News Update

July 6, 2017

Download Angus Mobile
to Keep Up with NJAS Action

Prior to arriving at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Des Moines, Iowa, be sure and download the Angus Mobile smartphone app. The latest show information and Angus resources are at your fingertips when you download Angus Mobile.

“Angus Mobile allows members attending the NJAS to stay up-to-date with the latest news and showring coverage,” says Jena McRell, American Angus Association digital editor. “It’s free to download and can keep you informed throughout the event, whether you’re in Des Moines or following from home.”

Anyone with a smartphone or tablet can download Angus Mobile. Once the app is installed, the events section can be found at the bottom of the screen. Select “National Junior Angus Show 2017” to scroll through alerts, schedules, show results, maps, restaurants and much more.

Continue reading this Angus news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Morgan Marley, Angus Media.

Age and Source Premiums on the Horizon

Beef trade negotiations between the United States and China finalized June 12 after a 14-year absence. Here are a few of the aspects of the agreement according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

China will accept U.S. fresh, chilled and frozen products, including bone-in, boneless and ground beef. China will not accept synthetic hormones in beef and plans to test beef upon arrival. If traces of naturally occurring hormones are above those naturally occurring in cattle, the beef will be rejected.

The agreement also included “bookend” traceability. Cattle must be traceable to the U.S. birth farm using a unique identifier or, if imported, to the first place of residence or port of entry. Beef and beef products must be derived from cattle less than 30 months of age.

So, producers who want their cattle to be eligible will need to have them enrolled in a third-party certification program, such as AngusSource^® or Gateway. Both programs are USDA Process Verified Programs (PVP) for age and source. Enrollment of the ranch of origin will need to take place, and tags will need to be in place when cattle arrive at the packing facility.

Continue reading the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Jeff Mafi, American Angus Association.

FCS Financial Launches Heartland Heroes

FCS Financial recognizes the vital role veterans play in protecting our country through their display of courage, honor and duty. To celebrate veterans this Fourth of July, FCS Financial is launching Heartland Heroes, a program designed for veterans.

“Rural America is home to 40% of our military service members. We know many of these individuals plan to return to their roots after their service. Heartland Heroes offers a special financing program and educational component to help them achieve success in their agricultural endeavors,” said David Janish, FCS Financial CEO.

Heartland Heroes is a program that combines credit, communication, a resource team and knowledge sharing to help veteran farmers realize their full potential. Current farmers who are FCS Financial member-owners are volunteering their time and expertise to serve as a resource for members of Heartland Heroes.

Learn more about Heartland Heroes by visiting myfcsfinancial.com or calling 1-800-444-3276.

— Adapted from a release by FCS Financial.

Made in the Shade

It’s been an interesting year for climate, as we could tell halfway through the spring. A parade of wind storms, fires, blizzards and floods moved swiftly by, leaving every cattle farm and ranch to cope with those and the peculiarities of an early or late spring, with too little or too much moisture. Still, cattle are one of the most adaptable food-animal species, proven by their thriving herds in operations across North America in heat, humidity, cold, wet and everything in between.

Seasonal stocking rates for a cow-calf pair vary from less than two acres to more than 80. Feed and forage options are just as variable, depending on the ranch environment and local resources. Despite these differences, cattle remain the best option to convert solar energy into the most flavorful protein.

That flavor advantage is what keeps beef “king” for millions of consumers, the driving force in beef demand, food trends and taste preferences. As we’ve said before, consumer wants and needs make up the one constant that unites all ranch environments.

Learn more in the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.

— Adapted from an article by Justin Sexten, Certified Angus Beef LLC.

Beef Cattle Short Course Animal Health Sessions

Animal health issues affecting the Texas beef industry will be the focus of several sessions at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 7-9 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

The short course is the largest beef cattle educational event in the country and attracts more than 1,600 beef cattle producers from Texas and abroad, according to organizers. The short course is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the department of animal science at Texas A&M.

Cattle trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is a venereal disease in beef cattle and will be one of the issues discussed. Representatives from Texas’ breeding associations as well as the animal health industry are encouraging beef producers to attend the sessions.

For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.

— Adapted from a release by Blair Fannin, Texas AgriLife Communications.

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