News Update

December 21, 2017

Managing Reproduction

Cattle need and want salt. A cow brute will seek and consume the salt needed to satisfy her craving. However, she does not possess the same “nutritional wisdom” regarding other minerals she needs in her diet, according to University of Florida animal scientist John Arthington. A researcher who studies the interactions between nutrition and physiology of cattle, Arthington talked about mineral supplementation during the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) symposium Aug. 29-30, in Manhattan, Kan.

Focusing on cattle consuming diets consisting of grazed forages, Arthington said trace minerals are often lacking in forages, especially warm-season grasses, in various parts of the country. Minerals also may not be present in balance, such that an excess of one mineral presents an antagonism that inhibits absorption or utilization of a different mineral.

Arthington said that, in most situations, the effects of mineral nutrition on reproduction are secondary to impacts on other physiological functions. Deficiencies in macrominerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulfur) most often present themselves as depressed growth, diminished nerve function and disruption of the body’s acid/base balance.

Read the full Angus Journal article online.

— Adapted from an article by Troy Smith, Angus Journal.

Tax Reform Must Not Jeopardize
Farm Program Funding, NFU Says

The U.S. House of Representatives Dec. 20 voted to approve the conference Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a sweeping tax system overhaul that will now go to the president’s desk for signing into law.

National Farmers Union (NFU) staunchly opposed the Act because of its regressive taxation structure and devastating implications for health care affordability and the nation’s financial standing. The bill’s massive $1.5 trillion increase to the deficit now places farm program and entitlement funding on the chopping block, says the family farm organization. NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the vote:

“Farmers Union is deeply disappointed in Congress’ decision to approve the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, not only because it is flawed fiscal policy, but also because we must now fight to protect every penny that is spent securing our nation’s food supply and natural resources, supporting our rural communities, and feeding our hungry.

“This tax bill leaves a $1.5 trillion hole in the budget — a hole that some members of Congress will want to fill with farm program and entitlement spending cuts.

Learn more in the NFU news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Hannah Packman, National Farmers Union.

Tax Reform Package to Benefit Farmers, Ranchers

The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall:

“The tax reform package passed by Congress this week will result in lower taxes for the vast majority of farmers and ranchers. This tax overhaul includes many changes to the tax code, most notably lower individual tax rates, that will benefit farmers and ranchers. Ninety-four percent of farmers and ranchers pay taxes as individuals, and those rates are coming down. The bill also maintains all of the important deductions and credits that farmers rely on. So, thanks to a lot of hard work by Congress and the administration, farmers will have both lower rates and all the tools they’ve always had to manage their businesses.

“Starting next year, farmers and ranchers will also be able to take a 20% deduction off their business income. That’s new, and it will reduce the taxes farmers owe. The bill also doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person, which will provide relief to the vast majority of farmers and ranchers.

For more information, read AFBF’s news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Practical Applications

The Applied Reproductive Strategies for Beef Cattle (ARSBC) symposium, hosted Aug. 29-30 in Manhattan, Kan., offers the latest in reproductive technologies and research. In addition to hearing from researchers, attendees also heard from those who have put the technologies to use themselves.

What’s the secret to successful application of artificial insemination (AI) in beef breeding herds? Sandra Levering, a Kansas-based ABS Global representative, was among the industry professionals asked to share their opinion at ARSBC. She emphasized the importance of accountability and dedication among all team members involved in implementing an AI program, along with open communication.

Levering cited the “Equation of Reproduction,” A × B × C × D = % Pregnancy, and its factors:

A = Percentage of herd members detected in heat and inseminated or time-bred.
B = Inseminator efficiency percentage.
C = Percentage fertility of the herd.
D = Semen fertility percentage.

Levering said the percentage of herd members detected and inseminated or time-bred is dependent upon an effective estrous synchronization program that utilizes proper administration of the correct products administered in accordance with an appropriate protocol.

Continue reading this Angus Journal article online.

— Adapted from an article by Troy Smith, Angus Journal.

AFBF Seats New National Committee Members

AFBF has appointed farmer and rancher members to the organization’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) and Promotion & Education committees.

“Grassroots volunteer leaders, such as those who serve on national committees, are the bedrock of Farm Bureau,” said Duvall. “They play an important role in building greater understanding between modern farmers and consumers.”

Duvall announced the appointment of the following members to the YF&R Committee for the 2018-2020 term beginning in March: Nick Smith, Cushing, Maine (hay, beef cattle, pumpkins and squash); Paul Molesky Jr., Schaghticoke, N.Y. (operations manager on a 2,500-cow dairy farm); Dan and Kelly Snipes, Rochester, Ind. (corn, soybeans, high-oleic soybeans, wheat and alfalfa); Jarrod and Sarah Bowser, Mayetta, Kan. (crops and beef cattle); Kacie Luckett, Pride, La. (specialty crops); Rachel Pickens, Stillwater, Okla. (beef cattle); and Whitney and Lynne Farr, Reidville, S.C. (beef cattle, row crops and a custom planting, cultivation and harvesting business).

The YF&R Committee is composed of 16 positions representing all regions of the United States. An individual or couple may hold each committee appointment.

Read the AFBF news release online.