News Update
June 15, 2011

Coverage of BIF Symposium Available Online

Angus Productions Inc. (API) is providing online coverage of the June 1-4 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Annual Meeting at www.BIFconference.com.

Widely recognized as the leading forum for the exchange of ideas between those who create technologies for breed improvement and those who put such technologies to practice, the symposium was hosted on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman. Experts from the United States and abroad discussed a range of topics — from recent hair-shedding evaluations to international database options to incorporating genomics into genetic selection tools.

Visit the Newsroom at www.BIFconference.com to read summaries of the sessions, view the proceedings papers and PowerPoint presentations that accompanied the speakers, and listen to audio of the sessions. Visit the Awards page for bios on the award winners. And, finally, visit the Photos page to browse through galleries of photos from the post-conference tours and the meeting itself.

The site is compiled by API and is made possible through the sponsorship of BioZyme Inc. through its significant contribution to the Angus Foundation. For more information about API or event coverage, contact Editor Shauna Hermel at shermel@angusjournal.com or 816-383-5270. For more information on BIF, contact Executive Director Joe Cassady at joe_cassady@ncsu.edu or 919-513-0262.

Producer Input Sought for 2011 Beef Quality Audit

Cattle producers are being asked to provide input to the 2011 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) by taking a short, 10-minute survey at www.cattlesurvey.com.

The 2011 NBQA, led by scientists from Colorado State University and Texas A&M University, is designed to collect and analyze information from cooler audits in the packing sector, face-to-face interviews with beef supply chain partners and, for the first time, cattle producers — including feeders, stockers, cow-calf operators and seedstock producers.

According to Tom Field, who manages the BQA program for the Beef Checkoff Program, producer input is being sought to strengthen the measurement of quality-based practices implemented on farms and ranches that support consumer confidence in beef products and production systems.

The checkoff-funded NBQA has provided important benchmarks for the U.S. beef industry since 1991. According to Field, the audit has been conducted about every four years, with the historic focus centered on quantifying the performance of beef carcasses for a number of value enhancing characteristics. Field said previous surveys have assisted in identifying challenges and opportunities for cattle producers.

“We hope to quantify the current adoption level of quality-driven management practices by the industry and develop a benchmark against which to measure future performance,” says Field. “Our goal is to provide a foundation from which to direct future educational initiatives to improve the competitiveness of beef and beef byproducts. By collecting input from cattle producers, we will help consumers and decision influencers better understand beef production and the commitment of cattlemen to produce safe and wholesome beef products.”

Cattlemen can find the survey online at www.cattlesurvey.com. It also will be available to beef producers at a variety of state, regional and national industry meetings and conventions.

— Release by Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.

Better Hay, Increased Grazing: Learn How at Pasture Field Day June 25 in Piketon

Cool, rainy weather this spring has negatively affected hay fields and pastures in Ohio and nearby states, preventing new seedings of alfalfa and orchardgrass and leading to a possible reduction in pasture yield and quality in the summer.

Learning how to deal with these and other issues is the goal of the upcoming Forage and Pasture Field Day, scheduled for Saturday, June 25, from 4-7 p.m. at Roger and Conchida Williams’s farm, 6105 Laurel Ridge Road, Piketon, Ohio.

This free, educational event is sponsored by Ohio State University Extension, the Pike County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Field day topics include “Better Grassland Management for Increased Grazing Opportunities,” “Hay and Forage Management” and “Conservation Practices for Resource Conservation and Increased Productivity.”

Guest speakers are Jeff Fisher, OSU Extension educator, and Bob Hendershot, NRCS state grassland conservationist.

Registration is not required but is appreciated. To register, contact Kevin Yost, Pike County SWCD, at 740-947-5353 or kevin.yost@oh.nacdnet.net.

— Release written by Mauricio Espinoza for Ohio State University Extension.

Juniors Give Back to Community

The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) believes giving back builds responsibility and leadership skills. Juniors can further develop these skills at the 2011 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Harrisburg, Pa., by participating in the Support Our American Recruits (SOAR) community service project.

“The community service project helps instill charitable qualities in junior Angus members,” says Jaclyn Upperman, junior board member and 2011 NJAS junior co-chairman.

The SOAR program is for any American soldier who has served or will serve in the armed forces. The community service project accommodates the NJAS theme “Let Freedom Ring” and honors Pennsylvania history and military ties.

“Through SOAR, juniors will better realize how important soldiers are and will hopefully continue to contribute once back in their own states,” Upperman says.

The program began after Sept. 11, 2001, as a support group for military families. The program now sends 600 care packages per year to deployed troops throughout the world.

SOAR provides more than items to soldiers, says Becky Bair, SOAR executive director. “It lets troops know they are not forgotten and are appreciated while providing them a taste of home to keep their morale up.”

NJAA members and families can donate items to deployed troops during the NJAS Opening Ceremonies on July 11 or throughout the week at the SOAR tradeshow booth.

“It is hard for all of us back home to realize how much we take for granted,” Bair says. “Even the most basic items are appreciated when received.”

The SOAR tradeshow booth also accepts full military addresses for specific soldiers to receive a care package.

The SOAR program also serves as a support group twice a month for military family members. Visit www.supportouramericanrecruits.com for more information.

“As volunteers, we feel that it is not what SOAR does, rather it is about the troops and what they do for us,” Bair says.

— Release by the American Angus Association.

Andy Angus makes his way to NJAS

The American Angus Association introduces a new cartoon character to the industry — Flat Andy.

Andy is a spin-off of the Flat Stanley activity popular in grade schools around the country. The Association and NJAA hope you will join in on the new activity.

Andy wants to attend the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), but needs junior members to help get him there. After loading up the snacks, tack and heifers, grab Flat Andy and a camera to make your trip across the country to the NJAS more interesting.

“With junior members traveling across the country to arrive in Harrisburg, this will be an excellent opportunity for them to document the landmarks, countryside and other sightings that they and Andy will see on their trip,” says Crystal Young, assistant director of public relations.

Sightseeing or goofing around, Flat Andy wants to be included. Snap a picture with Andy on your way to the NJAS and send the photo to Crystal Young at cyoung@angus.org or text 816-244-2394 to enter to win a Cisco flip video camera. The winner will be announced Saturday during the show.

Visit the National Junior Angus Association Facebook page to find Flat Andy to print, cut and customize. Contest details and photos of Flat Andy’s adventures will be posted on the Facebook page and used in other publicity.

The official Flat Andy will be at the NJAS, so be sure to track him down and take a photo with him.

— Release by American Angus Association.

— Compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, Angus Productions Inc.