35 Keys to Success
As we celebrate our 35th year owned by the American Angus Association, we’ll be looking at what it takes to succeed in the Angus business. You laid the foundation for these keys when you responded to our Angus Journal readership survey and told us in what topics you were most interested. The keys below are not presented in order of importance, but rather by approximate order of publication. Click on the keys below to see related articles.
Key 1: Getting Started
Making a difference starts at home for Nebraska family.
— by Nicole Lane
Young Angus leaders give tips on starting out successfully.
— by Kasey Brown
Sixteen-year-old says her cows are gentle and quiet, yet she still knows what they need.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Farm family business consultant Jolene Brown shares her opinion.
— by Kindra Gordon
Coal Valley Angus got started right with solid genetics and a large dose of discipline.
— by Kasey Brown
Kansas ranchers pass on a tradition of quality in an untraditional way.
— by Nicole Lane
Getting started right with AI
— by Cliff Lamb
Six pillars
— by Tom Field
Key 2: Securing a Land Resource
Increasing demand for agricultural land and historically high prices make admission to the cattle business tougher than ever.
— by Wes Ishmael
Although agricultural land values show recent signs of softening, increased competition makes continued strength hard to bet against.
— by Wes Ishmael
High land and cattle prices offer accelerated opportunity and risk.
— by Wes Ishmael
Key 3: Your Health
Physician shortage tops list of challenges.
— by Joann Pipkin
Prevent damage to joints and make living with arthritis easier.
— by Kasey Brown
Mitigate the effects of chronic stress before it damages brain, genetic code.
— by Kindra Gordon
The Evolution of Lean Beef (08/14)
Industry responds to dietary document recommending decreased consumption of meat in favor of poultry and fish.
— by the Beef Checkoff Program
— by the Beef Checkoff Program
Every day 38 children are injured in agriculture-related events. Every three days a child dies from one.
— by Paige Nelson
Check and protect your skin from the sun.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
K-State veterinarian and expert on ticks shares common myths about the pests and provides advice for protecting yourself and your pets.
— by Katie Allen
Sitting deemed as bad as smoking.
— by Kindra Gordon
Key 4: Youth Development
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
— by Katy Kemp
— by Troy Smith
What a week!
— by Cortney Holshouser
Postcard from an NJAA director, state spotlights
— compiled by Kasey Brown
South Dakota Angus breeder encourages each of us to ponder our role.
— by Kindra Gordon
Texas 4-H program teaches youth real-world cattle-feeding process.
— by Kasey Brown
Past directors share experiences and advice.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Champions named at the 2014 National Junior Angus Show.
Junior Herdsman of the Year Cody Theis chosen by his peers during the National Junior Angus Show.
— by Claire Carlson
The carcass steer contest helps Angus juniors see a bigger picture of the beef industry.
— By Jena McRell
Top two showmen from each state compete in Indianapolis, Ind.
— by Claire Carlson
Auxiliary Scholarships presented to five boys, five girls in Indianpolis, Ind.
— by Linda Robbins
Scholarships totaling more than $200,000 awarded during the 2014 NJAS.
— by Carrie Horsley, Linda Robbins & Claire Carlson
National Junior Recognition Program awards 24 NJAA elite with gold.
— by Paige Nelson
Long-time friend honors another by endowing a scholarship in his name.
— by Carrie Horsley
Brooke Harward named 2014 Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leader.
— by Claire Carlson
Juniors learn about cattle industry through quiz bowl.
— by Kasey Brown
Angus juniors show off their tech-savvy creativity and marketing know-how in the NJAA Graphic Design Contest.
— by Kasey Brown
Juniors use imagination in winning creative-writing entries.
— Compiled by Kasey Brown
Photo contest on social media gives exposure to young photographers.
— by Kasey Brown
Juniors were recognized for their accomplishments July 11 during the 2014 National Junior Angus Show Awards Ceremony.
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
NJAA members learn of journalism and communications through Media Crew opportunity.
— by Kasey Brown
Cattle can be transported long distances comfortably with these tips.
— by Kasey Brown
NJAA helps junior member overcome autism effects.
— by Kasey Brown
Rain or shine, Angus golfers continue to support education, youth and research.
— by Carrie Horsley
Angus Foundation inducts three into Honorary Angus Foundation.
— by Carrie Horsley
Wisconsin Junior Angus Association honors their own as 2014 Advisors of the Year.
— by Carrie Horsley
Beef Quality Assurance Building foundations for young producers
— by Bob Larson
Investing in youth
— by Tom Field
Postcard from an NJAA director, state spotlights
— compiled by Kasey Brown
Leaders Engaged in Angus Development unites juniors from across the country.
— by Jena McRell
Key 5: Continuing Education
The 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show offers expanded opportunities Nov. 3-5 in Overland Park, Kan.
— by Jena McRell
Cattlemen’s College® offered 25 educational session choices.
— by Kasey Brown, Kindra Gordon & Troy Smith
Producers get data, make money on quality cattle.
— by Kaitlin Morgan
Continuing education for veterinarians helps producers improve their bottom line.
— by Nicole Lane
From strands of DNA to sizzling steaks, Beef Leaders Institute participants witnessed it all.
— by Paige Nelson
BLI graduates choose to give back to the Angus Foundation.
— by Carrie Horsley & Linda Robbins
The first-ever Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show appeals to everyone involved in producing quality beef.
— by Jena McRell
South Dakota cattleman earns CAB Progressive Partner Award.
— by Miranda Reiman
YCC participants share their view on why participating in and hosting such events are important to the individual and to the industry.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
Key 6: Herd Health
Cattle Industry Convention highlights.
— by Kasey Brown, Miranda Reiman & Troy Smith
Workshop participants learn aspects of show animal care.
— by Blair Fannin
A lethal bacteria lives in the gut of healthy animals and waits for its moment to strike.
— by Paige Nelson
— by Katie Allen
Venereal diseases
— by Cliff Lamb
Seedstock producers and their veterinarians build strong working partnerships to keep herds healthy.
— by Joann Pipkin
Common sense and a plan are best for beef breeders.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Recognize common bovine hoof diseases.
— by Shelby Alyssa Mettlen
Mycoplasma bovis plays a part in BRDC; prevention is key.
— by Troy Smith
Key 7: Ag Policy
Cattle Industry Convention alerts cattlemen to timely policy matters.
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Hoping to establish trust and communication between ranchers and Forest Service, Idaho Farm Bureau organizes a cattle allotment range tour.
— by Paige Nelson
A look at current issues affecting the cattle industry
— compiled by Linda Robbins
NCBA members addressed policy priorities at the 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, passing new resolutions and directives for the 2014 Policy Agenda.
— NCBA release
‘Perfect storm’ points to rosy picture for cattle industry, according to CattleFax analyst.
— NCBA release
— NCBA release
— Release by Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board & NCBA
A look at current issues affecting the cattle industry
— compiled by Kasey Brown
Key 8: Animal Welfare
Cow-calf environment, management and care support quality beef.
— by Kaitlin Morgan
The age-old question of “How should we treat animals?” still remains.
— by Kasey Brown
ISBCW offers hands-on workshop to start symposium.
— by Kasey Brown
Speakers share how lameness affects welfare and, thus, performance.
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Speakers offer management changes to improve the welfare of beef cattle.
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Perceptions of animal welfare vary between production sectors; speakers urge to reconcile.
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Economist explains supply and demand aspects of animal welfare, including pain management.
— by Kasey Brown, associate editor
Reseachers look into improving health through welfare management.
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Research shared on technologies, cow-calf assessments, transportation, and balking behavior.
— by Kasey Brown, associate editor, & Troy Smith, field editor
Key 9: Consumer Relations
Elaborate education exhibits educate nearly 2.5 million Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ attendees.
— by Kasey Brown
She once turned her nose up at the smell of manure; now, this city girl advocates for agriculture, saying farmers and overalls are no longer synonymous.
— by Paige Nelson
Certified Angus Beef LLC requiring Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification of new and existing processors.
— by Crystal Meier
Beef industry needs to do better job of tooting its own horn, says meat scientist.
— by Miranda Reiman
What does ‘the sustainable American dinner plate’ look like?
— by K-State Research & Extension
— by Troy Smith
Norwegian Cruise Line includes CAB® when planning meals for 4,000 at sea for a week.
— by Miranda Reiman
Cattle producers take it for granted, because it’s their livelihood and their legacy. Meanwhile, the rest of society is scratching their heads, asking: ‘Just how sustainable is beef production?’
— by John Robinson
Ag literacy can start with the next generation of beef buyers.
— by Kasey Brown
Mobile exhibit showcases important role of animals — and veterinarians — in our world.
— By Kindra Gordon
More than 800 third-grade students attend an annual Farm Day hosted by the Southeast Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.
— by Jena McRell
It is possible to genetically change the nutrient profile of beef. The question is: Should we?
— by Kasey Brown
Texas cattleman gives the gift of quality beef.
— by Katrina Huffstutler
With more than 30 years of experience in all phases of the meat business, Steve Sands shares perspective on the industry — and what prompted his company to establish its own beef brand.
— by Kindra Gordon
Animal welfare and consumer relations
— by Bob Larson
— by Melissa Sandfort
ROI study shows $11.20 return on checkoff dollar. — by Melissa Sandfort
Technology continues to advance, alter the industry.
— by Kindra Gordon
Checkoff-funded study evaluates perceptions and effective methods to better reach millennial consumers.
— by Kindra Gordon
Key 10: Herd Goals
Mentored by experience, set free to embrace change and make waves, the millennial generation is managing 21st century cattle differently.
— by Paige Nelson
South Dakota couple brings consumer focus back to the ranch.
— by Miranda Reiman
Define your breeding program
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
Kansas seedstock ranch makes its mark through hard work, quiet leadership.
— by Steve Suther
One rancher’s tale of sacrifice, passion and perseverance.
— by Miranda Reiman
Setting goals
— by Dan Moser
Three herds share common goal of building and maintaining a reputable seedstock operation by satisfying customer niche.
— by Troy Smith
Proven Angus genetics saved this Kansas herd.
— by Kaitlin Morgan
This family uses the talents within its own gene pool to produce the best Angus cattle it can to help customers put premium beef on the table.
— by Nicole Lane
Inspired by ultrasound, these Kansans distill the essence of greatness.
— by Kaitlin Morgan
The target — by Tom Field
Checkoff-funded study evaluates perceptions and effective methods to better reach millennial consumers.
— by kindra gordon
Key 11: Winter Feed Management
Grazing corn crop residue with beef cows
— by Rick Rasby
— by the Noble Foundation
Studies show forage soybeans a good protein source for cows and heifers.
— by Becky Mills
Determining how much forage a beef cow can consume daily
— by Rick Rasby
October herd management tips
— by Scott Greiner, David Lalman, Mark McCann, Randy Perry & Justin Sexten
Graze cattle and fertilize pastures all winter long.
— by Paige Nelson
Building soil organic matter is why this North Dakota producer likes bale grazing in the winter.
— by Kindra Gordon
Corn-crop residue is still a cost-effective alternative.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Researcher and cattlemen give tips to improve silage quality.
— by Kasey Brown
Pivot fence allocates a specific amount of fall/winter forage with minimal labor required.
— by Paige Nelson
Use these simple ways to get better utilization out of pastures.
— by Paige Nelson
One year later, South Dakota ranchers continue working to rebound from Atlas blizzard.
— by Kindra Gordon
Feed & forage harvesting & management
— compiled by Linda Robbins
Key 12: Recordkeeping
Animal search by tag or tattoo
— by Kasey Brown
QB helps complete pass from ranch to consumer target.
— by Laura Conaway
Performance Registration Certificate documents ownership and genetic merit of animals registered through the American Angus Association.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel, Tonya Amen & Chris Stallo
Angus breeders gain efficiency by switching from paper to electronic certificates.
— by Joann Pipkin
MaternalPlus® can help improve herd and breed.(11/14)
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Recordkeeping
— by Bob Larson
Sale data
— by Kasey Brown
App makes taking and organizing photo-plots simpler.
— by Troy Smith
Key 13: Business Planning
Tips to develop a farm or ranch business plan.
— by Troy Smith
10 management tactics foster ranch profitability.
— by Kindra Gordon
South Dakota family takes steps to ensure ranch is sustainable for generations.
— by Kindra Gordon
With the proper mind-set, one risk-management expert suggests businesses can become “antifragile.”
— by Kindra Gordon
Experts say it’s never too soon to start planning for tomorrow.
— by Joann Pipkin
There is similarity in succession and grazing-management plans.
— by David Specht
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Who’s on first?
— by Tom Field
Key 14: Employee Management
Finding and keeping good help doesn’t have to be impossible.
— by Kasey Brown
Hire the right person for the job.
— by Paige Nelson
Ninety percent of new employees decide whether to stay in the first six months on the job.
— by Paige Nelson
Key 15: Contingency Planning
Learn to identify and correct tendencies impeding succession-plan progress.
— by David Specht
Are you putting your farm or ranch at risk by not developing a transition plan?
— by Kindra Gordon
Key 16: Angus Resources
Use the Optimal Milk Module to find out.
— by Heather Bradford
Here’s how to activate and navigate one of the newest features of the Angus Journal.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
— by Kasey Brown
The industry’s largest beef cattle breed surpasses records and continues to lead the marketplace.
— by Jena McRell & Shauna Rose Hermel
NJAA experiences run the gamut.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
AGI has been an instrumental component of Angus success and will continue to serve and innovate.
— by Troy Smith
Iowan reviews term on Angus board, culminating as CAB chairman.
— by Steve Suther
The American Angus Association elects new Board members, officers.
— by Jena McRell & Shauna Rose Hermel
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
News and highlights from Certified Angus Beef LLC
— compiled by Laura Conaway
Key 17: Genomics
What’s up with recalibration?
— Tonya Amen
Key 18: Industry Involvement & Networking
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
The 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show offers expanded opportunities Nov. 3-5 in Overland Park, Kan.
— by Jena McRell
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Kasey Brown
Being involved with the American Angus Auxiliary sparked a lifelong passion for Cortney Holshouser of Castalia, N.C.
— by Jena McRell
Events, deadlines of which members should be aware
— compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel
Choose to be involved
— by Lynne Hinrichsen
Postcard from an NJAA director, state spotlights
— compiled by Kasey Brown
The American Angus Association welcomed visitors Nov. 3 in Saint Joseph, Mo.
— by Jena McRell & Carrie Horsley
Four individuals were inducted into the Angus Heritage Foundation during the breed’s Awards Recognition Breakfast in Kansas City.
— by Jena McRell & Paige Nelson
Laflin Angus, Dahl Angus celebrated for a century in the business.
— by Jena McRell & Paige Nelson
Top Roll of Victory winners honored during the Awards Recognition Breakfast.
— by Jena McRell
Madison Butler, Vincennes, Ind., chosen to represent the Angus breed in 2015.
— by Jena McRell
Newly crowned Miss American Angus shares her perspective on facing adversity.
— by Madison Butler
Volunteering benefits your farm, industry and future.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
American National CattleWomen amp up efforts to inform consumers about beef.
— by Kindra Gordon
Networking in the beef industry
— by Bob Larson
Winter convention registration open now
— by NCBA
Key 19: Seedstock & Genetic Selection
GE-EPDs: past, present and future
— by Tonya Amen
$W, a selection index for cow-calf production
— by Dan Moser
USMARC researcher explains what annoys him with national cattle evaluation.
— by Kasey Brown
American Angus Association to start collecting hoof scores to generate expected progeny differences.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
CAB suggests EPD profiles based on herd composition.
— by CAB Staff
First commercially traded Top Dollar Angus calves pay off with $67-per-head premium.
— by Laura Nelson
Heifer selection and development for the long haul.
— by Troy Smith
Young Angus leaders share strategies on genetic selection.
— by Kasey Brown
Combining all the information that’s known on an animal for a particular trait, the genomically enhanced expected progeny difference provides most comprehensive look at an animal’s genetic merit.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
American Angus Association to start collecting hoof scores to generate expected progeny differences.
— by Shauna Rose Hermel
Key 20: Herd Nutrition
Mineral supplementation strategies
— by Rick Rasby
Evaluate supplementation strategies
— by Rick Rasby
Check the label for protein and fat content.
— by Troy Smith
Beef cow nutrition and herd reproductive strategies
— by Bob Larson
Confinement systems can compete for managing of beef cows
— by Rick Rasby
Know when and how to supplement protein to help your cow herd perform.
— by Heather Smith Thomas
Heifer development
— by Cliff Lamb
Sample forages for quality
— by Rick Rasby
— by Katie Allen
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Assess condition at weaning
— by Rick Rasby
Consider storing distillers’ grain
— by Rick Rasby
Nutritional aspects of cattle health
— by Bob Larson
Key 21: Marketing Seedstock
Streaming goes mainstream
— by Eric Grant
Redefining possibilities
— by Eric Grant
Customer satisfaction is still No. 1 goal.
— by Joann Pipkin
Effective marketing requires a solid plan.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Merchandising professors offer tips to set your brand apart.
— by Troy Smith
Much of marketing is communication enhanced with a strategy.
— by Kasey Brown
Passion becomes full-time profession.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
National Angus Convention & Trade Show workshops offer tips on marketing.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Online auction provides marketing alternative.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Selling solutions — by Tom Field
— by American Angus Association
Key 22: Reproductive Efficiency
February herd management tips
— by Scott Greiner, David Lalman, Mark McCann, Randy Perry & Justin Sexten
Speakers: Perry, Smith & Patterson
— by Kasey Brown
Speakers: Gifford, Johnson & Dalton
— by Katy Kemp & Troy Smith
Speakers: Lalman, Hansen & Gilliam
— by Kasey Brown, Katy Kemp & Troy Smith
Speakers: Lamb, Wann & Brown —
by Kasey Brown, Katy Kemp & Troy Smith
Speakers: J. Hall & Stroud
— by Kasey Brown & Katy Kemp
Speakers: Wetteman, R. Hall, & Spangler
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Speakers: Van Eenennaam & Gray
— by Kasey Brown & Troy Smith
Speakers: Funston, Boehmer & Rolf
— by Kasey Brown, Katy Kemp & Troy Smith
Artificial insemination is one of the keys to rapid genetic improvement.
— by T.S. Gatz
Steps to get more cows and heifers pregnant.
— by T.S. Gatz
Manage cow body condition to increase revenue
— by Rick Rasby
Key 23: Developing Seedstock
Breeders identify their low-cost strategies for developing bulls.
— by Joann Pipkin
Bull-development program allows bulls to show what their calves can achieve in the feedlot while still emphasizing the efficiency necessary for the cow herd.
— by Troy Smith
Key 24: Customer Service
Satisfaction requires good listening skills.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
North Dakota ranch is striving for remarkable customer service.
— by Troy Smith
Customer service before and after the sale provides solutions.
— by Kasey Brown
Seedstock producer provides education about quality-improving technology.
— by Kasey Brown
The customer
— by Tom Field
Key 25: Research
Cattle-handling facilities
— by Bob Larson
On the forefront
— by Bryce Schumann
BIF committee considers ongoing beef research.
— by Troy Smith
Role of research for the future of beef production
— by Bob Larson
Quality Builds Future for Beef
— by Steve Suther
Research shows consumers prefer beef and are willing to pay for quality beef.
— by Miranda Reiman
South Dakota survey provides insight.
— by Kindra Gordon
New surveys suggest consumers feeling more comfortable, confident with food production.
— by Kindra Gordon
Global feed survey shows growth in line with meat production.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Biofuel industry creates another alternative protein supplement for cattle.
— by Paige Nelson
Key 26: Technology & Innovation
Sexed semen
— by Cliff Lamb
Nipping at our heels
— by Eric Grant
Gain new perspective by looking at things differently.
— by Kindra Gordon
Key 27: Pasture Management
Revisit and adjust forage plans regularly.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Leopold Conservation Award winner focuses on long-term health of the range to guide grazing management strategies.
— by Troy Smith
Clear picture can minimize costs, maximize production.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Cover cropping mimics Mother Nature.
— by Paige Nelson
Practices that support healthy livestock also build and maintain healthy soils.
— by Troy Smith
One of the world’s most precious resources deserves special management attention on farms and ranches. Two soil advocates explain why.
— by Kindra Gordon
Good beef prices give herd owners a chance to upgrade pastures to remove toxic fescue.
— by Duane Dailey
With land values high and record profitability in the cow-calf sector, consider investing in weed control.
— by Kindra Gordon
Key 28: Grazing Strategies
Use available land, labor and knowledge resources to expand the cow herd.
— by Kasey Brown
Rotational grazing allows North Carolina producer to graze his cattle year-round.
— by Becky Mills
Strip-grazing and maximizing use of low-quality forages turns a profit.
— by Becky Mills
Key 29: Water
Water
— by Bob Larson
Key 30: Facilities
Producers design feeding facilities for functionality.
— by Paige Nelson
Calving barn should meet basic needs.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
Now may be the time to invest in a working-facility upgrade and some low-stress cattle-handling demonstrations.
— by Troy Smith
Cattle-handling facilities
— by Bob Larson
Key 31: Cattle Handling
Now may be the time to invest in a working-facility upgrade and some low-stress cattle-handling demonstrations.
— by Troy Smith
Key 32: Equipment
The duck blind
— by Tom Field
Key 33: Four-Legged Helpers
A photographic reminder of the Old West.
— by Carrie Heitman
Key 34: Marketing Commercial Cattle
USDA program may offer niche beef market.
— by Barb Baylor Anderson
New program seeks to identify superior cattle before they leave the ranch, helping producers capture additional value.
— by Greg Henderson
Key 35: Being Neighborly*
*Keys with an asterisk do not yet have published articles associated with them.