News Update

March 21, 2017

What Drives Success?

In the beef industry — where weather, market conditions, input prices and consumer influences are ever-fluctuating — success can seem like an elusive goal. How can those in the industry sustain their involvement and optimism?

A strong work ethic, faith, valuing integrity and moral character are all key traits that many successful people emphasize. Yet another critical ingredient toward achieving future success may be having an open mind to be a lifelong learner.

John Spence, a business and leadership consultant, emphasizes that investing in personal development and identifying values and goals are essential to future success.

“If you’re not dedicating 10% to 15% of your time to improving [yourself and your business], you’ll be outpaced,” he says. “Invest in yourself. It will change your life and career.”

Continue reading this Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from an article by Kindra Gordon, Angus Media.

NDSA to Aid Ranchers Devastated by Wildfires

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) and North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) are extending support to their cattle-ranching neighbors in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado who suffered catastrophic losses in horrific wildfires that swept the Southern Plains earlier this month.

Dry conditions and extreme wind were a deadly combination in the four states, burning millions of acres, thousands of animals, hay reserves, fences and homes. The fires also injured and even claimed the lives of some as they worked to evacuate their livestock and get them out of harm’s way.

The nonprofit organizations have pledged $15,000 of their own to the relief efforts in the impacted states. The NDSA and NDSF have also established the “Rising from the Ashes” Wildfire Disaster Relief Program as a means to connect individuals who want to provide their own financial support with those ranch families who are in need.

For more information, view the NDSA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

The Source

“You get what you pay for.” How many times have you heard that statement?

Many times people equate higher cost with a better product. It is easy to compare ingredients or weight of a product to determine which one is the best choice. It can be hard to compare two feeder-calf programs to determine which one will work the best for each individual producer.

In the past few years, several value-added feeder-calf marketing programs have sprung up. Some cost around $8 per head to enroll and you may need to purchase an ear tag to denote they are enrolled.

AngusSource® is easily one of the lowest-cost verification programs because the American Angus Association subsidizes the program to encourage the use of registered Angus bulls. AngusSource is not designed to make a profit from commercial producers, but rather to challenge Angus seedstock producers to breed genetically superior animals for maternal and terminal traits.

Learn more in the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Ginette Gottswiller, American Angus Association.

Agricultural Business Council
Honors Three Agribusiness Leaders

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored three of the region’s leading business figures on March 16 at a luncheon in the Chamber Board Room in Kansas City’s historic Union Station. Agricultural Business Council Chairman Cliff Becker noted the honorees are champions for agriculture in separate but very key areas in the region.

Glen O. Klippenstein, Klippenstein Farms, Maysville, Mo. Klippenstein rose to prominence as the partner/operator of GlenKirk Farms which was one of the nation’s top purebred cattle operations. From 1966 to 1993, GlenKirk Farms sold more than 7,000 bulls and 7,500 females into all 50 states and 22 countries.
Ken McCauley, K & M Farms, White Cloud, Kan. McCauley, along with his wife, Mary, and son, Brad and his wife, farm corn and soybeans on 4,600 acres of no-till cropland. McCauley is a past president of the National Corn Growers Association (2007).
Thomas L. Payne, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CAFNR), University of Missouri. Payne has just retired from his position as vice chancellor and dean of CAFNR, a position he held since 1999.

For more information, view the news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Bob Petersen, Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City.

American Angus Association Member Notice

Preparations for the 2017 Annual Convention of Delegates have begun. The American Angus Association will mail delegate nomination forms only to active regular and life members who qualify as eligible voting members prior to the deadline of 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on April 7, 2017.

To be active and eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age, as well as a life or regular member, when the nomination period begins (April 10, 2017). Dues must be current and paid in full. In addition, you must have registered at least one animal or have conducted a minimum $250 worth of business with the American Angus Association or Angus Genetics Inc. within the 12 months preceding the nomination period (April 10, 2016-April 7, 2017).

Please make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements by the close of business (4:30 p.m. CDT) April 7. Members can determine their eligibility status through AAA Login at My Account > Your American Angus Association Information.

The Association’s annual meeting will be convened Monday, Nov. 6, during the Angus Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

— Announcement from Shauna Hermel, Angus Media.

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