News Update
May 1, 2013
Beef Improvement Federation
Early Registration Deadline Today
Oklahoma State University (OSU), in collaboration with the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF), will host the 45th Annual BIF Research Symposium and Meeting June 12-15, 2013, at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
Themed “Where Profit and Progress Intersect,” this year’s program will bring together industry professionals, producers and researchers to discuss current issues facing the beef industry. Among those issues, speakers will tackle the crossbreeding vs. straightbreeding debate, as well as using genetic tools to address environmental challenges and cow herd efficiency.
The early registration fee of $250 ends today, click here to register. For more information on the conference, including registration and hotel information, schedule, award photos and full online coverage, visit www.bifconference.com.
New Opportunities in Beef Cattle Genomic Testing
Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and GeneSeek®, a Neogen Corp. subsidiary headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., are pleased to announce that the new GeneSeek Angus GGP-HD test is now available to Angus breeders. Results from this advanced test will be incorporated into Angus genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs), which are available on a weekly basis through the American Angus Association National Cattle Evaluation.
“High-density DNA tests are of great benefit to Angus breeders seeking to improve their herds through genomic-enhanced EPDs,” says Bill Bowman, Association chief operating officer and AGI president. “These EPDs incorporate all known sources of information including pedigree, performance records and genomic results. The new test provides genetic selection tools for breeders [of] all sizes and expands the options for those already using DNA technology.”
The GeneSeek Angus GGP-HD test, or GeneSeek Genomic Profiler, replaces the well-known Igenity® Profile for Angus test and is priced at $75. The custom, high-density GeneSeek Genomic Profiler features a new design with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) content selectively chosen from studies on thousands of animals.
Bowman emphasizes that a key goal with the GeneSeek Angus GGP-HD test is to provide an additional option for Angus breeders interested in genomic-enhanced EPDs, while offering a cost-effective way to include additional tests, as well. The test includes parentage at no extra charge, and specialty add-on tests will be available for a number of genetic conditions for as little as $8 per test.
For more information and the full release, click here.
American Agri-Women Heading to Washington, D.C.,
to Deliver Ag Policy Positions
American Agri-Women (AAW) recently drafted resolutions to address issues and threats to agriculture. Representatives from this all-volunteer coalition of more than 50,000 farm, ranch, and agribusiness women will deliver these resolutions to elected officials in Washington, D.C., in early June.
The group’s resolutions, which are reviewed each spring, cover ag business and economics, commodities, and natural resources.
“It’s our mission — and our duty — to represent and protect those who produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for the world,” says Karen Yost of Billings, Mont., AAW president. “Our meetings are also an important way we educate legislators and policy-makers.”
Members heard from ag experts at the midyear meeting, which was in Louisville, Ky. Many issues received considerable discussion; position statements were formed and will be taken to Washington, D.C.
For more information and the full release, click here.
Livestock and Poultry Groups Provide
Comments on Negative Impact of the RFS
Seven livestock and poultry groups submitted comments to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the negative effects the federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) has had on agriculture, including the high cost of feed facing livestock and poultry producers. The comments answer several questions posed by the committee on the impact of the RFS.
“The RFS has been the major driver in increasing corn use for ethanol production, and causing corn stocks to decline to crisis levels,” the comments state. “In a market-driven world, ethanol would be priced competitively with gasoline. That has never been true in the entire history of the industry.”
Additionally, the groups submitted a study to support their comments titled “The RFS, Fuel and Food Prices, and the Need for Reform” completed by Tom Elam of FarmEcon. The study examined the extensive impact the RFS has had on food and fuel prices.
The groups appreciate the work of the committee in seeking input from producers and look forward to working with the committee on reforming the RFS.
The comments and study were submitted on behalf of the American Meat Institute; the American Sheep Industry Association; the Milk Producers Council; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; the National Pork Producers Council; the National Turkey Federation; and the North American Meat Association.
The documents were presented to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), and Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).
Pros, Cons of Drilling Mud Highlight Upcoming Seminar
Drilling for oil and gas are key economic drivers in the Southern Great Plains, but there is a challenge in deciding how to handle drilling fluid and other byproducts of the process.
Drilling fluid (mud) is a byproduct of oil and gas drilling. The drilling process produces barrels of the fluid that must be handled in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. One method is to apply it on agricultural land. There are many factors a landowner should consider when making the decision about whether or not to allow drilling mud application to his/her land.
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation will host a special seminar entitled “Application of Drilling Mud to Agricultural Land” from 6:30 p.m.-8:45 p.m., Thursday, May 23, at the Ardmore Convention Center to educate landowners on the benefits and consequences of applying drilling mud to their land.
This seminar will provide information that will allow landowners to decide if they want to allow drilling mud to be applied to their agricultural land; and, if so, how to structure a contract to ensure their interests are protected.
“This is an excellent opportunity for landowners to hear speakers from the scientific, regulatory and legal fields on the issue of applying drilling mud to agricultural land,” said Eddie Funderburg, senior soils and crops consultant. “Opportunities to hear all three components in one meeting are rare, and the information presented will help landowners decide what is right for their operation.”
This seminar is offered at no charge, but preregistration is requested. For more information or to register, please click here, or contact Jackie Kelley at 580-224-6360.
North Dakota Junior Beef Expo Set;
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Calls for Entries
Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, and plan to attend the North Dakota Junior Beef Expo (NDJBE) at the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds in Williston, N.D. This fun-filled, multi-breed field day event is open to all juniors 21 years old and younger who are members of 4-H, FFA or a junior breed association.
Saturday’s activities begin with registration at noon followed by the steer weigh-in and ultrasound scanning, where exhibitors will get a chance to learn more about what scan numbers mean and how they relate to profitability.
Exhibitors will also enjoy a pizza party and all the fun and games that go along with it, including the popular Ag Olympics, which combines the well-known sporting event with an agricultural twist, and some educational keep/cull judging.
The event is held in conjunction with the Western Star Regional Junior Heifer Classic June 28-29. Both shows are sanctioned events of the North Dakota Junior Point Show Association. For entry forms, hotel information and other details, visit www.ndstockmen.org, find us on Facebook or contact the NDJBE show coordinator Laiken Aune at 701-223-2522 or laune@ndstockmen.org.
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