News Update
Jan. 7, 2010

Temperatures Drop

Frigid temperatures are being reported throughout much of the United States. The article Fight Frostbite, from the Jan. 2009 issue of the Angus Journal, gives suggestions on how to keep both humans and livestock safe through the bitter cold. Click on the link to read the article. Stay warm, and stay safe.

CAB Partners with Famed New York Chef John Doherty

Back in 1978, a promising young chef was graduating from the Culinary Institute of America at the same time the American Angus Association® was starting its unique, specification-based branded beef program.

John Doherty went on to become executive chef of The Waldorf=Astoria New York at the age of 27 where he served for 23 years, cooking for more presidents, royalty and heads-of-state than any other chef in the country. He led the hotel’s famed Bull & Bear Steakhouse to become a signature licensed partner with the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand. Read more.

Elderly at Special Risk During Frigid Weather

Frigid weather across the Midwest puts the elderly at special risk, said a University of Missouri (MU) Extension safety specialist.

“Elderly in poorly heated homes or those of low income may unknowingly keep temperatures in a dangerous range in attempts to lower their heating bills,” Karen Funkenbusch said.

As many as 25,000 older adults die each year from hypothermia, according to the National Institute of Aging. Room temperatures as mild as 60° F can trigger hypothermia.

Elderly people living alone should arrange for a daily check-in from a friend, neighbor or family member, Funkenbusch said. Room temperature should be checked daily with a reliable thermometer separate from the thermostat, especially during very cold weather.

Dressing in several layers of loose, warm clothing creates air pockets that help retain body heat. Wearing a hat and scarf reduces heat loss through the head and neck.

Victims of hypothermia may become confused or disoriented. Other symptoms may include slow or irregular speech, shallow or very slow breathing, slow pulse and cold, pale skin. Victims may seem unaware of colder conditions.

Call an ambulance if you believe someone may be a victim of hypothermia.

Insulate the victim with blankets, towels, pillows or even newspapers. Hot baths, electric blankets and hot water bottles can be dangerous because direct heat may force cold blood toward the heart, lungs and brain.

— University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group.

Cattle Tuberculosis Confirmed In South Dakota

A Yankton County, S.D., cattle herd has been found positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB) after a 3-year-old cow from the herd was confirmed to be infected with the disease.

State Veterinarian Dustin Oedekoven said the herd has been quarantined for additional testing.

“At this time, there is only one confirmed case, but we are taking all of the necessary precautions,” Oedekoven said.

Herds that have had contact with the affected herd, or purchased animals from that herd, are being tested by state and federal animal health officials. The positive test presents no risk to food safety.

Oedekoven said South Dakota remains a TB Accredited Free state and has had that status since 1982. The finding of a single affected beef herd will not automatically affect the TB status of the entire state.

— Release by South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.

Wisconsin Beef Continues to Affect State Economy

More Wisconsin producers are adding beef cattle to their farm operations, which is making a noticeable contribution to the state’s overall economy.

Statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture show 2,000 more farms raised beef cows in 2009 than did in 2008, with a total of 265,000 beef cows on 14,800 farms in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s entire meat industry, which includes beef, pork, lamb and poultry, accounts for more than 88,000 total jobs in the state.

It is the fourth largest manufacturing industry in Wisconsin, with 14 federally inspected and more than 125 state-inspected processing plants.

The state also ranks 11th in the nation for total red meat production, boasting a $12.3 billion economic impact.

— Release by the Wisconsin Ag Connection.

Livestock Manure Management Workshops Offered

University of Illinois (U of I) Extension is hosting four livestock manure management workshops in February and March to provide hands-on assistance to Illinois livestock producers and managers in using the Illinois Manure Management Plan (IMMP) web site located at www.IMMP.uiuc.edu. The IMMP web site offers step-by-step instructions for developing manure management plans that comply with the requirements of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

“Illinois livestock producers can use the IMMP web site as a recordkeeping tool or to develop a full-fledged manure management plan,” said Ted Funk, U of I Extension agricultural engineer. “This online resource is free to the user and has tremendous benefits.”

The IMMP web site was developed with support from the Illinois Livestock Development Group, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Pork Checkoff, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Milk Producers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

“IMMP fills the specific functional and regulatory needs of Illinois livestock producers. Producers can attend a workshop to learn more about how IMMP can help take some of the worry and frustration out of their manure management tasks,” Funk said.

The workshop provides assistance whether individuals are already using the Illinois Manure Management Plan web site and have questions or would like to learn how to use the web site to develop a plan and keep records.

“If livestock producers or managers are already using the web site, they should bring their questions and any relevant information to the workshop. If they are interested in developing a plan, they can bring their livestock facility information and we will get them started. Laptop computers can also be brought to the workshop if they are Internet-ready,” Funk said.

Each workshop is scheduled from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. Dates and locations are:

• Feb. 5 – U of I Extension, Lee County, 280 W. Wasson Rd., Amboy
  
• Feb. 16 – U of I Extension, Marion County, 1404 E. Main, Rt. 50 East, Salem
  
• Feb. 26 – U of I Extension, Champaign County, 801 Country Fair Dr., Suite D, Champaign
  
• Mar. 5 – 1st Farm Credit Services, 2901 E. Jackson, Rt. 136, Macomb

To register, call 1-800-345-6087. Preregistration is required. The cost per attendee is $25, which includes lunch and handout materials.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Randy Fonner at clmt@illinois.edu or 217-333-2611.

— Release by U of I Extension.

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