News Update
August 5, 2009

Board Passes Agenda Items at July 28 Meeting

The American Angus Association® Board of Directors met July 28, 2009, to discuss several agenda items, recommended by the Alternative Income Committee, regarding income-generating opportunities for the Association.

Policy changes include requiring registration before breeders can access their animals’ expected progeny differences (EPDs), effective in December 2009, concurrent with the release of the Spring 2010 National Cattle Evaluation (NCE); and two changes to the membership dues structure — a new membership fee of $80, and a new individual lifetime membership, which will be available for $1,500.

Both changes in membership dues will take effect Jan. 1, 2010.

“These policy changes will ensure that the Association’s 126-year tradition of service, information, outreach and leadership – including field services and breeder support staff – continues into the future,” Bryce Schumann, Association CEO, says. “We also look forward to our renewed investment in a more aggressive and innovative public relations, advertising and marketing program this fall. These efforts will play a critical role in strengthening the economic position of Angus during one of the industry’s most challenging times.”

Other revenue-generating opportunities, including the development of operating margins for Angus Genetics Inc.® (AGI), will be discussed at AGI’s and the Association’s board meetings on September 9-11, 2009, in Saint Joseph, Mo.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

Angus Enthusiasts Tee-Up for the Ninth Annual Golf Tournament

Sunshine and an alligator kept things interesting for the 45 players who took to the greens to support the Angus Foundation. Taking a break from the activities of the show, golfers of all ages came out to support the Angus Foundation at its 9th Annual Golf Tournament at Houston Lake Country Club in Perry, Ga.

“Our 45 players enjoyed this scenic, yet very challenging course today. This year’s golf tournament was another successful fundraiser for the Angus Foundation,” Angus Foundation President Milford Jenkins said. “More than $13,000 was raised toward the Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus national fundraising effort for the Angus breed.”

After the completion of the tournament, the golfers were happy to return to the clubhouse to enjoy a Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) steak lunch at the awards ceremony, compliments of Buckhead Beef of Atlanta, Ga.

The winners of Flight A, representing Georgia, included players Marty Seagraves, Nicholson; Scott Allen, Palmo; David Williams, Bishop; and Tim Royster, Dacula. Winners of Flight B, representing Missouri and Michigan included Cameron Ward, Plattsburg, Mo.; Gregory Connell, Eugene, Mo.; Jacob Heimsoth, Lathrop, Mo.; and Steve Thelen, Saline, Mich. Winners of Flight C, representing Colorado and Arkansas included players Jeff Creamer, and Britney Creamer, both of Montrose, Colo., and Kevin Rieff, Bentonville, Ark.

“We’re very appreciative of the players and sponsors who help make this event possible for the Angus Foundation and who allow us to advance our education, youth and research activities for the betterment of the entire Angus breed,” Jenkins said. “We invite others to share in this fun activity with us in Denver, Colorado, in 2010.”

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

Cattlemen Welcome Legislation Providing Death Tax Relief

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised legislation introduced by Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and John Salazar (D-Colo.) that would provide farmers and ranchers relief from the death tax.

HR 3524, the Family Farm Preservation and Conservation Estate Tax Act, would exempt working farm and ranch land from the death tax, as long as the land is kept in production agriculture. Should the land be used or sold for other purposes, a recapture tax would be imposed.

“The death tax is one of the leading causes of the breakup of family farms, as producers are forced to sell their land to pay off taxes on their inheritance,” said Gary Voogt, NCBA president and rancher from Marne, Mich. “This legislation is an important step in ensuring hardworking farmers and ranchers can keep their land in their families.”

Currently, estates valued at more than $3.5 million, or $7 million for a couple, are taxed at a 45% rate. President Obama has proposed freezing it at this level so it can be dealt with at a later date. But if Congress doesn’t act to freeze or reduce the estate tax, in 2011, it will revert to a staggering 55% tax on estates worth only $1 million or more.

“Our country can’t afford the consequences of taxing our farmers and ranchers out of business,” Voogt said. “NCBA will continue to press for relief from the death tax, and we look forward to working with Congressmen Thompson and Salazar to ensure that cattle producers can continue to work their land and feed our nation.”

— Release provided by NCBA.

Technical Assistance Available on Nutrient Plans

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began requiring all confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) over 1,000-head capacity to develop, implement and update a nutrient management plan (NMP). CAFO owners and operators should fully understand and follow NMPs.

Producers needing assistance with an NMP can call the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) Environmental Services. Mandy Fox is the lead agronomist performing this service.

Meanwhile, state approval of NMPs and other government permits and contracts could take longer due to state budget cuts. The staff in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Livestock Waste Division has been reduced by nearly one-fourth due to budget contraints. It does not appear those positions will be filled in the foreseeable future. Permit renewals and changes, including those associated with time-sensitive Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts, and approval of NMPs will take more time as a result of these staffing reductions.

— Release provided by KLA.

Beef Cattle Nutrition Workshop Planned for Aug. 13

Monitoring forage intake and quality is a critical element of cattle herd health and profitability, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists and agents.

A free Beef Cattle Nutrition Workshop Aug. 13 on the Chisum Ranch headquarters in Roberts County, will focus on evaluating forage supply and demand. The workshop will open with a noon lunch provided by Panhandle Plains Land Bank, and the program will begin at 12:45 p.m.

Chisum Ranch is located 2 miles off U.S. Hwy. 70 at Reynolds Ranch Road, which is 18 miles north of Pampa. Signs will be posted, said Brandon McGinty, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Gray County.

“Whether you are grazing native pastures, improved pastures or even forage sorghums, it is important to know what nutrients the forage is supplying to your beef herd, as well as risks that exist from issues like prussic acid and nitrate poisoning,” McGinty said.

Those planning to attend should contact one of the following AgriLife Extension offices by Aug. 10: Carson County, 806-537-3882; Gray County, 806-669-8033; Roberts County, 806-868-3191; and Armstrong County, 806-226-3021.

Topics and speakers will be:

• Forage quality issues and sampling, Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist.
  
• Estimating forage availability, Clint Rollins, Natural Resources Conservation Service range specialist.
  
• Determining stocking rates, Rollins.
  
• Having your cake and eating it too: Balancing the demands of livestock and wildlife, Ken Cearley, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist.
  
• Cattle markets and updates, Steve Amosson, AgriLife Extension economist.
  Three general continuing education credits will be offered to pesticide applicators.

— Release provided by Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

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