News Update

News Update
March 25, 2008

North American Limousin Foundation Selects AGI to Conduct Genetic Evaluation

A recent agreement with the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), Centennial, Colo., has cleared the way for Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) to conduct the international genetic evaluation for the Limousin breed. Limousin is the sixth largest beef breed in the United States, reporting 37,742 Limousin and Lim-Flex® recordings in 2007.

Land-grant universities have been responsible for performing the genetic evaluation of most registered seedstock in the United States. A recent shift in university resources and philosophy makes it necessary for beef industry associations to assume responsibility for genetic analysis, while land-grant university systems will focus on research. U.S. beef breed associations are turning to the private sector for genetic evaluations.

The NALF board of directors realizes the critical importance of genetic evaluation and the costs associated with hardware, software and highly skilled personnel. After 18 months of careful study, NALF selected AGI to provide its genetic evaluation services beginning in summer 2008.

“NALF is excited to begin this new chapter in genetic evaluation,” said NALF President Bob Millerberg, Draper, Utah. “We are privileged to work with such a solid, knowledgeable and innovative company as AGI, and we look forward to many years of having it help us deliver industry-leading genetic information to our members and customers.”

AGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Angus Association, Saint Joseph, Mo. The Association is responding to the beef industry by accepting a leadership role regarding the advancement of science and technology. AGI was created to conduct research, perform genetic evaluation services and implement new genomic technologies to benefit the beef industry and all producers who use Angus genetics.

— Adapted from a release provided by the American Angus Association
and the North American Limousin Foundation.

National Cattlemen’s Foundation: W.D. Farr Scholarship

Applications are being accepted for the W.D. Farr Scholarship program, presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF). Two $12,000 graduate scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing graduate degrees in animal science, environmental science or agriculture. All applications must be postmarked by April 30.

The NCF continues to honor the successful career of the late W.D. Farr of Greeley, Colo., through the scholarships bearing his name. Farr, a third-generation Coloradoan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker, was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development has resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.

Farr was president of the National Cattlemen’s Association — a predecessor organization of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) — in 1970. He was the first president of the foundation, the philanthropic organization of the cattlemen’s association dedicated to advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen. Farr remained involved in agriculture throughout his 96 years, providing vision and leadership for the beef industry.

The scholarship application and criteria can be found online at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org/scholarship.aspx, or by calling 303-694-0305. The scholarship winners will be introduced at the 2008 Cattle Industry Summer Conference, scheduled to take place in Denver, Colo., July 15-19.

— Release provided by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.