News Update
January 12, 2017
Marketing Angus-sired Calves
During the past year AngusSource®, a program for any commercial producer who sells feeder calves and replacement heifers sired by a registered Angus bull, has enrolled groups of calves ranging from six to 3,200 head.
The American Angus Association started the AngusSource program to assist producers in marketing their calves, regardless of herd size.
Leland Browning, an AngusSource customer from Missouri, is glad his calves are part of the program and has sold approximately 18 sets through AngusSource. He merchandizes cattle in both spring and fall, retains his own replacement heifers and buys new bulls every two years. Each set of feeder calves Browning sells ranges from 10 to 12 head and is enrolled in the program.
Says Browning of AngusSource, “It allows me to sell small groups of cattle at the same price as non-sourced large groups.”
Many people think age verification programs have faded away, but that is not the truth in reality.
For more information, please view the full Angus Media news article online.
Peterson Applauds House Passage of
Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017
Congressman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., Jan. 11, made the following remarks on the floor of the House in support of the Peterson Amendment to the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 (H.R. 5). Both the amendment and underlying bill were adopted by the House.
“I rise in support of the amendment. This amendment will prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer dollars to advocate on behalf of a rule or generate comments to overwhelm the record with one point of view.
“A GAO report documents how the EPA created a campaign to generate comments in support of the Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, rule. This is not how government, or the rulemaking process, is supposed to work.
“The comment period should be a time for agencies to hear from the public about what’s good, what’s bad or what needs to be fixed with a proposed rule. In my opinion, agencies too often take laws passed by Congress and turn them into something unrecognizable.
“That is why this amendment is needed and has the support of the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Association of Home Builders, among others.
“This is a commonsense amendment that will improve the bill. I urge my colleagues to vote in support …”
USDA Announces $540,000 to Support
People with Disabilities in Agriculture
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Jan. 11, announced $540,000 in available funding for state and regional projects that provide education, assistive technology and other support to current and prospective farmers and ranchers with disabilities. Since 1991, NIFA’s AgrAbility program has helped thousands of individuals with disabilities, including older farmers and veterans, achieve success in agricultural occupations.
“Whether you are an experienced farmer facing mobility issues or a veteran starting a new career in agriculture, AgrAbility works with the Cooperative Extension System and nonprofit disability organizations to open doors to people with disabilities,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “The AgrAbility network gives health, farm and government service providers tools to provide greater access to the agricultural profession.”
This funding opportunity will support the development of new state and regional AgrAbility Projects that help providers build their capacity to serve people with disabilities. Projects also directly provide assistance to people with disabilities.
For more information, please view the full NIFA news release online.
MCA 2017 Leadership Elected
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) elected its 2017 leadership during the 49th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Butch Meier, of Jackson, Mo., will serve as the 2017 MCA President. Meier is a life member of the American Angus Association.
“I’m looking forward to serving Missouri’s cattlemen as president in the upcoming year,” Meier said. “The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association has seen great achievements over the past few years. From a great 2016 on the legislative front to developing multiple collegiate affiliates, many exciting things have happened in the beef industry.”
Greg Buckman, from Hallsville, Mo., will serve as the association’s president-elect. Bobby Simpson, of Salem, Mo., was elected vice president. Matt Hardecke, Wildwood, Mo., will continue to serve as treasurer and David Dick, of Sedalia, Mo., will serve as secretary. Keith Stevens, from Bolivar, Mo., will be the past-president.
For more information, please view the full MCA news release online.
Feral Hog Management Workshop set for Jan. 30 in La Vernia
A Feral Hog Management Workshop will be hosted Jan. 30 at the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce, 12301 U.S. Highway 87 in La Vernia, Texas.
There is no cost for the program, which will be from 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. with registration from 8-8:30 a.m.
“Property damage by feral hogs costs Texas landowners millions of dollars each year,” said Bryan Davis, AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Wilson County. “In addition, feral hogs can also carry disease and their waste contributes to water source pollution.”
Davis said topics to be addressed at the workshop will include feral hog biology, agricultural regulations regarding feral hogs, water quality in south and central Texas, feral hog control, transportation regulations and disease, population dynamics and research, and novel techniques and recent technology for management.
To get an accurate lunch count, attendees are asked to RSVP by Jan. 23 to the AgriLife Extension office in Wilson County at 830-393-7357.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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