News Update

January 9, 2017

Angus in the West: This Week in Denver

American Angus Association members and livestock enthusiasts will gather this week in Denver, Colo., for annual Angus events in conjunction with the 2017 National Western Stock Show (NWSS). A tradition more than 110 years in the making, the NWSS is considered one of the livestock industry’s most competitive events.

Angus activities begin Wednesday, Jan. 11, and continue through Saturday, Jan. 14. Using the resources described below, those at the stock show or at home can stay up-to-date with the latest show results and news.

Watch live coverage from the showring
Access the show results website, using a computer or cell phone
Download the Angus Mobile app on a smartphone
Join Angus on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates (#NWSS17)
Visit www.angus.org
Purchase candid showring photos online

Showring competition begins with the Angus Bull Sale Show at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, in the Stadium Arena. A panel of three judges will evaluate the bulls using a composite system to establish a sale order. Judges are: Kyle Gillooly, Wadley, Ga.; Andy Musgrave, Pittsfield, Ill.; and Jim Vietheer, Wilton, Calif.

For more information, view the Angus news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Jena McRell, Angus Media.

World Angus Forum 2017

The World Angus Forum 2017 will be hosted in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, the home of the Aberdeen-Angus breed.

The Forum will take place June 16 to July 2, and will incorporate a tour in England, including the National Show at the Three Counties, a tour in Scotland and the Royal Highland Show taking place in Edinburgh and a tour of Ireland. It has been 40 years since the Forum has been hosted in the UK and the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society is delighted it is returning to home soil.

It will provide a platform for the exchange of genetics information and breeding objectives and there will be an international youth program running in conjunction with the forum.

The early bird rate will apply until Jan. 16. Following this, the normal rates will apply. Register at http://worldangusforum2017.com/registration-fees/.

— Adapted from a release by Hazel Baxter, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

NCBA, PLC Praise Senate Effort to
Curb Abuse of Antiquities Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) applaud the introduction of the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act, championed by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The bill, which has 25 co-sponsors, would require congressional and state approval for the designation of any new monument.

“Executive branch abuse of the Antiquities Act has moved far beyond its original intent, with devastating effects for local economies — particularly in rural areas of the West,” said Tracy Brunner, NCBA president. “It’s unacceptable for any president to have this much unilateral authority over land management decision-making; impacted local communities and the American people deserve a seat at the table, as well.

Under the 1906 Antiquities Act, the president has the power to unilaterally designate national monuments without the consent of Congress, state or local governments, or impacted stakeholders.

For more information, view the NCBA news release online.

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

USDA Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Jan. 6 the seven 2016 appointments to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The Advisory Board’s 25 members are appointed for staggered three-year terms with each representing a specific category of U.S. Agricultural stakeholders as outlined in the 2008 Food, Energy and Conservation Act.

The Board advises the Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on national priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. The Board also performs an annual review of USDA research, education, economics and extension programs.

View the complete USDA ARS news release for a list of the Advisory Board members.

— Adapted from a release by Michele Esch, USDA Agricultural Research Service.

AgriLife Extension Forage Seminar

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a tri-county forage seminar Jan. 24 at the First Baptist Church in Cross Plains. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the program will start at 9 a.m. Six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered.

“This annual event has become one of the premier educational programs concerning forage production and hay in our region,” said Scott Anderson, AgriLife Extension agent in Brown County. “Hay prices in our area are trending lower, but that is not necessarily good news if you are trying to sell hay. Our goal is to help producers maximize their profits and forage quality by investing their production dollars wisely.”

Topics will include: forage insect pest management, interpreting forage tests, weed and brush control in forages, where to cut production costs, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program update and pesticide laws and regulations.

For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.

— Adapted from a release by Steve Byrns, Texas AgriLife Extension.

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