News Update

January 4, 2016

‘I Am Angus’ Broadcasts
Tonight on RFD-TV

An upcoming episode of the American Angus Association’s documentary series I Am Angus® on RFD-TV shares the past, present and future of the nation’s largest beef cattle breed.

Starting at 7 p.m. CST Monday, Jan. 4, the program will share the story of the first Angus cattle in the United States, and the rise of livestock exchange centers in Denver, Kansas City and Saint Joseph, Mo. We’ll also travel to the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) to experience the history on the show grounds and what future expansion plans may hold.

“In this next episode, we celebrate the past and future of the Angus business — from long-held traditions like the National Western Stock Show to historical milestones that have shaped the breed,” says Eric Grant, Angus Media general manager. “We also visit with those in beef production and why they believe in the future of ranching.”

View a list of the farms and ranches featured in this evening’s program.

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

High-value Beef May be Best U.S. Niche

U.S. beef producers may find the best future bang for their buck is to concentrate on producing high-value, top-quality meat for home and abroad. As part of a recent webinar series on minimizing feeding costs, Ohio State University ruminant nutrition professor Francis Fluharty told producers that to know what they must produce, they must understand consumer demand.

Per capita beef consumption currently is highest in Uruguay, followed by Argentina, Brazil and the United States. Top-value beef markets are Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

“We only export about 25% of our middle-meat cuts. End meats are the rest of the volume, and consumers in these countries want fat and flavor,” he says.

For more information, please view the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Barb Baylor Anderson, Angus Media.

Cattle Marketing and Price Risk Management

Cattle producers face a great deal of risk, in both production and pricing. The last couple of months have served as a reminder of the need for price risk management in a cattle marketing plan. Price risk management, although related to marketing, has a different goal. Managing price risk is not the same as getting the highest market price.

There are several reasons why a producer would be interested in taking steps to reduce price risk and uncertainty. These reasons are influenced by the enterprise combination, cash-flow needs and financial situation, as well as one’s personality and attitude toward risk.

— Adapted from an article by Russ Euken and Lee Schulz, Iowa State University Extension.

Manage to Maximize Grading and Pricing

The right genetics combined with sound management can improve profitability when it comes time to market feedlot cattle, says Ohio State University ruminant nutritionist Francis Fluharty.

“Quality grades predict palatability, and palatability is determined by fat. It is the overall combination of traits that lead to eating satisfaction, taste and flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and mouth feel,” says Fluharty. “Prime grade is not based on days on feed. Quality grade is determined by marbling, and genetics affect the ability to marble. Research suggests the right marbling comes when animals are 167 to 236 days old and weigh 835 to 945 pounds (lb.).”

Fluharty says many animals that don’t grade USDA Choice at an advanced age probably would have graded Choice at a younger age with management and diet strategies that used a high-concentrate diet earlier in life. High levels of dietary vitamin A can reduce marbling by 30%.

For more information, please view the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Barb Baylor Anderson, Angus Media.

South Dakotota Stockgrowers to Host Meeting in Kadoka

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SD Stockgrowers) invites area producers to join them for supper and an informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Club 27 in Kadoka. Supper will be served at 6 p.m. with speakers and a meeting to follow.

Stockgrower leaders will provide an update on issues for the 2016 Legislative Session and answer questions on a number of other issues. R-CALF leaders will also share information regarding country-of-origin labeling (COOL) and other federal topics.

Members and area ranchers interested in learning more about issues facing the livestock industry and supporting SD Stockgrowers and R-CALF are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting.

For more information, please contact Silvia at 605-342-0429 or email silvia@southdakotastockgrowers.org.

— Adapted from a release by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.

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