News Update

March 24, 2017

Resilient in the Face of Danger

Valor. It’s a word used to describe folks who show great courage in the face of danger. In today’s modern society, it’s a word that fortunately isn’t needed often. Tragically, on the afternoon of March 6, valor became commonplace in areas of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Many of our friends, and in some cases family members, displayed great valor as they battled ravaging wildfires fueled by 60 mph winds that burned livestock and pets, destroyed homes and barns, and left an indelible imprint on families across the plains.

Near McClean, Texas, Sloan Everett — a member of the Association — along with Cody Crockett and Cody’s girlfriend, Sydney Wallace, were working on the Franklin Ranch when wildfires exploded in fury from the south. All three ultimately perished as they raced frantically in a futile attempt to move cattle away from the rapidly approaching wildfire. They showed uncommon valor in their efforts to save the cattle, completely disregarding their own safety in an attempt to protect livestock that were under their stewardship.

Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Allen Moczygemba, American Angus Association.

Angus Members: Check Voting Eligibility Before April 7

American Angus Association^®members wanting to participate in the election of board members and other business this fall need to meet three eligibility requirements before 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT), April 7.

According to Association bylaws, only eligible voting members can nominate, be nominated, vote or be elected in the annual election of delegates. To be considered an eligible voting member, individuals must meet all of the following requirements.

Active regular or life membership (dues current and paid in full)
18 years of age or older
Registered at least one animal or completed at least $250 of business with the Association or Angus Genetics Inc. within the preceding 12 months from when the nomination period begins (from April 10, 2016 to April 7, 2017).

The American Angus Association will mail delegate nomination forms only to active regular and life members who qualify as eligible voting members prior to 4:30 p.m. CDT, April 7.

Read more in the complete Angus news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Crystal Albers, Angus Media.

USDA Announces Eradication of
New World Screwworm in Florida

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the successful eradication of the New World screwworm (NWS) from Florida.

“I want to personally thank our many collaborating partners at the federal, state and local levels,” said Jack Shere, USDA chief veterinarian.

“Through their dedication and professionalism, close to 154 million sterile flies have been released, 16,902 animals have been inspected at checkpoints, and almost 430 hours of active surveillance in the Keys and 250 hours of active surveillance on the mainland have been completed. Their tireless work has allowed us to eliminate New World screwworm from the United States once again.”

Learn more by reading this USDA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA.

Livestock Harvest Report

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.94 billion pounds (lb.) in February, up 1% from the 3.90 billion lb. produced in February 2016.

Beef production, at 1.93 billion lb., was 3% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.37 million head, up 3% from February 2016. The average live weight was down 12 lb. from the previous year, at 1,360 lb.

Veal production totaled 5.6 million lb., 8% below February a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 40,200 head, up 10% from February 2016. The average live weight was down 46 lb. from last year, at 241 lb.

Pork production totaled 1.99 billion lb., down 1% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.37 million head, down 1% from February 2016. The average live weight was up 1 lb. from the previous year, at 284 lb.

View the complete USDA NASS report online.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

CAA President Named Calgary Stampede President

The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) congratulates and recognizes President David Sibbald for his newest roles.

At the Calgary Stampede annual general meeting March 21, Sibbald became president and chairman of the board. He will continue in his role as CAA president until the conclusion of the annual general meeting on Saturday, June 10, in Brandon, Man. Canada. Sibbald will serve as Calgary Stampede president until 2019.

Sibbald, his wife Mary Beth and sons Dylan and Adam operate SSS Red Angus. They also maintain a commercial cow-calf operation complemented by their seedstock herd bulls.

David is a fifth-generation rancher from a pioneering family on the Sibbald Flats in the Jumping Pound area west of Calgary. He has judged several Canadian national cattle shows, along with numerous 4-H shows in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and is a proven noted industry and organizational leader, planner and thinker. David was elected to the CAA Board in 2013 and the Calgary Stampede Board in 2009.

For more information, view the CAA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Tina Zakowsky, Canadian Angus Association.

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

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