News Update
Jan. 14, 2011

Angus Activities Continue at National Western Stock Show

Today’s Angus events at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) included the Angus ROV Female Show that started at 8 a.m. The American Angus Association is posting results of the shows at www.angus.org/showresults. Also, look for Angus Carload and Pen Show results tomorrow starting at 8 a.m.

Angus producers are also encouraged to stop by the Association’s Listening Post in the Yards. Association and Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) staff members will be there to discuss Association programs or the cattle industry.

From yesterday as posted on the National Junior Angus Association Facebook page:

• In the junior Angus show, grand champion honors went to SCC Miss Blackbird 948, owned by Lindsey Grimes, Hillsboro, Ohio. Reserve grand honors went to VS Elba 0918, owned by Savannah Levisay, Creston, Calif.

Youth Activities to Stir Up Fun at 2011 Cattle Industry Convention

Events designed especially for young people will give an extra kick to the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show in Denver, Colo., Feb. 2-5. The programs, for young people ages 9 to young adult, are focused on education, leadership and teamwork. They are being exclusively sponsored by Farm Credit.

The events are being coordinated by the NCBA and provide invaluable educational, leadership and networking opportunities for America’s next generation of beef producers. Events include the Youth Beef Quiz Bowl, Public Speaking Contest, Team Marketing Contest, Cattle Judging Contest and National Collegiate Beef Quiz Bowl.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer these events for young people attending the Cattle Industry Convention,” said Steve Foglesong, a beef producer from Astoria, Ill., and NCBA president. “The next generation of beef producers deserves our attention and encouragement. These programs will provide valuable instruction as well as entertainment for the younger convention-goers in February.”

For the first time ever, the Cattle Judging Contest will take place on the NCBA Trade Show floor, which means 40 head of cattle will be in 10 pens on the trade show floor. The Cattle Judging Contest will include a Novice Division (under age 9 or, if it’s their first judging contest, under age 11); Junior Division (ages 9-14); Senior Division (ages 14 to 19); and College Division. The Colorado State University (CSU) Animal Sciences Department is hosting the judging contest, providing and finding all of the cattle, officials and manpower to run the contest.

The Team Marketing Contest will encourage team participation while promoting development of communication skills, marketing techniques and an understanding of cattle performance information. The Youth Beef Quiz Bowl offers opportunities to demonstrate knowledge related to the cattle industry, while the Public Speaking Contest stimulates interest in leadership through presentation skills.

The activities for young people at the convention are part of a larger effort by the NCBA to boost efforts directed at those who will lead the cattle industry in the future. That effort includes a Young Producers Council directed at people ages 18 to 35, allowing them to interact with other young producers, enhance their leadership abilities and further their professional development.

“These are the kinds of opportunities our young people need to thrive in this industry, both now and in the future,” says Foglesong. “The more we can do to provide for the needs of our young people, the more we can assure the success of the cattle industry down the road.”

NCBA is dedicated to providing a unique opportunity to develop student’s knowledge, communication skills, personal character and leadership capabilities. Youth contests provide the opportunity to enhance and strengthen a student’s confidence, decision-making and organization skills, self discipline, and the ability to accept constructive criticism.

Youth Contestants must register for the 2011 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show. To register and enter any of the youth contests, visit www.BeefUSA.org.

— Release by NCBA.

2011 Pasture Management Update Is Jan. 27

Cow and calf producers interested in learning the latest pasture management recommendations have the opportunity to attend the 2011 Pasture Management Update on Jan. 27. 

The seminar will take place at St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Corning, Iowa, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Speakers from Iowa State University (ISU) and ISU Extension, the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State and Dow AgroSciences will share their expertise on subjects ranging from weed management and hay quality to pasture lease agreements and the Iowa fence law.

“Producers attending the seminar will gain some information that will assist them to improve the management of the their pasture and grazing animals, which will result in giving the producers the opportunity to be more profitable,” said Brian Peterson, chair of the Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee (SIFLC).

With a goal to provide an interactive event, speakers will provide information to the audience in a format that gives ample opportunity for questions from the producers during the presentations, he said.

For a full schedule, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2011/jan/431201.htm.

The registration fee is $5, payable at the door. For more information, contact Melissa Maynes or Chris Nelson at 641-322-3184, or Joe Sellers at 641-203-1270. 

— Release by ISU extension.

Made with Organic Labeling Guidance Open for Public Comment

The National Organic Program (NOP) announced today, Jan. 14, the availability of draft guidance for public input concerning products labeled “made with organic [specified ingredients or food group(s)].”

Processed products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients can be labeled “made with organic [specified ingredients or food group(s)].” For example, soup made with at least 70% organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled “soup made with organic vegetables.”

The document addresses the use of non-organic ingredients in “made with organic” products and clarifies the use of percentage statements under the “made with organic” labeling category.  

“This guidance is intended to ensure consistency across the organic food industry,” said Miles McEvoy, Deputy Administrator of the NOP. “For example, it answers questions about what ingredients may be used within the 30% non-organic portion of ‘made with organic’ products.”

The NOP invites organic producers, handlers, certifying agents, consumers and other interested parties to submit comments about the guidance provisions. The draft guidance is available for comment in the Federal Register until March 14, 2011, at www.regulations.gov (filed under document number AMS-NOP-10-0045). Comments can also be submitted to Toni Strother, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, Room 2646-So., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0268. Clearly indicate the provision being addressed, support for or opposition to it, and the reason(s) for your position.

The NOP will consider all comments submitted by March 14, 2011, before issuing the final guidance. Once finalized, the guidance will be available as part of the Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs) and Certified Operations. Current edition of the Program Handbook is available online at www.ams.usda.gov/NOPProgramHandbook or in print upon request.

— Release by USDA AMS.

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