News Update
January 2, 2014
I am Angus Broadcasts Tonight
During the next I am Angus® episode, the American Angus Association rides the rails to Denver and tours the historic stockyards at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). Plus, the program travels across the country to document life on America’s farms and ranches. I am Angus airs at 10 p.m. EST (9 p.m. CST) this Thursday, Jan. 2, on RFD-TV.
“The new year is a time to start fresh and remember why we continue down the paths set forth in our lives,” says Eric Grant, Association public relations and communications director. “Our next I am Angus episode reminds us why we love the land and cattle, and the hard work generations did before us to grant the opportunity to raise high-quality beef.”
Included in the show is Dan Green, a Denver native and historian, who shares the history and heritage of the NWSS. The upcoming I am Angus episode also features a number of other people who have been a part of Denver’s cow-town legacy.
The hour-long program is the fourth episode in the Association’s popular documentary series this winter, and introduces the individuals, families and history involved on farms and ranches across the country.
The upcoming I am Angus episode is sponsored by the Angus Journal and broadcasts on RFD-TV. RFD-TV is distributed by more than 625 cable operators, and can be found on DirecTV channel 345 and Dish Network channel 231. Check local listings for more information.
To watch segments from past shows, visit the Association’s website or YouTube channel.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Apply for the 2014 Beef Leaders Institute
American Angus Association members interested in becoming more effective leaders in the agriculture industry are encouraged to apply for the seventh annual Beef Leaders Institute (BLI). Held June 23-26, 2014, the program brings Angus producers together in Saint Joseph, Mo., for a series of informative sessions, followed by a three-day tour across several industry segments.
“BLI allows our members to experience firsthand the entire beef production chain, and better understand how their quality Angus cattle contribute to the industry as a whole,” says Robin Ruff, Association director of events, activities and education.
Funded through the Angus Foundation, BLI is designed for Association members 25-45 years old to provide insight into the beef industry, while enhancing their knowledge of the Association and strengthening leadership skills.
“This opportunity really helped me recalibrate my focus on the beef industry, and look at it from a more holistic manner,” said Rhonda Wulf, a 2013 BLI participant from Morris, Minn. “I would encourage others to apply, just for that chance to see the industry on a broader level, to get out of their comfort zone, broaden their mind, and to go back to work with a new energy.”
During the three-day event, BLI participants are able to tour a beef harvesting and packing facility, retailer, fabricator, feedlots and other industry segments, including the Association. The Association provides transportation, lodging, meals and materials during BLI. Attendees will be responsible for round-trip transportation between their home and either Kansas City or Saint Joseph, Mo.
To apply, click here or contact the American Angus Association at 816-383-5100. Information can also be found on www.angus.org. Applications for the 2014 program are due March 1, 2014.
Young Livestock Producers Network and
Learn as Peer Group Member
Colin Johnson is a young Iowa farmer who moved back to the family farm in 2009, started a family and began managing a cow-calf operation. He understands the struggles of young and beginning livestock farmers — because he is one. He says Iowa farmers and ranchers are independent by nature and sometimes reluctant to seek advice. The day-to-day activities of a livestock operation don’t allow much time to analyze the operation or connect with peers for learning or social interaction.
Livestock producers say they like to learn from other producers. They want to have more discussions and opportunities to interact with their peers — beyond those in their neighborhood. Johnson said support for young and beginning producers is increasing across Iowa — from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach, commodity groups and agricultural organizations.
Johnson also coordinates the Beginning and Young Livestock Producer Network (BYLPN), an Extension and Outreach initiative started in 2012. He is an extension program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach and worked with the Iowa Pork Industry Center prior to returning to southeast Iowa. A primary responsibility of these roles is providing education in ways that help producers enjoy more success.
BYLPN targets livestock producers under age 35, as well as aspiring livestock producers. ISU Extension and Outreach’s objective is to develop a network of producer peer groups across Iowa, connect participants with educational and mentor opportunities, and provide support to the groups as members take over leadership responsibilities.
For more information, please view full release here.
Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety
When the weather outside is frightful, there is nothing better than a roaring fire to chase away the chill. To take full advantage of the cozy warmth, be sure to follow a few commonsense precautions to cut the risk of a home fire.
“Lots of families across Oklahoma rely on fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to keep warm in the winter,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist. “The key is to be safe and smart when using those appliances.”
As a basic safety measure, it is important to keep your chimney and wood stove in good working order, and that means having them inspected and cleaned every year by a certified professional.
Chimneys should be free of obstructions and cracks, while wood stoves should be examined for cracks and legs, hinges and door seals should be checked for smooth joints and seams.
Also, since all fireplaces can generate carbon monoxide, be sure to install and use a carbon monoxide alarm.
Burn only seasoned hardwood — soft, moist wood speeds up creosote buildup — and never flammable liquids, said Peek. Use only dry, seasoned wood pellets in pellet stoves.
Do not burn cardboard, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
“The idea is to build small fires that burn completely and generate less smoke,” Peek said. “Start by placing logs at the back of the fireplace or on a supporting grate. Make sure the damper is open before you light the fire.”
To cut down on the fire hazard, keep the hearth area free of decorations and flammable materials, and use only fire-resistant materials on nearby walls around wood stoves. Also, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing near the flames.
For more information, please view the full release here.
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