News Update
June 29, 2015
New Genomic Test
Breeders now have a more affordable option for genomically testing Angus cattle. Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), the genetic services engine of the American Angus Association has announced newly available low-density, or LD, genomic tests that offer important data for incorporation into genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) at nearly the same level of accuracy as high-density options. In fact, if animals are tested on both platforms, AGI predicts the same results for 98% of the markers.
“The key benefit is that it’s testing that’s offered at a lower cost with nearly the same accuracy that’s achieved with a high density test,” said Tonya Amen, AGI director of genetic services. “So, what that will allow us to do is for Angus breeders is to test much deeper in their herds.”
Both AGI partner labs Zoetis and GeneSeek will offer the LD tests, available now through Angus.org. GeneSeek will offer the GGP-LD for $45, and Zoetis will offer the i50K test for $47.
For more information, watch this week’s episode of The Angus Report.
Opportunity Awaits Feeder Cattle
Enrolled in Value-Added Programs
It has been more than two years since Japan eased its import age restrictions on American beef. When the age requirement changed to 30 months or younger, many people thought the need for age-verified cattle was over.
Fast-forward to 2015: Currently the cattle market is in a similar seasonal market pattern to last year. The weather across the eastern and Midwestern United States suggests there will be an abundant corn and hay crop. Cow herd expansion continues, and some say it will not end until 2016.
Packers today are adding value to retail ground beef and chuck roasts by marketing some of those cuts as beef patties and flat-iron steaks. Cow-calf producers have the opportunity to add value to their feeder calves, too. Here are a few ways you can increase your profits.
Check out the research. Weaned calves bring more money. Most buyers look for calves weaned between 45 days and 60 days. They are willing to pay a $6- to $7-per-hundredweight (cwt.) premium, according to the latest data from 2014.
To read more, please view the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
House Agriculture Committee Begins
Review of Food Aid Programs
On June 24, the House Agriculture Committee began a full-scale review of U.S. international food aid programs with a hearing focused on the nation’s international efforts to alleviate hunger and malnutrition and to enhance food security.
The U.S. government provides international food aid through a variety of programs administered by either the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) or the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) within the USDA. Members of the committee and witnesses primarily addressed the current major food aid programs including Food for Peace, Food for Progress, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and the Emergency Food Security Program. Discussions focused on the efficiency of the programs, potential areas of improvement, and the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance of in-kind and cash-based assistance.
“The United States has led global efforts in providing international food aid for more than 60 years, and U.S. agriculture producers have been central to those efforts,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway.
For more information, please view the full news release online.
Highway 21 Feeders Ltd. Announced as
Western Feedlot of the Year
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) is pleased to honor Highway 21 Feeders Ltd. with the Western Feedlot of the Year Award. This award was presented on June 5, during Cattleman’s Connection Day at the Canadian Angus National Convention. The presentation was made to Scott Brady, the cow-calf manager at Highway 21, during the afternoon tours at Grow Safe Systems in Airdrie, Alta. His vast knowledge in the feedlot and cow-calf sector brought Scott to Cattleman’s Connection Day as a speaker panel member during the morning sessions hosted earlier in the day.
Owned by Ed and Lyle Miller, Highway 21 is a father/son operation located in Acme, Alta., between Strathmore, Drumheller, Olds and Red Deer. Their operation consists of around 25,000 head of feedlot cattle, as well as around 8,500 cows. They have a very large land base on which they can produce enough feed to supply both their feedlot and cow-calf operations.
The Highway 21 team puts a large emphasis on genetic improvement, utilizing artificial insemination (AI) to breed over 5,000 of their cows in 2015.
For more information, please view the the Canadian Angus Association’s website.
Emergency Preparedness: Flooding and Livestock Safety
Some low-lying flat areas and canyon regions experience flooding when snow melt in springtime or heavy rains in summer/fall fill rivers beyond their banks. Ranchers in those areas are usually prepared for floods because they’ve experienced these events before. In regions where flooding is less common, people are caught unprepared.
Ragan Adams, coordinator of Veterinary Extension Specialist Group for Colorado State University, says nearly every farm or ranch is subject to some sort of hazard or disaster, whether it be fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, blizzard, power outage, etc.
“Everyone should have an emergency plan for their operation that takes into account the most likely risk for their area,” Adams says. “The goals for each plan are similar, regardless of the hazard — to keep people and livestock safe.”
Emergency preparedness means a plan for keeping animals safe, fed and protected from the elements. Completely relocating animals may be impractical in large operations, so Adams suggests planning to move the stock to higher ground and locating a clean supply of water and feed.
For more information, please view the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article.
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