News Update
July 17, 2015
Disposition has Effect Gate-to-plate
Temperament isn’t always a trait considered when selecting a herd bull or replacement heifers, but Reinaldo Cooke of Oregon State University told attendees of the 2015 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Convention that it is worth taking into consideration.
Cooke reported that temperament and handling of cattle is detrimental to overall productivity of the cow herd.
Temperament, also referred to as docility or disposition, is a highly heritable trait that can ruin a producer’s day, but Cooke emphasized it could also have an impact on the pocketbook. In his research on both Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle, Cooke found that animals with what he categorized as an “excitable” temperament are actually less efficient than cattle with an “adequate” temperament.
The reason for this is cortisol, a stress hormone that is released when the animal responds to human handling or other events in fear, he explained. Elevated cortisol levels can inhibit metabolic processes, delay puberty and postpone ovulation.
In a study of Braford cattle, Cooke shared, there was an 8% difference in pregnancy rates between animals that had lower cortisol levels compared to more excitable cows with higher cortisol levels.
Read the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
House Passage of Bill to Address Drought
Will Have Significant Impacts for Agriculture
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) July 16 applauded House passage of H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015. Introduced by Congressman David Valadao (R-Calif.), the bill would address some of the impacts of the California drought by updating and modernizing federal water policies in the state and throughout the West.
“The Western U.S. is experiencing exceptional drought with a growing number of communities facing the devastating consequences of this historic natural disaster,” said NCFC President & CEO Chuck Conner. “H.R. 2898 will deliver relief to the region and address the complex and contradictory laws, court decisions and regulations at the state and federal levels that have magnified the impact of the drought even further.”
“On behalf of the hundreds of farmer co-ops throughout California and the Western U.S., I would like to commend Congressman Valadao for his outstanding leadership in seeing this bill through to passage today,” Conner continued. “I urge the Senate to take action on this issue without delay.”
Cattle Producers Gather in Denver
to Establish Direction for Industry
More than 600 cattle producers are gathered for the Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver this week to help set direction for industry programs. The event includes meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), American National CattleWomen (ANCW) and National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Among the purposes of the yearly conference is to create a framework for checkoff and policy efforts on behalf of U.S. cattle producers for 2016. The conference kicked off July 16 and will conclude with the board meetings July 18.
“This has been a great year for cattlemen and women, and the optimism for our industry shows at this meeting,” said NCBA President Philip Ellis. “With great prices and moisture across much of cattle country, spirits are high.”
A Checkoff Program update started the morning meeting, providing those attending for CBB or NCBA Federation an overview of programs being conducted to increase consumer demand for beef. The Conference’s opening general session gave attendees a glimpse of the industry’s proposed Long Range Plan 2016-2020 and included an industry overview from CattleFax.
For more information, please view the full NCBA release online.
USDA Announces Three New Centers of Excellence
with a Consortium of 1890 Colleges and Universities
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced July 16 that USDA is making a $1 million initial investment to support three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges, building and strengthening USDA’s historic partnership with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at the Convocation commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act becoming law, creating the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.
These three new centers will serve as a consortium to increase coordination and collaboration between USDA and the 1890s schools. Each center will focus on a specific identified need:
- Creating an integrated center to benefit small farms, ranches and forest landowners in high-poverty areas;
- Establishing a virtual center to support the science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics (STEAM) pipeline of students and address the growing need for talented career candidates to meet future workforce needs; and
- Satisfying the nation’s need in the areas of international engagement and global food security to increase international cooperation, trade and development.
Vilsack said USDA would provide additional related funding through existing programs and agreements and that the initial funding will help the 1890s schools improve their access to USDA programs and attract additional outside investment.
For more information, please view the full USDA release online.
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Aug. 4 deadline for 10th Feeding Quality Forum
As cattle feeders aim to make the most of premiums for quality, align with market expectations and make ready for industry changes in the wind, they can find insight and answers at an annual forum at two locations on the Great Plains.
The 10th annual Feeding Quality Forum is set for the Omaha suburb of La Vista, Neb., on August 18 and in Garden City, Kan., on August 20.
For a decade, producers, feeders and allied industry have joined together annually for an education reunion to reap expert industry insight. This year’s topics include the perennial favorite market outlook from AgResource Co., tips to combat heat stress, advice on how to adopt current nutrition strategies and a peer panel on risk management.
Attendance is by advance reservation until all seats are taken and remains at the same $50 level as in years past for all registrations by August 4. As space allows, late reservations will be accepted at $75.
Each year, the forum informs and opens discussion that helps attendees plan for shifting industry trends and consumer demand. Peer discussions and networking allow producers and feeders to learn from each other, as well as industry and university experts.
For more information please visit http://www.cabpartners.com/news/events/FQF/index.php.
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