proposed rule would allow meat from animals over 30 months of age but not cows. Thus, a portion of Canadian slaughter facilities would likely be redirected to cow slaughter. This further implies that part of the anticipated increase in fed cattle imports would be offset by a reduction in fed beef imports that are currently being shipped to the U.S.
The proposed rule would allow feeder cattle to be imported only if they are fed at designated feedlots and then moved directly to slaughter (the animals must be under 30 months of age at the time of slaughter). Some pressure on feeder and fed prices is expected but much of the impact in these markets has already been incorporated into the markets. A certain date of border opening would further ease the transition of these markets, with much of the impact occurring in advance of the actual opening of the border. It is in the cow market that the greatest imbalance exists and where much less can be done to smooth the impacts of the border opening.
Signs of impending calving in cows or heifers
As the calving season approaches, the cows will show typical signs that will indicate parturition is imminent. Changes that are gradually seen are udder development, or making bag and the relaxation and swelling of the vulva or “springing”. These indicate the cow is due to calve in the near future. There is much difference between individuals in the development of these signs and certainly age is a factor.
The first calf heifer, particularly in the heavy milking breeds, develops udder for a very long time, sometimes for two or three months before parturition. The springing can be highly variable too. Most people notice that Brahman-influence cattle seem to “spring” much more than do cattle of other breeds. Typically, in the immediate 2 weeks preceding calving, springing becomes more evident, the udder is filling, and one of the things that might be seen is the loss of the cervical plug. This is a very thick tenacious, mucous material hanging from the vulva. It may be seen pooling behind the cow when she is lying down. Some people mistakenly think this happens immediately before calving, but in fact this can be seen weeks before parturition and therefore is only another sign that the calving season is here.
The immediate signs that usually occur within 24 hours of calving would be relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and strutting of the teats. These can be fairly dependable for the owner that watches his cows several times a day during the calving season. The casual observer or even the professional who is knowledgeable of the signs but sees the herd infrequently cannot accurately predict calving time from these signs. The relaxation of the pelvic ligaments really can not be observed in fat cows, (body condition score 7 or greater). However, relaxation of the ligaments can be seen very clearly in thin or moderate body condition cows and can be a clue of parturition within the next 12 - 24 hours. Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments is a sign the producer or herdsman can best use to more closely pinpoint calving time. Strutting of the teats is not really very dependable. Some heavy milking cows will have strutting of the teats as much as two or three days before calving and on the other hand, a thin poor milking cow may calve without strutting of the teats. Another thing that might be seen in the immediate 12 hours before calving would be variable behavior such as a cow that does not come up to eat, or a cow that isolates herself into a particular corner of the pasture. However, some cows have few behavioral changes until the parturition process starts. Source: Calving Management, OSU Extension Circular E-906.
The newsletter
January 14, 2005
In this issue:
Canadian Border Situation Adds Uncertainty to Cattle Markets
Derrell S. Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Signs of Impending Calving in Cows or Heifers
Glenn Selk, OSU Extension Animal Reproduction Specialist
Canadian Border Situation Adds Uncertainty to Cattle Markets
In late December, USDA issued a final rule on opening the Canadian border to some live cattle and an expanded set of beef products that appeared to set a date of March 7 for increased trade. There has been and continues to be considerable concern over the impacts this will have on U.S. cattle markets. In the last week, several events have occurred that again increase uncertainty about the impacts and when the border may open.
Two lawsuits were filed this week, which could delay the opening beyond the March 7 date. One suit was filed by R-CALF, arguing that the rule was not restrictive enough and the other, filed by the American Meat Institute, argues that the rule is still too restrictive. Additionally, the Canadian government announced another positive BSE case, the second in two weeks. The USDA risk assessment included the possibility of additional BSE cases in Canada and although USDA initially stated that the new cases would not change implementation of the new rule, USDA has dispatched a technical team to provide some additional review of the situation in Canada. Any of these legal or administrative actions could result in delayed implementation of the rule.
The market most likely to be impacted significantly is the cull cow market. At the current time, this is the only cattle market still entirely closed as no cows or meat from animals over 30 months of age is allowed into the U.S. The proposed rule would allow meat from animals over 30 months of age but not cows. Thus, a portion of Canadian slaughter facilities would likely be redirected to cow slaughter. This further implies that part of the anticipated increase in fed cattle imports would be offset by a reduction in fed beef imports that are currently being shipped to the U.S.
The proposed rule would allow feeder cattle to be imported only if they are fed at designated feedlots and then moved directly to slaughter (the animals must be under 30 months of age at the time of slaughter). Some pressure on feeder and fed prices is expected but much of the impact in these markets has already been incorporated into the markets. A certain date of border opening would further ease the transition of these markets, with much of the impact occurring in advance of the actual opening of the border. It is in the cow market that the greatest imbalance exists and where much less can be done to smooth the impacts of the border opening.
Signs of impending calving in cows or heifers
As the calving season approaches, the cows will show typical signs that will indicate parturition is imminent. Changes that are gradually seen are udder development, or making bag and the relaxation and swelling of the vulva or “springing”. These indicate the cow is due to calve in the near future. There is much difference between individuals in the development of these signs and certainly age is a factor.
The first calf heifer, particularly in the heavy milking breeds, develops udder for a very long time, sometimes for two or three months before parturition. The springing can be highly variable too. Most people notice that Brahman-influence cattle seem to “spring” much more than do cattle of other breeds. Typically, in the immediate 2 weeks preceding calving, springing becomes more evident, the udder is filling, and one of the things that might be seen is the loss of the cervical plug. This is a very thick tenacious, mucous material hanging from the vulva. It may be seen pooling behind the cow when she is lying down. Some people mistakenly think this happens immediately before calving, but in fact this can be seen weeks before parturition and therefore is only another sign that the calving season is here.
The immediate signs that usually occur within 24 hours of calving would be relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and strutting of the teats. These can be fairly dependable for the owner that watches his cows several times a day during the calving season. The casual observer or even the professional who is knowledgeable of the signs but sees the herd infrequently cannot accurately predict calving time from these signs. The relaxation of the pelvic ligaments really can not be observed in fat cows, (body condition score 7 or greater). However, relaxation of the ligaments can be seen very clearly in thin or moderate body condition cows and can be a clue of parturition within the next 12 - 24 hours. Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments is a sign the producer or herdsman can best use to more closely pinpoint calving time. Strutting of the teats is not really very dependable. Some heavy milking cows will have strutting of the teats as much as two or three days before calving and on the other hand, a thin poor milking cow may calve without strutting of the teats. Another thing that might be seen in the immediate 12 hours before calving would be variable behavior such as a cow that does not come up to eat, or a cow that isolates herself into a particular corner of the pasture. However, some cows have few behavioral changes until the parturition process starts. Source: Calving Management, OSU Extension Circular E-906.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)