News Update
Dec. 8, 2008

Applied Repro Symposium: Physiological Principles of Estrus Synchronization

Development of technologies to increase reproductive efficiency and improve genetic merit has occurred at a rapid pace to include embryo transfer (ET), ultrasonography, transgenics and cloning. Of all available reproductive technologies, University of Missouri (MU) animal scientist Michael Smith ranks estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) among the most powerful and applicable.

Successful application, however, depends on the understanding of physiological and hormonal mechanisms controlling the estrous cycle, Smith told attendees of the Robert E. Taylor Memorial Symposium in Fort Collins, Colo. “While synchronization products and protocols have changed over time, the basic principles explaining why they work have not changed,” Smith said. “Understanding the biology helps us choose the best protocol for heifers or for cows. It can help us determine what went wrong if results are less than expected, and how to correct it.”

Click here to read the complete summary, or visit the newsroom at www.appliedreprostrategies.com for symposium proceedings and Johnson’s PowerPoint presentation.

The Angus Productions Inc. (API) site, www.appliedreprostrategies.com, contains summaries, proceedings, audio and PowerPoints (where available) of presentations from last week’s Robert E. Taylor Memorial Symposium in Fort Collins.

The symposium is conducted by Colorado State University (CSU) every other year to provide current, research-based information for improving profitability in the beef cattle industry. In 2008, CSU and the Beef Reproduction Task Force collaborated to present Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle.

2009 Cattle Industry Convention Cattlemen’s College® to Feature Important Cattle Topics

Everyday issues facing cattle producers throughout the country will be the topic of discussion as Cattlemen’s College® celebrates its 16th year in January. The program, which has been educating cattlemen on how to protect and improve their profitability for 16 years, will take place during the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz., Jan. 28-31.

Sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Pfizer Animal Health, Cattlemen’s College® offers solutions to challenges cattlemen face on a daily basis. The sessions, which start at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, provide outstanding opportunity to hear from leading authorities on the issues, as well as discussion with other producers facing similar challenges.

Nineteen separate sessions are being offered addressing issues in production, resource, financial and marketing management, as well as consumer demand and product enhancement. The programs run from 45 to 90 minutes in length, and cover a wide range of topics. Among those are animal handling, business succession planning, measuring feed efficiency, cost management strategies, ranch horsemanship, sharing the beef story and defining consumers.

Participants in Cattlemen’s College® may attend any sessions of interest to them, and are provided lunch. In addition, participants will be automatically registered to attend the Cattle-Fax Outlook Seminar the following morning, Jan. 29. Topics at the seminar include cattle and beef inventories and prices, state of the cattle cycle, a long-term weather outlook, global trade and emerging beef industry trends.

Cattlemen’s College® registration information, as well as a complete schedule for the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show and Phoenix hotel information, is available at www.beefusa.org or by calling 1-866-BEEFUSA (1-866-233-3872). NCBA has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education, public policy and beef research and marketing. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create profit opportunities for producers and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

OSU Extension Offers Workshop on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Interest in local foods and support for local farms and producers is driving the increased growth of community-supported agriculture (CSA) throughout northern Ohio. Ohio State University (OSU) Extension is offering a workshop on how individuals can get involved in starting or supporting a CSA.

The workshop will be Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Toledo Botanical Garden Crosby Conference Center, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo. Cost of the workshop is $10 per person and includes materials and lunch. The workshop is co-sponsored by OSU Extension and Michigan State University Extension.

Workshop topics include the importance of CSAs, consumer expectations, how to start or support a CSA, CSAs available in northern Ohio and Michigan, CSA resources, and CSA producer experiences.

For more information, contact Beth Fausey, OSU Extension Agricultural Business Enhancement Center, at 419-354-6916, or e-mail fausey.11@osu.edu.

Meeting to Promote Rural Tourism in Six Missouri Counties Set for Hermann, Dec. 9

People interested in developing tourism and promoting local food products will meet Dec. 9 in Hermann to develop plans and identify marketing opportunities in six Missouri counties.

Through its Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, University of Missouri Extension is working with producers and community leaders in the counties that make up the Missouri River Valley region: Montgomery, Gasconade, Warren, Franklin, Saint Charles and Saint Louis.

The meeting is a follow-up to an Oct. 27 meeting in New Haven. The meeting agenda includes discussion of a fundraising initiative planned for February or March to support regional coordination.

Winery operators, food and agricultural producers, restaurant operators, bed and breakfast owners, craftspeople, artists, economic and tourism professionals, and elected officials are invited to the meeting from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hermann Hill Village, 165 Highway 100 East. A regional wine and food tasting is scheduled following the meeting.

“Marketing wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on the region's ecological features allows the consumer to distinguish among the unique tastes and attributes of products from different areas,” Barham said. “This identification of Missouri’s products will mean greater recognition and economic opportunities for our state’s food producers, tourism industry and rural communities.”

The meeting and product tasting are free, but RSVPs are requested. To RSVP or receive more information, contact James Vittetau at 1-800-769-4183 or james@visitjeffersoncity.com.

For more information about the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, see http://extension.missouri.edu/cuisines/.

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