News Update
November 6, 2017
Angus Genetics, Neogen
Introduce Angus GS Genomic Profile
Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and Neogen GeneSeek Operations Nov. 4 launched Angus GS™, a new genomic profile for Angus seedstock cattle.
“Angus GS is a DNA test built specifically for the Angus breed and is a big part of our strategic plan for breed improvement,” said Allen Moczygemba, CEO of the American Angus Association. Angus GS, sold exclusively by AGI, is an affordable tool that will empower genomic selection for Angus breeders and accelerate breeding progress, Moczygemba added.
“Angus GS contains DNA markers that are highly informative for Angus cattle,” said Dan Moser, AGI president. “This will help us more accurately see how these cattle will perform. The profile will also help pinpoint new traits of economic benefit.” Cattle producers use DNA to predict traits bulls or cows will pass on to offspring, helping them make breeding and ranching decisions.
“Angus GS is designed to genotype the whole herd, not just the bulls,” Moser said. “Using genomic tests with females helps a breeder know more about their cow herd and use what they learn to make better mating decisions that result in seedstock that meet their customers’ needs.”
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
American Angus Association Announces
Acquisition of Verified Beef
The American Angus Association announced Nov. 4 it has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Verified Beef, including its proprietary Reputation Feeder Cattle® program. The deal underscores the Association’s commitment to programs that increase the use of registered Angus bulls in the commercial segment, growing value for the Angus breed and the entire membership.
Association CEO Allen Moczygemba says establishing a feeder-calf program built on the use of registered Angus bulls that ties calves back to superior Angus genetics was a strategic priority set by the Board of Directors in 2016.
“By marrying the advanced technology platform and proprietary software from Verified Beef with the strength and scale of the Angus brand, the Association will deliver a feeder-calf program that is not only invaluable to commercial cattlemen, but is unmatched in the industry,” he says.
Cattle feeders need metrics that align with the traits most valuable to their business, specifically gain and grade, Moczygemba explains. The Angus feeder-calf program will provide a simple tool that validates the genetic potential of feeder calves.
Learn more in the full Angus news release online.
USDA Invests in Research to
Improve Domestic Aquaculture Production
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Nov. 3 announced grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the United States. These awards were made through the Aquaculture Research Program authorized by the Competitive Special and Facilities Research Grants Act, administered by NIFA.
“By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of fish consumed globally will be produced through aquaculture,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “It is important to foster a sustainable aquaculture industry in the United States to support nutritional security and job creation in rural America.”
Aquaculture involves the breeding, rearing and harvesting of freshwater and marine species of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants. NIFA Aquaculture Research Program grants support the development of a globally competitive and profitable U.S. aquaculture industry through investments that help improve domestic aquaculture production efficiency, sustainability, safety, marketing, information sharing, and access to global science-based information and advanced technologies. NIFA provides leadership in coordinating federal activities related to aquaculture through the Interagency Working Group on Aquaculture, under the National Science and Technology Council’s Committee on Science.
Read the full NIFA news release online.
Trade, Market Outlook Presentations
to Kick Off 25th Range Beef Cow Symposium
Greg Hanes with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and Jim Robb with the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) will kick off the opening session of the upcoming Range Beef Cow Symposium to be hosted Nov. 28-30, 2017, at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyo. The popular event has been providing pertinent industry market and research information to cattle producers biennially since 1969 and is a joint effort coordinated by the Extension programs of South Dakota State University, Colorado State University, the University of Nebraska and the University of Wyoming.
Hanes will provide attendees with an update on international beef trade and the outlook ahead. With the rules for beef trade to China finalized this past June and trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) being reviewed, this is a critical time for beef producers and industry organizations to be aware of international trade opportunities and challenges.
Offering insight into factors affecting livestock and feed-grain prices — and where those prices may be headed in 2018, LMIC’s Robb will provide an overview of market data and influences.
Visit www.rangebeefcow.com for more information.
Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference Set Dec. 1 in Wichita Falls
The annual Cattle Trails Cow-Calf Conference — Driving Your Cattle to Profit is set for Dec. 1 at the Region 9 Education Service Center, 301 Texas-11 Loop, Wichita Falls, Texas.
The conference is a joint effort between the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
This annual conference provides up-to-date information on topics that will influence cattle profits, said Emi Kimura, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Vernon.
“Wheat and cattle prices have certainly changed, and the weather and producer’s decisions will be more important than ever,” Kimura said. “This year’s agenda reflects those decisions and should be a good one with well-known speakers from our region.”
Registration is $25 and includes educational materials, a noon meal and refreshments.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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