News Update

December 28, 2015

Association Perspective:
Program Direction

Whether it be a commercial or seedstock operation, there are a number of different directions to take in a breeding program. Perhaps the most important part of this goal-focused discussion, though, is to always keep in mind that there is no “one goal that fits all.”

However, one common denominator that does fit all progressive breeding programs is having a goal and a set of selection standards in place to reach that goal. When breeders follow their own vision, it lays the foundation for the production of a higher-quality, more-uniform end product with increased marketability, and ultimately an edge when it comes time to market cattle.

We are fortunate as Angus enthusiasts to have a multitude of selection tools to utilize when making genetic decisions: phenotype, pedigree, nine production expected progeny differences (EPDs), five maternal EPDs, four carcass EPDs, seven dollar value indexes ($Values), six ratios, and rapidly developing genomic data.

— Adapted from an article by Adam Conover, American Angus Association.

Missouri Producers to Vote on Beef Checkoff

Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce approved the petition to conduct a referendum of Missouri cattle producers, pursuant to section 275.352 RSMo as amended, to establish a $1 per head state beef checkoff assessment. Cattle producers will now vote for or against the establishment of the state checkoff.

The director hosted a public hearing on the referendum on Dec. 9 at the Missouri Electric Cooperatives building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. At this hearing, more than 75 producers shared their opinions regarding the referendum to establish a $1 per head state beef checkoff assessment. The director based his decision on that testimony.

For more information, view the full MCA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

Insure for the Future

The cattle market jumps around, but at any one sale, you might not see much premium paid for better calves. That’s because there are so few calves to fill orders these days. As the herd grows, however, genetic and health investments offer more chances to add value at the ranch level, while setting yourself up for a more discriminating market with selective buyers.

Comprehensive herd health programs pay in many ways, but the greatest is the ranch-level rate of return. Vaccinated calves are worth more at weaning, after backgrounding or after finishing because of reduced sickness and cost throughout the system. Their consistently better health cuts treatment costs by minimizing both drug and labor needs.

How often do we even consider the cost of gathering and treating? Whether a single calf or group of calves, labor and shrink sometimes exceed drug costs. Being proactive is part of your insurance against having to treat a calf when it’s even less handy.

To read more of this article, please view the December Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA.

— Adapted from an article by Justin Sexten, Certified Angus Beef LLC.

Kansas Angus Association Annual Events

The Kansas Angus Association (KAA) annual meeting, banquet and junior show will be hosted Jan. 23-24, in Hutchinson. The meetings and educational presentations are Saturday, Jan. 23, in the Prairie Pavilion on the Kansas State Fairgrounds (KSF) in Hutchinson beginning at 11 a.m.

The annual banquet, which will include a social hour, the Kansas Angus Auxiliary scholarship auction, honorary member induction, KAA Directory page auction and Miss Kansas Angus crowning is at the Atrium Hotel and Conference Center. Adults tickets are $25 each and will include a generous buffet featuring Certified Angus Beef® Prime Rib, children 12 and under may choose a burger and fries meal for $6 each.

The judging contest and junior show will be on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. The junior show includes classes for registered-Angus owned heifers, bred and owned heifers and bulls, steers and cow-calf pairs, as well as commercial pure-bred and steers and predominantly black Angus based cross bred steers. Mark Johnson, Stillwater, Okla., will judge the show. The entry deadline for the junior show is Jan. 10. Late entries are not accepted.

To reserve your place, visit www.kansasangus.org.

— Adapted from a release by the Kansas Angus Association.

Northwest Florida Beef Conference & Trade Show

The 31st annual Northwest Florida Beef Conference and Trade Show will be hosted on Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the Agriculture Conference Center at the Jackson County Extension Office, located at 2741 Penn Avenue, Marianna, Fla.

The focus of the Beef Conference this year will be: Profitable Ranching in a Declining Market. The keynote speaker this year will be Larry Corah. Corah has served the beef industry in several roles: vice president of Certified Angus Beef LLC, director of production systems for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and as a beef Extension specialist for 25 years at Kansas State University.

Corah and the other speakers will be sharing ideas to guide ranchers on ways to improve income and the efficiency of a beef operation even in a declining cattle market. Presentation topics will include cattle market outlook, enhancing calf-crop value, forage quality, winter supplementation and improving herd performance.

For more information, view the complete news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the University of Florida Extension.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal.