News Update
May 27, 2016
LEAD Conference:
Leaders Rise Up in Phoenix
The Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference is set to take place Aug. 4-7 in Phoenix, Ariz. The 2016 event is themed “Rising Up in Phoenix” and is designed for National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members 14 to 21 years of age.
Junior Angus members will travel across the nation to experience local agriculture and will partake in leadership workshops put on by the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB). According to NJAB Leadership Director Lauren Grimes, LEAD is an opportunity to leave the cattle at home, grow as a leader and build relationships with peers.
“Attending LEAD is a great opportunity to wrap up the summer show season and spend time with your friends from all parts of the United States, while learning how to become a better leader, communicator and advocate of agriculture,” Grimes says. “For the first time in LEAD history, we are traveling to the southwest to see forms of agriculture we have never seen before, listen to speakers discuss prominent issues in our industry and participate in teambuilding activities.”
For more information, please view the full Angus news release online.
Agriculture Secretary Visits Puerto Rico
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will make his first official visit to Puerto Rico where he will highlight the USDA’s ongoing commitment to addressing food security and rural opportunity in the Commonwealth. While in Puerto Rico, Vilsack will meet with various officials from the Commonwealth; visit a National Forest research station; engage local farmers and ranchers; convene a group of financial leaders focused on finding opportunities for rural investment; and make several important announcements to address food security and rural development.
While in Puerto Rico, Vilsack will meet with staff from seven USDA agencies working in the Commonwealth: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Agricultural Research Service (ARS); Farm Service Agency (FSA); Food and Nutrition Service (FNS); U.S. Forest Service; Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and USDA Rural Development. Since 2009, USDA has invested more than $20 billion in Puerto Rico across various programs, including nutrition, infrastructure, housing, farming and ranching, conservation and forestry, and research.
For more information, view the USDA news release online.
Beef Talk
Producers welcomed spring snow and rains this April in preparation for maintaining or even increasing cattle inventory for the coming year. The extra heifers may find some good pasture this summer and, we hope, turn up pregnant this fall.
The moisture impacts land use, which is a serious topic and central to the future for beef production management options. Input for land-use management options often is followed by discussion, decision and implementation because land is used for direct grazing or the production of feed.
At the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC), the issue of how to integrate crop, forage and grass production to meet the needs of the cow herd is the focus of current discussions. How much grass is available? How many cows can the ranch support? Can traditional cropping systems feed cows?
To continue reading, view the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Statement from Vilsack on Latest Quarterly
Agricultural Trade Forecast
“American farmers and ranchers continue to compete and win in foreign markets. Even in today’s environment of lower commodity prices, abundant global supplies and a strong U.S. dollar, exports remain a key pillar supporting U.S. agriculture and rural communities. Today’s quarterly agricultural trade forecast shows the resilience of our agricultural sector despite the economic headwinds. Export volumes continue to post near-record totals across many key products.
Oilseed and product exports are forecast at $26.1 billion, up $700 million, and grain and feed exports are forecast at $27.7 billion, up $500 million from the February forecast. The report also underscores the importance of creating new export opportunities for our producers by knocking down tariffs and opening new markets through free trade agreements.
Exports comprise 20% of U.S. farm income, drive rural economic activity and support more than one million American jobs. We have the opportunity to expand those benefits even further through passage of new trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).”
For more information, view the full USDA news release online.
Andy Schwartz Steps up as Texas State Veterinarian
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is pleased to announce Andy Schwartz has been named Texas’ state veterinarian and TAHC’s executive director. The 13 governor-appointed TAHC commissioners, representing the public, livestock and poultry industries, announced the selection of Schwartz at the TAHC commission meeting on Tues., May 24.
Schwartz grew up on a diverse family farm in Priddy, Texas, where he got his start in animal agriculture. He received an undergraduate degree in animal agriculture from Tarleton State University before attending Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine where he received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
He began his professional career in a mixed animal practice that included beef and dairy cattle, horses, swine, and sheep.
For more information, please view the TAHC news release online.
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