News Update
May 28, 2015
High Demand for Quality
A nearly unprecedented spring sales season reflected growing demand for the Angus breed. American Angus Association® midyear fiscal reports show nationwide cattle sales have continued the pattern set last fall, with spring sales inching higher and higher. The average price for a registered Angus bull, from Oct. 1, 2014, through April 30, 2015, reached nearly $7,000 per head — up more than 35% compared to year-ago figures.
Registered Angus females have seen an even larger spike, with averages up about 50%, at more than $5,000 per head. The total gross sales of registered Angus genetics, according to sale figures reported to the Association, were up more than 30% over last year, at nearly $392 million.
“It’s been a tremendous year to watch these prices unfold in the Angus market,” says Bryce Schumann, Association CEO. “Higher prices reflect a strong demand for registered Angus genetics and a growing interest toward rebuilding with quality.”
Near-record figures from the organization are proof that cattlemen are beginning to act on plans to increase their operations and build the nation’s beef supply. Other key indicators across the industry show the expansion phase of the cow herd is, in fact, beginning to take place.
To read more, view the complete news release online.
Heat Tolerance in Cattle for Welfare, Performance
Beef producers care about heat stress adaptability in their cattle, out of concern for their comfort, as well as economics. That is why the American Angus Association’s research priorities committee set a high priority on learning more about heat tolerance in cattle. The Angus Foundation funded the white paper as part of its commitment to further research initiatives.
The comprehensive literature review and analysis by Dr. Megan M. Rolf, Oklahoma State University assistant professor and state beef extension specialist, “Genetic Basis for Heat Tolerance in Cattle.”
Rolf breaks down heat stress from the basics of normal dissipation of heat that maintains comfort to environmental risk factors that contribute to heat stress such as the temperature humidity index (THI) and individual traits such as hide color, ability to shed winter hair coat, temperament and respiratory health.
“Planning ahead for heat stress mitigation and making necessary adjustments before the onset of symptoms can improve both performance and the well-being of the animal,” she says.
The mitigation strategy should reflect the production conditions, whether it is pasture or feedlot, and some of these strategies will be easier to implement in some production systems than others, Rolf notes. Still, she lists seven potential management interventions to help cattle in all environments, and previews an industry-leading decision support tool with a “Cattle Comfort Index,” currently available only in Oklahoma.
For more information on the Association’s research efforts, please view the full release online.
Finalized EPA Water Rule Reaction
On May 27, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. In just six months the Agency received more than a million public comments regarding the institution of this rule. Reaction from House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Micheal Conaway and Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee Chairman Glenn Thompson was swift. They released the following statement:
“America’s farmers and ranchers deserve a government that will review and address their concerns. Instead, the process by which this rule was established ignored them. Even input from the states was ignored, clearly displaying the arrogant, ‘government knows best’ attitude ever-present in this Administration.”
The House Agriculture Committee has voted in favor of H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, which would force the EPA and the Corps to pull the WOTUS rule.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) President Pete Bonds made the following statement: “This rule will unilaterally allow the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to regulate ranchers out of business by taking control of the water we rely on to raise cattle and provide a healthy food supply worldwide.
“The EPA also used an extremely flawed process for compiling the water rule. The law requires the EPA to read and consider all public comments submitted, but only after months of receiving one million comments, the Agency finalized the rule. I find it very hard to believe the EPA took all of the comments into consideration. The Agency blatantly disregarded the concerns raised by ranchers and other relevant stakeholders throughout the entire rulemaking process.”
For more information, please view the House Agriculture Committee’s and TSCRA’s full news releases.
TAHC Urges Livestock and Pet Owners to Protect Animals
With the rain, flooding and tornados across the state, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) reminds Texans to take appropriate steps to prepare your livestock, poultry and pets before disaster strikes.
All animals are vulnerable to issues associated with torrential rains and floods. Such events can easily impact both animal and human health. Proper planning and preparedness are key in preventing or minimizing the loss of livestock and pets. Stay informed and protect your livestock and pets against potential severe weather threats.
Make plans for your livestock and pets in case you need to evacuate your home or ranch. Remember that disasters often displace animals left behind so it is imperative that you have a way to identify your animal(s). Ear tags, microchips, brands, contact information attached to halters/collars, and pictures of you with your animal are good ways to prove ownership after a disaster.
In addition to your personal disaster kit, put together supplies that may be needed for your livestock/pets.
For more information and items that should be included in a disaster kit, please view the full TAHC new release.
Stockmen’s Association Plans
Spring Roundup Series, ‘2015 and Beyond’
“Through its policy and advocacy efforts, every day, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) works to lead the state’s beef industry through 2015 and beyond,” said NDSA President Steve Brooks, a Bowman, N.D., cow-calf and seedstock producer.
The 85-year-old cattle producers’ trade organization will be hosting its Spring Roundup series by that very name, “2015 and Beyond,” June 4-5 and 8-11 in Fessenden, Jamestown, Linton, Carson, Killdeer and Washburn, N.D.
Each Spring Roundup will include a social, supper and short program featuring Brooks, NDSA Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson and others. Brooks will highlight the NDSA’s latest work on issues like the Dietary Guidelines, the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) proposed rule and trade promotion authority. Ellingson will recap the action from the recently completed 64th North Dakota Legislative Assembly.
District Nominating Committees will meet at the close of each Spring Roundup. There, committee members will identify candidates for the NDSA’s open director positions that will be filled at the NDSA Annual Convention in September.
For more information and the spring roundup schedule, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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