News Update

October 15, 2015

‘Giving Back’ through
the American Angus Auxiliary

The American Angus Auxiliary is a loyal supporter for the Angus breed and its future generations. Each year, the volunteer organization provides invaluable service, funds and guidance for junior members throughout the nation — encouragement Angus youth aren’t likely to forget.

“Giving Back,” the current American Angus Auxiliary fundraiser is made possible through the generosity of former Miss American Angus Kerri Votaw Kliewer, an internationally recognized jewelry designer. She has graciously offered the Auxiliary the option of shopping at her website, www.kvkjewelrydesign.com, or having a custom piece designed at a value of $5,000.

The Auxiliary is offering 100 tickets at $50 each. The drawing will take place during the organization’s Annual Breakfast on Nov. 4, hosted as part of the 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show. A limited number of tickets will be available for sale at the Auxiliary’s Angus Gift Barn at the convention.

In addition, you can look for Kerri’s display in the trade show. She will be offering many of her exquisite designs, many of which were designed especially for the event.

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

— Adapted from a release by Kathi Creamer, American Angus Auxiliary.

Connecting with Consumers

Today’s consumers are more curious about the origin of their food, despite being further removed from agriculture. Rancher and blogger Debbie Lyons-Blythe from White City, Kan., gives tips on how cattlemen can engage with curious consumers.

“One of the things that people need to do to really make a good connection with consumers is quit telling our story only and stop pushing information out there,” Lyons-Blythe said.

“We have to make this an opportunity to have a conversation, not just spread information. So, we need to focus on making the connection with them and showing them. I talk to other moms; well, I’m a mom. That’s a perfect connection. I have the same concerns as any mom does; and by the way, I’m a cattle rancher, and I know how to raise your beef.”

For more information, catch this week’s The Angus Report. You can tune in at 1:30 p.m. CDT Saturday, 7:30 a.m. CDT Monday and 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday on RFD-TV.

— Adapted from The Angus Report.

NDSA Members Elect Leadership

North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) members tapped Steve Brooks of Bowman, N.D., for his second term as president of the 86-year-old organization during the NDSA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show, “Here for the Long Haul,” in Bismarck Sept. 24-26.

Warren Zenker, a 22-year NDSA member from Gackle, N.D., was elected to his second term as vice president. NDSA members also elected or re-elected six directors to represent their respective districts.

In District 1, Kevin Elliott of Clifford, N.D., was re-elected to a second four-year term. Jeffrey Bunn of Lisbon, N.D., was re-elected to a second four-year term in District 2. In District 3, Tim Erbele of Streeter, N.D., was elected to his first four-year term. Rob Tweeten of Hensler, N.D., was re-elected to a second four-year term in District 4. In District 5, Pete Best of Watford City, N.D., was elected to his first four-year term. Randy Schmitt of Rugby, N.D., was re-elected to his second four-year term in District 6. For more information, please view the full NDSA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

BioZyme Hires Bill Bayless to Head LiquiFerm

BioZyme®, manufacturers of Amaferm®, VitaFerm®, Sure Champ® and other proprietary, natural supplements for cattle, swine, poultry and show livestock, has hired Bill Bayless of Sparta, Ill., to head its new LiquiFerm® commercial supplement brand.

After more than 50 years of formulating and manufacturing products focused on ruminant animals and show livestock, BioZyme announced in September that it had launched a new commercial supplement brand called LiquiFerm for commercial swine and poultry operations and feedyard cattle.

As BioZyme’s new director of commercial sales, Bayless is responsible for developing and maintaining business relationships with prospective customers; attending trade shows, conferences and conventions relative to the swine and poultry markets; creating product trial protocols to help grow sales; and making recommendations for new commercial products based on industry research and customer needs.

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

— Adapted from a release by Jennifer Beidle, Jennifer Beidle Communications.

Pasture and Ranch Management Seminar

A Pasture and Ranch Management Seminar hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will be hosted from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Pridgeon Community Center in Franklin, Texas.

The seminar will offer seven Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units for private applicator license holders. The approved credits will include four general, one laws and regulations, and two integrated pest management. Schneider said the first five credits will satisfy requirements for commercial license holders.

Topics for the meeting will include a review of current laws and regulations; feral hogs: biology and control of an invasive pest; small grain weed control and management strategies; bermuda grass pest control and home cricket control; range and pasture weed identification and control; and managing external parasites as part of a replacement beef heifer management program.

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

— Adapted from a release by Blair Fannin, Texas AgriLife Communications.

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