News Update
April 8, 2015
Act in April to Honor the Best
The pull-through demand from our foodservice and retail partners relies on a consistent and abundant supply of high-quality beef. Creating that supply — those cattle — is a team effort, but the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) team finds it a great honor to recognize some standout influencers in that supply chain each year.
Ranchers and feedyard managers have a way of doing things really well, even when no one else is watching, which is usually the case. Genetic selections aren’t made on what the neighbors might think, and their drive for a higher CAB acceptance rate is based on a sound business decision rather than an award.
Still, we’re on a mission to find and recognize the best. That’s why we’re asking for your nominations again this year. Yes, it’s time to evaluate the outstanding producer-partners around you and share their success stories with us. This year, our team will be accepting nominations for two different categories.
The Commitment to Excellence awards most closely take into consideration the applicants’ direct effect on the supply of high-quality cattle for the CAB brand. Elements that may be considered for this award include genetics selection, management practices, customer service, progressive use of technology and overall CAB acceptance rate. Nominations for this award can be made in one of three categories: Seedstock breeder, commercial producer or feedlot.
The Progressive Partner award recognizes those who have found the most innovative and effective ways to add value to high-quality cattle. We’re looking for folks with an advanced marketing approach in today’s beef business. Nominees may come from any segment of the industry and may be recognized as individuals or as a business.
It’s no secret that in the beef business the people you partner with are just as important as the cattle you’re trading. If you have someone you would like to nominate for any of these awards, please let us know. Contact Kara Lee at 812-653-0020 or email klee@certifiedangusbeef.com for a simple nomination form. Nominations are due by April 30. We’d love to hear from you today!
USDA Confirms Avian Influenza in
Second Flock in Kandiyohi County, Minn.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza (HPAI) in a second commercial turkey flock in Kandiyohi County, Minn. This is the eighth confirmation in a commercial flock in Minnesota. The flock of 30,000 turkeys is located within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of avian influenza has previously been identified. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers the risk to people from these HPAI H5 infections in wild birds, backyard flocks and commercial poultry to be low. No human infections with the virus have been detected at this time.
Samples from the turkey flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the findings. NVSL is the only internationally recognized AI reference laboratory in the United States. APHIS is working closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health on a joint incident response. State officials quarantined the premises and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing to be sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.
All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state/federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
Please view the USDA stakeholder announcements for information on detections of HPAI in Minnesota and the United States.
Visit www.mnairesponse.info for the most up-to-date information on Minnesota’s response to HPAI.
Alliance Summit to Discuss Proactively Managing a Crisis
Due to great response, the Animal Agriculture Alliance announced April 8 that early registration has been extended until April 15 for its 2015 Stakeholders Summit, themed, “The Journey to Extraordinary.” At the Summit, set for May 6-7 in Kansas City, Mo., attendees will receive firsthand insight into managing a crisis situation from experienced industry professionals.
Helen Wojcinski, science and sustainability manager with Hybrid Turkeys, will share how the company was able to navigate a serious reputation threat in March 2014 when an undercover video of the operation was released by an animal rights organization. Hybrid Turkeys worked proactively to respond to the video by taking immediate action and implementing industry-leading changes, while highlighting their already high commitment to animal welfare and strong track record in this area.
In the Summit’s final session, Kimberly Keller, senior director of reputation management with Charleston|Orwig, will close the event by giving participants tips and tactics they can immediately implement to be better prepared for a crisis situation.
The Summit is a one-of-a-kind conference, ideal for networking across sectors of the food chain as it is attended by a diverse group of decision makers, including representatives from farms, ranches, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, legislators, universities and government agencies.
This year’s event will explore animal agriculture’s continuous efforts to embrace new technologies that will help feed a growing population, while measuring sustainability, engaging consumers in innovative ways to bridge the knowledge gap, and highlighting initiatives that demonstrate agriculture’s commitment to transparency.
For more information, please view the full release here.
New Farm Trailer Laws to be Topic of
AgriLife Extension Program
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a Farm Trailer Laws program beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 13 at the Brown County Fairgrounds located at 4206 U.S. Highway 377 in Brownwood.
“If you are involved in farming and ranching, then owning a farm trailer or two is almost imperative,” said Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent in Brown County. “There’s been some fairly recent changes in how they are regulated, so exactly what are the laws pertaining to bumper pull and/or gooseneck trailers? Some laws govern both types, some relate only to one kind. With this program we intend to get to the facts as they relate to you the producer.”
Anderson said Brian Childs with the Texas Department of Public Safety will present the program, which is free and open to the public.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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