News Update

News Update
Oct. 19, 2006

FDA May Approve Meat From Cloned Animals

Meatingplace.com reports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is ready to approve the sale of meat and milk from cloned animals by year-end. The report notes that a front-page story in the Washington Post indicated “the three-year process is nearing completion, as veterinary experts have decided meat from cloned animals and their offspring poses no risk to consumers.”

FDA pointed out that it is approving clones, which are essentially twins, not genetically modified animals, the report said.

Corn Prices On the Rise

According to the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), one of the biggest risks facing livestock producers over the next few years will be feed costs, especially corn. Large carryover stocks coupled with a good harvest should keep prices from rising dramatically this year, but growing demand, particularly from the ethanol industry, could put a strain on supplies during the next crop year.

Prices are already rising somewhat. LMIC reports that mid-September corn prices weakened to $1.94 per bushel (bu.), but then jumped to $2.20 per bu. the next week, and climbed to $2.38 per bu. by the end of the month. In early October, Omaha corn prices averaged more than $2.40 per bushel.

— compiled by Micky Wilson, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.

Cattlemen’s Boot Camp Set for Dec. 18-19

The American Angus Association and Angus Foundation will sponsor a Cattlemen’s Boot Camp hosted by Oklahoma State University (OSU) Dec. 18-19, in Stillwater. Industry experts will focus on all segments of the industry, from production to meeting consumer demands.

This is the fourth Boot Camp conducted by the Foundation and Association at various universities across the country. The Boot Camp format allows cattle producers the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the industry and basic production skills.

The Boot Camp begins at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, on campus. An afternoon of discussion on end product merit and consumer needs will kick off the event, and attendees will view actual carcass differences. A bull selection case study will fill the evening, giving attendees an opportunity to use the information they learned in a mock sale. The Boot Camp continues Tuesday, Dec. 19, with presentations on nutrition and reproduction and creating value in the cow herd.

An Angus Skills Lab will precede the Boot Camp on the morning of Dec. 18 at the OSU Beef Purebred Center. Designed for new Association members, an overview of basic forms and procedures will be presented. In addition, participants will learn basic information about artificial insemination (AI), cattle handling, permanent identification (ID) and phenotypic selection. Skills Lab enrollment is limited to Association members on a first-registered basis to allow for smaller group interaction.

Boot Camp registration is $75, which includes materials and meals. Register by contacting Kris Sticken with the Angus Foundation at (816) 383-5100, or by accessing registration materials at www.angus.org.

A block of rooms has been reserved at The Atherton Hotel at OSU. Make reservations by calling (405) 744-6835, and be sure to ask for the American Angus Association block to get the negotiated rate. For more information, contact Shelia Stannard, Association event coordinator, or log on to www.angus.org.