News Update
November 30, 2017
Simplifying Bull Selection on Sale Day
It is crucial to evaluate the needs of your ranch before making bull selections. The genotype of an animal is just one part of a much larger system. Factors included in the bull selection process should be the genetics of your animals, the physical production environment, fixed resources, management, production inputs and marketing end points. Select the traits and performance levels that make sense for your ranch and profits will increase.
That was the advice of Mark Johnson, associate professor of animal science at Oklahoma State University, as he presented ideas for simplifying bull selection on sale day to attendees of the 2017 Angus Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. Johnson presented his comments Nov. 5 during an Angus University educational breakout session that included two presentations on using expected progeny differences (EPDs).
Johnson explained that a ranch’s breeding objective should depend on the system and the interactions of the environment, management and economic components, as well as understanding how they interact with genotype to affect profitability. For example, a ranch with lush forage and adequate rainfall can support bigger cows with higher milk production, whereas one with limited resources in a dry environment might not be as profitable with big, heavy-milking cows.
Continue reading this Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Survey Shows Massive Opioid Impact in Farm Country
The opioid crisis has struck farm and ranch families much harder than the rest of rural America, a Morning Consult survey shows.
While just under half of rural Americans say they have been directly impacted by opioid abuse, 74% of farmers and farm workers say they have. Three in four farmers say it would be easy for someone in their community to access opioids illegally, and just under half of rural adults — 46% — say the same. The poll, sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and National Farmers Union (NFU), is a first step in the groups’ collaboration on this issue.
“We’ve known for some time that opioid addiction is a serious problem in farm country, but numbers like these are heartbreaking,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “Opioids have been too easy to come by and too easy to become addicted to. That’s why we are urging everyone we know to talk to their friends, family, co-workers — anyone at all they know or suspect needs help. And because opioid addition is a disease, it’s up to all of us to help people who suffer from it and help them find the treatment they need.”
Learn more in the full news release online.
Perdue Statement on President’s
“Bring Back Main Street” Message
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Nov. 29 echoed President Donald J. Trump’s message that tax cuts and reforms are needed to increase American prosperity. The president delivered remarks with a “Bring Back Main Street” theme in Saint Charles, Mo., highlighting the need for tax relief to boost the economy, particularly in the heartland. Perdue issued the following statement:
“The people of agriculture I’ve met across America want very much to be able to keep more of what they earn to reinvest in their families and livelihoods. Most farmers, ranchers, foresters and producers operate as small businesses, which means they must watch their bottom lines. Just like shop owners on Main Street, USA, American farmers need to turn a profit so they can grow their operations, create jobs and feed their families. Too much time, effort and expense has gone into complying with the onerous tax code and people need relief. As Congress works towards a final package of tax cuts and reforms, I am hopeful that we can get this done to benefit agriculture and the entire American economy.”
USDA Helps Rural Communities
Restore Water Systems Damaged by Disasters
Perdue Nov. 29 announced the award of two grants to help rural water and sewer utilities recover from recent and future natural disasters.
“USDA is a strong partner in the long-term recovery of rural communities after a season of devastating hurricanes,” Perdue said. “These grants will provide resources rural communities need to assess damage, develop rebuilding plans, and get access to technical assistance and clean water. USDA is standing with these affected communities every step of the way.”
USDA is awarding the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and the Rural Communities Assistance Partnership (RCAP) each a $500,000 grant. The funding is being provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grant program in USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs (WEP).
NRWA and RCAP will use the grants to provide training and technical assistance, onsite repairs, and utility management advice for rural water and sewer utilities impacted by disasters. These utilities serve communities that have 10,000 people or less. Many of them have very limited capacity after a catastrophic event to access immediate assistance for assessment and restoration.
For more information, view the full USDA news release online.
Cattlemen’s College Preregistration Deadline Approaches
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has recently helped secure several beef industry wins in Washington, D.C. — for instance, on the Waters of the United States rule and on President Obama’s BLM Planning 2.0 rule. It has also helped lay a foundation for beef’s return to China for the first time in more than a decade. Now the NCBA is upping the ante, asking its members to help fortify its ranks to help maintain the momentum in Washington.
Through its 2017 “Just Ask” fall membership drive, NCBA is encouraging its members to recruit at least one new member from their community. The charge intends to sustain support for NCBA’s advocacy in Washington, D.C.
For more information, read the NCBA news release online.
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