News Update
August 6, 2015
Faster Tools Offer Lift
for Montana Ranch
Steve and Pat Thoeny each grew up in ranching families, so it was in their blood from the beginning. Still, they were the first generation on the ranch they manage today, and the early days weren’t easy. There were years of partnering with the former owner on the place where they started, keeping back what heifers were left after paying bills, but that built a foundation solid enough to make it on their own.
The Montana ranchers started using GeneMax® (GMX) Advantage™ as a dual-purpose indicator this year. The DNA markerbased test features reports that will help identify bottom outliers in multiple traits — those that shouldn’t be considered for replacements. They plan to use the information to increase carcass quality for the next generation as well, even before they are conceived. Heifers with higher scores for carcass quality will be bred to bulls with the same or greater potential.
Read more in the Angus Journal about how embracing artificial insemination (AI) and GeneMax® Advantage can bring faster progress on the ranch.
Zoetis Service Helps Producers and Veterinarians
Assess Team Dynamics
Livestock producers and veterinarians know what healthy animals look like, but it takes a different set of skills and tools to understand employees. To help diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of your team and assess opportunities for change that can benefit your business, Zoetis offers a new service from PeopleFirst™, Team Scan.
“Listening to your team and understanding their perspectives about the business offers one of the best opportunities for business improvements,” said Brett Bristol, business solutions manager for PeopleFirst at Zoetis. “A highly productive team drives productivity and profitability. But it can be challenging to identify areas for improvement or discover team issues you need to correct if you don’t know how each person really feels about your organization.”
The Team Scan service from PeopleFirst starts with a 30-question survey, delivered electronically to an entire organization, including the leadership. The survey provides anonymous input at an organizational level on what an entire team thinks about its work environment based on key areas of the business, including communication, culture, leadership and talent.
For more information, please view the Zoetis news release.
Sarah Ryan Named Northwest Regional Manager for Allflex USA
Allflex USA has announced that Sarah Ryan will be responsible for supporting Allflex sales and marketing efforts in the Northwest. Originally from the state of Washington, she grew up on a diversified grain and cattle operation near Pullman. She has an extensive background in electronic identification for feedlot and cow-calf applications.
Ryan earned a master’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Washington State University. She has experience in the feedlot, cow-calf and purebred genetics sectors of the beef business. In addition, she has served in roles where she developed animal records and analysis to identify and improve processes and genetics.
For more information, please view the full release online.
JCB Dealer Network Expands into Western Canada
Noble JCB, a new JCB dealer headquartered in Olds, Alta., Canada, will offer a wide variety of both new and used agricultural equipment to customers in western Canada.
Founded in 2009 in Nobleford, Canada, Noble Equipment began as the first KRONE hay and forage technology dealer in western Canada. Today, Noble Equipment offers a variety of agricultural equipment for dairy, livestock, poultry, hay and forage farmers, as well as a dedicated service and support department.
“We are thrilled to expand business in the Central Alberta agriculture market by providing JCB’s top-notch, durable equipment,” said Ryan Vandenberg, shareholder service manager of Noble JCB. “It is our mission to provide outstanding equipment, service and parts and combining our dedicated service with JCB’s world-famous equipment will help us fulfil that mission for our loyal customers.”
For more information, please view the full release online.
Big Country Beef Conference set Aug. 20
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Big Country Beef Conference is set for Aug. 20 in Abilene, Texas. The biennial conference starts with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Big Country Hall next to the AgriLife Extension offices located on the grounds of the Taylor County Expo Center.
Robert Pritz, AgriLife Extension agent in Taylor County, said this year’s event will focus on the current state of the industry, along with beef herd management and range management.
Specific topics include a beef industry outlook; agricultural lending for today’s cattle producers; a packing plant virtual tour; cow size and efficiency; the importance of preventative herd health management; the value of weed and brush management; integrating livestock and wildlife operations; and herbicide laws and regulations.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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