January 6, 2020 | Vol. 12 : No. 12
A white paper detailing the minimal environmental footprint of beef production in the United States was recently published by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The white paper, authored by Sara Place, senior director of sustainable beef production research at the NCBA, highlights why and how the United States is the leader in sustainable beef production.
The House of Representatives passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a bipartisan vote of 385-41 Dec. 19. The USMCA aims to advance U.S. agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. This agreement builds upon existing markets to expand United States food and agricultural exports and support food processing and rural jobs.
If you’re taking a medication, is it safe to drive?
Most likely, yes. Still, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises you to make sure before operating any type of vehicle, whether a car, bus, train, plane or boat. Although most medications won’t affect your ability to drive, some prescription and nonprescription medicines can have side effects and cause reactions that may make it unsafe to drive.
Distillers’ grains are a byproduct of the ethanol industry and have become a common supplement for beef cattle to add protein in the diet. The fat content is also beneficial. In recent years, however, many ethanol plants have been reducing fat levels in the residue that ends up as cattle feed. Cattle producers need to be aware that nutrient levels can vary greatly, depending on where you purchase the distillers’ grains.
We have all heard people talk about the importance of data, but have you ever given much thought to how important data truly are? In my nearly eight-year span of being a regional manager for the American Angus Association, I have discovered that many breeders do not fully understand how to take advantage of the data that are available for commercial producers. I hope to share with you how to use the tools available to make more accurate breeding decisions.
If they set the bar there today, by tomorrow, they’ll raise it higher. That’s the kind of feedyard Tom Jones manages. It’s the kind of person Jones is.
“We have cattle grading 100% Choice, and now we are working on the Prime. So what is the next demand driver going to be?” Jones asks. “We have to look to our new customers, and they are looking for transparent, wholesome food. They are looking for traceability, so those are some of the things I’m looking for in the future.”
That attitude, and the actions behind it, earned Hy-Plains Feedyard the 2019 Certified Angus Beef® Progressive Partner Award.
Fifteen minutes spent on the computer not wasted simply scrolling on social media — it could be the best investment you make all year!
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