News Update
June 27, 2016
Give Back While Attending the NJAS
Each year during the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), junior members have the opportunity to give back through a community service project. This year’s effort focuses on Hope Harbor, an organization that provides support for those less fortunate in central Nebraska.
While attending the 2016 NJAS in Grand Island, Neb., Angus youth are asked to donate non-perishable foods, bedding, towels, washcloths and socks. The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) will collect these items in the NJAS show office at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds.
A friendly competition has been created to see which state association can donate the most items for the worthy organization. Hope Harbor provides safe shelter, meals and supportive case management to meet the needs of those less fortunate.
For more information, read the Angus news release online.
Angus to Update Selection Indexes July 1
Angus breeders and their customers will see some slight changes in dollar value indexes ($Values) beginning July 1 as Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) updates the economic assumptions used to calculate the selection tools included in the American Angus Association weekly genetic evaluation.
“Every July, we update the economic assumptions that go into Angus $Values, like $B and $W,” says Dan Moser, AGI president who oversees the Association’s performance programs. “This allows for the most up-to-date market prices and costs to predict profit differences among animals.”
These economic assumptions are assigned to expected progeny difference (EPD) components included in the $Values, which are expressed in dollars per head and allow for multi-directional change. While the update is a regular occurrence for the breed, Moser reminds members that any declines in $Value numbers are largely a reflection of market conditions.
Read more in the Angus news release online.
NCFC President Chuck Conner on GMO Labeling Agreement
“The bipartisan agreement reached today (June 23) by Senators Pat Roberts and Debbie Stabenow is a solution to the issue of GMO food labeling that America’s farmer co-ops and their producer-owners strongly support. The package is also a victory for consumers across the country, who will have more information about how their food was produced than ever before.
“This agreement is now more important than ever, since the July 1 deadline for the Vermont labeling law is now a week away. By acting now, the chaos caused by a patchwork of labeling laws and an increase in costs associated with that can be largely avoided.
“I would like to recognize Senators Roberts and Stabenow for their leadership and hard work on this issue and for developing a package which can achieve broad bipartisan support. It is imperative that the Senate take up and pass this agreement without delay and that the House follows suit in short order.”
CAA Presents Western Feedlot of the Year Award
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) is pleased to honor Korova Feeders, Doug and Helga Price of Acme, Alta., with the Western Feedlot of the Year Award. This award was presented at Carcass 101 hosted in Olds, Alta., June 21-22.
Korova Feeders has a 30,000 head capacity at two feedlot locations. The Prices also operate Echo Sand Ranching, a beef cow-calf operation in Alberta and Saskatchewan with 4,000 Angus and Angus influence cows. They currently have 8,000 yearlings on grass in Saskatchewan.
The Prices and Korova Feeders are part of the Sunterra Group along with Doug’s brothers Ray, Art, Dave and their families. The Sunterra Group’s business interests include hog, cattle and crop production; lamb processing; a chain of food retail stores and restaurants in Calgary and Edmonton; Sunterra Farms; and Sunterra Meats.
The CAA introduced the Feedlot of the Year award in 2010 to recognize feedlots that promote Angus to their customers and that feed Canadian Angus Rancher Endorsed tagged cattle.
State Expands Emergency Response Activities
for Foreign Animal Diseases
The Minnesota State Legislature expanded the use of $1.8 million appropriated for avian influenza last session, to ensure the Board of Animal Health can respond to a wider range of foreign animal diseases. Governor Mark Dayton signed the supplemental budget bill (2016 Minnesota Session Laws, Chapter 189) on June 1, which included this expanded use of funding for the Board.
“Originally, state efforts and funding centered on prevention and eradication of avian influenza. This expanded funding opens up our capability to address any foreign animal disease in Minnesota. I’m pleased to see this continued and proactive support from lawmakers and Governor Dayton for the Board of Animal Health’s work,” said State Veterinarian Beth Thompson. “Healthy animals lead to safer farms, food and people.”
The Board’s portion of the funding is available until June 30, 2019.
For more information, view the Minnesota Board of Animal Health release online.
South Dakota Scholarship Applications
The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSA) and the South Dakota Cattlewomen are currently accepting applications for a $1,000 and a $500 scholarship in memory of Guy E. Ham. The scholarships are available to any South Dakota student having completed at least one year of postsecondary education and pursuing a career in an agricultural or agri-business related field.
These scholarships are made possible by the generosity and gift of the Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship in memory of Guy Ham and his commitment to the future of the agriculture industry in South Dakota.
Application information and details can be found by visiting www.southdakotastockgrowers.org/scholarships.htm or by contacting the SDSA at 605-342-0429. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1, and the scholarship will be awarded during the SDSA annual convention Sept. 23.
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