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LPC Award-winning newsletter

Sustainability: Doing More With Less

When it comes to defining sustainability, it can be an “infuriating word,” said Cameron Bruett, head of corporate affairs and sustainability for JBS USA. Bruett addressed more than 700 attendees Nov. 17 at the 24th biennial Range Beef Cow Symposium in Loveland, Colo.


He further explained that sustainability is challenging to define because it is defined differently by different people — and many people use the term as a means to “vilify agriculture.”


He noted that often the primary factor used to define sustainability relates to environmental perspective and preservation of natural resources. However, he clarified, sustainability must encompass more factors — from impacts on a community to the ability to attract the next generation to the industry. Read more.


The Front Gate

It's all about family.

Next to our faith, there’s nothing more important than family. So, I believe it’s only fitting that my first column focuses on that topic — both my own family and the American Angus Association family.


Let me begin by telling you about my family. My wife, Venetta, and I have two grown sons — Lane and Ross. Lane is a technical writer for Accruent, a software company in Austin, Texas, where he’s also working on receiving his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) next summer. Our youngest son, Ross, attends Trinity University, where he is finishing up his MBA. Ross will graduate in May and then move to Houston, where he’ll be working for Deloitte, the large tax-consulting firm. Read more.



Adam Conover

Adam Conover

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. Read more.


Justin Sexten

Justin Sexten

On Target

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. Read more.


Omnibus Legislation Affects Cattlemen

Federal appropriations bill passes; holds key provisions for cattle producers.

With bipartisan support, Congress passed the $1.15 trillion Omnibus Appropriations Bill Dec. 18, funding much of the government through fiscal year 2016. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Philip Ellis said the bill contained several victories for cattlemen and women.


Coming within days of facing retaliation from two of the United States’ largest trading partners, the bill repeals mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. Read more.



What’s Inside …

In this December edition of the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, you'll find valuable articles devoted to the management, marketing, and health and nutrition of your beef enterprise. Select from the tabs at the top of the page to access this month’s entire offering by category. A few select features include:


News Briefs …

The American Angus Association and its subsidiaries generate a wealth of information to keep members and affiliates informed of what's happening within the industry, as well as with the programs and services they offer. Click here for easy access to the newsrooms of the American Angus Association and Certified Angus Beef LLC and the Angus Journal Daily archive available in the API Virtual Library.


WTO Final Ruling on COOL

WTO releases final figure for retaliatory tariffs over U.S. COOL rule.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Dec. 7 authorized Canada and Mexico to assess more than $1 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, closing the long-running dispute over the U.S. country-of-origin labeling (COOL) rule. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Philip Ellis said that immediate action was needed by the Senate, or retaliation against U.S. exports would soon follow. Read more.


Your Health

 

Beef, Protein an All-day Discussion in 2015

Research shows eating high-quality protein throughout the day is a healthful approach toward overall nutrition.

If beef is what’s for dinner, what should be on the plates for the other meals? If you said it’s still beef, you’d be right. The fact is, research shows balancing protein throughout the day makes good nutritional sense.


However, few Americans eat this way. The beef industry, through its Beef Checkoff Program, is working to educate consumers on the value of balance and adequate protein intake.


The challenge has been formidable. Research shows that Americans eat about two-thirds of their total daily protein at the dinner meal. That doesn’t leave much room for protein in your breakfast and lunch meals or snacks — and that could be a problem, current researchers say. Read more.