News Update
September 19, 2017
Managing Through the Drought
As drought conditions continue to expand and worsen through the Dakotas and Montana, ranchers are faced with the stress and challenges of making the best decisions for their operations. There are multiple factors that play into the decision-making process, with some being more challenging than others. One of the factors that makes this process more difficult at times is being able to separate the emotion from the business. Often we see the ranch as more than a business, but focusing the basis of making decisions on what is best for the business will help persevere through tough times.
To make the best management decisions, it is important to utilize your resources and contacts to gather information and make the most informed decisions. There are multiple people who can help provide information, including fellow ranchers, ag lenders, veterinarians and extension professionals. South Dakota State University Extension offers multiple tools and resources to provide information. Below is a listing of just a few that can be used in making the best drought management decisions for your operation.
Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Kent Nutrition Group Breaks Ground
on New Sheldon, Iowa, Plant
Kent Nutrition Group (KNG) broke ground on a new expansion project for their Deluxe Feeds Sheldon, Iowa, location Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017. The new northwest Iowa plant will increase volume and the flexibility of the operation while providing more products and service to area swine, dairy and beef customers.
The expansion project demonstrates KNG’s commitment to service for its livestock customers in the four-state area with the addition of five new pellet mills, high-efficiency packaging equipment, grain cleaning and packaging innovations, two separate processing lines, and a 50,000-square-foot warehouse.
“At Kent Nutrition Group, we recognize the importance of animal agriculture to the economy in this area of the country,” said Dan Paca, general manager, Deluxe Feeds. “With the groundbreaking of our new facility, we are sharing our vision for growth and providing our customers with the quality products and service they need to help be successful.”
Projected completion for the feed mill expansion is early winter 2019.
“We have been making continuous improvements in our various facilities in order to deliver the quality products and services that our customers expect from our Kent brand,” said Mike Gauss, KNG’s vice president of operations.
Read more in the news release online.
Cattle Raisers Host Policy Conference
to Tackle Tough Issues Facing Ranchers
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will host its annual Policy Conference Sept. 27-29, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. The Policy Conference is where cattle raisers come together to tackle tough issues and develop grassroots policies that guide TSCRA leaders and staff as they advocate for ranchers in Austin and Washington.
The conference will open with Evan Smith, CEO and co-founder of the Texas Tribune, who will share his perspective on the recent Texas legislative session. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive valuable updates from numerous guests on topics like private property rights, transportation issues, water rights, beef sustainability, property taxes, surface damages, border issues, beef research priorities and much more. Other notable guests include:
- Senator Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels) on recently passed annexation reforms;
- Colonel Grahame Jones of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on recent game warden activities;
- Allison Cooke from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) on the association’s federal government affairs activities and transportation issues impacting ranchers; and
- Matt Walters of H-E-B on trends in consumer beef purchasing.
For more information, view the full TSCRA news release online.
USCA Hosts 2017 Cattle Producer’s Forum
in Billings, Montana
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) concluded its second annual 2017 Cattle Producer’s Forum at the Big Horn Resort in Billings, Mont., Sept 16. The event, co-hosted by the Intertribal Agriculture Council, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Cattlemen’s Association, Montana Farmers Union, Beartooth Stockgrowers and Bitterroot Stockgrowers drew more than 250 cattle producers and industry representatives from across the countryside.
Participants heard from agricultural leaders on topics ranging from trade under the new administration, cattle market update, how producers can capitalize on a changing industry and much more. The Forum also served as host to a unique discussion on sustainable antibiotic use in livestock with The Pew Charitable Trusts and Elanco Animal Health; and behind the retail counter with the senior vice president of beef margin management of Tyson Foods. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson gave the keynote address, focused on the next generation of agriculture.
Following a full day of panel discussions and workshops, attendees kicked up their boots at local steak house, The Windmill, with a live band, auction, dinner and whiskey tastings by Trailhead Spirits. The “Producer’s Night Out” was made possible by Yellowstone County Implement.
Learn more in the USCA news release online.
Centex Beef Symposium Sept. 29
at Swinging B Ranch in Axtell
Live cattle demonstrations, a ranch tour and ribeye steak dinner will be the featured activities at the Centex Beef Cattle Symposium Sept. 29 at the Swinging B Ranch, 1652 Kirkland Hill Road in Axtell.
Cost is $25 and RSVP is requested by Sept. 22 by calling 254-757-5180. One general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education unit will be available for licensed applicators. Two Beef Quality Assurance credits will be offered.
The symposium is hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county beef and forage committees in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, Limestone and McLennan counties.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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