News Update

January 15, 2015

Today is Deadline for 2015 Healthcare Coverage Starting February 1

Now is the time to shop for an affordable plan at www.HealthCare.gov. If you, or someone you know, still need healthcare coverage for 2015 — Jan. 15, 2015 is the deadline for coverage that starts Feb. 1, but open enrollment runs through Feb. 15, 2015

— Adapted from a release by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Statement by American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman Regarding China’s Ban on U.S. Poultry

“The new ban on U.S. poultry and egg imports by China is very disappointing. Instituting a national ban is a clear violation of international trade rules and one that will be costly to American poultry and egg farmers. We are reaching out to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and the Agriculture Department and will support their actions to correct this situation as quickly as possible.

“Under guidelines from the World Organization for Animal Health, countries are allowed to place trade restrictions only on those geographic regions of concern, not an entire nation. Avian influenza has been found in non-commercial locations among wild birds in some areas of Oregon and Washington State. China’s restriction against all U.S. poultry and eggs is simply unwarranted.”

— Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Zoetis Announces Partnership to Help
Boost Value of Feeder Cattle

Zoetis Inc. has partnered with Verified Beef LLC, to support Reputation Feeder Cattle™, a program for ranchers and cattle feeders that helps define feeder-calf value by verifying industry-leading genetics and best practices.

Age- and source-verified cattle have been attractive to the export market at extra premiums. Reputation Feeder Cattle will continue adding value for niche and export markets in years to come.

“This raises the bar for how feeder cattle are represented in terms of genetics, health, handling and verification,” said Jon Lowe, senior director and global head of genetics for Zoetis. “Producers need to be looking out for the best interest of the industry by verifying their best practices.”

This progressive calf marketing and management program differentiates calves based on three fundamental principles:

Genetic merit for feedlot performance and carcass traits
Herd health, nutrition and management practices
Age and source verification

“Reputation Feeder Cattle describes historic health management and the genetic potential for feedlot and carcass performance that could impact break-evens and close-outs,” Lowe said. “Zoetis is excited to serve as a valuable link to help determine genetic potential for these cattle.”

Expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been used with great success in the cattle industry to identify the genetic differences for economically important traits of individual animals. Reputation Feeder Cattle will expand the breadth of data now available for the feeder cattle trade.

“By putting relevant genetic and management information at the buyer’s fingertips, the program has potential to revolutionize the value of feeder cattle, as well as enhance performance and profitability over time,” Lowe said. “The historic success of EPDs allows the program to be a consistent and simple information conduit between cow-calf and feeder segments, ultimately meaning a better managed price, health and genetic risk across the industry.”

The Genetic Merit Scorecard®, the core of the program, helps determine genetic merit on a group basis. It accurately defines calves’ gain and grade profit potential based on their genetics. The scorecard displays the information in a format that is easy to interpret and understand for feeder-cattle buyers and sellers.

Beyond genetics, Reputation Feeder Cattle emphasizes the value of well-planned nutrition and parasite control, as well as weaning and vaccination programs. Experts agree that some of the largest revenue-enhancing practices focus on early management for calves.

For more information, please view the full release here.

— Adapted from a release by Zoetis Cattle News.

MCA Honors Eddie Sydenstricker with Allied Industry Award

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) presented its 2014 Allied Industry Award to Eddie Sydenstricker of Mexico, Mo. Sydenstricker is owner of Sydenstricker Genetics (SydGen) in Mexico, Mo. and Sydenstricker John Deere, which has 10 locations in the state. Missouri Angus Association General Manager Josh Worthington presented the award to Sydenstricker on behalf of MCA at the 47th Annual Cattle Industry Convention and MCA Trade Show on Jan. 3.

“There is no one more loyal, more sincere and more dedicated to helping people than Eddie. The man has a heart of gold,” said Worthington. “He doesn’t lend a hand to MCA or any other group he believes in for recognition. He does it because his heart is in it.”

Worthington said whether it’s MCA junior activities or the association’s annual convention, Sydenstricker is there to support the association and its members.

“He never turns down an opportunity to help the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. After all, he is a cattleman.”

Sydenstricker became active showing cattle in 4-H and FFA at a young age. He was involved in forming the very first junior Angus association in the United States, when in 1956, the Missouri Junior Angus Association was organized at Monroe City, Mo. Sydenstricker served as its first president. Eddie’s father, Ralph Sydenstricker, established Sydenstricker Angus Farms in 1952 at Paris, Mo. Sydenstrickers have been producers of registered-Angus seedstock since that time. The name of the operation changed to Sydenstricker Genetics in 2001.

Sydenstricker is also a member of MCA’s President’s Council, which is composed of allied industry and other members who invest $1,000 annually to ensure the association has resources to educate and advocate, according to MCA President Janet Akers.

— Adapted from a release by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

First USDA Forecast Shows Normal Water Supply Forecast for Much of the West

A normal water supply is predicted for much of the West, while the Southwest, Sierra Nevada region and Pacific Northwest are beginning the year drier than normal, according to data from the first 2015 forecast of USDA’s National Water and Climate Center (NWCC). California, Arizona and New Mexico, as well as parts of Colorado, Utah and Nevada are experiencing prolonged drought, focusing attention again on the winter snowfall.

“Right now, snowpack and streamflow forecasts look pretty close to normal for much of the West,” NWCC hydrologist Cara McCarthy said. “A couple of major regional exceptions are the Southwest and California, which are unusually dry once again.”

In Western states where snowmelt accounts for the majority of seasonal water supply, information about snowpack serves as an indicator of future water availability. Streamflow in the West consists largely of accumulated mountain snow that melts and flows into streams as temperatures warm in spring and summer. NWCC scientists analyze the snowpack, air temperature, soil moisture and other measurements taken from remote sites to develop the water supply forecasts.

Overall, the basins of the Missouri, Colorado and Columbia rivers are expected to receive near-normal streamflows.

In the Pacific Northwest, although rainfall during the fall months has been above average, the current snowpack is far below normal because of higher-than-normal temperatures.

“This is just the first forecast of the season; everything can change,” McCarthy said. “A weak El Niño is forecast for this year, which might play a part in coming months.”

Although variable, El Niño conditions tend to deliver more than normal winter precipitation to the Southwest and less to the Pacific Northwest.

The NWCC, part of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), monitors conditions year-round and will continue to issue monthly forecasts until June. The water supply forecast is part of several USDA efforts to improve public awareness and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including drought and other extreme weather events. Through the creation of the National Drought Resilience Partnership, launched as part of the president’s Climate Action Plan, federal agencies are working closely with states, tribes and local governments to develop a coordinated response to drought.

Since 1939, USDA has conducted snow surveys and issued regular water supply forecasts. Other resources on drought include the U.S. Drought Monitor. For information on USDA’s drought efforts, visit USDA Disaster and Drought Information. And to learn more about how NRCS is helping private landowners deal with drought, visit the NRCS drought resources.

View information by state.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA Office of Communications.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal.