News Update
June 5, 2015
Angus Media Welcomes Sarah Harris Communications Intern
While at American Angus Association headquarters, communications intern Sarah Harris, Kansas State University (K-State), will gain a working knowledge and experience in all aspects of the Association’s multimedia approach to promoting the Angus breed. Some of her responsibilities include writing, design, editing, photography and assisting with video production.
At the NJAS, Harris will work with Angus Media to promote and cover news and results from various competitions and events, while getting to know many of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members and families in attendance.
“Experience is the greatest tool in learning, and I am thrilled to have such an opportunity through the American Angus Association,” Harris says. “This is a great chance to learn from some of the best in the business and gain new skills that I can use throughout my entire career.”
Originally from Charlotte, Mich., Harris was raised on her family’s farrow-to-finish swine farm and participated in both 4-H and the National FFA Organization. She graduated in May 2010 from Michigan State University, receiving a certification in swine management. After earning her degree, she moved to Kansas, where she is currently a senior at K-State studying agricultural communications and journalism, with minors in horticulture and animal sciences and industry.
To learn more about Harris, please view the full release on the Association’s website.
Cattlemen Highlight BQA at White House Forum
on Antibiotic Stewardship
On June 2, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) participated in the White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship in Washington D.C. Chief Veterinarian, Kathy Simmons and Mike Apley, a cattle producer and veterinarian from Kansas, attended and participated in the meeting on behalf of NCBA. NCBA President Philip Ellis said this was a great opportunity to highlight what the cattle industry is doing to support the judicious use of these technologies.
A significant part of the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program involves antimicrobial stewardship training on the appropriate use and administration of these technologies. BQA stresses the need for good stewardship, including honoring withdrawal times, prevention of environmental contamination, the need for good recordkeeping and a strong veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
While NCBA has been focused on stewardship for decades, last year NCBA organized research advisory groups composed of a wide range of researchers within the agricultural community to direct the planning for future antibiotic use and antimicrobial-resistance research activities. The administration also released the final rule for the Veterinary Feed Directive, aiming to place antibiotic stewardship in the hands of veterinarians.
For more information on the White House forum, please view the full release.
Retired K-State Professor Miles McKee
to Receive Inaugural Impact Award
Back in 1950, the national champion livestock judging team was from K-State and was coached by Don Good. A member of that team, Miles McKee, will be the first recipient of the Don Good Impact Award.
Named for the former head of the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, the award recognizes positive impact on the livestock and meat industry or agriculture. Presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council (LMIC), the award will be presented at the K-State Animal Science Family and Friends Reunion, set for Oct. 9 at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan.
“Miles McKee taught thousands of students in beef production, pregnancy diagnosis and introductory animal science,” said Dave Nichols, professor of animal sciences and industry and the award nominator. “His greatest impact at Kansas State was his outstanding academic advising. Along with Dr. Good, he laid the foundation and culture of our department for student service and success.”
McKee is professor emeritus at K-State, where he worked from 1959 through his retirement in 2005. He received several teaching and advising awards during his tenure.
For more information, please view the full release online.
NFU Applauds Introduction of the Young Farmer Success Act
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson applauded the June 2 introduction of the Young Farmer Success Act of 2015 by Representatives Chris Gibson (R-New York), and Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut), which is a bill that will add farmers to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
“Across the country the average age of farmers is increasing,” noted Johnson. “The agriculture sector needs new and beginning farmers to offset farmers transitioning out of agriculture, but the hurdles for new and beginning farmers have only become higher as students are graduating with more and more loan debt. NFU applauds the introduction of the Young Farmer Success Act, which will aid the transition of the next generation of farmers into agriculture.”
Johnson noted that the Class of 2014 graduated with an average debt of $33,000. It is part of an upward trend in which each successive class surpasses the last with a higher average of student loan indebtedness.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Preregister to Save a Seat on the 2015 Feedlot Tour Bus
North Dakota beef producers seeking more information on the state’s growing feedlot industry still have time to preregister for the 13th annual North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) Feedlot Tour. The tour is scheduled for June 16 at feedlots in Elgin, N.D., New Leipzig, N.D., and Morristown, S.D.
The tour bus is filling up, but those wishing to reserve a seat can still do so by contacting NDSA Environmental Services Director Scott Ressler at 701-223-2522 or sressler@ndstockmen.org before June 12. Preregistration is not a requirement, but it is appreciated for planning purposes.
This year’s tour stops showcase the work of local producers at Ottmar Feedyard, Maher Angus Ranch and Roth Feedyard. Bus transportation will be provided to and from the stops. The bus will depart from the Bismarck, N.D., K-Mart parking lot at 8 a.m. CDT and return at approximately 5 p.m. CDT.
The NDSA Feedlot Tour, a project of the NDSA Feeder Council, costs $5 per person, which includes lunch at the Maher Angus Ranch stop.
Founded in 1929, the NDSA is an 85-year-old cattle producer’s trade organization that works to unite, protect, promote, educate and serve North Dakota’s beef industry.
For more information, please view the full release online.
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