News Update
August 24, 2017
“Production Claims” in Perspective
While the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand logo is highly recognized among consumers and producers, many do not realize we also have “brand extensions” including products qualified and marketed under CAB brand Prime, Natural and a combination of the two, CAB brand Prime Natural. The natural labeled products are there to fill demand from consumers who prefer beef from cattle that have come through a documented ownership chain back to the source of origin, known to have consumed a 100% vegetarian diet and to have never had an antibiotic or supplemental hormone. These added attributes under the “natural” production claims do not replace or negate the brand’s “Angus type” eligibility requirement and 10 carcass quality standards that ensure the same eating quality of our traditional CAB products.
While media influences make it seem like American consumers are ever-more interested in production claims regarding all of their food choices, reality shows sales of beef products with the range of such claims remain a small fraction of total beef sales.
Continue reading this CAB Insider article in the online newsletter.
Apply for the Angus Foundation Talon
Youth Education Learning Program Internship
If you’re looking for a unique summer internship experience, the Angus Foundation can help. Applications are still available for the Talon Youth Education Learning Program internship on the Angus Foundation website for host Angus breeders and Angus youth.
“The Talon internship program is truly one of a kind in the Angus industry,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “It gives one lucky student the opportunity to experience ranch management firsthand — an invaluable experience. Angus breeders get to work with an up and coming leader in the industry. It’s a win-win scenario for both.”
Host Angus breeders get the opportunity to teach the intern about different areas of the Angus industry, from cattle showing and veterinary tasks to fence maintenance and irrigation and more. They also can expose the intern to educational events and activities off the farm, such as seminars, field days, etc. The Talon intern host Angus breeder application can be accessed online: www.angusfoundation.org. Applications are due September 15.
College sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent college graduates who are not older than 25 who have majored in an agriculture-related field are eligible to apply.
Read more of this Angus news release online.
The Benefits of Video Auctions
Summer grazing season is in full swing. Are you driving through pastures looking at your outstanding set of feeder cattle wondering, “How will I fetch my premium price? How do I get my cattle in front of the largest crowd of buyers possible?”
As a producer, you have put in the time to keep your cattle healthy and the money to invest in top Angus bull genetics. Why wouldn’t you want to get your product to as many buyers as possible?
There are a variety of options available to sell your cattle. Video auctions have established a value in the marketplace of feeder-cattle sales. These video sales have taken regional livestock auction barns and brought them to the national level. Buyers seeking outstanding feeder cattle that fit their individual needs can now find these cattle all over the United States.
Video markets have established an efficient way to create a national livestock auction market, which, in turn, creates true price discovery for your product. The platform allows your ranch to get your product in front of thousands of active and competitive bidders.
Learn more in the full Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
First Confirmed Equine Case of West Nile Virus
in Montana for 2017
Last week, the Montana Department of Livestock confirmed the first equine case of West Nile Virus for the year in Yellowstone County. This follows detection of the virus in mosquito surveillance pools from Custer, Prairie, Blaine, Hill and Phillips Counties. The disease also affects people, and public health officials are investigating several human cases. Montana typically sees cases of West Nile Virus through late summer and into fall.
West Nile Virus affects humans, equines and birds. It is spread through the bites of infected mosquitos; horses cannot transmit the virus directly to people.
Tahnee Szymanski, assistant state veterinarian, says, “There is no direct treatment for the virus, but vaccination is highly effective in preventing disease. Horses that are vaccinated rarely die or are euthanized because of the disease.” Horse owners should be aware of the typical signs of West Nile Virus which include:
- Fever, loss of appetite and depression;
- Incoordination or weakness of the hind limbs;
- Muscle or muzzle twitching, drooling.
Syzmanski says, “Vaccination is typically administered in the spring, but may offer some protection even this late in the season.”
For more information, read the news release online.
USDA Seeks Public Input on Updates
to Animal Welfare Act Licensing Requirements
Marking the 51st anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) this week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Aug. 23 asked for input from the public to help determine potential updates to the law’s licensing requirements. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), within the USDA, is tasked with upholding and enforcing the AWA. The AWA was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on Aug. 24, 1966.
“As a trained veterinarian, humane standards of care for animals are close to my heart and central to my love and concern for our four-legged friends,” Perdue said. “Administering the AWA is a key USDA mission, and we are always looking for ways to improve. We welcome comments from the public as APHIS considers changes to the licensing requirements to help us fulfill this important responsibility.”
Each year, USDA issues nearly 6,000 licenses to people who breed, sell or exhibit animals for commercial purposes. The department is responsible for ensuring that these licensees comply with the AWA’s humane standards of care, which enables the American public to confidently purchase pets and view animals on public display.
Read the USDA news release online.
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