News Update
August 16, 2017
Angus Hires Digital Content Manager
The American Angus Association announces Katy Holdener, a native of Tracy, Calif., as the organization’s digital content manager. Holdener began her new role Aug. 14.
As the digital content manager, Holdener is responsible for executing communication and branding strategies for all digital content, both external and internal, for the Association and its entities, Angus Productions Inc. (API), Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and the Angus Foundation.
“Katy is a talented and bright individual with a keen eye for producing quality content as well as understanding the importance of building a strong, digital brand which speaks to a variety of audiences,” says Clint Mefford, director of communications. “Katy will play a key role in streamlining online processes and enhancing user experience for members in the digital realm.”
In her new position, Holdener will coordinate digital stories for the angus.org website, while reviewing and creating monthly analytic reports to determine audience engagement. She will also serve an integral role in overall communications planning and scheduling to meet the needs of Association members, commercial partners and other audiences.
Continue reading this Angus news release online.
Cattle Raisers Issue Warning Amid Uptick
in Scams Targeting Ranchers
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) special rangers have noticed a troubling increase in a scam that targets ranchers and agriculture producers. TSCRA’s special rangers are credentialed peace officers who primarily investigate livestock and agriculture-related crimes, including theft by fraud.
Over recent weeks special rangers across the state have received reports from ranchers who have been targeted by the scams. The details vary, but most incidents follow a similar theme. A buyer, often from out of state, will call to inquire about cattle, hay or equipment that is for sale. The two parties will agree on a price and the buyer will send a check or cashier’s check, which is where the trouble begins. The check sent by the buyer will be over the agreed-to price, and the buyer will ask that the check be cashed and the extra money wired or given to someone else to pay for transportation and delivery. In some cases, the scammer has no intention of making the purchase. The check is counterfeit, designed to look legitimate for just long enough that it can be cashed and the money wired.
For more information, read this news release online.
Anthrax Confirmed in Cattle on Crockett County Premises
Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) officials confirmed anthrax in five cattle on a Crockett County premises. This is the first anthrax case in Texas this year.
The premises is located approximately 13 miles east of Ozona and has been quarantined. TAHC rules require proper disposal of affected carcasses and vaccination of other cattle on the premise prior to release of the quarantine.
“The TAHC will continue to closely monitor the situation,” said Susan Rollo, TAHC state epidemiologist. “Producers are encouraged to remain vigilant and consult with their local veterinary practitioner if they suspect their animals are affected with anthrax or are interested in vaccinating their livestock.”
Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, which is a naturally occurring organism with worldwide distribution, including certain parts of Texas. Anthrax cases in Texas are historically found in the triangular area bound by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick counties. A vaccine is available for use in susceptible livestock in high-risk areas.
Read the full TAHC news release online.
Alliance Releases Report from
2017 Animal Rights National Conference
The Animal Agriculture Alliance released a report Aug.16 detailing observations from the Animal Rights National Conference, Aug. 3-6 in Alexandria, Va. The event was hosted by the Farm Animal Rights Movement and sponsored by Compassion Over Killing, Mercy for Animals, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and The Humane League, along with other animal rights activist groups. According to conference organizers, nearly 2,000 individuals were present at the event, described as “dedicated to the vision that animals have the right to be free from all forms of human exploitation.”
“The speakers at this year’s Animal Rights National Conference made their goals clear — ending all forms of animal agriculture, regardless of how well animals are cared for,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “Their persistent focus on pressure campaigns targeting restaurant, retail and foodservice brands is of great concern to the Alliance and our members. We encourage anyone with a vested interest in producing, processing or selling meat, poultry, eggs and dairy, to read this year’s report and hear how determined these groups are to eliminate food choices and make our society vegan.”
Learn more in the Alliance news release online.
Start Selecting 2018 Illinois Performance-tested Bulls
Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2018 Illinois Performance-Tested (IPT) Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo. The sale is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale accepts older as well as younger bulls, with a birth date range from Jan. 1, 2016, through March 2017.
A successful 2017 sale included some of the best bulls yet, according to Travis Meteer, IPT Bull Sale manager and University of Illinois Extension beef cattle educator. “The bulls in the 2017 sale were extremely high-quality bulls with good performance pedigrees. Bull buyers seek out cattle that look the part and have EPDs that will yield profitable progeny … that is what the IPT Bull Sale provides,” he says.
The sale continues to expand its market through the use of an online bidding service, which Meteer says will help the sale build upon an already distinguished reputation in the state of Illinois and the Midwest.
Multi-trait economic selection indexes will be the foundation for determining qualification and sale order.
Read the full news release online.
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