News Update
June 3, 2015
The Source
Expected progeny differences (EPDs), genomic scores, foot scores, dollar value indexes ($Values), plus all the weights and ratios — the numbers are everywhere. We love them. We hate them. No matter where you fall in this love-hate relationship, the key is don’t stop trying to learn and understand the data. Keep up-to-date on the information and have an idea how to use it in your program.
Marketing is one area where most cattlemen say they need help. Very few (except the past two years) will tell you they feel they received what their calves were worth at sale time. Those days will return, but let’s hope not for a long time.
How can the American Angus Association help you market your commercial, Angus-sired calves this year?
AngusSource® and AngusSource Genetic are the answer, but most think it is hard to enroll and takes too much time. Plus, you have to use a special ear tag, and then you have to do this or that.
When you take your calves to the auction, do they tell potential buyers anything about the bulls you used to sire the calves? Most likely not.
For more information on the benefits of AngusSource, please view the full article on the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA website.
Damage Assessment of Flood Control Infrastructure Begins
Oklahoma’s entire flood control infrastructure suffered wear and tear during a month of historic rainfall. As floodwaters recede, crews are inspecting the 2,107 dams operated by conservation districts for damage.
“It’s impossible to say the extent of damage caused to the dams until the water goes down — that is taking some time,” said Tammy Sawatzky, Oklahoma Conservation Commission conservation programs division director. “Preliminary inspections indicate the cost of repairs may run in the millions of dollars.”
Heavy rain caused the grass-covered auxiliary spillways of 133 dams to flow with water. This design feature prevents water from overtopping the earthen dams and threatening structural integrity. Of these 133 dams, 21 incurred damage, and four of these suffered significant damage.
Damages observed include cuts into the base of dams from backward flowing water, dislodged spillway pipes and heavy erosion in auxiliary spillways.
“Minor repairs can cost between $1,000 and $5,000, while more serious repairs can cost up to $75,000,” said Sawatzky. “Multiply that by 2,107 dams, and the repair cost is potentially quite high.”
For information on the flood damage assessment, please view the full release online.
Ag Safety Grants up to $20,000
Offered by National Children’s Center
Proposals are now being accepted for mini-grants up to $20,000 to support small-scale projects and pilot studies that address prevention of childhood agricultural disease and injury. The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety plans to award three grants. The application deadline is Aug. 17, 2015.
Funding priority will be given to projects that:
- Address issues pertaining to barriers, motivators and interventions for keeping young children out of the farm worksite.
- Address vulnerable populations, such as immigrant workers’ children, Anabaptists, African Americans and Native Americans.
- Test safety strategies with new partners, such as insurers, bankers and equipment dealers.
For more information and to submit a proposal, go to mini-grant program or www.marshfieldclinic.org/NCCRAHS.
Since 2002, 51 projects have been funded in amounts up to $20,000. More than half of the projects have addressed vulnerable populations.
For questions contact Marsha Salzwedel at salzwedel.marsha@mcrf.mfldclin.edu, 715-389-5226 or 1-800-662-6900 option 8.
Apply Now for the 2015-16
ASA DuPont Young Leader Program
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2016 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program.
For more than 30 years, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program has identified and developed grower leaders that continue to shape the future of agriculture.
The ASA DuPont Young Leader program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase I of the training takes place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Dec. 1-4, 2015. The program continues March 1-4, 2016, in New Orleans, La., with training held in conjunction with the 21st annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.
Grower couples and individuals are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agricultural information and the development of a strong peer network. ASA, its 26 state affiliates, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario and DuPont, will work together to identify the top producers to represent their state as part of this program.
Applications are being accepted online now. Interested applicants should apply online.
For more information, please view the full news release.
Youth Program to be Offered at
Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course
Youth can learn more about the beef industry, including a virtual tour of a feedlot and packing operations, during a special hands-on program held in conjunction with the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, on Aug. 3-5 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
The youth program will feature a variety of educational sessions, ranging from beef evaluations and grading to using social media for beef advocacy, said Jason Cleere, conference coordinator and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station.
“Youth participants will be able to attend the general session, as well as the live demonstrations on Aug. 5. Competitions will be hosted for the students to exhibit their beef knowledge skills, and awards will be given to the winners,” Cleere said.
Topics include a beef quality demonstration and live cattle evaluation, along with attending any of the Cattlemen’s College sessions offered during the main Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. All registrants ages 13-18 for the youth program must attend the program with a parent or other supervising adult.
Registration is $80 by Aug. 1 and $100 thereafter.
For more information please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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