News Update
September 1, 2015
Added Value with AI
Beef cattle herds that rely on natural breeding can sometimes cite the hassle of artificial insemination (AI) as a reason for sticking with natural service sires. But are they really saving money and time in the long-term?
University of Florida researcher Cliff Lamb followed a beef herd for seven years in order to calculate just how much value and increased efficiency can be derived from a breeding strategy involving heat synchronization, AI and strict culling. When he started, the herd was strictly using natural service. At the end of the study, the herd was using AI and synchronization.
“During that period of time we’ve managed to decrease the breeding season by about 50 days, While at the same time increasing the overall breeding season pregnancy rates and increasing the calf value,” Lamb says.
“The average calf is worth $169 more per calf than what they were six years ago, before we implemented a system like this,” he adds.
Watch the full interview with Lamb on this week’s The Angus Report.
Planning an Angus Sale?
If you’re planning an Angus sale this fall, be sure to contact the American Angus Association and request a complimentary sale day kit, which includes educational resources, posters and information on Association programs and services. Submit an order today to ensure it arrives on the ranch in time for sale day.
The kits come in three types — one tailored specifically toward female sales, another for bull sales, and the third for bull and female sales. Each kit includes various literature and posters in quantities of 10 to 25, which contain information on what potential customers should know about the breed and its programs and services. Buyer guides, beef improvement information and full-color posters are a few of the additional items that are available.
For more information, read the complete news release.
NAAB hosts 69th Convention
The annual meeting of the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) was hosted Aug.18-19 at the Drury Plaza at the Arch Hotel, Saint Louis, Mo. Meeting agenda included the business session, election of directors and recognition awards. A Cardinal’s baseball game was enjoyed by attendees, as well.
During the business session Board Chairman Keith Heikes noted that the advancement of genetics through genomics has given new meaning, purpose and need for cooperation of NAAB members. This cooperation will allow the industry to maximize the benefit of this tool long into the future.
Heikes stated that the association is in a strong financial position. He also credited a variety of committees as resources in the NAAB Board’s decision-making process and stressed the point that these committees are vital to the ongoing success of NAAB.
Gordon Doak, NAAB president, reported that the total dairy and beef unit sales for 2014 increased 7.8% to 54,436,129 units. Export unit sales increased 12% to 23,052,262 units. The total dollar value for exports increased 12.34% in 2014, to $173,128,431.
For more information, please view the full release online.
Membership Benefit Announcements: NCBA and Farm Bureau
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has announced a new member benefit in partnership with Cabela’s Corporate Outfitter. NCBA members can take advantage of the Cabela’s Corporate Outfitter program by receiving an Outfitter Card that will provide up to a 20% discount on business purchases made at Cabela’s stores, as well as access to Cabela’s customization services.
For more information, view the NCBA announcement online.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and Caterpillar Inc. announced Sept. 1 a new partnership that will provide members up to $2,000 in purchase incentives on Cat machines. In addition, Caterpillar plans to support Farm Bureau programs in 2016 and coordinate with Farm Bureau on other efforts.
Eligible equipment includes Cat skid-steer loaders, compact and multi-terrain loaders, wheel loaders, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors.
For more information, view the Farm Bureau release online.
Texas A&M Ag Economics Tailgate Sept. 12
Emerging Issues in Livestock and Horticulture Marketing will be the featured seminar presentation scheduled from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 12 as part of the Texas A&M University department of agricultural economics tailgate activities at the AgriLife Center in College Station.
“We want former students, current students and friends of the department to come join us for the afternoon,” said Parr Rosson, department head. “This will be our fourth year to host a tailgate activity and it’s always a good time to network and present some of our activities we are working on through AgriLife Extension, research and teaching here in the department.”
The seminar program will feature David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock marketing economist, who will provide a cattle and dairy outlook. Marco Palma, AgriLife Extension economist, will discuss new research trends in human behavior and how they are used in Extension education.
For more information, view the full meeting announcement online.
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