News Update
February 2, 2016
Ruppert to Lead Regional Angus Team
A sixth-generation cattle rancher and Nebraska native will serve as the American Angus Association director of regional managers. Ryan Ruppert joined the team Feb. 1 at Association headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo., to oversee the organization’s 12 regional managers (RMs) and associated territories for the nation’s largest beef breed establishment.
In his new role, Ruppert will work with the regional team and manage daily activities to meet the operational and marketing needs of the approximately 25,000 Association members.
“Mr. Ruppert brings valuable leadership capabilities, breed experience and a keen sensibility for the larger beef cattle business to our team,” says Allen Moczygemba, Association CEO. “His business acumen, genomics knowledge and proficiency in coordinating teams at various industry levels will allow our organization to more effectively provide the face-to-face relationships and professionalism for which Angus is known.”
Ruppert most recently served as national sales director for Neogen GeneSeek in Lincoln, Neb., leading its sales force in strategic marketing and development of the company’s genomics products. He also previously served the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) for eight years as the executive director of producer education.
For more information, please view the full Angus news release online.
A Whole-herd Makeover — Cowboy Style
Five well-known — and well-respected — individuals in the beef industry shared their opinions and perspectives on the industry’s future during the Cattlemen’s College® Hands-on Demonstration late Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 26, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.
The panel included David Daley, a California rancher and interim dean for the College of Agriculture at California State University–Chico; Patsy Houghton, owner and operator of Kansas-based Heartland Cattle Co.; Tom Brink, founder of Top Dollar Angus Inc. and new CEO of the Red Angus Association of America; and Don Schiefelbein, co-owner of Schiefelbein Farms at Kimball, Minn.
Moderator Tom Field with the University of Nebraska facilitated questions and weighed in on the discussion, while Kent Andersen, technical services specialist for sponsor Zoetis, introduced the “barstool discussion” and provided the session wrap-up.
The panel covered a cross-section of topics — from expanding the cow herd to how best to use DNA testing, as well as encouraging and assisting young people to get started in the beef business.
To read more, access the full Angus Media news article online.
A Bright Future
“What advice would you give young producers looking to get started in the cattle business?”
That was the final question posed to four panelists by Tom Field, Paul Engler chair of agribusiness entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska, at the Cattlemen’s College: Whole-herd Makeover, Cowboy Style panel discussion.
As outstanding leaders in the industry, the four had some strong parting words for today’s young producers.
“Know your costs and make sure you’re at or below average costs for your geography,” Brink said, stressing the importance of knowing figures like average weaning weights.
Brink noted that he doesn’t think the cattle industry’s producers have been effective businesspeople to this point and that the next generation of beef producers should learn from that.
“Create a value-added product,” he stressed, “and sell above the market.”
See more tips in the full Angus Media news article online.
BQA Free Certification Period
During the 2016 annual Cattle Industry Convention, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI), announced a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) free-certification period — from now through April 15.
Beef and dairy producers can take advantage of free BQA certification online courtesy of BIVI and the BQA program, which is funded in part by the beef checkoff. Register today and complete your certification at your own convenience.
BIVI will pick up the $25-$50 online training fee for every person completing BQA training through April 15. That includes anyone who works with cattle — whether it is beef or dairy. Visit www.bivi-bqa.com to take advantage of the open certification period.
The BQA program is important to the cattle industry because it is a producers’ consumer-friendly story to tell, helping them talk about using BQA Best Management Practices for producing a safe and high-quality beef product.
For more information, please view the full BIVI news release online.
BioZyme Announces VIP Dealers and Plans
BioZyme Inc., manufacturers of natural feed supplements for a variety of animals including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and horses, has released its list of 2015 VIP Dealers. These dealers have dedicated themselves to growing their BioZyme business and work hard to provide the highest quality service to their customers.
“These dealers are part of an elite group who go the extra mile to support and promote our products and, for that, we would like to thank them and give them special recognition,” said BioZyme Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lisa Norton. “This year proved to be extraordinary for BioZyme as we blew past our 2015 sales goals and broke records we didn’t think were possible. We know our success would not be possible without the dedication and support of our nationwide network of dealers who believe in our products.”
“It is our commitment to continue to work to exceed our dealers’ levels of expectation in terms of quality of product and the service we offer,” Norton said.
For more information, please view the full BioZyme release online.
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