News Update

October 8, 2015

Extend Fall and Winter Grazing

In dry climates ranchers often run short on late-summer and fall pasture, especially when productivity of cool-season perennial grasses is limited during the heat of summer. In 2008, the University of Idaho’s Nancy Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center in Salmon, Idaho, began looking at ways to extend grazing with summer annuals.

John Hall, University of Idaho Extension beef specialist, says they looked at species that grow well in dry corners of pivot-irrigated ground to try to increase hay yield or pasture. It evolved into a project to increase forage production for fall grazing. The first test plots contained five species of warm-season annuals — Sudex, teff (an annual grass), German foxtail millet, pearl millet and grazing corn.

“Since then we have just planted Sudex — the sorghum-Sudan hybrid — around the first of July,” Hall says, “to provide grazing in November and December. The most productive year, we were able to graze 100 head for 40 days on 16 acres.”

The crop did well under irrigation with some fertilization, Hall reports, explaining they used 40-60 units of nitrogen per acre.

— Adapted from a release by Heather Smith Thomas, Angus Media.

NJAA Extended Internship Deadline Oct. 15

College students looking for experience planning events and working with youth across the country can apply for the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) January-August internship. The program allows students to spend eight months assisting with junior programs and shows, and traveling to a number of events.

Aimed toward college sophomores, juniors or seniors, applicants must be enrolled in an agriculture-related major and have the ability to move to Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., throughout the entire internship. Travel to the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and other shows and events is expected.

To apply, submit a cover letter, résumé and references to Jaclyn Clark, American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. All applications must be submitted by Oct. 15.

— Adapted from a summary by Shauna Hermel, Angus Media.

Tech Entries Dominate 2016 Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) announced the top 10 teams — four finalists and six semi-finalists — of the 2016 Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. The challenge, now in its second year, provides opportunities for individuals to showcase business innovations being developed in rural regions of the U.S. It is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.

AFBF President Bob Stallman made the announcement at the organization’s October board of directors meeting, noting that four of the top 10 teams are ag technology entries. The final four teams, chosen from 165 applicants, were each awarded $15,000 and will advance to the next phase of the challenge.

To read about the entrepreneur finalists,view the full Farm Bureau release online.

— Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Northwest Missouri Beef Producers Meeting

The University of Missouri Extension, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the American Angus Association are sponsoring the 2015 Beef Producers Seminar and Trade Show. The meeting will be hosted at the St. Peter Catholic Church Parish Hall Thursday, Nov. 12, in Stanberry, Mo.

Registration begins at 5 p.m. with the meeting concluding after 8 p.m. This year’s meeting features some exceptional topics and speakers including: Your Cattle Value Based on Performance and Genetic Merit, Larry Corah, Certified Angus Beef LLC; Feedlot and Packing Plant Data Importance and Usage, Darrell Busby, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity advisor; and Practical Use of Performance and Genetic Information, Joe Mayer, beef producer.

The registration fee is $25 per person. For more information, contact the Andrew County Extension office at 816-324-3147.

— Adapted from a release by University of Missouri Extension.

Experts to Discuss Bull-Selection Criteria

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Milam County will host a Bull Selection for Commercial and Seedstock Beef Producers program Nov. 12 near Cameron, Texas. The training will be from 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. at 44 Farms, about 1 mile east of Cameron on 1945 County Road 227, said event organizers.

Jason Banta and Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialists from Overton and College Station, respectively, will conduct the training.

“The bull is responsible for 50% of the success of a herd’s calf crop,” Banta said. “It’s an investment that, if chosen wisely, can certainly pay big dividends to the producer.”

Registration for the training is $60 per person if made before Nov. 3, and $75 thereafter. Registration includes lunch and program materials. To register go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu or call AgriLife Extension Conference Services at 979-845-2604.

For more information, view the full release online.

— Adapted from a release by Robert Burns, Texas AgriLife Communications.

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

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