News Update

September 24, 2015

Angus University Presents
‘A Story of a Steak’

Optimism is strong in today’s cattle business. With near-record prices and the nation’s herd expansion under way, it’s an opportune time for beef cattle producers to evaluate their current operations and set goals for the future.

The 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show Nov. 3-5 in Overland Park, Kan., will explore what’s next for the beef industry and facilitate discussion for improving quality throughout the production chain.

On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Angus University, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, welcomes an industry-leading lineup of speakers and panelists to explore “A Story of a Steak” and what it will take to supply high quality beef for consumers worldwide.

The theme, “A Story of a Steak,” is an extension of the award-winning series of articles in High Plains Journal and segments on The Angus Report. It emphasizes the importance of all industry sectors working collaboratively to improve the quality of beef and the profitability of producers, feeders and packers.

The new five-part series of “A Story of a Steak” begins airing on The Angus Report at 7:30 a.m. CDT, Monday, Sept. 28, on RFD-TV.

View the official guide for the event online.

For more information, please view the full Angus news release.

— Adapted from a release by Jena McRell, Angus Media.

Mike Sullivan Named 2016 Citizen of the West

The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) has named former Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan the 2016 Citizen of the West, an award that recognizes those who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and perpetuate the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals. A committee of community leaders selects the recipients.

Sullivan was elected Wyoming’s 29th governor in 1986 and re-elected in 1990, the year of Wyoming’s centennial. He will receive the prestigious award at a dinner on Jan. 11, 2016, at the National Western Events Center. Proceeds from the event support 80 scholarships awarded annually to colleges and universities in Colorado and Wyoming by the National Western Scholarship Trust.

For more information, please view the full news release.

— Adapted from a release by the National Western Stock Show.

Merck Honors Veterinarian’s Commitment

In recognition of his commitment to mentoring bovine veterinary students and young veterinarians, Merck Animal Health and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) presented Dean Christianson with the Mentor of the Year Award at this year’s AABP Annual Conference. The annual award honors an individual who is dedicated to educating, guiding and advancing the careers of future bovine veterinarians.

For nearly 30 years, Christianson has opened his doors to countless veterinary students and new veterinarians to share practical insights of working with clients and the animal patients within a rural veterinary clinic.

“The value and recognition of being a mentor is akin to financial investing — the return often comes years or even decades after the fact,” said M. Gatz Riddell Jr., executive vice president of AABP. “Oftentimes, mentees are unaware of the process at the time and only years later realize the impact an individual had on their life and career. This is why Dean and other lifetime mentors like him are so worthy of this recognition.”

For more information, please view the full Merck news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Kelly Goss, Merck Animal Health.

Aaron Arnett joins STgenetics

Livestock genetics leader STgenetics™ has hired beef cattle expert Aaron Arnett to further enhance the company’s beef sire program. As newly named director of beef genetics, Arnett will procure new bulls for and grow sales within STgenetics’ U.S. market.

“I’m very excited to join a company that is experiencing tremendous growth and desires to be a leader in beef genetics and reproductive services,” Arnett said.

He has a long history of involvement in the beef cattle industry, beginning with his birth and childhood on a commercial cow-calf operation in western Ohio. Arnett received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the Ohio State University in 2000. Arnett earned a master’s degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Kentucky in 2004 and a doctorate in meat science from Kansas State University in 2007.

Before joining STgenetics, Arnett was vice president of beef genetics at Select Sires. He has been involved with a number of beef industry groups and organizations, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, where he serves on the board of directors.

— Adapted from a release by STgenetics.

Grazing Lands Focus of Upcoming Conference

The National Grazing Lands Coalition will host the 6th National Conference on Grazing Lands Dec. 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency DFW near Grapevine, Texas. Conference organizers expect more than 1,200 ranchers, professors, land managers, researchers, public officials, conservationists and students to attend this national conference and participate in the exchange of ideas and information on grazing land environmental and economic practices and issues.

The conference will feature experts in fields such as range science, range and pasture management, forage management, and animal behavior. Speakers include Don Ball, professor emeritus, Auburn University; Garry Lacefield, professor of plant and soil science, Extension forage specialist, University of Kentucky; Peter Ballerstedt, forage product manager, Barenbrug, USA; and Rachel Gilker and Kathy Voth, who produce On Pasture, an online grazing magazine which translates research and experience into actions graziers can implement on their own operations.

The conference’s unique format will provide grazing information and expert speakers along four “tracks” — Western, Midwestern, Eastern and Dairy. Some of the topics to be highlighted include grazing management, grazing land economics and marketing, public policy, soil health, and the ag/urban interface.

For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.

— Adapted from a release by the National Grazing Lands Council.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal.