News Update
Dec. 14, 2010

Angus Genetics Inc. Accepting DNA Samples

Angus breeders may now submit samples to Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) for the Pfizer Animal Genetics® High-Density 50K. The results will be incorporated into future genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs).

AGI, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Angus Association, currently incorporates Merial Igenity® samples into the Association’s weekly National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) to provide genomic-enhanced selection tools. AGI is working to also incorporate Pfizer samples into the industry’s largest beef cattle database.

“There is still work to be done to incorporate Pfizer’s High-Density 50K predictions into American Angus Association National Cattle Evaluation procedures,” says Bill Bowman, AGI president and Association COO. “We are excited to make the Pfizer technology available to the industry as an additional component of our selection tools, and we encourage breeders to visit our website, www.angus.org, as more details are available.” Read more.

NCBA Urges U.S. Senators to Support Passage of Estate Tax Relief

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Steve Foglesong is pleased the U.S. Senate passed a procedural vote to move forward with consideration of an agreement between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to extend all expiring tax rates for two years. Included in the agreement is a two-year fix for the estate tax, commonly known as the death tax, which reduces the top rate to 35%; increases the exemption level to $5 million; indexes exemptions to inflation; and includes a stepped-up basis. Foglesong said he urges the Senate to vote “yes” on final passage of the legislation as currently written.

“It is encouraging the Senate has taken the first step necessary to passing meaningful estate tax reform, but we’re not there yet,” Foglesong said. “Farmers, ranchers and small business owners need relief from this tax that could put them out of business. The Reid/McConnell amendment is our best shot at stopping the death tax from returning to devastating levels.”

The Senate today voted to invoke cloture and end debate on the Reid/McConnell amendment by a vote of 83-15. It has been reported the Senate will vote on final passage of the Reid/McConnell amendment on Dec. 14. 2010. Upon passing in the Senate, the amendment will be sent to the House for consideration before being sent to President Obama to be signed into law.

“Political pundits talk about how the death tax will only affect the wealthy elite. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and it is encouraging to know that an overwhelming majority of U.S. Senators understand the return of the death tax to pre-2001 levels of a 55% tax and an exemption level of $1 million will deliver a death sentence to family-owned farms and ranches across the country,” Foglesong said. “It is time for the Senate to pass the Reid/McConnell amendment with broad bipartisan support and send a loud and clear message to the House that the time for political games and lofty speeches has expired.” 

— Release by NCBA.

Commercial Manure Applicator Training Scheduled for Jan. 6, 2011

Commercial manure applicators can attend three hours of training on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, to meet annual commercial manure applicator certification requirements.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 75 locations in Iowa, and four locations in surrounding states. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. There is no fee for the workshop, but applicators must register by Dec. 30 with the ISU Extension county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of county extension offices offering this workshop can be found at www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/11macprogrampostcard.pdf.

Commercial manure applicators wishing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend. The workshop will provide the required three hours of annual training and will cover applicator rules, manure application on snow-covered and frozen ground, manure nitrogen management update and video on foaming pits and a review of case studies.

All currently certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2011. Those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the Iowa DNR prior to March 1 to avoid paying late fees.

Applicators unable to attend the Jan. 6 program must schedule a time with their ISU Extension county office to watch the training DVD. Due to scheduling conflicts, many extension offices will no longer accept walk-in appointments to watch these DVDs. Instead county offices offer scheduled dates and times to provide this training.

Beginning March 1, applicators unable to attend training during one of the scheduled reshow dates at a county extension office, will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at their convenience. There will not be a fee charged for scheduled training dates and live workshops. If attending the workshops or watching the three-hour DVD is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam to meet certification requirements.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 6, ISU Extension also will offer seven dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2011. Information regarding these workshops and locations is also contained in the link to the brochure listed above.

Applicators with questions about the commercial manure applicator certification program should contact their ISU Extension county office or visit www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html.

“Advocating for Agriculture” Award Winners Announced

Ag Connect Expo 2011 announces the Grand Prize winners of the “Advocating for Agriculture” Awards, which recognize those who support “in a compelling way the work of farmers and ranchers to provide abundant and affordable food and fiber.” Online voting by the Ag community helped select the winners, and more than 12,500 votes were cast for the nine finalists.

The “Advocating for Agriculture” award winners are:

Ag Woman of the Year — Beverly Hall from Baxter, Tennessee
Community Advocate Award — Ray Bowman from Frankfurt, Kentucky
Next Generation of Ag Award — Elliott Marsh from Statesboro, Georgia

The “Advocating for Agriculture” awards seek to create a wider public understanding and appreciation of the industry’s role and the significant contribution that production agriculture makes to our quality of life. The achievements and significant contributions of the award winners also serve as an inspiration for future industry leaders.

Click here for more information on the winners and to view the winning video submissions.

Ag Connect Expo 2011 will take place Jan. 8-12, 2010, (Preview Day Jan. 7 by special admission) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.

It will be a gathering place for those who advocate for and support production agriculture.

Grand prize winners receive a round-trip for two to Ag Connect Expo 2011 in Atlanta, Ga., and will be honored at Ag Connect Expo during the “Celebration of Agriculture” reception on Preview Day, Jan. 7.

For more information, see AG CONNECT Expo 2011. Check out the show on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube.

— Release by Ag Connect Expo.

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