News Update

July 26, 2016

Future Angus Stockmen:
Scholarship Application Available

Aimed at fostering the next generation of commercial cattle producers, the Future Angus Stockmen program, established by the American Angus Association, offers opportunities for young cattlemen and women to gain the knowledge and tools they need to be successful.

Now in its second year, Future Angus Stockmen is proud to partner with Allfex USA to award a $1,000 scholarship to a college student involved in the commercial-Angus business. Applicants must be enrolled in the Future Angus Stockmen program, and applications are available online and must be returned by Friday, Sept. 16.

“We are looking forward to recognizing another outstanding student this year through the Future Angus Stockmen scholarship,” says Ginette Gottswiller, Association director of commercial programs. “Thanks to Allflex for supporting us in this mission to encourage young cattle producers and build their future in the beef business.”

The winner will be notified in October 2016 with the scholarship presented during the Angus Convention, hosted Nov. 5-7 in Indianapolis, Ind. Applications will be judged on the participant’s future agriculture career path, passion for beef cattle and leadership experiences within the industry.

For more information, please view the full release here.

— Adapted from a release by Jena McRell, Angus Media.

Angus Names Genetic Research Director

The American Angus Association and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) welcome Stephen Miller as the newly named director of genetic research for the cattle industry’s leading genetic evaluation center.

Miller, most recently a principal scientist with AgResearch Ltd., in New Zealand, will join the AGI team Sept. 1 in Saint Joseph, Mo., to lead the organization’s research and development efforts, and to further the innovative evaluation methods for the Association’s weekly national cattle evaluation and AGI clients.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome such a high-caliber industry professional to the Angus team,” says Allen Moczygemba, Association CEO. “Dr. Miller is eminently qualified to fill this role for advancing genetic research and technology for Angus breeders and the overall cattle business.”

Miller was raised in Canada, and he obtained both his doctorate and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ont. While completing his doctorate, he was a visiting scientist at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit in Australia, specializing in beef cattle. Over the course of his career, Miller has nearly 20 years of experience with beef cattle selection, genomics and technology.

For more information, please view the full Angus news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Crystal Albers, Angus Media.

SD Stockgrowers Association Applauds Court Ruling

The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) applaud the ruling by the Supreme Court in its finding that DeSmet Farm Mutual Insurance was required to pay for livestock lost in the 2013 winter storm Atlas. The Supreme Court ruling, issued last Wednesday, July 20, requires DeSmet Farm Mutual Insurance to pay Richard and Lorayna Papousek of Quinn for 93 head of yearling heifers that were killed in the blizzard.

Stockgrowers President Bill Kluck said, “We’re really happy to see that the Papouseks are finally going to see a payment for their lost livestock. It’s really a shame that it took a Supreme Court ruling for this family to be paid by their insurance company. We’re glad that this case settled in favor of the ranchers and appreciate Justice Janine Kern’s decision.”

Winter storm Atlas hit western South Dakota in early October 2013. The Papouseks submitted an insurance claim for the death of 93 heifers. The family’s veterinarian determined the cause of death to be drowning from water found in the animals’ lungs, which had been inhaled from the heavy blowing snow and rain.

For more information, please view the full SDSGA release online.

— Adapted from a release by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association.

Seeking Member Input

The American Angus Association seeks member input in order to establish the long-range plan and strategic vision of the nation’s largest beef breed organization. Members were emailed questionnaires, which are also available within AAA Login (www.angusonline.org).

Survey responses submitted online will be accepted through July 31, and respondents may enter to win a cash drawing. The Association’s long-range initiative encompasses insight from all areas of the beef cattle business, and member input is vital and appreciated.

Contact the Association at angus@angus.org if you have questions regarding the survey.

— Announcement from the American Angus Association.

As Pastures Wither, Poisonous Plants Can Become a Problem

Sparse pastures can force hungry livestock to eat toxic plants. To help producers manage their land properly, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a pasture and poison plant management workshop Aug. 15 in Lubbock.

The free educational program, which starts at 6:30 p.m., will be in The Bank Lobby located at 916 Main St., Lubbock, said Robert Scott, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Lubbock County.

“We’ve had a few cases of weed toxicity and I’ve noticed some toxic weeds in the county,” Scott said. “With the pastures burning up in this summer heat, toxic weeds will be more evident as more desirable forage is eaten, so livestock will be more likely to feed on them.”

For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.

— Adapted from a release by Steve Burns, Texas AgriLife Communications.

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