News Update
May 9, 2017
National Beef Quality Audit
This year marks 25 years of continuous improvement for the National Beef Quality Audit, and it plans to release its latest audit findings this summer. The comprehensive look at beef production, from pasture to plate, is conducted every five years, and it provides valuable insight for the nation’s cattle producers.
“What’s been interesting over the 25 years of the quality audit is seeing how cattle have changed,” said Jeff Savell with Texas A&M University. “Carcasses are bigger today, but one of the best things that’s happened is the improvement of quality over time.”
Savell says quality is measured by marbling, and by percent Choice and Prime. One of the biggest changes over time is that quality continues to gradually increase.
“We hope that when cattle producers come together in the summer 2017, to be able to see the final rollout of the information, that there will be a lot of take home message that will help them see the type of beef they’re producing and how that fits today’s marketplace,” he adds.
Watch this week’s episode of The Angus Report online. You can also catch the show at 1:30 p.m. CDT Saturday and 7:30 a.m. CDT every Monday on RFD-TV.
Disaster Assistance Open for Counties Affected by Flooding
Individuals, families, businesses and farmers affected by flooding could seek assistance and information from public, private and faith-based organizations at multi-agency resource centers (MARCs) Monday, May 8, in Newton and McDonald counties in Missouri. MARCs in additional counties will open later in the week.
“The MARC is a place where community agencies join together to help those devastated by disaster,” says Conne Burnham, University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist. “It’s a one-stop shop where all disaster relief agencies — private and public — come together under one roof to provide assistance.”
Available services may include housing assistance; insurance and legal services; sign-up for debris removal services; water and meals; emergency assistance and voucher programs; health and wellness services; and more.
For more information, contact your county emergency manager director, your county University of Missouri Extension Center or visit facebook.com/MoFloodInfo.
Bring on the Beef
It’s no coincidence that Beef Month, National Burger Month and the beginning of grilling season are all celebrated in May. As the weather warms, consumers venture outside, fire up their grills and place a long-anticipated steak or burger over an open flame. The sizzle and aroma of beef are the sounds and smells of spring. Beef and the month of May are a perfect match.
“Nothing is better than a steak or burger cooked on the grill,” according to Dan Harris, vice chairman of the Kansas Beef Council (KBC). “Grilling and beef are both popular, especially in Kansas and the Kansas City Metro area, and together they produce an eating experience like no other.”
Not only is grilling a popular summer tradition, but it’s also an easy way to cook for family and friends without all the dishes that come with entertaining guests. Sharla Huseman, KBC director of marketing, says, “Consumers know how easy it is to throw steaks on the grill and have a wonderful meal for their family and friends.”
Learn more in the KBC release online.
A Perception Change Needs to Happen for Animal Agriculture
The overarching message on how the animal agriculture community can protect the livelihoods of farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and industry professionals is to engage and change the perception of the industry, according to speakers at the 2017 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit.
A record-setting 276 people attended the Summit, hosted in Kansas City May 3-4.
Two panels discussed how farm tours and engaging with consumers are key to growing confidence in agriculture. The first panel included Rex Martin, senior vice president, owner relations and Scott Wallin, director, consumer confidence, both with Dairy Management Inc.
Martin and Wallin shared how DMI is engaging with unexpected audiences about the dairy industry with their “Acres to Avenues” video initiative connecting farmers with consumers and having them switch roles for a day to learn what it takes to do each other’s job.
For more information, read the full news release online.
O.D. Butler Field Day May 19
Field demonstrations showing ways to avoid hay losses, as well as ryegrass and grassbur control, will highlight the O.D. Butler Forage Field Day scheduled May 19 at the Camp Cooley Ranch Division of Circle X Land & Cattle Company in Franklin, Texas.
“This year’s field day should have something for everyone,” said Ed Schneider, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Robertson County. “Concurrent sessions will cover avoiding expensive hay production losses, as well as getting a handle on ryegrass and grassbur control. We’ll also learn more about utilizing agricultural lime to correct acidic soils. There will also be several ag industry booths and door prizes.”
A catered roast beef lunch will be followed by a discussion on laws and regulations related to feral hog management and control.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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