News Update
March 20, 2018
Association Perspective
Many breeds claim they have the best genetics for your cow herd, but none can back that statement up like reliable, registered Angus genetics. Many of you have been breeding Angus for years and already know this, but the Angus breed not only offers lower birth weights during calving, it more importantly offers greater performance and significantly better marbling than other breeds. In addition, the Angus breed is known for creating a superior mother cow. How can we prove this?
These claims are based on real data from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) and not hype. As you are well aware, Angus is backed by the world’s largest and most reliable genetic evaluation program. Who needs other breeds for added performance when performance Angus bulls already exist that can sire calves that bring, on the average, $7 per hundredweight (cwt.) more than other breeds add?
So where can I find these high-performance Angus bulls? You don’t need to look very far. High-performance bulls are offered at nearly every sale, along with every other type of Angus bull that will fit your operation or management style.
Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
President Donald Trump Proclaims March 20, 2018,
as National Agriculture Day
Regarding his proclamation of March 20 as National Ag Day, President Trump said:
“On National Agriculture Day, we acknowledge the tremendous work ethic, ingenuity, determination and perseverance that define generations of American farmers. Because of their efforts, the United States produces an abundant supply of food, feed and fuel for a growing global population. Our rich and abundant soil provides for more than just sustenance — it provides a beautiful and bountiful way of life for millions of Americans.
“America’s strong agricultural sector is a key component of our nation’s robust economy and trade. Every $1 of United States agricultural and food exports creates another $1.27 in business activity. Our country’s agriculture exports are valued at more than $100 billion, and every $1 billion in exports supports approximately 8,000 American jobs. Moreover, agriculture contributes to at least 8.6% of our gross domestic product. The economic boost from our agriculture reaches beyond the fields our farmers tend, with unrivaled skill and diligence, to communities all across America.
“America’s farmers, growers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural scientists and engineers are world-leading innovators, exploring new research and technologies like advancements in biotechnology and the use of automated vehicles that enable precision agriculture to maximize yields and minimize environmental impacts.
Learn more in the full White House release online.
Secretary Perdue Celebrates National Ag Day
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald Trump’s proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers:
“For the past 45 years, National Ag Day has played a key role in helping people understand where their food and fiber comes from and how important agriculture is to our national economy,” said Perdue. “Our farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world — and it’s important to never forget that. I am thrilled that we have a day, really a whole week, where we can celebrate the bounty of the American harvest.”
Secretary Perdue also released a video celebrating America’s agriculture community. Watch the video online.
House Bill Exempts Farms From Reporting Emissions
A bipartisan bill to exempt farmers from reporting to the U.S. Coast Guard emissions from the natural breakdown of manure on their farms was introduced in the U.S. House March 19. The National Pork Producers Council strongly supports the legislation, which is similar to a bipartisan bill introduced last month in the Senate.
Sponsored by Reps. Billy Long (R-Mo.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.), along with 85 cosponsors, the Agricultural Certainty for Reporting Emissions (ACRE) Act, H.R. 5275, would fix a problem created last April when a U.S. Court of Appeals rejected a 2008 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule that exempted farmers from reporting routine farm emissions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
CERCLA, more commonly known as the “Superfund Law,” is used primarily to clean hazardous waste sites but also includes a mandatory federal reporting component.
The appeals court ruling could force more than 100,000 livestock farmers to “guesstimate” and report the emissions from manure on their farms to the Coast Guard’s National Response Center (NRC) and subject them to citizen lawsuits from activist groups such as the Humane Society of the United States.
For more information, read the full release online.
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