News Update

January 21, 2016

Angus Genetics Showcased at
National Western Carload & Pen Shows

Angus producers competed for top honors during the 2016 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Angus Carload & Pen Show, Jan. 16 in Denver, Colo. Six carloads and 43 pens-of-three were showcased in the Yards during the 110th NWSS.

Arlen Sawyer, Bassett, Neb.; Doug Slattery, Chappell Hill, Texas; and Phil Trowbridge, Ghent, N.Y., evaluated the bulls and selected champions.

Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla., claimed grand champion carload, with 10 January 2015 bulls sired by EXAR Denver 2002B; Sitz Top Game 561X; Deer Valley All In; and Connealy Black Granite. The group weighed an average of 1,463 pounds (lb.) and posted an average scrotal circumference of 40.3 centimeters (cm).

Vin-Mar Cattle Co., Gordon, Neb., exhibited the reserve grand champion carload with January and February 2015 bulls sired by SAV Hot Iron 0941; Vin-Mar Johnny Cash 3513; Vin-Mar Monumental 3575; SAV Resource 1441; Bush’s Triple Threat 851; SAV Pursuit 0160; and EXAR Denver 2002B. The 10 bulls posted an average weight of 1,399 pounds, and an average scrotal circumference of 39.0 cm.

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

— Adapted from a release by Amber Wahlgren, Angus Media.

Beef Industry Supports the Future at 2015 Stockmen’s Ball

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) raised more than $55,000 for beef industry scholarship, leadership, research, promotion and building projects and disaster relief in a night of western elegance at the 2015 Stockmen’s Ball Dec. 12 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck, N.D.

“We are grateful for all of those who supported the Foundation during this year’s Stockmen’s Ball,” said Towner, N.D., rancher Jason Zahn, who serves as the NDSF president. “The support from sponsors, donors, auction bidders and buyers and all those in attendance allows us to continue the Foundation’s work to promote the beef industry in North Dakota.”

Major sponsors included Sanford Health-West; Dakota Community Bank & Trust; Advanced Agri-Direct; Farm & Ranch Guide; Bank of North Dakota; McDonald’s Badlands Co-op; Kupper Chevrolet; Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange; Pahlke Steel; and Valley Plains Equipment.

For more information, view the full press release online.

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

Bull Statue Auctioned in Virginia

On Saturday, Jan. 23, the Virginia Angus Association will auction to the highest bidder the bull statue, which has been the flagship of the Association since the 1950s. It was graciously donated to Virginia Angus Association by John Gail, the owner of Amandale Farm in Upperville, Va.

It has been decided to sell the Association’s building, leaving no place for the bull. The board decided to sell the statue with the proceeds to be used to benefit Virginia Angus youth. The board is establishing the John Gail Virginia Angus Association Scholarship Fund. Each year a scholarship will be awarded to a Virginia junior.

— Adapted from a release by Virginia Angus Association.

STgenetics Acquires Genetic Visions

Livestock reproductive services innovator STgenetics™ has agreed to acquire bovine DNA testing company Genetic Visions Inc. from Accelerated Genetics.

The newest company in the STgenetics’ family is called Genetic Visions-ST LLC. Testing by the Middleton, Wis., company identifies genetic markers in cattle DNA that are closely associated with desirable genes influencing production traits, hair color, and animal health and viability. These genetic markers can be used to aid selection of bull-cow pairings for breeding programs.

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

— Adapted from a release by Jim Hiney, STGenetics.

Bull Workshop Scheduled April 22 at 44 Farms

A comprehensive workshop on bull selection for cattle producers in the south central Texas area is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 at 44 Farms in Cameron.

Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station, and Jason Banta, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Overton, will conduct the workshop.

“A bull is responsible for 50% of the herd’s calf crop, and a good bull is an investment that certainly can pay dividends,” Cleere said.

“The workshop will discuss applied, as well as advanced bull selection techniques. Live animals will be used to teach attendees visual selection,” Banta said.

Other topics to be discussed include cattle breeds and breeding programs; individual performance data, expected progeny differences and genetic markers; bull fertility and bull-to-cow ratios; and bull management before and after the breeding season.

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

— Adapted from a release by Blair Fannin, Texas Agri-Life Communications.

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