News Update
Nov. 12, 2008

Association Makes ‘840’ Tags Available Through the AngusSource® Program

“840” tag options are now available through the AngusSource® Process Verified Program (PVP). The 840 tag is an official ear tag that can be used for all regulatory programs such as interstate commerce, disease control programs, country-of-origin labeling (COOL), etc. It has the 15-digit Animal Identification Number (AIN) imprinted on the tag. The first three numbers, 840, stand for USA.

“At the American Angus Association® we strive to stay ahead of industry trends and requirements,” says Jim Shirley, Association vice president of industry relations. “As we look to the future, we believe that making the 840 tags available through AngusSource will position us to offer our members and their customers an opportunity to meet evolving government and marketing requirements.”

“The use of the 840 tags in American Angus programs is significant,” says Neil Hammerschmidt, National Animal Identification System (NAIS) coordinator. “Moving forward with national animal identification through industry-based programs that can also enhance disease control measures is a win-win for everyone. Having animals identified with 840 tags before a disease event happens provides the infrastructure to respond in a timely way and minimize the detrimental effects; it’s really taking the proactive approach.”

Producers wishing to utilize the NAIS-approved 840 tags must have properly registered their premises. They will then be able to choose between two 840 tag options. AngusSource will offer an 840 visual tag for $1 per tag and an 840 RFID (radio frequency identification)-matched pair set for $3.25 per matched pair. The 840 tags will be printed just like the traditional AngusSource program-compliant tag. The only differences will be that instead of a 15-digit USA number, the tag will utilize a 15-digit 840 number and the visual tag will carry the U.S. shield on the front and back. The words “Unlawful to Remove” will also be printed on the back. Producers must pay a $10 processing fee for each order in addition to other program charges.

“It is important that producers realize this is just one option, not a requirement,” Shirley explains. “Producers who do not want to register their premises or utilize the 840 tags can continue to use the traditional AngusSource program tags.”

Regardless of what tag option producers choose, all cattle enrolled in AngusSource are source, age and genetically verified and all producers receive marketing support through an online listing site and the ability to customize marketing documents.

AngusSource is just one of the programs of the American Angus Association designed to help commercial producers market their Angus-sired calves. For more information go to www.angus.org.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

Fifth Annual Southwest Beef Symposium set for Jan. 13-14 in Midland

For the fifth time in as many years, Texas and New Mexico Extension agencies will host their annual “Southwest Beef Symposium.” This year’s meeting is set for Jan.13-14 at the Horseshoe complex in Midland.

Bruce Carpenter, Texas AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist at Fort Stockton, said the symposium is tailored for southwestern beef producers. The event centers on three educational sessions and a trade show. It alternates between locations in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.

AgriLife Extension specialists will also present current grain and cattle market outlooks and how current animal welfare issues are affecting agricultural production practices and marketing.

Jan. 14 activities will focus on feed costs at the ranch, beginning with how input costs balance with herd performance. Other topics will include how to value and best use range forage, research on ways to minimize protein and mineral supplementation, and programs for low-cost heifer development.

The final session deals with beef system efficiency. Topics will include the cost benefits of purchased genetics, cow efficiency and environment, and a look at light- vs. heavyweight feeder calf performance.

The program will conclude with a panel of local and nationally known ranchers who will discuss operational changes they’ve made to survive rising input costs.

Individual registration is $50 and includes a prime rib dinner, lunch, refreshments and printed proceedings. For planning purposes, preregistration by Jan. 3 would be appreciated.
For more information call Carpenter at 432-336-8585 or Clay Mathis at New Mexico State University at 505-646-8022.

A schedule of events, speaker information, registration materials and lodging information can be found at http://cahe.nmsu.edu/ces/swbeef.

— Release provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Academy for Ranch Management Announces Burn Workshops in 2009

The Academy for Ranch Management will host two prescribed burn workshops in 2009 at the Texas AgriLife Research Station at Sonora.

Prescribed burning is a tool that can be used to manage rangeland vegetation for livestock and wildlife use. The basic workshop is scheduled for Feb. 19-21, and the advanced workshop is scheduled for March 5-7.

The basic workshop will provide prescribed burning information on managing fuels and equipment for fire suppression and weather monitoring. Participants will develop a prescribed burn plan and will conduct a prescribed burn.

A comprehensive exam is administered for those interested in completing the educational requirement for a certified and insured prescribed burn manager.

The fee for each workshop is $395 and includes meals and on-site lodging. For more information and to register, call 979-820-1778 or 325-387-3168 or visit http://www.ranchmanagement.org.

 — Release provided by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

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