News Update

News Update
Jan. 16, 2007

Webcast shown tonight

The American Angus Association will host an educational webcast tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. central time. Bryce Schumann, director of member services, will discuss parent verification using DNA.

A high-speed DSL internet connection is required to view and listen to the webcast. Register for a free and private account at www.liveauctions.tv prior to the start of the webcast. Once on the site, follow the prompts to the American Angus Association Presentation, go to “Create a new user” and fill in the brief information form to create a unique user name and password.

Past webcasts are archived on the Association’s Angus Learning Center online resource. Visit the Angus Education Center, at www.angus.org/AngusEducation.html, to access presentations on AHIRSM Basics, AAA Login, AngusSource® and AHIR Yearling Information.

U.S., South Korea Set to Begin Free-Trade Talks

U.S. and South Korean trade representatives began their sixth round of free-trade negotiations yesterday, geared toward resolving issues ranging from antidumping laws to trade in automobiles and pharmaceuticals, Meatingplace.com reports. Beef is missing from the official agenda, however.

South Korea has rejected U.S. beef imports although the country technically lifted a three-year ban on U.S. beef.

Court Rejects Anti-Packer Amendment

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in Saint Louis threw out an amendment to Nebraska’s state constitution that effectively banned meatpackers from owning or feeding livestock, according to Meatingplace.com.

The court called the amendment, which also banned non-family-owned corporate farming, unconstitutional. The 8th Circuit also agreed with a lower federal court, which ruled that it effectively discriminated against out-of-state businesses.

Texas Ag Forum Scheduled for Feb. 23

Renewable energy and issues surrounding the upcoming farm bill debate will highlight the 2007 Texas Ag Forum scheduled for Feb. 23 in Austin.

The forum will be held at the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark and is set to feature Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), incoming chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, as the keynote speaker.

Other speakers include energy experts from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as university policy and trade specialists.

Advanced registration is $85 and includes meals. Call (512) 450-0555 to register or for more information. Same day registration is $110. Additional information is available at http://agforum.tamu.edu.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.