New Political Realities
Conservative talk show host Dana Perino offers insight into working with the new presidential administration.
As former White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush, Dana Perino, is no stranger to the world of politics. As it turns out, she’s no stranger to ranch life, either.
Now a host on Fox News’ The Five, Perino makes her home in New York City, where she admits she hasn’t driven a vehicle in seven years. Even so, she hasn’t forgotten the roots from which she came.
Perino addressed a very large and very eager crowd at the Feb. 3 opening session of the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.
“What you’re doing every day to help feed the country and the world is so important,” she told listeners, “but I also really appreciate how each one of you is trying to preserve the Western way of life.” Read more.
Alex Tolbert
Association Perspective
Dealing with the crazy.
It’s no secret that in today’s society, we are pulled, called and stretched in all directions. What matters? What’s important? Where do we devote our time? When do we say no? How do we get it all done? How do we keep our sanity and maintain relationships? Off our mind goes in a million directions again.
These are good questions, and I don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. What I know is that’s where I am right now, and in my estimation, I’m not alone. In the last couple of months my responsibilities have grown, my priorities have evolved, and to say that I’ve got it figured out … well … I’m better than I was. Maybe? Hopefully? Time will tell, but no doubt I’ve grown and continue to grow, and I am thankful for that. Read more.
Eric Grant
Branding Iron
Lessons from Linus.
My wife and son talked me into rescuing a dog named Linus from the Happy Hunting Grounds a couple of years ago.
Each day a blessing
Having spent several months at the shelter, he was a mess.
Riddled with heartworms, he could barely climb a flight of stairs or walk around the block. His haircoat was coarse and bleached from excessive sun during his time at the pound, and his elbows were scabbed from sleeping on a concrete slab.
I suspect the previous owners gave him up because of his size.
Linus is big — about 150 pounds. He’s so big, I commented once that “he looks like a dude in a dog suit.” Read more.
Anticipating The 2018 Farm Bill
House chief economist shares remarks on 2018 Farm Bill, encourages producers to be involved.
“I don’t need to tell any of you it’s a really interesting time to be living and working in Washington, D.C., right now,” said Bart Fischer as he addressed attendees Feb. 3 at the 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. Fischer, who is chief economist for the House Agricultural Committee, provided remarks about the early groundwork being laid for the 2018 Farm Bill.
He shared that the first field hearing to gather feedback on Farm Bill concerns is scheduled for Feb. 23 on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, with more field hearings providing producers opportunity to give input being planned around the country throughout the spring. Read more.
What’s Inside …
In this February 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:
- The Breeding Bull: Your Herd’s Ultimate Athlete
- Relationship-building is Key to Profitability when Selecting a Feeder
- Beef Talk: A lot happens around the kitchen table
- Value of Vaccinations
- Giving CPR to a Newborn Calf
- Cows Need The Right Nutrition At The Right Time
- Cattle Market Predictions
- The Source: Learn to get more than what you pay for
- Beef Exports Gaining Momentum
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.
CattleFax Presents Weather Outlook
Creighton University’s Art Douglas predicts return of El Niño and shares what that means to cattle forecast.
“Guess what. We have a brand new El Niño developing,” announced meteorologist Art Douglas, during the 2017 Cattle industry Convention, in Nashville, Tenn. The Creighton University professor emeritus shared his weather forecast during the Convention’s CattleFax Outlook Seminar, explaining that it is unusual for a second El Niño pattern to occur so close on the heels of the previous one. Read more.
Grain Bin Safety
Farm safety specialist urges safe practices during Grain Bin Safety Week.
This is one of the most dangerous times of the year for farmers, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension Safety Specialist Karen Funkenbusch. Grain Bin Safety Week is Feb. 19-25.
Farmers usually check and empty grain bins during late winter and early spring. This routine job is the source of many on-farm accidents and deaths, Funkenbusch says.
The perfect storm exists for more bin accidents since farmers are storing more grain on-farm than ever before. Low prices and surplus grain motivates farmers to store grain longer in hopes for higher prices, says Charles Ellis, MU Extension natural resources engineer. He spoke recently at the Audrain County Soils Crop Conference in Mexico, Mo. Read more.