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As "Ridin Herd" columnist Rick Rasby turned in his most recent column, just ahead of one of several severe snowstorms to hit the Midwest this winter, his thought was consideration of the cows. The next three days, he said, were going to be awfully hard on cows — a good reminder of the necessity to plan ahead and make sure cows are prepared to handle such extremes.
In two simple sentences, he spoke volumes of the care and commitment the individuals of our industry have to the livestock we tend. Consider the number of lives, careers and sleepless nights devoted to their care and well-being. It's a wonderful endeavor in which to play a part.
H.W. Mumford said it best in his "Tribute to a Stockman":
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Behold the Stockman! Artist and Artisan. |
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He may be polished, or a diamond in the rough — but always a gem. |
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Whose devotion to his animals is second only to his love of God and family. |
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Whose gripping affection is tempered only by his inborn sense of the true proportion of things. |
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Who cheerfully braves personal discomfort to make sure his livestock suffer not. |
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To him there is rhythm in the clatter of the horse's hoof, music in the bleating of the sheep and in the lowing of the herd. |
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His approaching footsteps call forth the affectionate whinny of recognition. |
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His calm, well-modulated voice inspires confidence and wins affection. |
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His coming is greeted with demonstrations of pleasure, and his going with evident disappointment. |
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Who sees something more in cows than the drudgery of milking, more in swine than the grunt and squeal, more in the horse than the patient servant, and more in sheep than the golden hoof. |
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Herdsman, shepherd, groom — yes, and more. Broad-minded, big-hearted whole-souled; whose life and character linger long after the cordial greeting is stilled and the hearty handshake is but a memory; whose silent influence forever lives. May his kind multiply and replenish the earth. |
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 David Mullins |
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Association Perspective
Adapting to change.
As we turn the page on the calendar, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy new year.
As we enter 2010, it is important we consider some of the trends taking place in the beef industry. With increasing political influence being applied from various activist groups and news media, it is essential that beef producers take notice of the challenges, adaptations and opportunities that lay ahead. Issues such as biosecurity, food safety, country-of-origin labeling and cattle handling practices will be scrutinized more than ever. Certainly, increased awareness by the general public and news media does insinuate that producers must re-evaluate procedures and production practices, but, more importantly, there are new opportunities to differentiate your product in a very competitive market. Read more. |
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Principles of ID System |
Eight cattle industry groups agree on statement of 12 principles in development of cattle disease traceability ID system. Present to USDA, Congress.
Believing that the discussion of a national animal identification plan had moved away from those most affected by it — cattle producers and marketers — eight cattle industry organizations, including the American Angus Association, have agreed on a statement of 12 principles in the development of a cattle disease traceability identification (ID) system.
The organizations, representing the beef, dairy and marketing sectors, developed the statement of principles during a meeting in Kansas City, Mo., last November. The meeting was organized by the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) in cooperation with its cattle industry partners, to work toward a common understanding and approach to enhancing current cattle ID and traceability systems for animal disease surveillance and control in the United States. Read more. |
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There have been increasing reports of cattle rustling across the country. It seems that when the economy gets tough, crime rates increase. Unfortunately, ranchers are not immune to crime. In many cases, those who live in the country are targeted because criminals know there are fewer people to watch for suspicious activity.
As a farm or ranch owner, you must be observant to protect your property from those who would steal it from you. Here are a few tips to reduce the potential of becoming a victim of theft. Read more. |
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Wheat Options |
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Should you graze it out or go for grain? If you planted wheat in the fall, January brings you close to a decision time on whether to graze it out or keep it for grain. This decision is based on many factors, including value of gain for livestock, grain prices, potential grain yield of the field and presence or absence of certain hard-to-control weeds if you decide to go for grain. Read more.
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What’s Inside … |
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The January Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA features several valuable articles, including specific sections devoted to management, marketing, and health and nutrition information. Select from the tabs at the top of the page to access this month’s entire information-packed edition, a portion of which includes the following: |
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News Briefs … |
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Beyond the Corrals and Pastures |
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Cattlemen's College® brings a consumer focus to annual convention and trade show.
Daily chores get most of your time and attention. That's what pays the bills, but the state of the industry lies in the bigger picture. Later this month farmers and ranchers from across the United States will have a chance to look beyond their operations to those macro issues.
Those who attend Pfizer Cattlemen's College as part of the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show can take in sessions that range from production to consumer demand.
"We want to keep people's focus on the fact that, at the end of the day, our industry thrives or declines based on how much beef people eat," says Tom Field, director of producer education for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).
The organization has partnered with Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB) to bring some end-product and consumer-related sessions to the program. Read more. |
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A Positive Forecast for Agriculture |
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Westchester Group CEO says lower 2009 farm income won't affect long-term profitability. |
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"Recent reports from the USDA showed a decrease in 2009 farm income, but agriculture is a strong industry and I believe this will have very little impact on the industry for the long-term," says Murray Wise, Founder and CEO of Westchester Group Inc., an agricultural asset management firm.
The agriculture industry has, in general, outperformed many other world industries throughout this global recession. Farm income in 2008 was one of the highest on record, and a decrease should have been expected. Read more. |
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And From Another Source |
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Farmers National Co. says high-quality land still bringing top dollar. |
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Recent reports by the Federal Reserve Bank have stated that farmland values, despite their surge in recent years, have stabilized. While this may hold true on land classes as a whole, Farmers National Co. says high-quality land is being heavily pursued by buyers, resulting in land sales exceeding sellers' expectations. Sales with lower-quality land or recreational property have not fared as well in recent months. Read more. |
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Truth in Food |
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When it comes to dealing with criticism, what can modern farming and food learn from a cheesy 1970s gang movie? |
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Paramount Pictures' 1979 film The Warriors told the story of a small Coney Island street gang who, along with all the other street gangs of New York City, was summoned to a meeting by a visionary warlord named Cyrus. Cyrus preached collaboration between the gangs in order to overtake and rule the city. His magnetism capturing the 20,000 assembled gangsters who, in one accord, cheer him, Cyrus raises his hands in triumph and poses the cool 1970s question, "Can you dig it? Can you dig it? Cannn youuuu diggg itttt???"
When a lone gang member who doesn't seem to enjoy Cyrus' adulation and momentum shoots him dead, chaos ensues. In the confusion, the guilty gang member manages to place the blame on the Warriors. With every gang in New York City looking to avenge Cyrus' murder, the movie chronicles the Warriors' treacherous 27-mile journey home.
What does a cheesy 30-year-old, B-rated movie have to teach us about food and agriculture? Although it's not a direct correlation, hidden within the movie we can find some useful similarities and war strategies. Read more. |
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Having trouble viewing this Angus Beef Bulletin Extra? Click here. |
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Resources
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Angus e-Classifieds |Feedlots | AngusSource®/Gateway | Optimal Milk Module
Producer Priority Finder | Angus Beef Bulletin® | American Angus Association®
Angus Journal® | Angus e-List | Certified Angus Beef | Angus Foundation
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Click here to sign up for the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA |
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Click here to visit the official site of the American Angus Association®.
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Click here to learn more about Angus Productions Inc. and the resources it offers.
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Click here
to learn about the brand that pays.
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Want daily industry news and Angus advertisements?
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Angus e-List.
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Industry Meetings
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
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Topics of Interest:
API Virtual Library
A comprehensive list
of API and industry resources.
Dealing With Drought
Resource for producers across the country who are affected by drought.
Country-of-Origin Labeling
Information about country-of-origin labeling, and what it means for cattlemen.
Angus International
A platform for global information sharing spanning the worldwide Angus industry.
Beef Cow Efficiency
Perhaps the greatest single factor affecting your profitability as a beef producer.
Body Condition Scoring
Use body condition scores (BCS) to improve herd nutrition and efficiency.
Feeding & Feedstuffs
Maximize pasture utilization and optimize feeding of harvested forages and supplements to
efficiently meet the nutritional needs
of your herd.
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