News Update
February 21, 2014
Angus Announces Plans for Expansive Communications Center
The American Angus Association announced Feb. 20 a historic move that unifies the organization’s communications efforts and expands the marketing platform for the nation’s Angus cattlemen.
The Association’s public relations department, producers of Angus TV, and Angus Productions Inc. (API), publisher of Angus Journal and Angus Beef Bulletin, will unify to form one cohesive communications center.
As part of the unification plan, longtime API President and General Manager Terry Cotton will be named vice president of sales. Cotton will also represent Region 12, serving Angus breeders in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.
Eric Grant, Association director of public relations since 2009, will serve as API president and general manager, effective May 1.
The unification plan brings all Association communications, advertising and public relations assets into Angus Productions Inc.
The decision also brings together a team of more than 30 talented professionals — editors, writers, graphic designers, web developers, photographers and videographers — dedicated to advancing the Angus breed.
Most notably, it marks the first time in the Association’s 130-plus-year history that all aspects of breed promotion and communications will be under one roof and management.
“By unifying these various components, we will strengthen the Angus brand and message, eliminate confusion and improve the effectiveness of each individual media platform, all of which points back to increased strength for Angus breeders and their customers,” says Bryce Schumann, Association CEO.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Deadline Nearing for Beef Leaders Institute
American Angus Association members interested in becoming more involved in the agriculture industry still have time to apply for the seventh annual Beef Leaders Institute (BLI).
Hosted June 23-26, the program brings Angus producers together in Saint Joseph, Mo., for a series of informative sessions, followed by a three-day tour across several industry segments.
Applications for BLI are due March 1.
“This is one event you won’t regret attending,” says Robin Ruff, Association director of activities, events and education. “From a behind the scenes look to the connections made, BLI is an opportunity of a lifetime.”
BLI is designed for Association members 25-45 years old to provide insight into the beef industry, while enhancing their knowledge of the Association and strengthening leadership skills.
During the three-day event, BLI participants are able to tour a beef harvesting and packing facility, retailer, fabricator, feedlots and other industry segments, including the Association.
Funded through the Angus Foundation, the Association provides transportation, lodging, meals and materials during BLI. Attendees will be responsible for round-trip transportation between their home and either Kansas City or Saint Joseph, Mo.
To apply before the March 1 deadline, click here or contact the American Angus Association at 816-383-5100. Information can also be found on www.angus.org.
Smartphone App for Livestock Producers Now Available
Livestock producers pondering stocking rates now have an app to help them determine that ratio, according to experts.
GrazingCalc is a new mobile smartphone application developed by personnel at Texas A&M University’s department of wildlife and fisheries sciences, ecosystem science and management units of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
“One of the most common problems livestock managers deal with is determining the best number of livestock to have on the land without harming their resources,” said Blake Alldredge, an AgriLife Extension associate in College Station. “That task has just become easier with the release of this new app.”
Alldredge said GrazingCalc is now available for iPhone and other Apple devices at the iTunes Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stocking-rate-calculator-for/id814140174?mt=8.
“Being overstocked beyond what the land can handle may lead to overgrazing, resulting in issues such as decreased forage production, erosion problems and degraded wildlife habitat,” he said.
GrazingCalc is applicable anywhere because it is based on actual forage production as measured by the rancher, said Megan Clayton, an AgriLife Extension range specialist in Corpus Christi, who, with Alldredge, developed the content of the app.
“Ranchers may need to do some work to obtain forage production on their property,” she said, “but it is easily done, and a video within the app demonstrates how to obtain this forage production value from their land.”
GrazingCalc allows ranchers to manipulate the number of types of animals, grazing months and remaining available forage.
Funding for the development of this app was provided through a Renewable Resources Extension Act grant from the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.
For more information, please view the full release here.
‘First Chance CEU Program’ Set March 7 in Kaufman, Texas
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Kaufman County will present the “First Chance CEU Program” from noon to 6 p.m. March 7 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 302 S. Washington St., in Kaufman.
Holders of Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator licenses can earn five continuing education units during the training, two in the general category, two in integrated pest management and one in laws and regulations, said Ralph Davis, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Kaufman County.
Registration is $15 at the door, and includes light snacks.
“We used to call our February training the ‘Last Chance CEU Program’ because all TDA licenses used to expire on Feb. 28,” Davis said. “Nowadays, licenses expire a year from being issued, so our Kaufman Livestock and Forage Committee changed it to ‘First Chance.’ ”
Davis noted that for some, the February training may be the last chance to get their continuing education units, and advised them to check the expiration date on their licenses.
He also noted that participants should bring their pesticide license or pesticide number. By new Texas Department of Agriculture rules, driver license numbers will no longer be accepted in order to register continuing education units. Registration will start at noon, with the formal programming beginning at 1 p.m. For more information, call the AgriLife Extension office in Kaufman County at 972-932-9069.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal’s Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
Editor’s Note: The articles used within this site represent a mixture of copyrights. If you would like to reprint or repost an article, you must first request permission of Angus Productions Inc. (API) by contacting the editor at 816-383-5200; 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. API claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.