News Update
December 29, 2016
Become More Supplement Savvy
When green grass goes dormant — either due to drought or winter weather, supplementing the cow herd with additional feedstuffs while they are on pasture may become a necessity. A few basic rules of thumb can help producers ensure they get the “best bang for the buck” on the extra dollars they are spending on feed, according to South Dakota State University (SDSU) animal science professor and extension beef specialist Ken Olson.
Olson emphasizes, “The first rule of supplementation is to use supplements only if needed and when they will enhance the nutritional value of the base forage.”
When supplementation is deemed necessary, Olson says there are two aspects to consider: biology and economics. He explains that from a biology standpoint you want to use the right feeds to provide the right nutrients for the animal. Additionally, economically, you want to choose supplemental feeds that offer the best price for the right nutrients.
Continue reading in the Angus Media news article online.
Angus Continues Single-step Testing
Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) continues to test single-step genetic evaluation, the method the company plans to soon implement in order to calculate American Angus Association weekly expected progeny differences (EPDs).
This is an ongoing effort and the top priority for AGI. Therefore, the Association plans to move to this updated statistical model only after thorough internal measures are complete. AGI will continue to fine-tune the required software to ensure the procedures used for implementation offer the utmost accuracy and valuation for members.
Meanwhile, the Association will rely on the current Angus genetic evaluation based on the latest calibration released earlier this year, which is the largest and most accurate beef genomic calibration ever conducted in the global beef cattle industry.
While AGI continues to refine the single-step methodology for targeted implementation in spring 2017, Angus breeders can be confident the current evaluation provides the most accurate, comprehensive values available. The integrity of the data is and will continue to be the foremost consideration.
Learn more about single-step evaluation on the AGI website.
President Claims Another 1.5 Million Acres
Through Antiquities Act
The Obama administration on Dec. 27 declared two new monument designations — 1.35 million acres at Bears Ears in Utah and 350,000 acres at Gold Butte in Nevada. Both designations were made unilaterally and despite overwhelming local opposition.
Public Lands Council (PLC) President and Utah rancher Dave Eliason criticized the outgoing administration for both their disregard for local input and the manner in which these latest designations were executed.
“Designating a monument in this manner — under the cloak of darkness and without even the decency of notifying the local communities, the states, or the congressional delegations of Utah or Nevada — speaks volumes about the disregard this administration has for local input,” said Eliason.
The designations of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada make it the 29th time President Obama has used his executive power under the Antiquities Act, more than any other president before him.
For more information, view the news release online.
Where Food Comes From, Inc.
Where Food Comes From, Inc. (WFCF) (d.b.a. IMI Global, Inc.) (OTCQB: WFCF), the most trusted resource for independent, third-party verification of food production practices in North America, announced Dec. 29, it has acquired for cash and stock a 60% interest in privately held SureHarvest, Inc., a leading provider of agri-food sustainability solutions.
The transaction was valued at approximately $2.8 million, including $1.1 million in cash and 850,852 shares of WFCF common stock. In addition, WFCF has right of first refusal on the remaining 40% interest in SureHarvest.
SureHarvest is expected to add approximately $1.5 million in annualized revenue with no long-term debt, subject to audited financial results. Importantly, the transaction expands and diversifies WFCF’s commodity reach with high-value specialty crops, including wine grapes, almonds, hazelnuts, mushrooms, cut flowers, leafy greens and other fresh produce.
For more information, view the news release online.
Cattlemen’s Boot Camp Hosted February in Kentucky
Cattle producers are invited to gather for a Cattlemen’s Boot Camp Feb. 17-18, 2017, at the Fayette County Extension Office in Lexington, Ky. The event is hosted by the American Angus Association in partnership with the University of Kentucky, and provides purebred and commercial producers timely information presented by academic and industry professionals.
Registration is now available online and will be open until Jan. 16, 2017.
Open to all cattle producers, the event is funded by the Angus Foundation and features educational speakers and hands-on activities to help improve herd operations. The workshop is packed with pertinent information including bull selection, reproductive technologies, genetic markets, forage management and much more.
For more information, view the Angus news release online.
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