News Update
October 21, 2016
Long-distance Transportation
Long-distance transportation is a facet of the beef industry, and it can be a stressful event for cattle. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, researcher at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, shared highlights of eight years of research on long-distance transportation to attendees of the fifth International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare in Manhattan, Kan., June 8-10.
There are many potential stressors in transportation — handling, novel environments, auction, commingling, restrictions of feed and water, environmental condition on the trailer, loading density, energy used to maintain balance during the trip, transport duration and potential for injury.
In each study, cattle were assessed non-invasively on both behavior and physiology, she noted.
“For every 1° Celsius (33.8° Fahrenheit) rise in ambient temperature, shrink increased 0.04%,” Schwartzkopf-Genswein noted.
Continue reading in the Angus Media news article online.
Corn Contaminated with Smut Can Still Create Quality Silage
With wet conditions across much of the United States, producers should be on the lookout for corn smut. The good news is that affected crops can still be used for silage with a careful inoculant choice and close monitoring.
“While producers may see a drop in corn yields due to smut contamination, the crop is still valuable and can be successfully ensiled,” says Renato Schmidt, Ph.D., forage products specialist, Lallemand Animal Nutrition. “The fungus that causes smut does not itself produce toxins, and studies in sheep have shown it does not affect feed intake.”
Corn smut is caused by the growth of Ustilago maydis, which thrives in conditions of high humidity, poor pollination or damage from insects or equipment. Once the plant is infected, the fungi’s cells divide quickly and expand. This leads to large gray galls that contain black spores, typically on the corn ear tip.
The resulting galls decrease grain yield anywhere from 9% to 40%. When fed, Ustilago maydis can affect feed efficiency. Feed digestibility also can be reduced when infestation levels reach 50% or greater.
For more information, view the Lallemand news release online.
Support for Rural Cooperatives
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Oct. 3, announced that USDA is awarding 29 grants totaling $5.8 million to help rural cooperatives create jobs and support business expansion. The funds are being provided through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program, which helps fund non-profit groups, such as rural cooperative development centers and higher education institutions.
Development centers can use RCDG funds for feasibility studies, strategic planning, leadership and operations training, and business plan development. Recipients are required to contribute matching funds that equal 25% of total project costs.
Sam Rikkers, Administrator of USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, announced the 29 awardees on Vilsack’s behalf during a visit today to the Ohio Cooperative Development Center (OCDC) at Ohio State University’s South Centers campus in Piketon.
For more information, view the USDA news release online.
Michael Goggin Memorial Scholarships
Prairie State/Select Sires presented six scholarships in the memory of former General Manager Michael Goggin to deserving college students from Iowa and Illinois. Michael Goggin was a Prairie State/Select Sires employee for more than 30 years and served as the organization’s general manager for 20 years. He retired in June 2009 and passed away in August 2012.
In 2014, to honor his dedication and devotion to Prairie State/Select Sires, the board of directors began awarding scholarships annually to students pursuing advanced degrees in agricultural-related fields. Applicants must also be a family member of a current Prairie State/Select Sires customer.
The 2016 Michael Goggin Scholarship recipients are:
- Rachel Deters, Sigel, Ill., daughter of Joe and Carleen Deters
- Karla Hageman, Decorah, Iowa, daughter of Alan and Ruth Hageman
- Emily Irwin, Belvidere, Ill., daughter of Mark and Melissa Irwin
- Haley Jones, Creston, Iowa, daughter of Patrick and Nancy Jones
- Matthew Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa, son of Mark and Audrey Metzger
- Jenna Preston, Taylor Ridge, Ill., daughter of Brian and Kelly Preston
For more information, view the full news release online.
Ag Day Photo and Essay Contests
In preparation for 2017 National Ag Day on March 21, the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is hosting a photo contest and an essay contest. The theme for both contests is Agriculture: Food for Life.
The National Ag Day Photo is designed to showcase the talents of a young photographer who has a passion for modern agriculture. The contest is open to all amateur photographers enrolled in high school or college. The deadline to enter the National Ag Day Photo Contest is Nov. 30. Contestants must meet all requirements to compete.
The winning entry will be published as the official National Ag Day Poster and the winning photographer will receive $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Meredith Agrimedia. Photo and profile will be prominently featured in Successful Farming magazine and Ag Day correspondence.
The ACA is once again seeking submissions for the 2017 Ag Day Essay Contest. The essay contest is divided into two categories of competition: written essay and video essay. Both are national competitions. The contest is open to students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Contestants must be a U.S. citizen and attending school in the United States.
For more information, view the news release online.
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