News Update

Angus Update
Sept. 26, 2006

Commercial Focus Group Discusses Issues

“The Angus Association can be a group that equally represents the American beef industry with emphasis on production and development of the food chain.” Doug Parrett, University of Illinois professor of animal science, issued the challenge to the American Angus Association Board of Directors, on behalf of six panelists representing a broad cross-section of commercial cow-calf production. The group was assembled to form the first-ever Commercial Programs Focus Group held Sept. 6, in Saint Joseph, Mo., prior to the fall Board meetings.

Panelists were provided a list of 15 discussion points ranging from the use of technology to crossbreeding. Each panelist described his operation and geographic demands, followed by a summary of how best the Angus breed can serve his operation and the beef industry.

The cattlemen discussed the lack of accurate data available to compare production and performance traits in the commercial beef sector. The panelists also candidly discussed the Angus breed’s ability to improve consistency in crossbreeding, yet challenged the Board of Directors to pursue evaluation tools to improve the accuracy of selection in a diverse genetic and geographic environment. Several panelists discussed maternal strength as the primary reason for using registered Angus bulls, yet challenged the Association to continue research to develop tools to predict longevity and improve udder quality.

The panel was comprised of six commercial cattlemen whose operations represent more than 16,000 cows. The panel represented six states including California, Montana, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and Florida.

The American Angus Association will use the information to assist in determining future programs and research to better assist beef producers and provide the necessary evaluation tools to make genetic improvements.

— compiled from an American Angus Association release

Make Plans for Annual Meeting

Now is the time to make plans to attend the Association’s 123rd Annual Convention of Delegates, set for Monday, Nov. 13, in Louisville, Ky. The Annual Meeting is conducted in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), which includes a super-point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus show. The election of officers and five members to the Association Board of Directors will highlight the Annual Meeting, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center (KFEC). Elected delegates and other attendees will hear annual reports of the Association and its entities for fiscal year 2006.

The Annual Banquet will be Monday evening at the Executive West Hotel. Special honorees at the banquet will include the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) Outstanding Leadership Award winner and inductees into the Angus Heritage Foundation.

The Angus show schedule will follow the same schedule this year as it did last year. The junior show will be Sunday, Nov. 12; the Roll of Victory (ROV) bulls and cow-calf pairs will show Monday, Nov. 13; and ROV females will show Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Hotel options in Louisville — The Executive West will serve as Angus headquarters for the Annual Meeting and all related events, but rooms there are reserved for delegates, alternates, and Association officers and directors. Anyone who doesn’t fall into those categories is encouraged to make reservations at these nearby hotels, which are within walking distance of the Executive West.

Executive Inn Hotel — 1-800-626-2706
Best Western Ashton Inn Suites — (502) 375-2233
Courtyard by Marriott — (502) 368- 5678
Residence Inn by Marriott — (502) 363-8800
Howard Johnson’s Express Inn — (502) 363-9952
Hampton Inn — (502) 366-8100

NAILE Exhibitors Must Enter by Oct. 1

If you plan to show at the 2006 NAILE this November, you will want to ensure your entries are in by Oct. 1. Premium catalogs and entry forms for exhibitors are available by contacting the NAILE office at (502) 595-3166. Entries may be mailed, submitted by fax at (502) 367-5299 or submitted at www.livestockexpo.org. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Angus Foundation to Announce First-Ever Campaign at Louisville

Join the Angus Foundation on Nov. 11 in Louisville, Ky., for the unveiling of the first-ever multimillion dollar, multiyear campaign supporting the Foundation’s education, youth and research activities. This monumental fundraising drive will further strengthen the Angus Foundation’s ability to advance the Angus breed and agricultural industry for the betterment of all Angus supporters.

The formal campaign announcement will come Saturday night during the fourth annual Angus Foundation Supporter Recognition Event. All Angus supporters who have contributed $250 in the last year to the Angus Foundation are invited to attend this special donor celebration in Louisville.

The time to guarantee your reservation is drawing near. If you haven’t supported the Foundation in the last year, you can still secure your reservation now by contributing $250 or more by Sept. 30. To contribute online by Visa or MasterCard, visit www.angusfoundation.org and click on “Donate Online” on the top-right of the home page.

Your contribution, payable to the Angus Foundation, can also be mailed to the Angus Foundation at 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. For more information call (816) 383-5100.

National Western Bull Sale consignments due Oct. 1

Consignors have until Oct. 1 to pay entry fees for the 2007 National Western Angus Bull Sale at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colo. The fee is $350 per head. Remember, all consignments must have Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^SM) performance information to be eligible.

For more information call sale managers John Dickinson at (916) 806-1919, David Gazda at (706) 296-7846, or contact Linda Campbell at the Association at (816) 383-5143.

— Information provided by the American Angus Association