News Update
December 30, 2011
Make Plans for Genomic Testing
With spring bull sale season around the corner, producers should plan ahead to submit DNA samples in order to receive test results in a timely manner.
“If you are considering genomic tests for this spring, now is the time to place your orders,” says Bill Bowman, American Angus Association COO and president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). “Members are encouraged to order their tests well in advance of spring bull sales to ensure that they have the results when needed.”
Once breeders submit DNA samples, there is a 3-4-week processing time for most tests, and there are sale book deadlines to consider.
“Even in today’s business of speedy turnaround times and weekly evaluations of expected progeny differences (EPDs), breeders can still miss their window of opportunity to include important information in their sale books,” Bowman says. “We encourage breeders to budget a four-week turnaround time in order to better meet marketing deadlines.”
Angus breeders may submit genomic orders online through AAA Login and mail samples to AGI, which then processes the order for testing at the appropriate genomic labs.
To learn more about genomic testing or how to submit samples, visit www.angus.org or call 816-383-5100.
New Embryo Transfer Rule Begins Jan. 1
A new embryo transfer (ET) rule, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2012, will require Angus producers who want to register embryo transfer (ET) calves to request an ET authorization when the first owner of a calf is different than the owner of the donor dam.
The new Rule 104(d)(12), adopted at the Association’s September Board meeting, states: If the first owner of the calf is different than the owner of record of the donor female, and the embryo removal date is on or after Jan. 1, 2012, the owner of the donor female must obtain and transfer an ET Authorization to the account of the first owner before the calf is eligible for registration.
“Embryos may pass through several hands before a calf is born and registered,” says Don Laughlin, Association director of member services. “ET Authorizations allow the person who is responsible for flushing the donor cow to confirm dates, sires and type of flush (such as in vitro or split embryo) on a calf through the Association’s AAA Login service.”
The authorization will confirm ET registrations when the breeder and first owner are not the same, creating a record between the buyer and seller of the embryos.
The new rule will not affect every Angus producer. In fact, fiscal year numbers at the end of FY 2011 showed approximately 15% of all embryo registrations would need an ET authorization to be registered, if the rule was previously in place.
“Before the new rule, the sire, donor dam, embryo removal date, sex of the calf and the birth date from the first owner (the person registering the ET calf) was known. Now, thanks to information from the person who owned the donor dam at the time of the flush, we will know the parentage, range of age and possibly the sex on any pregnant recipients. This increases accuracy of the Association’s records and decreases errors,” Laughlin says.
He adds, “This rule will also provide an avenue for a seller to monitor registration of embryos or confirmed pregnancies from the donor of which they no longer have control.”
ET Authorization is free and processed through AAA Login, similar to artificial insemination (AI) certificates. Contact the Member Services Department at 816-383-5100 for more information.
Secretary Vilsack Announces
Cattlemen’s Beef Board Appointments
Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack announced 29 appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB) Wednesday, Dec. 28. All appointees will serve three-year terms.
“These appointees represent a cross section of the beef industry, and I am confident that beef producers and importers of cattle, beef and beef products will be well-served by them,” said Vilsack.
Newly appointed members representing cattle producers are: Leo Sutterfield Jr., Ark.; Phyllis Snyder, Colo.; Sarah Childs, Fla.; Kimberly Brackett, Idaho; Stacy McClintock and Perry Owens, Kan.; Daniel Smith, Ky.; Leon Kreisler, Mo.; Lyle Peterson and Linda Nielsen, Mont.; Douglas Temme and Sherry Vinton, Neb.; Wesley Grau, N.M.; Patrick Becker, N.D.; Terry Wyatt and Barbara Jacques, Okla.; Joyce Bupp, Pa.; Gerald Sharp, S.D.; Ted Greidanus, Southwest Unit; Richard Winter, Paul Looney Jr., G. Hughes Abell, Lavina Sartwell and Thomas Alger, Texas; and Frank Maxey Jr., Va.
Newly appointed members representing importers are: Andrew Burtt, Va.; Stephen Edwards, Va.; Cristobal Hutton, Ill.; and Joakim Holzner, Colo.
The board oversees the collection of $1 per head on all cattle sold in the United States, and $1 per head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. In addition, the board contracts with established national, nonprofit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.
The 103-member board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The Secretary selects the appointees nominated by beef, veal, dairy and importers certified organizations.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors operation of the board.
Ag Action 2012 of Southwest Michigan
Features Food Business Development
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) will host Ag Action 2012, one of southwest Michigan’s biggest agriculture and home horticulture events, Jan. 27 featuring a daylong business development track with MSU Product Center sessions on Michigan cottage foods, commercial food businesses and The Road to Independence, taught by MSU Product Center and Food Safety Extension Educators at the community college campus in Oshtemo.
This year MSU Extension and KVCC will add food and business development topics to its popular Ag Action trade show, agriculture and home horticulture offerings. Cottage foods: How to Start a Successful Business focuses on the preparation of certain foods in home kitchens for direct sale. Participants will learn what foods can be legally produced, labeled and sold. Food safety practices that may be used to ensure a wholesome product will be addressed, and an option for a food safety training certificate offered. An overview of MSU resources for business development is also planned.
Cottage to commercial: Ingredients for a Successful Food Business will go beyond the limits of cottage foods with exploration of food-processing basics, regulatory requirements, business development resources and related topics. This session targets those who are interested in taking a cottage food-type product to the commercial market or start any type of food business.
The Road to Independence is designed to provide resources and information for start-up entrepreneurs. Topics include: getting started, business planning and market considerations. Anyone who is thinking about starting any kind of business is welcome to attend.
Ag Action 2012 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at KVCC. The registration fee of $20 includes lunch. Other fees may apply. For more information, see upcoming events or call 269-657-8213.
Dec. 31 Donations Contribute to the
Angus Foundation’s Vision of Value
You can help the Angus Foundation get closer to its Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus $11 million goal by making a contribution to the Annual Fund before Dec. 31. Themed “Champions of the Vision,” the Annual Fund provides an easy way to contribute to the Vision of Value campaign. You can donate by returning your pledge card to the Angus Foundation, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506 or donating online at www.angusfoundation.org. Contributions benefit education, youth and research for the Angus breed and agricultural industry.
Donors to the Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus will have their names included on a campaign appreciation plaque that will be displayed at the American Angus Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.
Call Angus Foundation President Milford Jenkins at 816-383-5100 to discuss the wide array of charitable giving strategies available to donors interested in making a major gift commitment to the campaign.
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