News Update
January 15, 2018
Angus Foundation Heifer and
Featured Packages Raise $278,000
Since 1980, the Angus Foundation has sold high-end heifers in the Heifer Package to generate funds for Angus youth, education and research efforts. The tradition continued at the 2018 National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colo., on Wednesday, Jan. 10, during the Angus Bull Sale. Angus breeders continued to exceed the challenge of pushing the breed further through their generous support of the Foundation Heifer and confirmed heifer pregnancies. This year, the Angus Foundation raised $278,000 in support of the Angus breed’s future.
Dan and Patricia Vergith of Lylester Ranch, Martell, Neb., bought the Angus Foundation Heifer Package, Vintage Blackbird 7184, for $215,000 in a packed historic Stadium Arena.
“Dan always has been very generous in his support of the Foundation, and he knows his support goes to a great cause — future improvements in the industry,” said Dick Hollman, Lylester Ranch beef consultant. “We are looking forward to getting her bred, getting a calf and making the heifer a great donor. She’s a perfect addition to the elite pedigrees and great numbers at Lylester Ranch.”
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
USDA Rule Allows Pork Imports From Mexico
The USDA Jan. 12 finalized a regulation that will allow all Mexican states to export pork to the United States, a move supported by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing a science-based risk assessment that determined Mexico is free of Classical Swine Fever (CSF), a highly contagious viral disease in pigs. It was eradicated from the United States in the late 1970s. APHIS in 2016 concluded that the risk of CSF from pork imports from Mexico is negligible.
“The U.S. pork industry is a strong supporter of free trade and of using epidemiological science and risk analyses to determine if trade can be safely conducted between countries,” said NPPC President Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Ill. “Mexico in 2017 was our No. 2 export market, so maintaining our good relationship with that country by ensuring fair and reciprocal trade is paramount for our producers.”
Through November last year, the United States shipped $1.4 billion of pork to Mexico.
Mexico in late 2007 requested market access to the United States for pork from the eight states in its central region but later amended that request to include all Mexican states.
For more information, view the full NPPC news release online.
Livestock Traceability: Opportunities for Animal Agriculture
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) will fuse new features into this year's conference, titled Livestock Traceability: Opportunities for Animal Agriculture, taking place April 10-12 at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel in Denver, Colo. NIAA will once again offer animal agriculture stakeholders opportunities for communication, education and consensus — building on a critical issue concerning its constituency.
Livestock traceability impacts all of animal agriculture. Possible disease outbreaks, international trade concerns, biosecurity issues, food globalization and place-of-origin labeling discussions influence consumers, policy makers, producers and distribution industries.
It’s in the media, it’s on the minds of shoppers, and it’s at the forefront of agendas for both industry associations and government agencies. It is up to animal agriculture professionals to lead the discussion.
NIAA will also be hosting a very interactive workshop titled: Traceability and the Real World on Thursday, April 12 immediately following the conference. This workshop will focus on economics, technology, data management, action items and next steps.
Also new this year will be the Trade Show/Technology Showcase with specific and expanded hours to allow plenty of time for attendees to learn about the most current technology, products and services focused on Livestock Traceability.
Learn more in the news release online.
K-State Presents 10th Annual
Youth Animal Science Learning Opportunity
Students from across the country with an interest in the livestock industry and related careers can apply now for the Kansas State University (K-State) Animal Sciences Leadership Academy. The academy, which is celebrating its 10th year, is an intensive four-day educational experience designed to enhance the leadership skills and animal science knowledge of students in ninth through 12th grades.
Hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and sponsored by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council (LMIC), the academy’s goal is to develop young leaders within the livestock industry and prepare them for a successful future in this field.
“The academy is truly a rare opportunity for youth that want to enhance their leadership and educational experiences in agriculture,” says Craig Good, LMIC president. “Part of the LMIC mission is to assist the Animal Sciences Department at KSU in its goal of providing great educational and research opportunities for youth across the country. I can say without hesitation that supporting the leadership academy for the past 10 years has been a very rewarding and worthwhile activity and helps fulfill that mission.”
Read the full K-State news release online.
K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series Set for February
“Corrals, calcium, costs and cows: management and profit strategies for 2018” is the theme of the 2018 K-State Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted at four sites across the state of Kansas the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators on profit-enhancing strategies.
The meetings will also feature a popular “town hall” style question-and-answer session between Kansas’ cattle producers and extension specialists. The series has a history of being a successful stretch of meetings, which are hosted throughout the state of Kansas, said Bob Weaber, K-State Research and Extension cow-calf specialist. Weaber, along with other state, district and local extension staff, will take part in the series to help answer producers’ questions. The specialists will answer a wide range of questions on beef cattle issues including animal health, nutrition, management, genetics and reproduction.
“Over the past few months we’ve received quite a few questions from producers looking for profit tips and tools,” Weaber said. “The Winter Ranch Management series provides another great opportunity for state and local specialists to take our expertise out in the country for a series of impactful face-to-face meetings.”
For more information please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.
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