News Update
July 27, 2015
New Pipeline Infrastructure Key
to Unloading Freight Rail Backlog, Helping America’s Farmers
Expanding America’s pipeline infrastructure would relieve the nation’s overburdened freight rail network and improve service for farmers nationwide, according to a new study from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
The booming energy business in the Upper Midwest spiked rail congestion and freight costs for farmers in the region and cut their profits by $570 million during the 2014 harvest. The AFBF study found that the average North Dakota corn farmer may have received $10,000 less than the traditional market rate for the crop. Increasing U.S. pipeline capacity — particularly in the Bakken region — is a prime solution for adding freight system capacity overall and relieving rail congestion, according to AFBF.
“American farmers depend upon rail freight to move their products to market. The surge in rail transportation of crude oil has affected that ability and timing in recent years,” AFBF Chief Economist Bob Young said. “Construction of new pipelines would certainly be a more effective way to move that product to market. It would take crude oil off the rails and, in doing so, improve the overall efficiency of the transportation system. Improved pipeline infrastructure will also help enhance American energy security for everyone.”
For more information, please view the full release.
New Green Coats: NJAA Board of Directors
Twelve young men and women represent the Angus breed as the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB). In their easily recognizable green coats, the juniors serve as friendly helpers, compassionate mentors and dedicated leaders. During the 2015 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 13-18 in Tulsa, Okla., six young people were elected by their peers to serve on the board.
“The Angus breed is on the forefront of the industry and needs ambassadors, both old and young,” says Gabrielle Lemenager, Clifton, Ill., one of the six new NJAB members. “It is a humbling experience to have your name called as a representative of the breed, and I am so excited to be one of those ambassadors.”
Joining Lemenager on the 2015-2016 NJAB are: Katelyn Corsentino, Denham Springs, La.; Braden Henricks, Anadarko, Okla.; Tim Mardesen, Oxford, Iowa; Macy Perry, Prather, Calif.; and Reese Tuckwiller, Lewisburg, W.Va.
Delegates representing each state at the 2015 NJAS chose the newly elected directors. They will serve a two-year term and travel across the country to various events, promoting the Angus breed and helping other young people succeed in the industry’s premier junior organization.
Meet the new board members in the full news release online.
NJAS Showmanship, Best of the Best
The showmanship contest is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to represent their state as a top showman — just ask Allison Manchester, Manhattan, Kan., who now holds the top title from the 2015 NJAS in Tulsa, Okla.
“Growing up I actually didn’t enjoy showmanship, because it was always at the end of the show and I was tired, but my dad always made me do it, and I am very thankful that he did,” Manchester says. “It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
52 showmanship contestants displayed their skills during the 2015 NJAS July 13-18. After multiple preliminary heats and an intense final round, the top five showmen were selected.
The journey to earning one of the esteemed silver bowls, which are awarded to the top five showmen, begins in each contestant’s home state, where two juniors are selected as representatives. The top showman at the NJAS is honored with the Dean Hurlbut Award, named after the man who organized the first showmanship competition in Lexington, Ky.
Read the full Angus news release on the Association’s website.
Inspiring Youth, Black Witch Farms
Wilma and late husband Ed Minix of Black Witch Farms, Athens, Ga., built a successful registered-Angus operation from the ground up. With no prior experience in the Angus business, they learned the ropes together and made a network of friends in the Angus community.
Most recently, Wilma has generously given back to Angus youth and the future of the breed by supporting the Angus Foundation.
To recognize their dedication, the NJAA inducted Ed and Wilma Minix into the Honorary Angus Foundation during the 2015 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Tulsa, Okla.
“The personification of southern hospitality, Ed and Wilma always made you feel welcome and genuinely appreciated you taking the time to visit their farm and view their herd,” said David Gazda, American Angus Association regional manager. “No one is more deserving of such recognition than this gracious and caring couple, Ed and Wilma Minix.”
In honor of Ed, Wilma has been a loyal contributor beginning with the purchase of the first granite planter in the Building an Angus Legacy project for $7,500.
For more information, please view the full Angus news release online.
Mid-South Ruminant Conference
will be in Grapevine Aug. 20-21
The Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference will be Aug. 20-21 at the Embassy Suites, 2401 Bass Pro Drive in Grapevine, Texas.
The conference is sponsored by the Texas Animal Nutrition Council and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Presenters include experts from the American Feed Industry Association, Perdue AgriBusiness Animal Nutrition, Cornell University, Cumberland Valley Analytical Services, Texas Tech University and the University of Georgia.
The Aug. 20 agenda will begin with lunch from noon-1 p.m., followed by presentations on the implementation of the Food Safety Act, landscape of formulation platforms, high-resolution forage testing and using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System in formulations. Presentations will be followed by a formulation round table and demonstrations.
Agenda items on Aug. 21 include breakfast for those staying at the hotel, followed by a Texas Animal Nutrition Conference meeting at 7:30 a.m. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. with the topic of how early life nutrition impacts health of cattle that may persist later into life.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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