News Update
Nov. 17, 2009

NAILE Show Coverage, Events Online

The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Super-Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus show continues today in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center (KFEC) Freedom Hall West Ring. For immediate show results, visit http://www.angus.org/showresults, which may also be accessed through mobile phones, depending on phone capabilities.

Following the show, producers may also visit http://www.angusjournal.com/louisville for complete show coverage and photos provided by Angus Productions Inc. (API).

Also, tune in to RFD-TV’s AgDay or U.S. Farm Report beginning Nov. 18 for national television coverage, interviews and Angus event highlights.

Other NAILE News

Board members elected at yesterday’s Annual Meeting & Convention of Delegates are Steve Olson, Cathy Watkins, Scott Foster, Charlie Boyd and Vaughn Meyer, directors. The newly elected officers are Jarold Callahan, treasurer; Joe Hampton, vice president; and Bill Davis, president.

Sally Yon was announced as the new Miss American Angus. Angus Productions Inc.’s Advertising/Production Manager Cheryl Oxley was named the Auxiliary’s 21st Distinguished Woman at the Auxiliary Breakfast. Hannah McCabe was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award. For more NAILE news, continue checking www.angus.org.

AGI Accepting Samples for Genomic-Enhanced EPDs Powered by Igenity®

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) is now accepting DNA samples for analysis with the industry’s first breed-specific DNA profile from Igenity®. Angus breeders are one step closer to putting the power of DNA to work in combination with expected progeny differences (EPDs) by using the first genomic-enhanced EPDs available for multiple traits.

“We are pleased to offer Angus breeders the opportunity to apply the next great advancement in cattle breeding and genetics,” Bill Bowman, COO of AGI, says. “The combination of DNA technology from Igenity with the Angus National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) results in more predictable EPDs, which Angus breeders and their commercial customers can use to help make more confident decisions and faster genetic progress.”

Producers will receive genomic-enhanced EPDs and/or Igenity scores for 14 economically important traits, including residual feed intake, average daily gain, tenderness, marbling, percent choice (quality grade), yield grade, fat thickness, ribeye area, carcass weight, yearling weight, heifer pregnancy rate, stayability (longevity), maternal calving ease, and docility.

“The ability to evaluate cattle using EPDs with improved accuracies helps producers minimize some of the risk that comes with using young sires or selecting replacement heifers,” Bowman says. “Now producers can more confidently evaluate young cattle for economically important traits such as marbling and feed efficiency, to help ensure they are pointing their herd in the right direction.”

Stewart Bauck, executive director of research and development for Igenity, says Igenity offers analyses for multiple economically important traits; however, not all of those traits are currently available as EPDs.

“Therefore, in addition to genomic-enhanced EPDs, producers will receive scores from Igenity,” he says. “Producers also will have the option to evaluate cattle for genetic abnormalities and test for persistent infections (PI) of the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus — all from a single DNA sample.”

To get started, producers can order sample collection kits from AGI by visiting www.angus.org. All DNA sample types — blood, hair, tissue or semen — will be accepted; however, blood samples on FTA® cards are preferred. Samples should be mailed to AGI and results will be returned via the customer log-in function on www.angus.org.

“Genomic-enhanced EPDs will be returned to producers three to four weeks after samples are received,” Bowman says. For samples submitted this fall, “information will be available in time for producers to make final replacement heifer selection decisions and provide genomic-enhanced EPDs at spring production sales.”

Bauck says Igenity is pleased to work with AGI and the American Angus Association (AAA) to make genomic-enhanced EPDs a possibility for Angus breeders.

“Igenity is committed to providing producers the most user-friendly and convenient options to applying the power of DNA,” he says. “Genomic-enhanced EPDs were the next advancement in the application of DNA technology, and now, thanks to the commitment of AGI and AAA (the American Angus Association), it has become a reality for Angus breeders.”

In addition to working with AGI to provide genomic-enhanced EPDs for Angus producers, Igenity offers analyses for more than 15 economically important traits and seven genetic abnormalities producers can use to make more confident selection, management and marketing decisions. Igenity also offers information management software and consultation to help producers customize this advanced information to their individual herd goals.

For more information about Igenity, contact your Igenity sales representative, call 1-877-443-6489 or visit www.igenity.com. For more information about the genomic-enhanced EPDs available from AGI, contact your Angus regional manager or call 816-383-5100.

— Release provided by Merial & American Angus Association

Saddle & Sirloin Club Honors New Member for Certified Angus Beef®

The prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Club inducted their newest member, Louis “Mick” Colvin, last night during the 2009 NAILE. Colvin was honored at the annual Saddle & Sirloin Banquet and Portrait Presentation.

The Saddle and Sirloin Club portrait collection is housed at the KFEC and consists of 341 oil portraits of exceptional agricultural leaders. For 106 years the club has recognized the impact of such leaders on agriculture and has chosen this tradition to honor them.

The collection of portraits began in the original Saddle & Sirloin Club at the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Ill., in 1903. The collection was moved to the KFEC, home of the NAILE, in 1977, and each year during NAILE, a new honoree is chosen.

This year’s inductee is Louis “Mick” Colvin. Originally from Shellsburg, Pa., Colvin earned a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry from Penn State University. Following his college years, Colvin began his purebred Angus career by becoming herdsman for Mole’s Hill Farm in Sharon, Conn. After helping them earn three International Grand Champions and a National Western Champion, he quickly became a well-respected member of the Angus industry.

In 1963 Colvin became a field officer for the American Angus Association and later advanced to a regional manager, becoming more and more respected along the way. When he and his family decided to move to West Salem, Ohio, to start Colvin Angus Farm, he had become one of the top members of the American Angus Association. So, naturally, when Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) began on Jan. 1, 1978, Colvin rose to the challenge of leading the program.

CAB was the first to explore beef branding in the industry and Colvin’s vigorous work investigating what the packers wanted and how the Angus breed could deliver, really paid off. One of his milestones came from the USDA when they approved the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand, ensuring stability for producers, retailers, chefs and consumers.

During Colvin’s 22 years as executive director of CAB, growth of total pounds sold annually reached 500 million pounds in 1999. He licensed all major packers — Excel, Monfort and IBP, as well as reinforcing the brand to the general public to the point of consuming 3.1 billion servings annually.

— Release by NAILE news.

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