News Update

March 10, 2017

Scholarships Available to Angus Youth

The American Angus Association strives to provide students with opportunities to benefit themselves and the future of the cattle business.

Through scholarship programs offered through the Angus Foundation and the American Angus Auxiliary, Angus youth passionate about the beef industry are provided financial support to further their education.

Current high school seniors and college students should take note of the deadlines and details for each scholarship program listed below.

The Angus Foundation offers general scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in higher education. Angus youth meeting the eligibility requirements for the Angus Foundation’s 2017 Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Programs will be considered by the Angus Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee. As in past years, other specific and special criteria scholarships administered by the Angus Foundation will also be available. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the 2017 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Des Moines, Iowa.

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

Water, Feed Critical for Cattle Affected by Wildfires

A Kansas State University (K-State) expert is underscoring the critical need to get water and reliable feedstuffs to cattle in the aftermath of wildfires that have ravaged many parts of southern and western Kansas.

As of Thursday, March 9, the wind-whipped fires had scarred nearly 660,000 acres in 21 counties and forced numerous evacuations and road closures. The number of livestock and wildlife that have died in the fires is not yet known.

Justin Waggoner, a beef systems specialist in southwest Kansas, said the fires have crippled systems that are ordinarily used for getting water to cattle.

“Here in the western part of the state, we rely very heavily on groundwater resources,” he said. “Most of our watering sites for cattle on native range are going to be some sort of developed well system, which might be powered by a windmill or solar pump. The functionality of those after fires is going to be limited in some capacity.”

For more information, view the K-State news release online.

— Adapted from a release by K-State Research and Extension.

Measuring a Wild Card

When the season’s first calves arrive, you begin to see results of your genetic decisions, perhaps eager for more or thinking about what a new bull could bring. Poring through bull catalogs and looking at expected progeny differences (EPDs), keep in mind, the environment affects what your calves are now and what they will become.

Genotype plus environment equals phenotype. The equation’s simplicity lies not in its precision but in stating the relationship, for who can quantify the environment’s role from one calf crop to the next?

Perhaps the only solution out on the ranch can be found in averages, once you identify indicators of herd progress. Among weaning weight, overall profitability, annual cow cost, pounds weaned per cow exposed and pounds weaned per acre, each provides insight. None tell where the progress or setback originated because combined effects are so broad.

Continue reading in the Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from an article by Justin Sexten, Certified Angus Beef LLC.

Legacy Continues with New Purebred Beef Unit Facilities

Providing real-world experience for K-State students has been the mission of the Purebred Beef Unit for generations. Each year, hundreds of students have the opportunity to work and learn at the Purebred Barn that sits strategically north of campus on the Kimball Avenue hill.

Prior to K-State Animal Sciences and Industry’s 40th student-managed production sale on March 3, University dignitaries and department family and friends hosted the dedication and ribbon cutting for the new Purebred Beef Barns and the beginning of the next chapter for the Purebred Beef Unit.

Significant changes in animal care and research, as well as surrounding land uses necessitated the replacement of the facilities in a new location.

For more information, view the K-State release online.

— Adapted from a release by Angie Stump Denton, K-State Animal Science and Industry.

K-State Appoints Brad White Director of Beef Cattle Institute

The College of Veterinary Medicine at K-State has appointed Brad White as director of the Beef Cattle Institute.

Founded in 2007, the Beef Cattle Institute is comprised of veterinarians, agricultural economists, nutritionists and other experts in beef production. The institute integrates multidisciplinary expertise from K-State to deliver results for complex issues facing the beef industry.

Since October 2015, White has served as interim director of the institute. He has been on the faculty in the agricultural practices section of the college’s clinical sciences department since 2005, and was elevated to the rank of professor in 2016. White earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Missouri in 1997 and a master’s from Mississippi State University in 2005. He worked for the Perry County Veterinary Hospital in Perryville, Mo., from 1997 to 2003.

“We thank Dr. White for his excellent service as the interim director, and we have great confidence in his ability to guide the Beef Cattle Institute toward continued success,” said Tammy Beckham, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

For more information, view the K-State news release online.

— Adapted from a release by K-State News and Communications Services.

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

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