News Update
May 3, 2018
Women Connected Returns to Missouri
More than 30 women from 19 states gathered at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs, Mo., to network, learn and celebrate their love for the Angus breed during the American Angus Auxiliary’s fourth biennial Women Connected Conference.
“The main goal of Women Connected is to provide an opportunity for participants to network with other women who share that common bond of Angus cattle,” said Women Connected Chair Anne Lampe, Scott City, Kan. “In bringing these women together, we hope to educate them, help them engage with one another and empower them to meet their goals.”
To kick off the conference, Lampe welcomed attendees to the Elms Hotel, where a tasty Certified Angus Beef® brand-sponsored dinner awaited them. Next, auxiliary member and cattlewoman, Cara Ayres, shared a live performance full of lively singing and dancing. The evening closed with hospitality hosted by American Angus Auxiliary President Leslie Mindemann.
Thursday, April 19, was filled with informational sessions. To start the morning, Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president, informed attendees about all that the Foundation does. Kelli Retallick, genetic services director at Angus Genetics Inc., spoke about breeding cattle for a better tomorrow.
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule
for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
The USDA May 3 invited public comment on the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016. The standard will provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs.
“This rulemaking presents several possible ways to determine what foods will be covered by the final rule and what the disclosure will include and look like,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rule is issued later this year.”
The proposed rule is open for comment for 60 days. Due to the Congressionally mandated timeline for this rulemaking, the comment period will not be extended, so it is important that anyone interested file comments in a timely manner.
Comments may be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Docket Clerk, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4543-South, Washington, DC 20250; Fax: 202-690-0338.
For more information, read this USDA news release online.
Farm Bureau Hails Publishing of Food Disclosure Standard
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said regarding the proposed National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard :
“The proposed National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, published today (May 3) by the Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service, will give consumers a valuable resource for making informed decisions about food. Just as important, USDA is doing this the right way, providing consumers access to information about their food purchases, while also allowing farmers and ranchers to embrace the sustainable tools of modern agriculture.
“The proposed rule is based on sharing factual information, rather than emotional scare tactics. Science proves that GMOs are safe, and this national proposal strikes a much-needed balance compared to the chaos that would come from a patchwork of state-level labeling initiatives.
“America’s farmers and ranchers respect the need for consumer choice, and we take immense pride in producing safe, healthful food. From both standpoints, this proposal is fair and ensures that food facts win the day over food hype. Bold leadership from Agriculture Secretary Perdue on this vital matter has helped ensure transparency and choice built on the clear foundation of sound science.”
Read the full Farm Bureau news release online.
Get $1 Scoops of Culver’s Fresh Frozen Custard
on Scoops of Thanks Day, May 3
Every scoop counts at Culver’s on “Scoops of Thanks Day” happening Thursday, May 3. Guests can get $1 single scoops of fresh frozen custard, and all proceeds will go to FFA and other local agricultural organizations that strengthen American agriculture and the industry’s future leaders.
Scoops of Thanks Day is part of Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project. The project supports agricultural education programs, like the National FFA Organization, that encourage smart and sustainable farming practices in an effort to make sure we continue to have enough food to feed our country’s growing population.
The global population is expected to increase by more than 2 billion by 2050. That means feeding nearly 30% more people using the same amount of land and water that we have today. So, supporting modern agriculture and the people who will be responsible for feeding our growing population has never been more important.
“We’re proud to support local FFA chapters as they continue to prepare young people to strengthen American agriculture,” said Jessie Kreke, senior marketing manager at Culver’s. “Scoops of Thanks Day allows our guests to join us in supporting young leaders who will work to create a sustainable food supply for future generations.”
Learn more in the full Culver’s news release online.
Highly Contagious Disease has Horse Owners on High Alert
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health urges horse owners to do their part to stop the spread of a highly contagious horse disease after it has been confirmed in neighboring states. North and South Dakota recently confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a potentially fatal and reportable disease. The last case of EHM diagnosed in Minnesota was in 2015.
“Horses leaving their home farm to compete, breed or train can be exposed to a number of diseases including EHM,” said Equine Program Manager Courtney Wheeler. “Owners and exhibitors entering Minnesota from other states are required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection verifying their horse has been examined by a veterinarian and is free from signs of communicable and contagious diseases.”
The Board has an official control plan for EHM, and if a Minnesota horse is confirmed to be EHM positive or has been determined to be exposed to the disease, it must be quarantined. The Board then works with herd veterinarians and horse owners to carry out testing and observation protocols defined in the control plan before the quarantines can be released.
Find out more in the full news release online.
Editor’s Note: The articles used within this site represent a mixture of copyrights. If you would like to reprint or repost an article, you must first request permission of Angus Productions Inc. (API) by contacting the editor at 816-383-5200; 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. API claims copyright to this web site as presented. We welcome educational venues and cattlemen to link to this site as a service to their audience.