News Update
April 8, 2011

Angus Expands its Genomic-enhanced Growth EPDs

The American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) continue to expand their offering of genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs). Beginning today, the High Density 50K (HD 50K) platform from Pfizer Animal Genetics will be incorporated into genomic-enhanced EPDs for growth traits, including birth, weaning and yearling weight EPDs; as well as milk EPDs.

Through the American Angus Association, AGI now offers genomic-enhanced EPDs for carcass, growth and residual average daily gain (RADG) traits incorporating genomic data from both Pfizer Animal Genetics and Igenity® Profile for Angus. A genomic-enhanced EPD for docility incorporating Igenity results is also available. (Click here for a complete, regularly updated list of available genomic-enhanced EPDs.)

"We continue to work toward utilizing genomic data in additional EPDs to benefit our members and their commercial customers," says Bill Bowman, AGI president and Association COO. "We're currently working toward incorporating genomic data into calving-ease EPDs for Angus cattlemen and anticipate releasing this technology later this year."

Sally Northcutt, Association director of genetic research, says genomic-enhanced EPDs allow Angus farmers and ranchers to make even more accurate, more rapid genetic improvements.

"These and all other National Cattle Evaluation EPDs are released every Friday and provide Angus producers with the most up-to-date information for their selection decisions," Northcutt says. "These tools can provide an advantage for any operation, regardless of herd size."

Visit www.angus.org for more information.

Minnesota to Apply for Statewide TB-Free Status

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced that the State of Minnesota will submit an application for statewide bovine Tuberculosis (TB)-Free status at the end of the month. The request comes less than six years after the discovery of an infected beef herd in July 2005. The Board anticipates approval of the application in late summer or early fall of this year.

In recent years, status downgrades have been the cause of increased testing and movement requirements for Minnesota cattle, both in-state and out. With U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval, the status upgrade would bring relief to most Minnesota cattle producers.

The Board, the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and USDA have worked alongside Minnesota livestock producers and veterinarians for nearly six years to find and eliminate remaining TB infection. Since 2008, Minnesota has held a Split State Status with northwest Minnesota one step below the rest of the state.

For additional information on Minnesota's bovine TB response, please call the hotline at 1-877-668-2373 or visit www.mntbfree.com.

Nine New AgrAbility Fact Sheets Online

The Ohio AgrAbility Program has produced nine new fact sheets designed to assist farmers after experiencing a disabling condition.

"One of the things we're most proud of is the wide range of individuals we work with — from those who have some type of paralysis to those who have arthritis, diabetes or who are developing age-related issues," said Kent McGuire, Ohio AgrAbility program coordinator. Most of the new fact sheets are designed to help those farmers prevent secondary injuries, although they include important safety information for any farmer.

"Once someone gets back to farming after experiencing an injury, they're at higher risk because of issues regarding range of motion, mobility or reaction time," McGuire said. "The topics of these fact sheets came from our work with farmers who have asked if we had information on these issues."

This group is the first in a series of 40 new fact sheets the Ohio AgrAbility Program is planning to produce during the next year. This first set is available to download as PDF files now at http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/farm.html#FSAFE. Topics are:

• Secondary Injury Caused by Lifting, AEX-981.1-10: About 25% of Ohio work-related injuries are caused by overexertion when lifting objects.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Caught-in, Caught-between, or Struck by Objects, AEX-981.2-10: Serious injuries may result by being caught in, caught between, or struck by moving equipment on the farm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration lists these types of accidents among the "big four" workplace hazards.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Walking and Working Surfaces, AEX-981.3-10: Slips, trips and falls cause about 20% of all workplace injuries. By taking a few precautions, the potential for such accidents can be minimized.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Heat Stress, AEX-981.4-10: Anyone with certain preexisting conditions, such as limited mobility, heart disease or those taking certain medications, can be at higher risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. That's especially true in extreme conditions, such as working six to eight hours in hot weather, which is common in agriculture.
• Overexertion Causing Secondary Injury, AEX-981.5-10: Following some simple steps, including using proper tools and materials, can reduce injuries caused by overexertion.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Ergonomics for the Farm, AEX-981.6-10: Continuous activity over a long period of time can cause muscle stresses and strains; following guidelines designed to keep workers safe, comfortable and productive can reduce risk of these injuries.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Safety for Senior Farmers, AEX-981.7-10: While the estimated median age of Ohioans is 37.9, the average age of farmers in Ohio is 57. Changes in reaction time, balance, the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, hearing, and vision can all increase the risk of injury.
• Secondary Injury Prevention: Farming with a Pacemaker, AEX-981.8-10: Several precautions for using tools and equipment are recommended for farmers with pacemakers.
• Extending Universal Design Principles onto the Farmstead, AEX-983.1-10: This fact sheet gives specific recommendations for incorporating the concepts of Universal Design, which transforms living and working spaces to be comfortable and usable by all people, into the farmstead.

For more information about the Ohio AgrAbility Program, contact McGuire at 614-292-0588, or see the website at http://agrability.osu.edu.

— Release by Martha Filipic, Ohio State Universty
College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

USDA Shutdown Contingency Plans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been actively developing plans for shutdown procedures in the event of a government shutdown. Agency shutdown procedures and contingency plans will be posted as they become available.

— Announcement by USDA.

Cattle Transporter Online Training Program Available

An online training program for cattle transporters was developed in English and Spanish to provide training in properly moving cattle up to and on to the trailer, distributing cattle correctly on the trailer, hauling techniques that reduce cattle stress, and handling emergency situations.

Participation in the Online Master Cattle Transporter program, funded by the beef checkoff's Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, is one way for transporters to show their customers that they take every step possible to keep their cattle healthy and as safe as possible. The modules were developed from the checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance Guide for Cattle Transporters and Master Cattle Transport video. The online training and certification program is available at www.animalcaretraining.org through the Animal Care Training Program.

"The Master Cattle Transporter program was developed as guidelines and suggestions for an industry that is full of variables on how different cattle handle, trailer types and state regulations," says Ken Real, Real Cattle and Trucking. "But, there is one common goal that we all share, and that is striving to achieve good cattle-handling practices. We want to create a positive public perception of the industry, and the Master Cattle Transporter program is one way to start communication from ranch to rail and help each other improve our cattle handling and safety."

Transporters play a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle. The proper handling and transportation of cattle can reduce sickness in calves, prevent bruises, and improve the quality of the meat from these animals.

"Completing the Master Cattle Transporter online modules is one way to prove transporters are committed to being the best at what they do," says Dell King, BQA Advisory Board member and order buyer from Hopkinsville, Ky. "It is an extra step that shows people they care about doing the right thing."

The Animal Care Training program is a national online training program that features streaming multimedia modules in English and Spanish and is designed to provide valuable online training in various areas of animal care. Producers, animal transporters, livestock auction-market employees and bovine veterinarians use the Animal Care Training Program.

"By completing the Master Cattle Transporter online training through the Animal Care Training Program, transporters are educating themselves and ensuring proper cattle handling throughout all segments of the beef industry," says Dan Thomson, veterinarian and Jones professor of production medicine and epidemiology and director of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University (K-State). "The modules focus on truck and trailer maintenance, handling, loading and unloading, biosecurity and weather. Animals are transported every day, and the safety of those people handling the cattle and the safety of the cattle is of the utmost importance to our industry." Employees can work through the training modules in English or Spanish at any time. Training employees is essential for worker safety, employee retention, and production of wholesome products. When a training package is complete, a certificate of completion will be available for printing.

For more information about Animal Care Training, visit www.animalcaretraining.org or www.beefcattleinstitute.org.

For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit www.bqa.org or MyBeefCheckoff.com.

— Release by Beef Checkoff Program.

Missouri State Fair Exhibitor Information Now Available Online

The Missouri State Fair Online Premium Guide is now available, announcing competitions that will take place during the annual agriculture event scheduled for Aug. 11-21 in Sedalia. State Fair Director Mark Wolfe said that show schedules and pertinent information, including official rules, are available online at www.mostatefair.com/premium-guide/Premium-Guide.php. Entry forms for competitions will likewise be available through the online guide May 2, starting at 9 a.m.

Last year exhibitors showcased more than 30,000 entries. Wolfe said he is optimistic that the Fair will experience similar numbers again this year, especially with the addition of some first-time events.

"New competitions, which should broaden the interest among exhibitors and Fair guests, will include a market heifer show, Brahmousin show, and an open light draft horse and draft pony show," Wolfe said. "The return of a barbecue contest should also bring out amateur grillers for a fun experience."

The fair will again offer a free admission wristband to youth exhibitors ages 12 and younger, and a $4 daily exhibitor admission ticket to older entrants. The wristband and the discounted ticket can be requested on the exhibitor entry forms and are available through Aug. 10.

The price for a reserved livestock campground site ranges from $16 to $25 per day. These campgrounds open on Sunday, Aug. 7, and are only available to livestock exhibitors, concessionaires and persons with disabilities.

More information can be found at www.mostatefair.com, or by calling the Fair office at 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

— Release by Missouri State Fair.

— Compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, Angus Productions Inc.