2020 Angus Convention Simplified to 137th Annual Meeting
Annual event modified to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions in Kansas City.
The American Angus Association® has made the difficult decision to reformat the 2020 Angus Convention originally scheduled for Nov. 7-9 in Kansas City, Mo. Considering the current gathering restrictions created by COVID-19, modifications were necessary to balance the health of attendees and the need to conduct the business of the Association.
The event will be a two-day meeting on Nov. 8-9 and will continue the long tradition of convening an annual meeting of delegates that has occurred since the inception of the Association in 1883. The National Angus Tour and trade show portion of the event have been canceled and the number of educational sessions will be reduced, but virtual options for members and attendees will be offered.
Unmasking Problems
Polymer face masks developed at ag school and being tested at meat-processing plants could further efforts to protect against COVID-19.
While many people are encouraged and even mandated to wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some complaints have become common: The mask doesn’t fit correctly. It’s uncomfortable. It’s too hot, or it’s hard to breathe through.
A material scientist at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences is working to change that.
Judit Puskas is in the final stages of developing a polymer face mask she expects will be more effective in the fight against COVID-19.
Industrial Hemp as Cattle Feed
K-State research among first to analyze safety of industrial hemp as cattle feed
A pair of studies at Kansas State University is bringing new insight to farmers and producers seeking to incorporate industrial hemp in cattle feed.
After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the United States, interest has grown in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, including as feed for animals. FDA approval, however, through the Association of American Feed Control Officials would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or pets.
Chasing Unicorns
Ditch the bogus expectations of finding balance with this simple mindset change.
When someone asks you how you are, how often is the reply, “Oh, you know, busy”? Why is “busy” so glorified? What is “busy” doing to our mental health? As mental health rightly gets more limelight with all of the natural stressors of agriculture, plus anxiety caused by COVID-19 and trade wars, it seems sought-after balance is simply a mythical unicorn.
While the elusive balance might be fictitious, mindfulness is obtainable. Mindfulness acknowledges that in the work-life dynamic, each piece can be prioritized in its own time by being absolutely in the moment. Katie Dodd, a licensed 20-year educator and certified mindfulness instructor, says: “It’s helped me be right here, right now. When you’re in the present moment, you tend to be happier. You’re more engaged. You’re more aware.”
Feeding Quality Forum Is Online
Hosted virtually Aug. 25-26, the webinars are now available online for viewing.
On-target information powers the economy, especially the cattle sector, in the challenging world of 2020. Every year since 2006, cattle feeders, ranchers, educators and allied industry leaders have gathered at the Feeding Quality Forum for thought-provoking conversation and networking. This year offers the same range of topics and interaction — but in a virtual setting.
Do Extraordinary Things
Be the needed hero.
What does a hero look like? The gold standard that comes to mind is servicemen and women and first responders — those who rush into a difficult situation to help, right? Heroes make life better. So, what if a hero is really an ordinary person who does extraordinary things?
Cattle Producers Set Policies for the Future
Live Cattle Marketing Committee unanimously passes policy to increase cash trade levels.
A capacity crowd of cattle producers worked for more than six hours July 29 to identify a policy that would help resolve concerns about live-cattle marketing issues and lead the industry to more robust price discovery. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Live Cattle Marketing Committee considered several proposals, each aimed at encouraging greater volumes of cash cattle trade.
