News Update
October 6, 2017
New Tool for DNA Collection
Available Now
Tissue-sampling units (TSUs) are now accepted by Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) as a DNA sample type for seedstock producers seeking genetic testing. The technology offers seedstock producers a quick and effective DNA collection method previously offered for commercial testing only.
A TSU collects an ear punch from the animal and provides an alternative to tail hair, blood and semen sample types used for DNA testing. Similar to tagging an animal, the TSU has an applicator gun to collect the ear punch in an uncontaminated container. Producers can also test for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) when they use TSUs.
This tool is not a new concept; breakthroughs in technology and collaboration with industry partners led to this new option for DNA collection. Allflex, an AGI industry partner, worked with both contracted labs used by AGI to guarantee samples can be archived.
TSUs and applicators are available to purchase from the American Angus Association through www.customcattletags.com. Members can order by logging into their AAA account. Units can be purchased in quantities of 10 for $29.99, which equates to $2.99 per unit.
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
Food Dialogues at University of Nebraska
Explores Ways to Pivot the GMO Conversation
American shoppers have access to more information than ever before. As a result, they have more opportunities to share their opinions about how food is grown and raised. In many instances, these concerns have resulted in a response by major food companies to market food under a myriad of labels from “sustainable” and “natural” to “GMO-free” and “locally grown.” But, what do these terms really mean, and what impact do they have on farm production practices and consumers’ perception of today’s agriculture?
To address these issues, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), in conjunction with the Nebraska Soybean Board, hosted a Food Dialogues®: Pivoting the GMO Conversation at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Sept. 6. More than 100 attendees and nearly 7,000 people have viewed the livestream. This compelling panel of farmers, academics and environmental experts discussed the differing conversations surrounding biotechnology and its impact on today’s food and the environment.
“The conversation around food and farming — what determines safe or unsafe food, good or bad agricultural techniques — is out of balance, which is why this Food Dialogues and the film Food Evolution is so important,” said Scott Hamilton Kennedy, Academy Award®-nominee and Food Evolution director/producer, who moderated the panel.
For more information, read the full USFRA news release online.
NFU and USCA Urge USDA to Finalize
Farmer Fair Practices Rule
In less than three weeks, a rule to protect family farmers and ranchers from the worst abuses of concentrated markets will go into effect, barring any setbacks from the USDA.
On the heels of a listening session on regulations hosted by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, National Farmers Union (NFU) and the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) are calling on Perdue to allow the one of the Farmer Fair Practices Rules, an interim final rule on “competitive injury,” to be finalized. The two national organizations released the following statement:
“This month, family farmers, ranchers and growers will finally receive the most basic, commonsense protection against abusive practices that occur as a result of extremely consolidated market power in the beef, pork and chicken industries.
“For the past seven years, the USDA has written, solicited comment and rewritten this ‘competitive injury’ rule and associated rules several times, only to have industry groups funded by the meatpacking conglomerates stall their progress through back-channel legislative and regulatory means. The rule is a clarification that is required for family farmers to remain protected under the Packers and Stockyards Act.”
Learn more by reading this news release online.
Sexing Technologies Acquires Majority Stake in Cogent
Sexing Technologies, the worldwide leader in sexed semen and embryo production, has acquired a majority stake in Cogent, operator of the United Kingdom’s largest bull stud.
This transformational partnership will provide Cogent with SexedUltra™ semen-sorting technology and increased bull power, available in revolutionary SexedUltra 4M™ sexed semen, which the company needs to become a global leader in bovine genetics and reproductive technologies.
“We believe that the integration of Cogent’s people, strong brand, expertise and customer base in combination with our bull power, genomics and reproductive technologies will deliver a truly enhanced offering for customers of both companies,” said Juan Moreno, CEO of Sexing Technologies.
The SexedULTRA™ semen-sorting process combines advanced biochemistry with cutting-edge flow cytometers and proprietary software to create high-fertility SexedUltra 4M™ sex-sorted semen. SexedUltra 4M™ semen products pack 4 million gender-specific sperm cells per straw, which are twice as many cells as in previous sexed-semen products. This revolutionary change has enabled SexedUltra 4M™ to achieve conception rates that are very close to those of conventional semen.
View the full news release online.
Multiple Events Scheduled for Cattle Producers Next Week
The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will host several ranch gatherings across Texas next week. The events allow local cattle producers to learn about TSCRA’s recent activities and network with other cattle raisers in the area. For each gathering, registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a complimentary beef dinner. The events are all free and open to the public, and all members of the press are invited to attend.
TSCRA will give an update on recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey, discuss the impact of the storm on cattle raisers and make producers aware of relief resources that are available.
TSCRA Special Rangers will also be at each event to provide a law enforcement update and offer ranchers information on how they can keep their livestock and equipment safe and secure.
For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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