News Update 
July 31, 2008

Fall National Cattle Evaluation Includes New Carcass EPDs

The American Angus Association® Fall 2008 National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) results are now available online at www.angus.org. The semiannual analysis contains information submitted by nearly 9,800 Angus breeders during the past year through the Association’s Breed Improvement Records (BIR) program.

The latest evaluation includes new carcass expected progeny differences (EPDs) that integrate the performance records from the carcass and ultrasound databases. In addition to the EPDs, other decision-making tools include dollar value indexes ($Values) designed to assist commercial producers in simplifying the genetic selection process. Updated research reports also are provided for heifer pregnancy and docility.

Genetic information is available on 6,670 sires in the current Sire Evaluation Report, published each spring and fall. It is searchable online at www.angussiresearch.com.

“This report provides Angus breeders and commercial cattle producers using Angus genetics with accurate and predictable selection tools for improving their herd,” says Bill Bowman, chief operating officer (COO) and director of performance programs for the Association.

The Sire Evaluation Report contains more than 16 million measures used to generate more than 47 million EPDs for the Angus breed.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

NCBA Statement on Interim COOL Laws

“The cattle producers that make up the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are pleased to have an interim final rule in place for labeling the country of origin for beef products,” says Andy Groseta, Cottonwood, Ariz., rancher and president of the NCBA.  

“NCBA worked to develop a compromise version of COOL during debate on the 2008 Farm Bill that promotes U.S. beef products without overburdening producers. The interim final rule on country-of-origin labeling (COOL) published yesterday in the Federal Register incorporates provisions that make mandatory labeling more feasible for producers.

“Our focus now is on how best to implement COOL in a manner that provides maximum benefit and minimal disruption to our ranchers. NCBA will continue to work on behalf of our cattlemen to put in place an effective and accurate labeling system. Additionally, we will be leading the effort to educate producers on how to comply with the new rule.

“Consumers know high quality and great taste is a trademark of American beef, and we look forward to showcasing that quality when they are shopping for our products,” Groseta concludes.

— Release provided by NCBA.

Hallmark/Westland has a Buyer

Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co., the Chino, Calif.-based processor that has been on death row since abuse of non-ambulatory cows at its processing plant prompted the largest beef recall in U.S. history, has a buyer, according to the Press-Enterprise.

Arizona livestock broker and rancher Marvin Roberts, president and CEO of Phoenix-based Roberts Enterprises, reportedly aims to establish a new slaughterhouse and processing operation by September under a new company called American Beef Packers Inc. The company would employ some 250 people.

Roberts visited Chino on Tuesday to review permits and inspect the Hallmark plant, which is in escrow, the PE reported.

Roberts said he plans to install surveillance cameras and institute training on humane handling practices. “I don't want to have an issue like [the recall] again,” he was quoted as saying.

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is still reviewing Roberts’ application.

— Release adapted from Meatingplace.com.

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.