If it wasn’t for genomic testing, Mogul Pastel would be just another heifer calf valued around $750. But her Holstein Association’s USA’s Genetic Total Performance Index (GTPI) is so far beyond average – at 2561 – she’s now recognized as the second highest rated red carrier Holstein calf in the country. That number, in turn, led to another figure — … Read More
Angus Aids Producers in Traceability Compliance
A final phase of the national animal disease traceability rules will take effect this week, and with it, a change in the type of identification methods meeting the requirements. Starting March 11, all official ear tags noted under the animal disease traceability requirements must be tamper-evident, approved by USDA, contain an official animal ID numbering system and an official ear-tag … Read More
Pig Farmer of the Year Award
Outstanding pork producers have one thing in common: they cultivate customer trust every step of the way. The Pork Checkoff’s new America’s Pig Farmer of the Year award program will honor the U.S. pork producer who best excels at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and wants to share this with consumers. “The public is the main audience, … Read More
Biosecurity Education After More Avian Flu Outbreaks
The outbreaks of avian flu have swept to the Midwest. Last week it was found in Minnesota and earlier in Washington and Oregon. Over the weekend the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the virus was confirmed in turkeys at a grower facility in Missouri and preliminary tests came back positive at another facility in the state. With the recent avian … Read More
Consumer Group Commits on California Egg Scramble
Will Coggin, director of research for the Center for Consumer Freedom, issued the following statement praising five state attorneys general and the Iowa governor for appealing a federal ruling that upheld California state law AB 1437, which restricts the importation of eggs from other states: “The two months that have passed since this law went into effect have shown it … Read More
Hubbard Feeds Inc. Commits $50,000 to SDSU
Hubbard Feeds Inc., a leading U.S. commercial animal nutrition company, announced that it has committed $50,000 toward construction of the new Cow-Calf and Swine Education and Research Facilities at South Dakota State University (SDSU). The Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility has an expected construction cost in excess of $6 million. This unit will include a main building (offices, laboratory space, … Read More
Pork Producers Optimistic About State of the Industry
Since 2002, the National Pork Board has conducted an annual survey of pork producers to gain insight to the condition of the industry, general attitudes of pig farming and their support of the Checkoff. The most recent survey was conducted in November 2014 and shows great optimism. For the fifth consecutive year, pork producer support for the Checkoff has increased … Read More
Oswald Inducted Posthumously to Gelbvieh Hall of Fame
John C. Oswald of Hutchinson, Kansas, was inducted into the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Hall of Fame posthumously for 2015. The induction took place at the AGA’s Impacting the Beef Business™ with Maternal Influence Annual Convention. John’s son Andy Oswald and herdsman Ken Schmucker were present at the convention to accept the award. The purpose of the Hall of Fame … Read More
Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Conference
The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Conference is coming up March 31st – April 1st in Madison, WI. Themed “Connect with the Best,” the conference will offer networking opportunities and highlight the latest practices, technology and research in the calf and heifer industry. A trade show will be held during the first day of the conference. Other special events will … Read More
Be a NJAA Communicator, Journalist or Marketer
Now in its second year, the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) is offering members the opportunity to experience communications, journalism, marketing and photography through Media Crew. Applications, due April 1, are now available online for NJAA members who have completed ninth grade and have an interest in learning about media reporting. “With the positive feedback we received from lasts year’s … Read More