News Update
April 11, 2018
Celebrating 50 Years of Showing:
2018 National Junior Angus Show
Summer 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). This year’s event will be hosted July 7-13, 2018, in Madison, Wis.
NJAS has been dubbed the most competitive junior show in the nation. National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members will compete for the title of grand champion while creating memories with their families that will last a lifetime. Exhibitors come from across the country to show their best Angus cattle in the showring. In addition to the showring, NJAA members also have the opportunity to participate in different challenging contests, including life-skills and cooking competitions, among others.
The tentative schedule of events is available online along with entry forms. The ownership deadline and early entry deadline to enter is May 15. In addition to show entry forms, contest sign-up also has been directed online through AAA Login, which will make the process smoother for both junior members and advisors.
“This year, we are celebrating the past 50 years of the National Junior Angus Show and looking forward to the bright future of the industry,” said Jaclyn Upperman, American Angus Association director of events and education.
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
Public Lands Ranchers Gather in the Nation’s Capital
Western cattle and sheep producers gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2018 Public Lands Council (PLC) Legislative Conference. Conference attendees received updates on public lands ranching policy and provided insight and direction for current and future legislation impacting the industry.
“Congress and the administration are debating issues that have serious impacts on public lands ranching,” said Dave Eliason, Utah public lands rancher and president of the PLC. “Now is the time for our industry to speak up. This week provided a platform for public lands ranchers to engage with key policymakers in Washington to communicate the needs of our industry.”
Conference attendees were briefed by lawmakers and agency personnel on a range of topics including the need for more reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, land-use plan amendments for the greater sage grouse, Endangered Species Act modernization, and other onerous environmental regulations. Speakers included Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah-1), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee; Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.-At-Large); Aurelia Skipwith, deputy assistant secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Brian Steed, deputy director of the Bureau of Land Management; Mike Hannemann, range program manager for the U.S. Forest Service; and Jeff Small, executive director of the Congressional Western Caucus.
For more information, visit the PLC website.
Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship Applications Due Aug. 1
The South Dakota (S.D.) Stockgrowers Association and the South Dakota Cattlewomen are currently accepting applications for a $1,000 and a $500 scholarship in memory of Guy E. Ham. The scholarships are available to any South Dakota student having completed at least one year of postsecondary education and pursuing a career in an agricultural or agri-business related field.
These scholarships are made possible by the generosity and gift of the Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship in memory of Guy Ham and his commitment to the future of the agriculture industry in South Dakota.
Application information and details can be found by visiting www.southdakotastockgrowers.org/scholarships.htm or by contacting the SD Stockgrowers Association at 605-342-0429. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 1, 2018, and the scholarship will be awarded during the S.D. Stockgrowers Annual Convention Sept. 28, 2018.
Donations to the Guy E. Ham Beef Industry Scholarship are gratefully accepted by the SD Stockgrowers Association for the purpose of continuing this scholarship program. Please contact Silvia Christen for more information about contributing to this scholarship at 605-342-0429.
Zoetis Launches Bovine Match Sweepstakes
Zoetis launched the Bovine Match Sweepstakes, a new online sweepstakes that urges cattle producers to find their perfect match in parasite control. Producers can visit BovineMatch.com until May 11, 2018, to enter for a chance to win one of 10 weekly $100 prizes, as well as a grand prize of a $2,500 gift card.
“Finding the perfect match in parasite control is important for cattlemen everywhere. Wanting fewer parasites is something both cattle and cattlemen can agree on,” said Leona Ferguson, cattle parasiticides and beef franchise marketing manager at Zoetis. “With this in mind, we created this sweepstakes with an entertaining spin on finding the perfect match in parasite control.”
Read more in the Zoetis news release online.
Drought Conditions Affecting Herd Stocking Rates
in West Texas, Panhandle
Drought conditions grip much of West Texas and the Panhandle, driving many producers to reconsider herd stocking rates, while water and cool- and warm-season grasses are plentiful in eastern areas of the state, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists.
Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Fort Stockton, said most rangeland and pastures west of the Pecos River haven’t received a meaningful rain since October. Most producers provide water for cattle via wells, but available forage is becoming scarce.
Carpenter said drought conditions are forcing, or could soon force, producers to make decisions regarding their herds if a significant rain does not arrive soon. Some producers with reasonable standing forage may be able to wait for rain or cull lesser cows to make pastures last longer, but the weather will determine how long.
“Wheat hasn’t had the moisture to get the growth producers need for normal stocking rates,” he said. “They’re having to rethink their plan. Some producers are culling. Those who aren’t probably need to be looking at their pastures and deciding when and what cattle to cull or whether they might be able to make the next rain.”
View the full AgriLife news release online.
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