News Update

April 4, 2017

The Road to Recovery

Ranchers affected by the historic wildfires in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, are beginning to pick up the pieces of what’s left following the destructive flames that burned hundreds of thousands of acres of prairie grass.

In Kansas alone, more than 700,000 acres burned, resulting in the largest wildfire the state has ever experienced. More than three-quarters of that acreage was in Clark and Comanche Counties; and Ashland, Kan., has become the local gathering point for recovery efforts.

Now in the weeks following the fire, semis loaded down with big round bales and fencing supplies have filled the region’s highways, many with American flags displayed proudly — showing the nation that in challenging times, rural America stands together.

Kendal Kay, mayor of Ashland said, “The relief efforts come from far and wide. From our neighbors in Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma. Then, way out beyond that. The loads that come in from Ohio today and beyond, each semi load of hay that comes in, each semi load of supplies that come in.”

Watch this week’s The Angus Report online to learn more. You can also catch the show on RFD-TV every Monday at 7:30 a.m. CST and Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CST.

— Adapted from The Angus Report.

Culver’s Scoops of Thanks Day May 4

What’s better than enjoying a scoop of fresh frozen custard? Enjoying a scoop of fresh frozen custard while supporting future agricultural leaders, of course. On Thursday, May 4, Culver’s restaurants will host the third annual Scoops of Thanks Day, when guests can stop by any Culver’s and donate $1 to the National FFA Organization and other local agricultural organizations in exchange for a single scoop of fresh frozen custard.

Last year, Scoops of Thanks Day raised $56,500 for local FFA chapters and other agricultural organizations selected by each restaurant. FFA is a national youth organization whose mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

“We’re proud to support our local FFA chapters, as they provide young people with the education and resources they need to prepare for successful ag careers,” said Jessie Corning, senior marketing manager at Culver’s. “Scoops of Thanks Day gives our guests a great opportunity to join us in our support of ag students.”

For more information, view the Culver’s news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Becca Vollmer, Culver’s.

Colorado Legislature May Address COOL

The Colorado General Assembly’s House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee is considering reinstating country-of-origin information on the beef that Coloradans purchase at retail stores for themselves and their families.

Introduced by State Representative Kimmi Lewis and State Senator Vicki Marble, the Beef Country of Origin Retail Placard bill, HB17-1234, reinstates country-of-origin information for beef sold in Colorado by requiring a placard be placed next to beef sold in retail stores.

The placard must denote “U.S.A. Beef” when the beef is exclusively from animals born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. If the beef is of foreign origin, the placard must state the name of the foreign country or countries where it originated.

— Adapted from a release by R-CALF USA.

$4.5 Million for Higher Education Support

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) March 30 announced the availability of $4.5 million in funding to help higher education institutions teach the next generation of food and agricultural science professionals. Funding is made through NIFA’s Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program.

HEC supports colleges and universities in their efforts to educate the next generation of the food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce. The program seeks to improve formal, baccalaureate or master’s degree level food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences (FANH) education and first professional degree-level education in veterinary medicine (DVM).

HEC projects may improve the economic health and viability of communities through the development of degree programs that emphasize new and emerging employment opportunities.

Learn more by reading the USDA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by USDA.

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.

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