News Update
February 18, 2016
2016 Legislative and Regulatory Issues
With the 2016 political calendar in full swing, it’s bound to be an interesting year for cattlemen with an eye on Washington. An election year can spell a stalemate on many legislative and regulatory issues, but cattle producers can keep an eye on several key policy issues, according to Colin Woodall of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).
“Not only are we electing a president, but we’re electing 34 of the 100 U.S. Senators and all 435 House members,” Woodall said. “One of our top priorities is going to be the Transpacific Partnership, (TPP), because the deal was concluded in October of 2015, and here in 2016, Congress has to ratify that deal.”
Woodall explains the TPP is important to the cattle industry because it allows the United States more market access into Japan.
“On the regulatory front, continuing our effort not only on Waters of the United States, but any other rules and regulations that could come out from the EPA,” he continued.
Catch the full interview on this week’s The Angus Report. You can also watch the show at 1:30 p.m. CST Saturday, 7:30 a.m. CST Monday or 5 p.m. CST each Wednesday on RFD-TV.
Increasing Diversity in Grassland
Across environments and production systems, several factors can interact and ultimately determine the fate of diversity (number of species and abundance) in grasslands.
They include environmental factors such as light, temperature and rainfall; growth habit of each species in the mixture (a function of occupying different niches in time and/or space); nodulation ability and capacity or nitrogen fixation from legumes; edaphic factors (pH, nutrient availability and form); frequency and intensity of defoliation by grazing animals; ability to survive drought periods; seed production capacity; and pest and disease tolerance.
Designing the “perfect” mixture for all situations is arguably a path to follow and most likely a never-ending task. Rather, a mechanistic approach that encompasses defined production and conservation objectives (e.g., reduce weed infestation, prevent soil erosion, increase soil organic matter, remediation of areas impacted by high nutrient concentrations, grazing vs. hay production, high vs. low fertilization) may help define specific mixtures and management practices that result in persistent and resilient grasslands.
To read more, access the article online.
Rigorous Competition Results in Four Scholarships
Each year since the first scholarships were awarded in 2012, the Henry C. Gardiner scholarship applicants represent the best and brightest animal science and industry undergraduates enrolled at Kansas State (K-State) University. The program creates a competitive environment for qualified students to vie for elite undergraduate scholarships.
Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship recipients for the 2016-2017 school year are Lauren Prill, Wichita, Kan.; Cami Roth, Sterling, Kan.; Barrett Simon, Leon, Kan.; and Savannah Speckhart, Princeville, Ill.
“It is incredibly rewarding for the Gardiner Family to be a part of this process,” said Mark Gardiner. “From the students competing for the first scholarships in 2012 through the most recent applicants, the caliber of intellect, integrity and ambition is beyond any expectation. The future of the beef industry is bright if we can continue to provide a pathway for these young people to achieve success in the livestock industry.”
Learn more about the Henry C. Gardiner Scholarship program on the Gardiner Angus Ranch website.
Scholarships and Prizes Awarded to Canadian Angus Youth
Fifty-one Canadian Angus youth braved the cold in Ottawa and converged in the nation’s capital for the eleventh annual Guiding Outstanding Angus Leaders (GOAL) Conference Feb. 13-15.
Canadian Junior Angus Association (CJAA) members participated in many events, as well as workshops throughout the weekend. Highlights from the event included touring the Parliament Buildings, presentations from agriculture advocate J. Scott Vernon, and about the McDonald’s Verified Sustainable Beef Project, as well as skating on the Rideau Canal and a Haunted Walk tour in the frigid temperatures.
Industry leaders captivated Junior members through their strong knowledge of global agriculture. They in turn were impressed by the Juniors’ knowledge and passion for the industry. Along with the Conference, $14,000 was awarded to deserving scholars and attendees courtesy of the Canadian Angus Foundation.
For more information, please visit the Canadian Angus Association website.
Christina O’Brien Named Charles Eastin Award Recipient
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has named Christina O’Brien, Norz Hill Farm, Bridgewater, N.J., the Charles Eastin Award Recipient for 2016. This award honors an individual who stands out as an advocate for accurate communications between rural and urban audiences. The award will be presented at the Celebration of Agriculture Dinner hosted at USDA in Washington, D.C., on National Ag Day, March 15, 2016.
O’Brien is involved with many organizations and she spreads the message of agriculture through education. During her time as a 4-H leader, she ran a workshop for “Science-sational day,” bringing in baby livestock and educating kids, grades 1-3. Through her farm, Norz Hill, she has planned field days teaching kids how to care for livestock.
For more information, please view the full news release online.
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