News Update
November 14, 2013
Download Angus Mobile
Before the 2013 NAILE
Prior to leaving for the 2013 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), be sure to download the Angus Mobile smartphone application. The app allows instant access to NAILE event coverage and details on the American Angus Association’s 130th Annual Meeting of Delegates.
Anyone with an iPhone, Android or Windows smartphone can download the free application. Once the app is installed, the “events section” can be found under the “more tab” at the bottom of the screen. Navigate to the “Annual Meeting/NAILE 2013” button and scroll through alerts, schedules, show coverage, maps, restaurants, board candidate biographies, awards, hotel information, videos and more.
Plus, if breaking news occurs, app users will be the first to know through an alert sent via Angus Mobile. More than 16,000 users have already downloaded the application.
After the event is over, the smartphone app can still be used on the ranch. The MyHerd function grants access to AAA Login, where users can search for specific animals, update information and view performance records.
The events section of the app will be updated to share coverage for other Angus events throughout the year, including the National Western Stock Show and National Junior Angus Show.
Visit the iTunes Store or App Store when using an iPhone, iPod or iPad. A quick search for Angus results in the application link. Click on install, and the icon will appear on the device’s screen or desktop.
The Angus Mobile app is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (third generation and fourth generation), and iPad.
For more information, please view the full release here.
John Deere Opens the MyJohnDeere Platform to
Collaborating Software Developers and Companies
To provide more value to agricultural producers, John Deere is collaborating with other businesses to deliver new applications and services that help customers more quickly turn data into management decisions. This collaboration supports improved productivity, efficiency and yield. Companies will provide software and applications to interface with MyJohnDeere, JDLink™, and Wireless Data Transfer — three important elements of John Deere’s overall technology strategy for the agricultural industry.
In 2012, John Deere introduced MyJohnDeere, a comprehensive information platform to help agricultural producers consolidate the management of equipment information, production data and farm operations. This centralized, online platform allows producers to access, view, archive, manage and share a wide variety of business information.
“Our goal is to provide a preferred, safe and secure environment for these applications, while building valuable features to connect customers with trusted advisors,” said Cory Reed, senior vice president, Intelligent Solutions Group, Deere & Co.. “Customers will be able to make choices about the use and flow of the data.”
MyJohnDeere is an open platform that provides customers with a complete and comprehensive solution for their data-management needs. Customers are able to view and manage this information from smartphones, tablets, and computers when and where they need it.
Reed said the John Deere strategy of non-exclusive collaboration with other companies will enable data to be available in a convenient, easy-to-use platform, as determined by the customer, while maintaining John Deere’s core principles surrounding data management. A special website, www.JohnDeere.com/Trust, has been created to explain Deere’s position on data management and security.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Financial Planning Workshop Nov. 21-22
in Bryan to Focus on Emerging Issues
Financial planners, clients and students will participate in a workshop Nov. 21-22 at the Best Western Atrea, 1920 Austin’s Colony Parkway in Bryan, Texas, focusing on the emerging, future financial issues — macroeconomics, reverse mortgages, planning for middle-income earners and educational priorities for financial planners.
“During the evening of Nov. 21, a networking dinner will bring professionals together with students for a guided discussion on the profession of financial planning and the career opportunities available,” said Gene Nelson, workshop co-coordinator and senior professor in the department of agricultural economics at Texas A&M University, College Station.
The keynote speaker will be Alan Moore, chair of the Genesis group in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. He will discuss “Careers in Financial Planning: The good, the bad, and the downright awesome!”
Nelson said during the workshop on Nov. 22, John Penson Jr., regents professor at Texas A&M, will discuss macroeconomic variables “and what one should be watching in these uncertain times.”
John Salter, certified financial planner and accredited investment fiduciary analyst, Texas Tech University, will discuss the role of reverse mortgages in providing sustainable retirement income.
“Some recent research reveals the financial planning challenges faced by middle-income families. We will discuss the implications of these challenges for financial planning,” said Nathan Harness, workshop co-coordinator and certified financial planner, Texas A&M University–Commerce.
The New Issues in Planning for Healthcare in Retirement will be presented by Matt Sheffield, senior regional investment consultant, Fidelity Investments.
Nelson said the highlight of the Nov. 22 workshop agenda will be the rollout of the Extended Learning Certificate program, which is now approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards as a registered program. A panel discussion will focus on the educational priorities for future financial planners. An informal reception following the discussion will provide an additional opportunity for networking.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal’s Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
Ohio AgrAbility to Host Statewide Aging Farmers Workshops
Aging farmers who want to gain insight and tips on how to remain productive in agriculture, continue gardening and stay active outdoors can learn tips and techniques from the Ohio AgrAbility Program at the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences during a workshop designed to address the evolving needs of older farmers.
The workshop, “I’m Not as Young as I Used To Be,” seeks to show how to remain safe and productive as an older farmer, said Kent McGuire, Ohio AgrAbility program coordinator for OSU Extension. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.
“The idea is to offer information that can benefit a growing, aging population,” he said. “The average age of farmers in Ohio is 57, so we’re truly starting to work with an aging workforce, who want to remain active and productive on their farms.
“The workshop is also beneficial to those who do a lot of gardening because the same concepts and principles apply,” said McGuire. “Many of our seniors want to continue to garden, but do not know if they can physically continue to do so. With the workshop, they will get ideas that will allow them to continue gardening.”
Ohio AgrAbility is part of a national USDA program that promotes independence for people in agriculture who want to continue farming after experiencing a disabling condition. OSU Extension has partnered with Easter Seals TriState to combine resources, knowledge and outreach to bridge the gap between individuals in agriculture and the resources and services available to help farmers with a disability remain productive on the farm.
Confirmed dates include Nov. 14, Dec. 10, Jan. 16, Jan. 24, and March 11.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal’s Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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