News Update
October 7, 2013
NCBA Spring and Summer
Public Policy Internships
Application Deadline Extended
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for spring and summer 2014 public policy internships. The deadline to submit an application for these opportunities has been extended to Oct. 14, 2013.
“NCBA’s public policy internship gives college students a one-of-a-kind view into the policy making process in Washington, D.C., while helping them prepare to transition from college to career,” said NCBA Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts. “We are looking for college students with an interest in the beef industry, public policy and communications to help NCBA represent cattlemen and cattlewomen in Washington, D.C. The internship is designed to work closely with the lobbying team on Capitol Hill and assist with NCBA’s regulatory efforts.”
The full-time spring internship will begin Jan. 6, 2014, and end May 9, 2014. The full-time summer internship will begin May 19, 2014, and end Aug. 22, 2014. To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a résumé to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.
“This isn’t a ‘check-the-box’ style of internship. NCBA’s public policy interns work alongside NCBA staff on critical issues ranging from agriculture policy to trade, the environment and more,” Butts said. “If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.”
Efficiency, Profitability and Sustainability
in Focus at Global 500 Closing Session
Attendees headed home after two days at Alltech’s flagship beef and dairy event, Global 500. The event broke numerous records this year during its European debut, with more countries present than ever — 760 attendees represented five million cattle. With the global dairy and beef industries facing numerous challenges recently, talks focused on increasing production efficiency, becoming more profitable and ensuring long-term sustainability; strategies to guarantee the industry’s bright future.
“Agriculture has many powerful positive stories to tell,” said Catherine Keogh, vice president and chief marketing officer at Alltech. She urged dairy farmers to use social media to tell their own stories.
“Many of today’s farmers are online, and they need to see how social media can be the game changer for the industry,” Keogh said. “This has become one of the most important channels for both consumers and producers to share thoughts and opinions within a matter of seconds.
We must ensure our voices are heard.”
For more information, please view the release here.
Where Food Comes From® Announces
Joint Marketing Agreement with Micro Technologies
to Provide
Greater Value for the Beef Supply Chain
Where Food Comes From Inc. (WFCF) the trusted resource for third-party verification of food-production practices, announced a joint marketing agreement Oct. 7 whereby the company assumes management of Micro Technologies’ process-verification program. Micro is a leading provider of technology solutions to the beef industry. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Under the agreement, Where Food Comes From will conduct verification audits for approximately 1,000 new customers, including cattle ranchers, feedyards and backgrounders that were previously audited by Micro. These audits are expected to result in a new annual revenue stream of approximately $700,000 for Where Food Comes From. In addition, the two companies will collaborate on creating new, leading-edge solutions for the beef industry. John Saunders, chairman and CEO of Where Food Comes From, said, “We are looking forward to working with Micro on initiatives to innovate and integrate new verification programs and advanced management systems that add value to the entire beef supply chain.”
South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic
and Trade Show Scheduled Oct. 25
The 42nd Annual South Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic and Trade Show is scheduled Oct. 25 at the Washington County Fairgrounds Sales Facility in Brenham.
Registration is $20 the day of the event and will be from 7:15-8:00 a.m. The clinic will conclude at 4 p.m.
“All area producers are encouraged to attend to receive information to help them make sound management decisions in their beef cattle operations,” said Larry Pierce, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Washington County. “A great list of speakers has been selected based on the recommendations of the area beef and forage committee members from Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Lee, Waller and Washington counties.”
Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, College Station, will start the morning session with a presentation on the importance of body condition scoring cows to maximize calf yield. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, College Station, will provide information on how to negotiate lease agreements.
David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock marketing economist, College Station, will provide a livestock market outlook.
“Producers will also hear more about what cattle buyers are looking for in calves and how producers can add value to their calves prior to sale with Brian Cummins leading this presentation,” Pierce said. Cummins is a retired AgriLife Extension agent from Van Zandt County.
Mark Matocha, AgriLife Extension agricultural and environmental safety specialist, College Station, will help producers understand integrated pest management and discuss some of the issues associated with integrated pest management. At the conclusion of the program, Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension state forage specialist, College Station, will discuss land stewardship principles to help producers understand how to care for their land to maintain productivity.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal’s Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
2014 Cattle Industry Convention and
NCBA Trade Show Registration Under Way
Registration for the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show is under way. The 116th Annual Convention will be in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 4-7, 2014, and advanced registration is open until Jan. 10, 2014.
Convention participants will hear from industry leaders, gather insight on industry trends, enjoy a Cowboy’s Night at the Grand Ole Opry II and party with Elvis at Viva NashVegas! NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Scott George said the convention is a must for all cattlemen.
“The Cattle Industry Convention is the oldest and largest, national convention for everyone that is in the cattle business,” George said. “The convention and trade show is the time for cattle industry members to come together and work toward the future of the industry while having some fun.”
In addition to access to all of the 2014 convention events, registrants for the full convention will receive a 50% off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear at the NCBA Trade Show.
In addition, the NCBA government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is accepting applications for internships during the 2014 convention. The deadline to submit an application for this opportunity is Oct. 27, 2013.
“Our internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience and to interact with leaders from every segment of the cattle and beef industry,” said NCBA Public Policy Analyst Mallory Gaines. “The convention internship program provides an excellent opportunity to network with people throughout the beef industry. NCBA strives to provide time for students to maximize their opportunities to network and learn during the upcoming convention in Nashville.”
To apply, interested college juniors, seniors or graduate students should submit the convention internship application, a college transcript, two letters of recommendation and a résumé to internship@beef.org. More information and the internship application are available on NCBA’s website.
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.