As cattle producers continue to experience black swan events and rising input costs, so does their need for information on the latest production trends that pay.

The 17th annual Feeding Quality Forum (FQF), hosted by Certified Angus Beef (CAB), brings together people, insights and solutions to generate greater revenue for cattle feeders and cow-calf producers. The event will be at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo., on Aug. 23 and 24.

“Feeding Quality Forum creates an environment of like-minded cattlemen and industry partners who want to be on the forefront of high-quality beef production,” says Kara Lee, CAB director of producer engagement. “If you’re interested in raising, managing and marketing the best finished cattle, this event brings together the people and information to do so.”

FQF attendees learn more about practical, profitable and progressive ideas for raising cattle in high demand. A schedule and registration can be found at feedingqualityforum.com. Early registration is $100 for those who sign up before June 30. Late registration, from July 1-31, is $200. Student registration is $50.

Rail improvement funding

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced in late May that nearly $50 million in federal, state, and private investments is going to two rail projects — the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project and the Kyle Railroad Gateway Project — in north-central and southwest Kansas. Of that amount, $20 million comes through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program, a federal grant program of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Kelly directly advocated for both grant applications to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Funds going toward the Kyle Railroad Gateway Project will, among other things, replace 23.5 miles of obsolete track with upgraded continuous welded rail on the Kyle Railroad Co.’s Concordia Subdivision, between Beloit and Yuma Junction, Kan.

The project, which will use $9.3 million in federal grants, $25 million in private contributions, and $500,000 in Kansas Department of Transportation funds, will increase the rail’s operating speed from 10 to 25 mph, enable the line to support 286,000-pound rail cars, and connect a critical area in northern Kansas to the national rail network.

Investments in the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project will improve the Cimarron Valley Railroad in southwest Kansas from Dodge City to Hugoton. They will enable the rail to support biodiesel operations and local agricultural product transports, raise the operating speed from 10 to 25 mph, and increase the rail’s weight capacity. This project will use $10.9 million in federal grants, $3.5 million in private contributions and $500,000 in KDOT funding.

Happy birthday, MyPlate

June marks the 11th anniversary of MyPlate, the outreach project from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. One of the CNPP’s core projects is the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” These guidelines are reviewed and help shape the USDA’s food guidance system, known as MyPlate.

To celebrate the milestone, families, consumers, educators and producers are encouraged to visit myplate.gov/birthday and learn about developing healthy eating habits for life.

Bill assists 4-County Fire victims

Gov. Laura Kelly ceremonially signed bipartisan House Bill 2239 on May 24. The bill provides sales and property tax relief to Kansans impacted by natural disasters. The measure includes a sales tax exemption for agricultural fencing and empowers county commissions to abate property taxes when the governor has declared a disaster and properties or homesteads have been damaged. In addition to these measures, the underlying legislation provides property tax relief by increasing the property tax exemption on all residential properties and providing a property tax refund for seniors and veterans.

“When disaster strikes, Kansans need help getting back on their feet,” Laura Kelly said. “Cutting taxes provides financial relief for farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfires and other natural disasters as they recover their property and livelihoods.”

For the fires that occurred in December 2021, farmers and ranchers who are continuing to replace fencing on their pasture will be able to take advantage of the exemption. Those who have already replaced their fencing will be eligible for a refund. After July 1, a sales tax exemption to repair or replace fencing on agricultural land becomes permanent.