News Update

May 24, 2017

Ag Secretary Perdue
on the Proposed Budget

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statement May 23 on the proposed FY 2018 budget:

“President Trump promised he would realign government spending, attempt to eliminate duplication or redundancy, and see that all government agencies are efficiently delivering services to the taxpayers of America. And that’s exactly what we are going to do at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“Having been the governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011 — not during the best economic times — we did what it took to get the job done, just like the people involved in every aspect of American agriculture do every single day. While the President’s budget fully funds nutrition programs, wildland fire suppression and food safety, and includes several new initiatives and increases for Rural Development, whatever form the final budget takes, it is my job as Secretary of Agriculture to manage and implement that plan, while still fulfilling the core mission of USDA,” said Perdue.

— Adapted from a release by the USDA.

Proposed Ag Budget Fails Farmers, Ranchers

The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall:

“The American Farm Bureau Federation and its members are concerned about the federal budget deficit. However, we also know that agriculture has done its fair share to help reduce the deficit.

“Going back to the early 1980s, agriculture often has been targeted to generate budget savings, from the reconciliation bills in the late 1980s and 1990s to farm bill reforms as recently as 2014. At the time of passage, the 2014 farm bill was estimated to contribute $23 billion to deficit reduction over 10 years. The farm bill was the only reauthorization bill that voluntarily offered savings during the 113th Congress. It is difficult to think of another sector of the economy that has contributed so much, so consistently, over the last several decades.

“The administration’s budget proposal fails to recognize agriculture’s current financial challenges or its historical contribution to deficit reduction. It would gut federal crop insurance, one of the nation’s most important farm safety-net programs.”

For more information, read the Farm Bureau news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Are we there yet?

We were bringing a little preschool friend out to our house for the afternoon. She was a town kid and about every three miles, she’d ask, “Are we ALMOST there?”

Turns out 12 miles is a really long way when there’s the anticipation of a playdate. But I get it.

I like that sense of accomplishment when I’ve “made it.” I’m a list maker and nothing feels better than putting a line through completed items.

I understand why it’s tempting for cattlemen to ask, “Do we have enough quality? Can we start selecting for something else?”

Not yet, says the data.

Let’s take just take the Prime grade for example. For the last decade, the average annual spread between Select and Prime ranged from $25 to $50 per hundredweight (cwt.), averaging $35 for 2016 — all while cattlemen produced more of it.

Read the full Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from an article by Miranda Reiman, Certified Angus Beef LLC.

Man’s Best Friend

Along America’s Angus Trails is thinking back fondly of the plethora of ranch dogs that have enriched his life. Robbie, Smokie, Myrt, Carmel. Thor.

I'll bet most of the listening audience could cite similar cherished memories of their beloved ranch dogs over the years. Whether well trained as stock or cow dogs, or just a faithful daily companion beside you on the pickup seat or in the truck bed, you really learn to appreciate a good dog and constantly be amazed at their talents — or, lack thereof.

At least on the ranch, and at home at night, we accept our dog for who they are, and are pleased to accept them, just as they are.

Off the ranch, the government and private industry train dogs to use their sharp noses to detect bombs, drugs, fugitives, pests and cancer. Of course the scientists and techies around us are constantly finding ways to spend our money to find a carefully calibrated machine that might be preferable to a dog.

Continue reading this Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from commentary by Dan Green, Angus Talk.

Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship Applications

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (S.D. Stockgrowers Assoc.) and the South Dakota CattleWomen are currently accepting applications for a $1,000 and a $500 scholarship in memory of Guy E. Ham.

The scholarships are available to any South Dakota student having completed at least one year of post-secondary education and pursuing a career in an agricultural or agri-business-related field. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity and gift of the Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship in memory of Guy Ham and his commitment to the future of the agriculture industry in South Dakota.

Application information and details can be found by visiting www.southdakotastockgrowers.org/scholarships.htm or by contacting the S.D. Stockgrowers Assoc. at 605-342-0429. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1, and the scholarship will be awarded during the S.D. Stockgrowers Annual Convention on Sept. 22.

— Adapted from a release by Silvia Christen, SD Stockgrowers Association.

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