News Update
Jan. 2, 2009

The American Angus Association has released an updated listing of Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) research test results provided by Jon Beever, University of Illinois, on samples submitted to him on bulls from artificial insemination (AI) organizations. Results for tested carrier animals and those tested free are available at www.angus.org.

A list of authorized AM testing labs is also now available on the site, at www.angus.org/AMLabs.html. The list includes contact information for current American Angus Association authorized labs conducting tests for AM. Additional labs will be added to the page as they are approved.

As an added feature, AAA Login users can access an interactive tool to generate a report of owned animals and their AM status based on the AM test results received to date. From the AAA Login menu, go to the “Interactive” section and click on the “AM Potential Carrier Report.” If you are not a current AAA Login user, visit www.angusonline.org to create your online profile.

For a complete listing of AM information released by the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org/ccs_info.html.

— Information provided by the American Angus Association.

5th Annual Cattleman’s Workshop Jan. 17

Oregon State University (OSU) will host its 5th Annual Cattleman’s Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in La Grande, Ore.

Topics will include challenges and opportunities for the beef cattle industry; integration of the U.S. beef industry in the world market; strategies for cow-calf production success; cow-calf strategies in uncertain times; commodity markets and positioning a business in uncertain times; and tailoring cow-calf production for a changing beef industry. A panel discussion is also scheduled. No preregistration is required, and lunch is included.

If you have any questions regarding the workshop or sponsor registration, please contact Kim Verhelst or Tim DelCurto at 541-562-5129; or visit http://oregonstate.edu/dept/eoarcunion/Cattleman/CattlemansWorkshop.php.

R-CALF Convention Scheduled for Jan. 23-24

Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF) will host its 10th annual convention and trade show Jan. 23-24 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, S.D.

On Friday, Jan. 23, the Private Property Rights Committee will give a report, followed by a luncheon speaker and reports from the Trade and Marketing committees. The Checkoff and Trade committees are also scheduled to give reports, and a trade show and silent auction are scheduled.

Saturday will begin with a report from the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Committee, followed by reports from the Animal ID, Animal Health and COOL committees.

A business session and director nominations are also planned. A trade show, social and banquet will round out the event.

For more information visit www.r-calfusa.com for more information.

— Information provided by R-CALF.

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