News Update
October 2, 2012
HSUS's Pacelle to Seek Tyson Board Seat
Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has filed the necessary paperwork to seek a seat on the board of directors of Tyson Foods Inc., and equity investor Carl Icahn has agreed to advise Pacelle on the election run, according to an announcement.
Pacelle said while it may seem unusual for "a lifelong animal advocate" to seek a board seat at Tyson, it's "nonetheless imperative that a voice" on that board speak for the company's investors, partners and customers who are demanding that pork producers abandon the housing practice of gestation stalls.
Pacelle also is a vegetarian, while Tyson is the largest chicken integrator and the second-largest beef and second-largest pork processor in the U.S.
Pacelle suggested that Tyson needs to end the use of gestation stalls in its supply chain to "not fall behind" its major competitors, including Cargill Inc., Hormel Foods Corp. and Smithfield Foods Inc., that already are well into timeframes to end their use of sow stalls.
He also said Tyson needs to respond to a lengthening list of customers in the foodservice and retail sectors who have adopted stall-free pork policies that will become effective during the next five to 10 years.
Icahn, who acknowledged it will be extremely hard for Pacelle to win a board seat, said he firmly believes in the HSUS position regarding gestation stalls, and if Tyson were to end their use, it not only would be in the best interests of animal welfare but also in Tyson's business prospects.
"A fresh voice on the Tyson board would be good for the company," Icahn said, adding that he is hopeful that enough shareholders will vote for Pacelle in an election for him to win a board seat or that the current board will name Pacelle to a seat "without the cost or inconvenience of a proxy fight."
Hillhouse Angus to Donate Heifer Proceeds to the
Angus Foundation
Steve Hillhouse of Hillhouse Angus, LaGrange, Texas, is donating the proceeds of the sale of SJH New Day of 9011 1032 to the Angus Foundation. She will be offered at auction at the Hillhouse Angus upcoming production sale Friday, Oct. 26, in Salado, Texas.
"Angus breeders have a wonderful opportunity to further build their registered Angus seedstock herd through the purchase of this elite Hillhouse Angus female, with the added bonus and satisfaction of simultaneously supporting the Angus Foundation's education, youth and research efforts," says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. "Investing in your herd and the Angus breed's future makes perfect sense, and I'm confident you, too, will want to show your gratitude to Steve Hillhouse by bidding on this heifer and joining him in advancing the Angus Foundation."
The heifer is a February 2011 daughter of B/R New Day 454 and was bred to EXAR Upshot 0562B on April 4, 2012. She offers a complete package with a pleasing phenotype and balanced trait genetics from one of the most proven cow families in the breed. Her pedigree stems from GAR EXT 614 through her daughter GAR Precision 810.
For more information and the full release, click here.
NWSS is Looking for Volunteers for 2013
The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) and Rodeo announces it will recruit an additional 150-200 volunteers for the 107th NWSS, Jan. 12-27, 2013.
The NWSS is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to education, agriculture and tradition while hosting and representing one of Denver's largest annual events.
"Our volunteers are vitally important to the success of the National Western Stock Show. Approximately 500 volunteers contributed more than 32,000 hours last year," stated Kellie Lombardi, director of volunteer services. "Volunteers share our vision, mission and support through their countless hours of service. We could not be successful without them." NWSS volunteers gain experience, new friendships, camaraderie, and an outlet to share their knowledge and skills with stock show and rodeo fans across the world.
This year the NWSS is seeking to recruit an additional 150-200 volunteers to the current 500 volunteer base. Volunteers are needed in hospitality, ambassador, administration, livestock and horse show functions.
Those interested in volunteering should attend one of the two NWSS Volunteer Round-Up sessions Thursday, Oct., 25, 2012, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. or Sat., Nov. 3, 2012, from 10 a.m. until noon. RSVP for one of the Volunteer Round-Up sessions to Kellie Lombardi, director of volunteer services via e-mail volunteer@nationalwestern.com or call 303-299-5562.
For more information and to fill out a volunteer application, click here.
South Dakota CattleWomen Elect New Officers
The South Dakota CattleWomen (SDCW) hosted their annual membership meeting Friday, Sept. 21, at the Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City, to discuss business and elect officers for the coming year.
Karla Pazour of Pukwana was elected as president of the organization, and Kodi Blotsky of Mission was elected as vice president. Mary Hendrickson of Gann Valley will serve as treasurer; Danielle McDonnell of Martin will serve as secretary; Mary Jessen of Holabird is responsible for the newsletter; and Becky Littau of Winner will continue to serve as the membership chair. Ruth Farnsworth of Cartern, Julie Holmquist of Reliance, and Pazour will serve as representatives on the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.
Julie Holmquist of Reliance was thanked for her work and dedication to the CattleWomen during her term as president.
The SDCW is the official auxiliary of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and an affiliate of the American National CattleWomen (ANCW). The mission of the SDCW is to enhance and promote an enterprising and profitable South Dakota beef industry through education, information and promotion efforts targeting South Dakota. The SDCW is a membership-based organization dedicated to the promotion of Beef and the Beef industry.
The next meeting of the SDCW will be Dec. 1 in Pierre. For more information or to become a member, click here.
NCBA Accepting Applications for Cattle Industry Convention Internships
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for internships during the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention in Tampa, Fla., Feb. 6-9, 2013. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is Nov. 4, 2012.
"Our internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience and to interact with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry," said NCBA Public Policy Analyst Mallory Gaines. "The convention internship program provides an excellent opportunity to network with people throughout the beef industry. NCBA strives to provide time for students to maximize their opportunities to network and learn."
The annual Cattle Industry Convention boasts more than 5,500 attendees and a trade show with more than 250 booths. Interns are offered a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of setting up the trade show, manning the NCBA-Political Action Committee (PAC) booth, assisting with the NCBA-PAC auction, helping members vote on NCBA policy, working with the media and helping to guide cattlemen and cattlewomen to convention events.
The internship dates are Feb. 4-9, 2013. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the convention internship application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a résumé to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available by clicking here.
Pass a Farm Bill in the Lame Duck Session
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement after the Sept. 30 expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill.
"It is disappointing that House leadership made the decision to not act on a farm bill before yesterday's expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill, despite indications that there were enough votes to pass the bill. We are hopeful that, with the pressures of the November elections behind them, Congress will commit to making a concerted, proactive effort to pass a comprehensive, five-year farm bill in the lame duck session. We look forward to working with members of Congress and all interested parties during the lame duck session to ensure that a farm bill can be completed by year's end.
"The lame duck session will feature a plethora of important issues that have also gone unresolved by this Congress, including the sequestration process, numerous tax and spending issues, and U.S. Postal Service reform. Therefore, it is absolutely critical that House Speaker John Boehner brings the farm bill to the floor early in the session to ensure it can be conferenced and finalized before Congress returns to their districts [for] yet another recess in December.
"The longer Congress drags its feet, the harder their inaction will be felt by farmers, ranchers and, ultimately, all Americans."
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