News Update
November 11, 2015
Rewards for Future Angus Stockmen
Commercial cattlemen are an integral piece when producing high-quality beef for consumers, and keeping them engaged and up-to-date on new tools is imperative.
That’s why the American Angus Association launched the Future Angus Stockmen program earlier this year as a way to engage young commercial cattle producers with educational, networking and scholarship opportunities.
With generous support from Allflex and Destron Fearing, the program’s first $1,000 scholarship was presented to Joel Osborn, Savannah, Mo., during the Association’s Awards Recognition Breakfast Nov. 5. The event was hosted as part of the 2015 Angus Means Business National Convention & Trade Show in Overland Park, Kan., which attracted a crowd of more than 2,100.
Osborn is a senior at Savannah High School in northwest Missouri and has aspirations of returning to the family operation after college. A third-generation cattle producer, Osborn helps his father John with their spring- and fall-calving cow-calf operation, their 800-1,000 head feedlot, and a few hundred acres of row crops and hay.
For more information, please view thefull Angus news release online.
Dangerous Fire Weather Conditions Across Kansas
A strong cold front is poised to cross Kansas Wednesday morning, Nov. 11. In its wake, very windy and dry conditions are anticipated with active fire weather conditions statewide, according to the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council.
The strongest winds are expected to focus across western and central Kansas Wednesday morning and into the afternoon. Wind gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour (mph) are likely, with sustained winds of 30-40 mph. The most potent combination of winds and low relative humidity will be concentrated from central to eastern Kansas in the afternoon, and these will be the areas with the highest fire danger.
Most parts of the state have experienced their first freeze and seasonal grasses and shrubs are dead. Dry conditions, particularly in the east and central parts of the state during the last few weeks have allowed these fuels to cure and be potent fire carriers. The combination of strong winds and dried fuels will make fire suppression very difficult.
For more information, please view the K-State release online.
Alltech to Acquire Masterfeeds
Alltech and Masterfeeds announced that they have entered into a share purchase, under which Alltech will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Masterfeeds Inc., from Ag Processing Inc. (AGP). This will provide Alltech complete ownership of Masterfeeds LP, a leading commercial animal nutrition company in Canada.
“This is a crucial time in agriculture, and Canadian farmers are facing ever-increasing pressures, including the continued drive to produce more with fewer resources,” said Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “Masterfeeds provides the on-farm support that is critical to Canada’s farmers and ranchers. This new opportunity will enable more efficient delivery of superior animal nutrition and tailored feeding programs, supported by robust scientific research.”
For more information, please view the full Alltech release online.
2015 Nobel Prize Winners Laid Groundwork for Animal-Health Breakthroughs
William C. Campbell and Satoshi Omura were awarded the prestigious 2015 Nobel Prize for Medicine for their discovery of avermectin, the active ingredient that revolutionized the animal-health industry and also led to the treatment of some of the most devastating parasitic diseases, including river blindness in humans. It also prevents heartworm disease in dogs.
Originally developed for livestock, the ground-breaking discovery of avermectin led to the development of Merial products that have had a significant impact on the international food supply today. Building on Campbell and Omura’s heritage, scientists at Merial created Ivomec® (ivermectin), the first endectocide for both internal and external parasites in cattle.
Ivomec uses a modified version of avermectin called ivermectin. This advancement revolutionized the parasite control category, providing an opportunity to safely increase production of an important source of high-quality protein for a growing worldwide population. Another tribute to this molecule’s innovation is its amazing effectiveness even today after decades of use.
For more information, please view the full release online.
NMSU to Host 6th Annual Forage-Growers Workshop
Raising quality forage is an important part of New Mexico’s agricultural industry. Forage comprises the greatest amount of crop acres in the state and the overall crop value is second to none.
To help forage producers have the best yield and profitability possible, New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service will present its annual forage-growers workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Valencia County at UNM-Valencia Campus, 280 La Entrada Road.
The workshop, hosted by NMSU Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service, NMSU Extension Plant Science and the NMSU Small Farm and Ranch Task Force, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration fee is $20, which includes program materials and lunch.
“With a more than $3 billion beef cattle and cow milk industry relying on its production, it is important that we provide our producers with the information and tools necessary to continue being successful,” said Newt McCarty, Valencia County Extension agricultural agent.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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