News Update

January 10, 2017

Manage Risk, Ensure Value

In a cattle market where every dollar counts, it’s important to consider ways to add value on your next set of calves. The American Angus Association’s AngusSource^® program is a way to ensure Angus-sired calves generate the premiums they deserve.

A marketing option for any commercial producer who sells feeder calves or replacement heifers sired by a registered Angus bull, AngusSource is a USDA process-verified age-and-source program that documents a minimum 50% Angus genetics. During the past year, AngusSource has enrolled groups of calves ranging from six to 3,200 head, identifying high-quality cattle that are worth the added investment.

In a six-year study of Superior Livestock data, AngusSource calves received a $2.56-per-hundredweight (cwt.) premium over non-verified calves.

“When you carry that over a typical lot of 650-pound steers, you’ve got nearly $750 to add to your bottom line,” said Ginette Gottswiller, Association director of commercial programs. “The value of age and genetic verification remains strong in the cattle market, and we hope producers consider enrolling their next calf crop in AngusSource.”

For more information, please view the full Angus news release online.

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

Second-highest Opening Weekend for Stock Show

The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) announces the second-highest opening weekend attendance in Stock Show history with 95,806 guests. The number is just 1,293 shy of last year’s opening weekend attendance record.

The grounds were filled with families and guests of all ages enjoying everything from professional rodeos and horse shows to baby animals and stick-horse races. “A huge thank you to our stock show fans that came out to help us kick off the 111th Stock Show this weekend,” said Paul Andrews, the show’s president & CEO. “We realize the value of family time, and we appreciate that people and their families choose to spend it with us.”

The Stock Show is offering fans a chance to enjoy the grounds at no cost. Tuesday, Jan. 10, is free Grounds Admission Day. Visit the NWSS box office to get a ticket and enjoy the day.

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.

The 2017 NWSS will continue for two more weeks with the final day of Stock Show scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 22. For more information and tickets visit www.nationalwestern.com or call 1-866-464-2626.

— Adapted from releases by Karen Woods, NWSS, and Jena McRell, Angus Media.

Share Your Stock Show Memories

Help us celebrate a Century of Angus in the West by sharing your memories of the NWSS. If you have pictures of the event and can provide some insights, submit them to prphotos@angus.org. We’ll share a collage of memories via social media, the website and the Association’s Facebook page.

— by Shauna Rose Hermel, Angus Media.

PHIS Confirms New World Screwworm in Florida

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in a stray dog near Homestead, Fla. The dog was isolated and his infested wounds were treated. Federal and state officials have started active surveillance in the area.

This is the first confirmed case on Florida’s mainland. Screwworm was first confirmed on Oct. 3, 2016, in Key deer from National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, Fla. This initial presence of screwworm was the first local detection in the United States in more than 30 years. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, declared an agricultural state of emergency in Monroe County, Fla.

Since October, 13 Keys had known infestations, mostly in the Key deer population, with five confirmed infestations in domestic animals. Animal health and wildlife officials at the state and federal levels have been working aggressively to eradicate this pest. Extensive response efforts have included fly assessments to determine the extent of the infestation, release of sterile flies to prevent reproduction and disease surveillance to look for additional cases in animals.

For more information, please view the full APHIS news release online.

— Adapted from a release by USDA APHIS.

Farm Bureau President to Congress:
Slash Regulations, Reform Immigration/Ag Labor

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall and thousands of Farm Bureau members Jan. 8 asked Congress to pass sweeping reform of regulations that burden the lives of farmers and ranchers.

“The election should send a message — loud and clear — to our politicians: ignore rural America at your own risk!” Duvall said.

During his annual address, Duvall issued his request for Farm Bureau members to send emails — using their smartphones — to Congress about the need for regulatory reform. They responded on-the-fly.

Duvall also called on Farm Bureau members to explain how, every day, the men and women who grow food for America and the world work to make the environment better.

“Just think about it for a minute,” Duvall said. “By using modern technologies, today’s farmers grow more crops on the same amount of land, using less plowing and pesticides, feeding more people.”

For more information, please view the full AFFB news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the AFBF.

Bob Stallman and James Quinn Honored

The AFBF presented its highest honors, the Distinguished Service Award to Bob Stallman and the Farm Bureau Founders Award to James Quinn, posthumously, during AFBF’s 2017 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz.

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture. The Farm Bureau Founders Award is a new award to recognize exemplary leadership, service or contributions to Farm Bureau by officers or employees of AFBF and state Farm Bureau organizations.

Stallman served as president of the nation’s largest general farm organization for 16 years, stepping down in 2016. A rice and cattle producer from Columbus, Texas, Stallman sharpened his leadership skills as a young farmer and rancher. He became president of the Texas Farm Bureau in 1993, and AFBF president in 2000.

“Yes, Bob was from Texas, but he did a great job for all of American agriculture,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “You talk to the folks in Iowa, you talk to the folks in New York, you talk to the folks on the west coast, and they all thought a lot of Bob.”