News Update
July 28, 2009

Get to Know Your Beef Checkoff

So you think you know your beef checkoff? Then take your shot at the “MyBeefCheckoff Quiz.” The first three correct respondents win a prize — and get the scoop about their checkoff investments! Click here to take the survey.

WSU Professor Wins National Award for Mentoring Graduate Students

Jerry Reeves, professor emeritus in Animal Sciences at Washington State University (WSU), won the coveted L.E. Casida Award from the American Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS) for excellence in graduate student training in endocrinology and reproductive sciences. The award was announced during the society’s recent annual meeting in Canada.

Ag Secretary Vilsack Announces Grants for International Study

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced more than $3.3 million in grants to 23 institutions in 19 states to enhance their international research and teaching capabilities.

Vilsack said the grant money will help fund projects aimed at enhancing the international content of curricula, provide faculty with the opportunity to work outside the United States to bring lessons learned back to the classroom, promote international research partnerships, enhance the use and application of foreign technologies in the United States and strengthen the role that colleges and universities play in maintaining U.S. competitiveness.

For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.

Storing Hay and Feed Indoors Helps Reduce Risk of Bovine TB

Bovine tuberculosis (TB), a contagious bacterial disease, can cause a cattle producer to lose an entire herd. Bovine TB is transmitted from cattle to cattle, as well as to other mammals, including humans, through nose-to-nose contact; feed and water contaminated with saliva or other substances that contain the bacteria; and by drinking raw, unpasteurized milk from infected animals. Proper herd management, such as buying only cattle that have been tested for TB, keeping new cattle quarantined for 60 days, keeping cattle away from other herds, and implementing biosecurity measures, can help reduce the risk of livestock contracting the disease.

Many dairy and beef producers are unaware that wildlife interaction with cattle creates an increased risk of cattle becoming infected with bovine TB. For example, white-tailed deer, especially in Michigan and Minnesota, have been found infected with the disease.

When infected deer feed on hay bales that are left in the field, the bovine tuberculosis bacteria remains on the hay for up to three months. A proactive approach to keeping cattle free of this disease is storing hay and feed indoors so that wildlife will not have access to it.

According to Farmtek, a ClearSpan Fabric Structure is a quick solution for storing hay indoors because it can be installed in as little as a few days. The company reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made available emergency funds in many states to help eradicate bovine TB through the use of preventative measures such as indoor hay storage. Contact your local USDA center for information on funding available to help prevent the spread of bovine TB in your area.

— Adapted from a release provided by Farmtek.

Sec. Vilsack Announces $15.3M for Business Projects in Rural Areas

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 145 recipients for more than $15.3 million in grants to start or expand businesses in rural communities. Through Recovery Act funding, businesses will be able to access critical capital that will help with start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.

In addition to the $15.3 million that USDA Rural Development is providing for the 145 projects announced today, recipients have raised $16 million from other sources.

The funding announced today is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Program (RBEG), which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs. RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs. Additional information on the RBEG program may be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm. For a list of grant recipients, visit www.usda.gov.

— Adapted from a release provided by USDA.

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