News Update
September 17, 2015
Beef Sustainability: Keep It Up
Sustainability has become a buzzword in the agriculture industry, and in many respects, it’s always been a focus in the cattle business. Sara Place with Oklahoma State University offers the following definition of sustainability:
“It’s producing safe, nutritious beef for human consumption, but doing so with long-term business viability, stewardship of natural resources and responsibility to community, family and animals,” Place said. “And really what’s encompassed within that definition is economics, environmental issues and social issues.”
In this video clip from Certified Angus Beef LLC and the American Angus Association, we hear from two industry experts who explain sustainability and its practical applications on the ranch.
Reduce Food Waste 50% by 2030
On Sept. 16, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy announced the United States’ first-ever national food waste reduction goal, calling for a 50% reduction by 2030. As part of the effort, the federal government will lead a new partnership with charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, the private sector and local, state and tribal governments to reduce food loss and waste in order to improve overall food security and conserve our nation’s natural resources.
The announcement occurs just one week before world leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to address sustainable development practices, including sustainable production and consumption. A wide array of voices from across the food chain applauded the announcement of the first national standards for food waste reduction.
For more information, please view the full USDA release online.
Entries for Kansas Junior Livestock Show Set Record
The 83rd annual Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS), proudly sponsored by Cargill, promises to be a big event, with 738 youth from 87 counties entering 1,861 animals. This is the largest number of livestock entered in more than 25 years. The total includes 147 market steers, 338 breeding heifers, 244 market hogs, 194 breeding gilts, 305 market lambs, 261 breeding ewes, 229 meat goats and 143 commercial doe kids. The statewide event will be hosted Oct. 2-4 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
New this year to KJLS will be cash awards for the top five in both market and breeding shows in all four species. The show is replacing the premium auction event with direct cash payouts ranging from $4,000 to $500 for steers; $1,000 to $300 for heifers; $2,000 to $500 for market hogs; $750 to $250 for breeding gilts; $2,000 to $400 for lambs and market goats; and $750 to $200 for ewes and commercial doe kids. The KJLS Board of Directors enhanced these awards to recognize more of the show’s exhibitors than ever before and is looking forward to showcasing the state’s prized livestock this fall.
For more information, please view the full KLA release online.
Enter to Compete in National Anthem Singing Contest
The third annual National Anthem Singing Contest, hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), is now open for entry. Those 18 years of age or younger and related to an NCBA, American National CattleWomen (ANCW) or Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) member are eligible to enter.
The winner will sing the National Anthem during the Opening General Session, as well as the Thursday night event on the USS Midway, at the 2016 Cattle Industry Convention Jan. 27-29 in San Diego, Calif. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare for two to the convention; one hotel room for four nights; free convention registration for two; and a pair of boots, jeans and a shirt from Roper or Stetson.
Entries are accepted from now until Oct.19. The top four finalists will be chosen by Nov. 2, 2015. Then video entries will be posted to www.BeefUSA.org for public voting, one vote per person, per day. The winner will be announced Dec. 4, 2015.
To enter, contestants must complete an entry form and submit a video performing the National Anthem (solo and a capella only). Submit an entry for the National Anthem Contest and find more information online.
Ranch Management University Set for Oct. 12-16
Texas landowners needing anything from basic ranching skills to wildlife management will find answers during the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Ranch Management University Oct. 12-16 in College Station, according to coordinators.
The workshop will meet at the G. Rollie White Visitor’s Center, 7707 Raymond Stotzer Parkway on the Texas A&M University campus, said Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist in College Station.
The five-day event is designed to help new landowners improve their understanding regarding management of resources on their ranch properties, Redmon said. Topics to be covered include soils and soil fertility, forage species selection, hay production, weed and brush management, winter pasture establishment and utilization, beef cattle breed selection, nutrient requirements and feeding strategies for livestock, grazing management strategies, and the popular chute-side talk live animal handling demonstrations of vaccinations, dehorning and castration of cattle.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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