News Update
July 29, 2014
Angus Selects the Next Youth Breed Ambassador
The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) announces Emma Jumper, Paragould, Ark., as the 2014-2015 Angus Ambassador, serving a one-year term as a spokesperson for the organization’s nearly 6,000 members at cattle industry events across the United States and Canada.
“As the American Angus Association, we are known as the business breed for a purpose,” Jumper says. “We lead this country, and the world, in providing one of the most stable and safe food supplies. But it’s not just about stopping where we are at and being content, it’s about growing and keeping on for the future.”
Jumper, a junior at Mississippi State University double majoring in business administration and foreign language, was named the new Angus Ambassador during a competition July 24 at the American Angus Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo. Joining her in the group of top finalists were Esther McCabe, Elk City, Kan., and Will Pohlman, Prairie Grove, Ark.
“The caliber of applicants in our Angus Ambassador program are second to none,” says Jaclyn Upperman, Association director of events and education. “It’s tremendous to see such dedicated and passionate youth who are looking forward to a future promoting our breed and the entire beef industry.”
A former National Beef Ambassador, Jumper’s involvement in the beef business runs deep. She and her family operate Rock Creek Angus Ranch in northeast Arkansas, where Jumper says she experienced some of her most important life lessons. Today, they service the mid-Southern region with registered herd sires, replacement heifers and show cattle.
“Traveling around my state talking about agriculture and about the Angus industry, especially in the Delta, where I live, is an experience that I greatly value,” Jumper says. “So many people know what it’s like to see cotton and corn and rice being raised, but they are very unsure what it’s like to be a rancher. So, taking that to the next level and being able to do that nationally is very exciting.”
To be considered for the Angus Ambassador position, earlier this spring, each junior member submitted a cover letter, résumé and two essay responses. The top candidates were invited to the Association where they gave a 3-5 minute presentation with 5 minutes of questions that followed.
For more information about the NJAA or the Ambassador program visit www.angus.org.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Enter to Compete in National Anthem Singing Contest
The 2nd Annual National Anthem Singing Contest, hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), is now open for entry. Those 18 years of age or younger and related to an NCBA, American National CattleWomen (ANCW) or Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) member are eligible to enter.
The winner will sing the National Anthem at the opening general session, as well as the Friday Night Event, at the 2015 Cattle Industry Annual Convention Feb. 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas. He/she will also receive a roundtrip ticket for two to the convention; one hotel room for three nights; free registration for two to the convention; a pair of boots, jeans and shirt from Roper and Stetson; and a meet-and-greet session with the entertainment talent at the Friday Night Event.
Entries are being accepted from now until October 17. The top four finalists will be chosen by October 31 and posted to http://BeefUSA.org for voting, one vote per person per day. The winner will be announced December 8.
Those interested in entering should submit the following entry form and a video performing the national anthem (soloist and a capella performances only) and upload the video to YouTube with the file name NCBA2015AnthemContestEntryContestantName. By entering the contest, it is understood that the entry video may be used for promotional purposes by NCBA.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Preventing Heat Stress in Cattle Takes Priority in Summer
Summer is here and so is the heat. While animal owners are sure to give pets plenty of water and shade, it is just as important for ranchers to have enough water and shade for cattle and other grazing animals.
Noble Foundation Livestock Consultant Deke Alkire explained that heat stress can greatly impact cattle performance through decreased milk production and subsequent calf growth, decreased reproductive performance in cows and bulls, and decreased stocker and feeder-calf performance. The ideal temperature range in which beef cattle are most productive is between 41° F and 77° F. When temperatures exceed this range, cattle are less productive and at greater risk of heat stress.
“If managed properly and allowed access to adequate fresh water and shade, cattle can tolerate summer temperatures, and, therefore, it is perfectly safe for them to remain outdoors,” Alkire said. “However, ranchers must be aware of all the factors that impact the cattle’s ability to handle the heat.”
Many environmental factors affect the potential for heat stress, including relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, ground cover, access to water, diet, shade and nighttime temperatures. Individual animal characteristics can also contribute to heat stress, including hide color, breed, health, adaptation, hair-coat length and disposition.
“When a combination of these factors and ambient temperature cause an animal’s heat load to exceed its ability to dissipate that heat, heat stress occurs,” Alkire said.
Plenty of available water and adequate shade can be effective at reducing the effects of heat stress.
The minimum amount of shade required is 30 to 40 square feet (sq. ft.) for mature cattle, 20 to 25 sq. ft. for feeder cattle and 15 to 20 sq. ft. for stockers. If shade is limited, animals crowding together can compound heat stress. If natural shade is inadequate, constructing permanent or portable shade structures is an option.
Permanent structures are more suitable for feeding pens and receiving or weaning traps but can be placed in pastures as well. “The initial cost of constructing a permanent structure is about $1 per sq. ft. of shade but can vary depending on material costs in your area,” Alkire said. “Portable structures are more expensive to construct but can be moved with the cattle, decreasing the number of units needed.”
For more information, please view the full release here.
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