News Update
February 1, 2018
Benefits of Growing Multiple
Types of Forage Grasses
Although it might seem like grazing animals will eat any grass in the field, they are actually picky eaters. They prefer a “buffet” of grass choices. While it’s good for the grazing animals, growing a variety of forage plants in the field also benefits the plants, the soil and the environment.
Grazing animals spend most of their grazing time making decisions about what to eat with every bite. Luckily for the animals, they don’t normally have only one option for their meal in a pasture setting. Growing multiple plant species in the same space at the same time, polyculture, is the norm in pasture grazing scenarios.
Usually, perennial grasses serve as the primary component in grazing pastures. Most polyculture systems add in annual species because of their flexibility and low cost of establishment compared to their perennial counterparts. Using legumes (clovers, alfalfa and peas) can increase protein and nutrients in the available forage. Including legumes also supplies the plants in the pasture with naturally produced nitrogen fertilizer.
Another tactic for forage systems is to add brassica plants.
Keep reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Cattlemen and Women Meet for 2018 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show
Thousands of cattlemen and women blazed a trail to Phoenix, Ariz., for the start of the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention & National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show, which started Jan. 31. The event runs through Feb. 3.
Hosting their meetings at this event were the NCBA, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.
“Every year the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show hosts members from every segment of the beef industry,” said NCBA President Craig Uden. “Not only is the event a great opportunity for attendees to network and learn about the newest technology and science to improve their operations, but it’s also when we set public policy for 2018. We’ll also manage to enjoy some sunshine while we’re in Phoenix. If you’re connected to the cattle industry in any way, it’s not too late to blaze your trail and join us this week.”
Early arrivers to Phoenix had the opportunity to attend a Pre-Convention Agriculture Tour on Tuesday with stops at the Caterpillar Eloy Dealership, T & K Dairy, Caywood Farms and Queen Creek Olive Mill.
Read the full NCBA news release online.
Farm Bureau Applauds Delay of Unlawful WOTUS Rule
In regard to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ decision concerning the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said:
“The American Farm Bureau Federation applauds today’s (Jan. 31) action by the U.S. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to delay implementation of the hopelessly vague 2015 rule that expansively defined ‘waters of the United States.’ That rule would have put a stranglehold on ordinary farming and ranching by treating dry ditches, swales and low spots on farm fields just like flowing waters. Without today’s action, countless farmers and ranchers, as well as other landowners and businesses, would risk lawsuits and huge penalties for activities as common and harmless as plowing a field.
“Today’s announcement is part of a measured and thoughtful process to provide regulatory certainty to farmers and ranchers while the agencies continue the important work of withdrawing and rewriting the unlawful 2015 WOTUS rule. America’s farmers value clean water as much as anyone, and they work hard every day to protect it, but they deserve clear rules, too.”
Survey Shows Growing Approval of Beef Checkoff Program
An independent survey of beef producers found 74% continue to approve of the Beef Checkoff Program; this finding is 5% higher than the survey a year ago. Importantly, the more producers know about the program, the more supportive they are. The survey also found that producers are generally more optimistic about the cattle industry than they were a year ago. The random survey of 804 beef and dairy producers nationwide was conducted by the independent firm Aspen Media & Market Research from mid-December 2017 until mid-January 2018. The survey found that in addition to stronger support of the checkoff compared to a year ago, a substantial majority of beef and dairy producers continue to say their beef checkoff is a good value:
- 76% say the beef checkoff has contributed to a positive trend in beef demand.
- 78% say the checkoff has value even when the economy is weak, 5% higher than last year.
- 65% say the checkoff contributes to profitability of their operations.
- 71% say the checkoff represents their interests, 4% higher than last year.
- 61% believe the checkoff is well managed.
Learn more in the news release online.
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