News Update
August 27, 2013
Developmental Duplication Genetic Condition Test Available
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 27, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and Zoetis Genetics are accepting orders and samples for Developmental Duplication (DD) genetic condition testing. As with other tests, orders are to be submitted through the AGI ordering process available at the American Angus Association AAA Login website (www.angusonline.org). Either Association archived or newly collected samples may be used for testing.
The DD test has just been licensed, and the Zoetis laboratory is in the process of transferring the technology for commercial testing. Patience is requested from customers, since initial turnaround times may vary.
For animals that are potential DD carriers based on pedigree information, results of the test help breeders and commercial users of Angus genetics make more informed breeding decisions. Complete information about this condition may be accessed through www.angus.org.
For more information, please view the full release here.
AgriLife Extension to host High Plains Veterinary Symposium in Lubbock
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the South Plains Veterinary Medical Association will conduct the High Plains Veterinary Symposium from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20.
The continuing education training for veterinarians will offer six hours of credit and will be conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock. Feline medicine will be the day’s focus, said Robert Scott, AgriLife Extension agent in Lubbock County.
Individual preregistration is $25 by Oct. 14 and $50 thereafter. For more information and to preregister, contact Scott at 806-775-1680, rj-scott@tamu.edu.
“We’re trying to get the word out early, because we realize veterinarians often must make plans to have their practices covered by others while attending these events,” Scott said. “We’re even having it on a Sunday, so it won’t conflict with vets’ office hours. If this event is successful, we’d like to plan similar events on an annual basis in the future.”
Scott said Gary Norsworthy, owner of Alamo Feline Health Center in San Antonio, will keynote the symposium. Norsworthy has been in private practice for 40 years, 25 in small animal practice and 15 in feline practice. He is a frequent lecturer on feline diseases and is the editor and major author of six textbooks on felines.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal calendar of events here.
Alternative Forage Options for Cattle
Finding reasonably priced feed and forages has been a full-time job following the struggles of winter 2013. Michigan State University Extension recommends that farms feeding cattle and cows need to take inventory of on-hand forage supplies now. By knowing what you currently have, a plan can be developed to secure the remaining feed and forages needed to carry the livestock operation through to next year’s crop.
Late spring and summer 2013 have presented several challenges, from too wet to too dry and too hot to too cool, leaving many farms wondering about the potential of late-planted corn failing to make maturity before a killing frost. This situation creates an opportunity for crop farms to consider selling their field corn as silage now rather than rolling the dice in hopes that a perfect fall will allow the corn to mature. If they miss silage harvest, and there is a frost before the corn matures, farmers may want to sell earlage rather than trying to harvest immature high-moisture corn.
As we recover from one of the smallest hay inventories in recent history, farms are forced to pay higher forage prices. The 2013 hay growing season has been good for most of the Saginaw Valley with some farms being able to refill some very empty hay barns, but we are not out of woods just yet. Harvest time prices for hay continue to be paid at prices above long term trend levels on the limited supply of hay grown this summer. As hay acres continue to shrink and yields decrease over time, hay supplies will likely remain at risk for the next few years.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Cropland Value, Cash Rent and Budget Questions Answered at Farm Science Review
While cropland values in Ohio increased significantly in 2012 and are expected to continue an upward trend in 2013, lower crop prices are making it uncertain if the region will see the same level of increases, an expert from Ohio State University’s (OSU’s) College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) said.
Barry Ward, an OSU Extension production business management leader, will discuss his latest findings during this year’s Farm Science Review Sept. 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, during “Question the Authorities” question-and-answer sessions offered daily at the Review.
Ward will field questions about farmland cash rent and values during “Land Values and Rents” Sept. 17 at 9 a.m., Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. and Sept. 19 at 9:40 a.m. at the Review.
He will also answer questions regarding budgets and crop inputs during his presentation “Crop Input Cost and Budgets” Sept. 17 at noon, Sept. 18 at 9:20 a.m. and Sept. 19 at 10:20 a.m.
The sessions, which typically draw anywhere from a handful of participants to some 60 people, Ward said, are a good opportunity for farmers and growers to ask questions ranging from general inquiries to specific scenarios.
“Questions regarding expectations for rent levels always come up, as that’s problem No. 1 — where do we expect to see rents go as farmers start negotiations?” he said. “Also flexible cash leases, the mechanics of how the leases are done, the legality of leases and contracts in general are on farmers’ minds.”
For more information, please view the Angus Journal calendar of events here.
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