News Update
August 25, 2017
New Genomic Test Coming
During the Genomics Symposium at the National Angus Convention in Fort Worth, the American Angus Association will be introducing a new genomic test, AngusGS™. AngusGS will be a high-density 50K test designed by the team of geneticists at Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and powered by Neogen GeneSeek®.
The new genomic profile is built specifically for Angus cattle, which, over time, will mean improved accuracy and better results. AngusGS is the culmination of your commitment to the use of genomic testing, the long-term vision of the AGI team and the support of our friends at Neogen.
The AGI team has worked to saturate the new genomic test with markers targeting Angus-specific regions of the genome. This means future improved test accuracy once a subset of animals has been tested with AngusGS. Additional markers for traits like fertility, feed efficiency and tenderness, including Calpain and Calpastatin, have been included to advance research for future trait selection.
As I mentioned during my remarks to the delegates during last year’s annual business meeting in Indianapolis, we should expect the price for genomic tests to continue to decline as the use of the technology grows.
Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Red Meat Production Up 3% from Last Year
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 3.99 billion pounds (lb.) in July, up 3% from the 3.87 billion lb. produced in July 2016.
Beef production, at 2.11 billion lb., was 4% above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.61 million head, up 6% from July 2016. The average live weight was down 12 lb. from the previous year, at 1,333 lb.
Veal production totaled 5.7 million lb., 1% above July a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 39,000 head, up 3% from July 2016. The average live weight was down 7 lb. from last year, at 250 lb.
Pork production totaled 1.86 billion lb., up 2% from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 9.02 million head, up 3% from July 2016. The average live weight was down 1 lb. from the previous year, at 277 lb.
Lamb and mutton production, at 11.0 million lb., was down 4% from July 2016. Sheep slaughter totaled 167,400 head, 2% below last year. The average live weight was 132 lb., down 2 lb. from July a year ago.
Read the full USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report online.
CFAES Announces New Chair of Department of Animal Sciences
The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) announces the appointment of John Foltz as chair of the Department of Animal Sciences. He will join CFAES for a four-year appointment Oct. 9, 2017.
“I am extremely excited to return to my alma mater to head an important department in CFAES,” Foltz said. “Livestock and companion animals play an extremely important role in both Ohio and American agriculture. I look forward to working closely with the faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to bring their vision to fruition.”
Foltz comes to CFAES from the University of Idaho where he serves as special assistant to the president for agricultural initiatives, leading two livestock-focused projects. Prior to that, he served as dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences where he had oversight for the college’s teaching, research and extension missions across the state of Idaho. That included 360 faculty and staff statewide, 1,200 students, 10 research and extension centers, 42 county extension offices and a budget of nearly $80 million.
For more information, read the full Ohio State University news release online.
AgriLife Extension sets Beef, Range Workshop Sept. 12 in Roby
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct the Fisher County Beef and Range Workshop Sept. 12 in the Roby High School cafeteria, 141 S. College St., Roby.
Nick Dickson, AgriLife Extension agent in Fisher County, said the workshop will open with a meal at 5:45 p.m. followed by the program from 6:30-9 p.m.
“Thanks to widespread, though often spotty, rainfall, much of our region is on the fast track for a wonderful fall,” Dickson said. “We’ve grown a lot of grass in many of our pastures, so much of our program will deal with how to best manage that grass by controlling noxious species. We will also delve into beef cattle herd health.”
Topics and speakers will include:
Using Prescribed Fire to Meet Ranch Goals and Objectives, Morgan Russell, AgriLife Extension range specialist, San Angelo.
Range and Pasture Chemical Update, Ralph Porter, Dow AgroSciences senior sales representative, Abilene.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Programs, Michael Willson, NRCS resource team leader, Snyder.
Developing a Vaccination Program, Vick Burk, Rotan Veterinary Hospital, Rotan.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
K-State Beef Stocker Field Day scheduled for Sept. 21
The beef cattle outlook, early stocking strategies for optimized marketing and a panel discussion on how cover crops have helped producers improve their operations are among topics planned for the 2017 Kansas State University (K-State) Beef Stocker Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 21.
The day is designed to provide the latest practical information for producers to aid decision-making in the current dynamic beef industry environment.
“There will be applied information presented that attendees can apply to their operation,” said Dale Blasi, K-State animal sciences and industry professor and extension specialist.
Hosted at the K-State Beef Stocker Unit (4330 Marlatt Ave., Manhattan, Kan.), the event starts with registration and coffee at 9:30 a.m. and the program at 10:15 a.m. A barbecue lunch is provided and the day ends with an evening social, the “Cutting Bull’s Lament 2017,” at 5:30 p.m.
Topics on this year’s agenda include:
- Beef Cattle Outlook;
- Producer Panel: Implementing Cover Crops: How They Have Helped My Operation;
- Setting Up Calves for Success This Fall; and
- A Different Intensive Early Stocking Strategy for Optimized Marketing Opportunities.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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