News Update
May 16, 2014
Angus Names Director of
Commercial Programs
The American Angus Association has named Ginette Kurtz its director of commercial programs. With a focus on cattle producers who rely on Angus genetics, Kurtz will be responsible for finding new and creative ways to interact with commercial cattlemen and provide them with invaluable programs and services.
“Commercial cow-calf producers are an essential part of the beef industry,” Kurtz says. “By providing them the tools they need to be successful, their decision to invest in Angus genetics becomes much stronger, gaining trust for the breed for generations to come.”
Kurtz has served many roles throughout her 20 years with the Association. She started in the Angus Journal and transitioned to the Association in 2004, helping establish AngusSource® as a trusted verification program monitored by USDA. Today, Kurtz manages the growing AngusSource Genetic program, which documents the marketing and genetic value of Angus-sired calves.
“Ginette’s strong diversified farming background offers a great perspective into the commercial cattle business,” says Bryce Schumann, Association CEO. “She understands what works on the farm and ranch and will be a terrific asset as we further develop services for our commercial partners.”
Kurtz will continue to work with Association regional managers, other staff and registered-Angus breeders to provide commercial cattlemen the tools needed for success in today’s changing marketplace. She will focus on enhancing current services, as well as communicating the value of recordkeeping, marketing and proper cattle identification.
That includes the promotion and daily operations for the AngusSource Genetic program, and the Custom Cattle Tags website, which offers cattlemen cost-efficient options for purchasing ear tags and related accessories. She will also find innovative ways to educate commercial cattlemen on how to utilize Association programs and services to benefit their operations.
Kurtz and her family have been farming in Clarksdale, Mo., for four generations. They grow corn and soybeans, as well as manage a commercial Angus cow herd.
For more information about Angus cattle and the Association, visit www.angus.org.
Sponsorship Registration for Angus Foundation
Golf Tournament Due May 30
The Angus Foundation is excited to host the 14th Annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament in conjunction with the 2014 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Indianapolis, Ind. The 18-hole golf tournament will take place at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Clayton, Ind., July 8. The Foundation is currently accepting registration forms for sponsors of this event through May 30, 2014. Sponsors will help the Angus Foundation reach its tournament goal of raising $25,000 to support programs involving Angus education, youth and research.
Sponsors may choose from eight different sponsorship levels ranging from $100-$1,500 and will be recognized for their generous contribution in the tournament program, postevent news release, Angus Journal and the Angus Foundation’s website, annual report and newsletter.
For more information please visit the Angus Foundation’s website, www.angusfoundation.org/fdn/Events/FdnGolf.html.
For more information about a sponsorship, please click here.
60th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Scheduled Aug. 4-6
A look at the past and future aspects of beef cattle production in Texas will be one of the highlights at the 60th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 4-6 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
“Cattle production in Texas has certainly been a sea of change over the past five years,” said Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station and conference coordinator. “We think beef short-course attendees will want to learn more about what is ahead of us in terms of cattle inventories and how quickly we might rebuild cow herds. Of course, we certainly are keeping a close eye on the cost of production and how we can fine tune our operations to improve the bottom line.”
The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the United States, Cleere noted.
The Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is one of the highlights of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.
R.C. Slocum, former Texas A&M head football coach and Central Texas rancher, will be one of the featured speakers during the general session on Aug. 4. Slocum will discuss winning and losing in the cattle business, giving firsthand perspectives on the challenges of ranching in today’s economic climate.
The cattleman’s college portion of the short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.
“These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, retiring to ranching, forage management practices, nutrition and reproduction, recordkeeping, genetics, purebred cattle, landowner issues and much more,” he said.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 6.
“There will be demonstrations on fence building, chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.
“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations.”
Participants can receive the Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s license training during the short course and can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.
An industry trade show will be hosted during the event, featuring more than 120 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.
Registration is $180 per person and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the prime rib dinner, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.
Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in May but also can be found on the short course website at http://beef.tamu.edu.
Producers can also register by contacting Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
Special Youth Program to be Offered at
Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
Youth can learn more about the beef industry during a special hands-on program hosted in conjunction with the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 4-6 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
The youth program will feature a variety of educational sessions, ranging from beef evaluations and grading to beef advocacy, said Jason Cleere, conference coordinator and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station.
“This will be a unique experience for youth who have interests in beef cattle production,” Cleere said. “Youth participants will be able to attend the general session, as well as the live demonstrations on Aug. 6. Competitions will be held for the students to exhibit their beef knowledge skills, and awards will be given to the winners. This will also be an excellent opportunity for youth who are involved with commercial steer and heifer programs and other youth beef cattle competitions to gain valuable beef cattle production information.”
Topics include a beef-quality demonstration, live cattle evaluation and beef fabrication, along with attending any of the cattleman’s college sessions offered during the main Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.
All registrants ages 13-18 for the youth program must attend the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course with a parent or other supervising adult.
Registration is $80 by Aug. 1 and $100 thereafter.
For registration information, visit http://beef.tamu.edu for forms and related information about the program or contact Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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