News Update
November 9, 2011
I Am Angus Airs Nov. 21 on RFD-TV
A new episode of the American Angus Association’s popular I Am Angus television series will air Monday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) on RFD-TV. The show is titled, “Ranching Matters: A Celebration of America’s Ranching Traditions.”
I Am Angus focuses on the heart of the Angus cattle business — its people, their heritage and why they’ve chosen to be in the Angus business. The video series explores each sector of the beef business, Angus heritage and how animal agriculture meets the challenge of feeding a growing population. “As the country becomes further removed from the farm, it is important to share our story in an entertaining way that is relatable for people,” says Eric Grant, Association director of communications and public relations. “Our program gives ranchers a chance to describe their passion for Angus cattle, in their own words, and remind consumers of the effort that goes into producing safe and nutritious beef.”
The program is sponsored by the Igenity® Profile for Angus and airs on RFD-TV. The network is distributed by more than 625 cable operators, and can be found on DirecTV channel 345 and Dish Network channel 231. Check local listings for more information.
Subsequent programs are planned and broadcast dates will be announced later this winter.
For more information or to watch segments from past shows, visit www.angus.org.
Court Considers RMEF Arguments in Wolf Case
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today heard arguments from both sides of a lawsuit alleging that Congress acted unconstitutionally when it removed wolves from the endangered species list and cleared the way for wolf hunting seasons now under way in Idaho and Montana.
An attorney representing the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and other conservation groups presented oral arguments supporting the Congressional action, wolf delisting and science-based, state-regulated management and control of wolf populations.
The court is expected to issue its ruling soon.
“We’re hopeful for a quick and favorable ruling, especially since a lower court already ruled against the plaintiffs — a coalition of animal rights and environmental activist groups,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Our opponents don’t seem to care that in some areas, elk calf survival rates are now too low to sustain herds for the future. We support a more balanced approach to conservation.”
Today’s hearing took place in a Pasadena, Calif., courtroom. RMEF and Safari Club International led two different groups granted intervener status in the case. An attorney representing their collective position was given seven minutes to present arguments.
Key facts of the case include:
- Wolves were relocated from Canada to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming in 1994 as a “nonessential, experimental population” under the Endangered Species Act.
- The wolf population in each state passed stated recovery goals some 10 years ago.
- Current wolf populations across the three states are known to exceed 1,700 animals, and in many areas are out of balance with biological and cultural tolerances.
- Conservation has succeeded in America because of science-based, state-regulated management and control of wild species, including predators. All evidence suggests this system also would work well for wolves.
- Litigious animal rights and environmental activist groups have managed to keep wolves under full federal protections for much of the past decade.
- In April 2011, Congress passed a measure that delisted wolves in parts of the West.
- Congress did not, as plaintiffs claim, violate “separation of powers” when it partially delisted wolves. In today’s hearing, attorneys presented ample legal precedents supporting the Congressional action. RMEF joined the other conservation groups in asking the appellate court to uphold the favorable ruling issued in August by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula, Mont.
Allen said, “If they lose this decision, plaintiffs could take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. But I’m hoping that a Congressional act, two courtroom defeats and an American public that is clearly tired of all this legal wrangling will encourage our opponents to give up — and cede responsible wolf management and control to conservation professionals in each state. But we’ll have to wait and see.”
RMEF continues to fight wolf lawsuits and support delisting legislation at both federal and state levels.
K-State to Host 2011-2012 Lease Workshops
for Ag Tenants and Landlords
Kansas State University (K-State) will host workshops in 10 locations around the state during the next three months to address the intricacies of leasing agricultural land. The workshops are designed to aid both landlords and tenants as they work to arrive at an equitable arrangement for Kansas farmland.
“Price volatility in recent years, particularly in the grain markets, has led to difficulties for landlords and tenants to determine and negotiate appropriate rental arrangements,” said Kevin Dhuyvetter, K-State Research and Extension agricultural economist. “These daylong workshops are offered to help landlords and tenants manage the risk associated with rental agreements.”
Presentations include Introduction to Rental Arrangements; Ethics of Leasing; Using Excel Spreadsheets; and Using KSU-Lease.xls (spreadsheet tool).
Workshop dates and Kansas locations are:
- Nov. 14 – Downs
- Nov. 30 – Hutchinson
- Dec. 1 – Canton
- Dec. 12 – Syracuse
- Dec. 13 – Garden City
- Jan. 10 – Iola
- Jan. 17 – Manhattan
- Jan. 18 – Oakley
- Feb. 7 – Scandia
- Feb. 7 – Green (abbreviated program)
More information, including how to register for each location, is available on the K-State extension agricultural economics website or by contacting Rich Llewelyn at 785-532-1504 or rvl@ksu.edu.
Animal Ag Alliance Names New President/CEO
On Nov. 2, the Board of Directors of the Animal Agriculture Alliance announced the promotion of Kay Johnson Smith to president and CEO of the nonprofit organization. Johnson Smith has served the Alliance since 1994, first as vice president, and later as executive vice president. Previously, Johnson Smith was the executive director of the Alliance’s predecessor association, the Animal Industry Foundation.
Johnson Smith is the chief spokesperson leading the national advocacy of the Alliance, supervising its many outreach and education programs in support of American animal agriculture. She serves on a number of strategic agriculture industry coalitions and has provided hundreds of presentations on the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture today.
“The Board of Directors would like to thank Kay for her continued dedication to the Alliance, and to all of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Alliance Chairman and veterinarian Chris Ashworth of Elanco Animal Health. “Under her leadership, the Alliance will remain a strong, united voice for all of animal agriculture.”
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