News Update
September 2, 2014
Angus Legacies on Display
in Association Entryway
Angus breeders who left their legacy at the American Angus Association headquarters by purchasing a granite paver or planter can now see the new walkway in full completion. Construction that began in January 2014 has ended, with the landscaping installation during the past few weeks.
“It has been exciting to watch Phase I of this project progress,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “What makes the walkway special and meaningful are the planters and pavers that will carry on the legacies of current and past Angus breeders, family farms and ranches, and state associations. Those who have chosen to pay tribute show the impact the Angus breed has on them and our members.”
To celebrate the completion of Phase I, a ribbon cutting will take place at 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3, before tours of the Association begin, prior to the 2014 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show.
“The granite pavers, planters and updated landscaping provide a beautiful entrance to the Association headquarters for members when they visit,” says Chris Stallo, Association vice president of operations. “It is great to see Phase I of the Angus Foundation’s Building an Angus Legacy project come to a completion.”
Look for information about Phase II of Building an Angus Legacy on Oct. 1. For more information visit www.angusfoundation.org or call 816-383-5100.
Deadline for Growth Through Agriculture
Grants & Loans Approaching
Submit Proposal by Monday, Sept. 15, 2014.
The Agriculture Development Council is requesting grant and loan applications for the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program to help strengthen and diversify Montana’s agricultural industry through new agricultural products and processes. More than $330,000 was awarded during the last application cycle.
“The grants and loans the Agriculture Development Council approve through the GTA program have helped dozens of businesses get the capital they need to grow and create jobs, while adding value to our agriculture sector,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “With a new round of applications, comes opportunity to start, grow and expand the agricultural businesses in our state.”
The goal of the Governor’s Main Street Montana Project is to create a dynamic private-public partnership and build and implement a business plan for Montana by Montanans. One objective is to promote Montana agricultural products by adding value to what we grow and produce.
“The Council is targeting proposals that focus on irrigation projects that serve multiple users, malting production and/or businesses transitioning beyond direct sales. Businesses that meet these criteria will be eligible for zero-interest-rate loans in addition to grants,” explained Director Ron de Yong. “Businesses should get their applications in as soon as possible.”
Eligible projects can be awarded up to $50,000 in grant funding or receive up to a $100,000 low-interest loan.
An example of the projects funded during the 2014 fiscal year was a grant of $24,500 to Powder River Meat Co. in Terry, Mont., to purchase meat-processing equipment and assist with construction costs.
To submit an application and view a list of eligible activities, businesses should visit the Growth Through Agriculture website and follow the application instructions or call 406-444-0511. The Council strongly encourages applicants to contact their local economic development organization for assistance with their application or, as needed, with business and marketing plans. The next application deadline will be Jan. 30, 2015.
Protecting Animal and Human Health through Diagnostics
By testing hundreds of specimens from around the world every business day, Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) contributes significantly to protecting the health of livestock, poultry, companion animals, exotic animals, racing animals, livestock show animals and wildlife.
TVMDL offers a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests that deliver accurate results promptly and affordably. Veterinarians, owners, industries and government agencies depend on TVMDL’s globally recognized expertise to help preserve animal and public health.
TVMDL is now offering tick-borne disease testing for Ehrlichia canis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, Anaplasma phagocytophlium (formerly Ehrlichia equi), Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni.
TVMDL is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and is a core member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.
Cattle Producers Can Add Revenue through
Cost-Effective Calf Management
A new Farm Assistance study conducted by specialists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reveals cattle producers can add significant net cash farm income to their operations on top of already high cattle prices by implementing cost-effective calf-management practices.
As prices for calves continue to reach historic levels, beef cattle producers could see increased revenue by implementing blackleg vaccinations, castrations and implants, as well as deworming. However, many ranchers do not elect to do so and could be missing significant additions to revenue, according to economists.
Texas ranchers have welcomed rains throughout the spring and summer, which have improved forage conditions and increased interest in herd rebuilding, said Mac Young, AgriLife Extension economist.
“As a result, demand and prices for feeder calves and prices for replacements have increased,” he said. “Cow-calf producers in South Texas routinely make management decisions to adapt to weather, market and economic conditions. Various calf-management practices can be critical to herd performance and profits. Successful managers will find ways to improve their operations by adopting better and cost-effective approaches to doing things.”
The study focused on a 2,000-acre ranch consisting of 1,800 acres of native pasture and 200 acres of established Coastal Bermuda used for grazing only. Under normal stocking rates, the cow herd included 200 cows or a stocking rate of one animal unit to 10 acres and eight bulls or one bull to 25 cows.
The study took into consideration production inputs, yields, costs and overhead charges based on typical rates for the region. In 2014, hunting income for the ranch was $10 per acre. Assets, debts, machinery inventory and scheduled equipment replacements for the projection period were the same in all management scenarios.
“We took in consideration all four scenarios, which were clostridial vaccinations, castration and implants, deworming, and all calf management,” Young said. “All four calf-management practices that were evaluated offer potential to significantly increase profitability of an operation.”
With no selected calf-management practices, average net cash farm income was $76,970 a year, or $385 per cow per year and $428 per calf per year. An all calf-management program of clostridial vaccinations, castration or implants, and deworming led to net cash farm income of $89,360, representing $477 a cow per year and $496 a calf per year.
“This reflects a 16.1% increase or $12,390 increase versus no calf-management practices,” Young said.
Local Ranching Event Scheduled for Sept. 4 in Ardmore
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will host a ranch gathering in Ardmore, Okla., and a tour of the Oswalt Ranch in Marietta, Okla., Sept. 4. The tour will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the ranch gathering at 5:30 p.m.
The tour of the Oswalt Ranch in Marietta will include educational sessions and a tour of the ranch’s cattle-handling facility.
The ranch gathering will be hosted at The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, and a complimentary beef dinner will be served. Additionally, a TSCRA Special Ranger will provide a law enforcement update and offer ranchers advice on how they can keep their livestock and equipment safe and secure.
RSVP to 1-800-242-7820, ext. 192, or rsvp@tscra.org.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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