§ A state lawmaker in California is proposing that cameras be installed in the pens at slaughterhouses in order to deter inhumane treatment while also preventing sick or disabled animals from being processed.  This proposal follows the largest beef recall seen in U.S. history – 143 lbs. of ground meat from Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company.  The recall came after inhumane treatment of cattle prior to slaughter was discovered.

§ The daily Choice-Select spread recently reached just $2.33 per cwt., which is uncharacteristically low.  The spread usually hits lows this time of year and then peaks in May, when grilling season kicks off.  This year, in addition to this very low spread, cattle are grading at a higher Choice percentage than at any time in the last year, even though winter weather and high feed costs tend to negatively influence the grade.  Looking ahead, industry experts predict the spread to peak around $16 but may peak early if corn prices remain at these levels.

§ Cattle-Fax’s price forecast for cattle prices are as follows: March – Early April: highs in the mid $90’s with good demand expected, late April – July: lows in the mid-$80’s due to increasing supplies and high costs of gain.

§ Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Ag Committee recently indicated that COOL (country of origin labeling) could be delayed until January 2009.  Peterson also said that the Senate’s proposal to ban meatpackers from owning and raising livestock will not become law.

§ How many bushels per acre?  DuPont Pioneer Hybrid estimates that by 2018 40% growth will be seen in yields of both soybeans and corn.

§ Smithfield Foods announced this week that they will decrease their sow herd by 5%.  This translates into about 45,000 sows which, over time, will result in approximately 900,000 fewer market hogs annually.

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