News Update

April 15, 2016

Solid Footing

The American Angus Association is accepting hoof scores in anticipation of developing an expected progeny difference (EPD) to assist in selection decisions. As of March 9, foot scores had been submitted on 4,730 animals representing 615 sires.

That’s a start, but a ways from where the Association needs to be to generate a genetic prediction.

“Folks are making significant investment in your genetics, and they expect them to last,” said Dan Moser, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) president and Association director of performance programs. He also pointed out that proper hoof structure plays a significant role in an animal’s longevity.

Moser encourages breeders to start collecting and submitting hoof scores using the Association’s foot-scoring system to evaluate the trait in Angus cattle. Two main issues have been identified: (1) foot angle, or set to the pastern; and (2) claw set.

To continue reading, view the Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from a release by Shauna Rose Hermel, Angus Media.

NCBA Congressional Reception

With more than 2,000 people gathering in the Rayburn House Office Building for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Congressional Reception, one thing is certain — beef is still in high demand on Capitol Hill. Since 2001, Outback Steakhouse and the NCBA have partnered in an effort to coherently address issues that impact the beef business.

The relationship between the two industry segments is critically important. Purchasing 62 million pounds of beef each year, Outback Steakhouses are directly impacted by issues cattle producers face across the country. The same can be said for the issues such as food safety and consumer demand, which Outback is on the forefront from the retail side.

By joining together NCBA and Outback are able to bring senators, congressmen and Hill staffers together with some of the nation’s leading cattle producers to network, discuss priorities of the beef industry and enjoy great steak.

— Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Ohio State ATI Interim Director Appointed

Thom Janini has been appointed interim director of the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), beginning Aug. 1.

The two-year degree-granting institution of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Ohio State ATI is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the awarding of associate degrees in agriculture and related sciences.

Janini is associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Arts, Science, and Business Technologies Division at Ohio State ATI. He will take over for current interim director Jim Kinder and will lead the institution until a new director is appointed.

For more information, view the OSU news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Mauricio Espinoza, Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Commitment to Responsible Pork Production

North American pork producer leaders meeting last week in Whistler, B.C., confirmed their industry’s common focus on producing nutritious, sustainable and affordable pork.

Hosted by the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), the meeting was attended by representatives of the CPC, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the Mexican pork producer organization, Confederación de Porcicultores Mexicanos (CPM).

“It was gratifying to see how pork producers from our three countries all recognize they have a fundamental role in maintaining the foundation of a healthy, safe, environmentally sustainable and affordable food supply,” said CPC Chair Rick Bergmann. He noted that population estimates indicate agriculture needs to double production to meet the world’s needs in 2050.

In their discussions, the leaders recognized that, in addition to production efficiencies and environmental sustainability, pork producers share with the rest of society the expectation that pigs are raised in a manner that respects their animal welfare needs as well as society’s concerns that the industry uses antimicrobials prudently.

For more information, access the NPPC news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the National Pork Producers Council.

Angus Bull Sells for $350,000

Dave Hinman knew bull 5405 was going to be something special nearly from the moment the Angus calf hit the ground. Just how special wasn’t clear until the auction gavel struck last Tuesday.

On April 5, at the annual bull sale on the Hinman Angus Ranch east of Malta, bull 5405, now known as HA Cowboy Up 5405, sold for $350,000.

He was sold to a collaborative bid between the Wilks Ranch of Texas (owners of the N-Bar Ranch in central Montana) and Express Ranches of Oklahoma.

For more information, view the full news article online.

— Adapted from an article by David Murray, Great Falls Tribune.

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

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