AFBF Urges Congress to Reject Antibiotic Restrictions

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging congressional members to oppose legislation that would restrict the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. In letters to Senate and House members, AFBF said the legislation would handicap veterinarians and farmers in their efforts to maintain animal health and protect the nation’s food supply.

“Farm Bureau members use antibiotics carefully, judiciously and according to label instructions to treat, prevent and control disease in their flocks and herds,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “These products are critically important to the health and welfare of the animals and to the safety of the food produced from these animals.”

AFBF went further to say that antibiotic use in animals does not pose a serious public health threat.

“Proponents of the bill suggest that antibiotic use could constitute a public health threat through antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals being passed along, creating a similar resistance in humans,” said Stallman. “However, in more than 40 years of antibiotics being used to treat animals, such a public health threat has not arisen, and recent government data shows the potential that one might occur is declining.”

Increased use of improved food safety technologies during the past several years has contributed to decreased bacteria survival in food processing/handling and in foodborne illnesses.

“Further, data indicates development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals is stable, and foodborne bacteria resistance in humans is declining,” Stallman said. “In fact, recent research indicates using antibiotics to keep animals healthy reduces the incidence of foodborne pathogens in meat.”

Pending bills H.R. 965 (House) and S. 1211 (Senate) would remove specific antibiotics and classes of antibiotics that are important for use in animals from the market.

— Release by American Farm Bureau Federation.

Angus Internship Deadline Approaching

For more information contact:

Carrie Gilliam, American Angus Association communications coordinator, at 816-383-5100 or cgilliam@angus.org;

Robin Ruff, American Angus Association director of junior activities, at 816-383-5100 or rruff@angus.org;

Shauna Hermel, Angus Journal editor at 816-383-5270 or shermel@angusjournal.com

Summer is fast-approaching, and college students looking for an internship should be sure to apply with the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo. The deadline for the three, paid internships is Feb. 5. Details of each position are listed below.

The American Angus Association Junior Activities Department provides a college sophomore, junior or senior an outstanding opportunity to assist with preparations, communications and correspondence for junior shows and events. Applicants must be enrolled in an agriculture-related major, and consider themselves a self-starter, detail-oriented and an outgoing individual who has the ability to work well with others. Travel to the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference and other shows and events is expected.

The internship spans from approximately late-May to mid-August, with specific starting and ending dates depending on the applicant’s availability.

A cover letter, resume and references are due Feb. 5, 2012, to Robin Ruff American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

For more information contact Ruff at 816-383-5100 or rruff@angus.org.

The American Angus Association Communications and Public Relations Department is now accepting applications from college juniors or seniors studying journalism, agricultural communications or related fields. Applicants should have strong writing and design skills, in addition to completed coursework in news and feature writing, as well as editing and design. Experience in photography, video and social media is an asset in this fast-paced internship.

The internship spans from approximately late-May to mid-August, with specific starting and ending dates depending on the applicant’s availability.

Applications are due Feb. 5, 2012. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, references and writing samples to: Jena Thompson, American Angus Association, 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

For more information contact Thompson at 816-383-5100 or jthompson@angus.org.

Angus Productions Inc. offers a college student the opportunity to be part of its editorial team for the summer. This 10-week, writing-intensive internship will offer the selected intern the opportunity to participate in producing various publications, including the Angus Journal, the Angus Beef Bulletin (ABB), the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA (ABBx), the Angus e-List and editorial websites, as well as assist in social media efforts. The internship will be flexible enough to tailor to the strengths and needs of the intern, but many duties can be expected. Experience in news and feature writing, editing and photography are strongly suggested.

The internship spans from late-May to mid-August; specific starting and ending dates will be negotiated with the selected candidate.

Applications are due Feb. 5, 2012. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to Shauna Hermel, Angus Productions Inc., 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506.

For more information, contact Hermel at 816-383-5270 or shermel@angusjournal.com.

Protect the Harvest Live on RFD-TV

to Explore Conflict Between Animal Rights and Agriculture
Thursday, Jan. 26, Protect The Harvest will present Protect The Harvest Live on RFD-TV at 9 p.m. CST to explore the intense and growing conflict between animal rights and American agriculture. The show will feature farmers, public policy leaders and animal welfare experts from across America. Viewers will be able to participate in the show by calling in to the program at 1-877-731-6733.

During the last decade, animal rights groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have successfully sought to restrict hunting, animal research and modern animal agriculture techniques across the United States. Today, farmers, ranchers and hunters are standing together to fight back against these intrusions.

Protect The Harvest Live will explore the threat animal rights groups pose to American farmers and what can be done to combat this growing problem. Guests for Protect The Harvest Live will include president/CEO of the Animal Ag Alliance Kay Johnson Smith, along with Missouri farmer Chris Chinn, Representative Jason Smith (R-MO), Senator Mike Parson (R-MO) and Representative Erik Helland (R-IA).

Topics for Protect The Harvest Live will include the identity and agenda of America’s leading animal rights groups, the policies these groups are pursuing to attack America’s farmers, ranchers and hunters, and what farmers and agriculture advocates can do to protect American agriculture.

Protect The Harvest is a new pro-farmer advocacy group focused on standing in the gap between American families and the radical animal rights groups that threaten their access to safe, affordable food. For more information, please visit www.ProtectTheHarvest.com.

— Release by Protect the Harvest.

American Angus Association® Releases Updated EPDs

The American Angus Association’s spring 2012 Sire Evaluation Report and updated National Cattle Evaluation (NCE) expected progeny differences (EPDs) are now available online at www.angus.org. While NCE EPDs are now generated on a weekly basis, a biannual report is still printed.

Accessing the Sire Evaluation Report online is the fastest and easiest way to get the latest performance information on sires in the Angus breed. It allows you to specify ranges of EPDs and to sort bulls that qualify within those ranges. The evaluation also includes dollar value indexes ($Values), expressed in dollars per head, to assist commercial beef producers in selection decisions. Economic assumptions used to develop $Values are based on a three-year rolling average, which was also updated in the spring 2012 report.

The Spring 2012 Sire Evaluation Report lists data on 2,146 sires from a total of 216,873 sires in the Association database. The Young Sire Supplement also included in the report lists 2,654 bulls.

Printed copies will be available by request. Active members who returned their blue request cards to receive a printed copy of the fall 2011 report will receive the spring 2012 report automatically. All other producers who want a printed report may request it by contacting Brenda Weigart at 816-383-5144 or bweigart@angus.org.

For more information regarding expected progeny differences (EPDs), the NCE or performance evaluation, visit www.angus.org.

A Natural Ambassador

The 2012 Miss American Angus explains what it means to be Angus royalty.

While competing for the title of Miss American Angus, Brooke Harward of Richfield, N.C., was asked to tell the judges a little about herself. In her response, Harward described her family, their cattle operation and how they have made her into the person she is today. She also shared a passion to make an impact on the industry that has given her so much.

The judges decided to give her that chance when they crowned her the 2012 Miss American Angus on Nov. 14, 2011, at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.

Already a strong voice for the beef business, Harward now serves as an ambassador for the Angus breed to American Angus Association® members, the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA), and — the most important audience — consumers across the United States.

Getting to know Miss American Angus

A freshman at North Carolina State University, Harward is studying agricultural business management with minors in accounting and economics.

She is the daughter of Marcus and Patricia Harward, and has five sisters: Lorie, Catherine, LeAnn, Marcie and Mattie. Together, they own and operate a show cattle business named Harward Sisters.

Harward’s dad is a fifth-generation farmer, as well as the owner and operator of livestock market operations, including livestock market barns and a video auction. After graduation, Brooke plans to continue work at her family’s livestock video auction market to help producers in her area market their cattle.

“The farm and cattle have been a part of our daily lives for, well, forever,” Harward says.

But the same could not be said of her classmates throughout the years, as many were several generations removed from the farm. She became known as the “girl with cows” at Gray Stone Day School.

“I embrace that nickname, because people who may not have known anything about agriculture hopefully learned a little bit about its importance,” Harward says.

She was elected class president during high school and was the National Honor Society President her senior year.

“With my involvement I was able to relate to my peers and educate them about the importance of agriculture,” says Harward.

Alongside all of her school activities, Harward became more involved with the NJAA after participating in her first cattle show when she was 13 years old.

“I still remember it, I was more interested in friends and sports than showing cattle,” Harward says. “But, after my first show with my heifer, Rosie, I was hooked.”

She attended a Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference and attended her first National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). She also earned leadership roles in her state junior association and was elected president of the North Carolina Junior Angus Association.

Although, Harward never thought her junior Angus involvement would lead to becoming Miss American Angus.

“It is truly a dream that I am incredibly thankful for,” she says. “I first asked myself if they really said my name, then I was overcome with emotion and repeatedly told myself not to cry.”

It wasn’t until the next weekend, heading to a sale when reality hit.

“Nothing can compare to how honored I felt when I put the famous red jacket and tiara on together for the first time,” she says.

Looking forward to a year of service

Harward knows the title is more than just the accessories and is ready to make her mark on the Angus breed.

Since she grew up in the commercial side of the business, she knows the importance of the breed to drive several operations. And to influence them, she wants to reach out to consumers and educate them on how high-quality Angus beef is produced.

Miss American Angus will also assist the Association, NJAA, and the American Angus Auxiliary with shows, educational events, field days and other activities to promote the benefits of the Angus breed.

Harward will have the opportunity to influence many lives throughout her year of service as Miss American Angus. Yet, maybe none more than her sisters at home.

“After I was crowned, I think they were happier than I was, they couldn’t stop smiling and chatting about how they are now princesses,” Harward says. “I want to show my younger sisters that you can accomplish anything, and I hope my experience inspires them.”

Harward is no longer just a big sister, or the “girl with cows”; she is a role model, advocate, and a true inspiration for others around her. The Angus breed is fortunate to have her as an ambassador.

2012 National Western Stock Show- Open Heifer Show

Class 2H- 1st place-Chase Cunningham, Lebanon, IN
Class 3 H- 5th place- Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, IN
Class 4 H- 3rd place- Schyler Bane, Waynetown, IN
Class 5 H- 8th place- Katelyn Wilson, Orleans, IN
Class 7H- 2nd place- Catherine Knebel, Winamac, IN
Class 9H- 3rd place- Dameron Angus Farm, Lexington, IL; Madison Stockdale, Waynetown, IN
Class 9H- 7th place- Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, IN; Daryl R Schnelten, Carrollton, IL; Mark Petersen, Saint Louis, MO
Class 11 H- 2nd place- Kale Hensley, Markleville, IN
Class 12 H- 7th place- Brooke Langley, Walton, IN
Class 14 H- 4th place- Hunter Hamilton, Heltonville, IN
Class 14 H- 6th place- Daniel Mooney, Peru, IN
Class 15 H- 3rd place- Robbie Dragani, Plymouth, IN
Class 18 H- 5th place- Madison Stockdale, Waynetown, IN
Class 18 H- 6th place- Chase Cunningham, Lebanon, IN
Class 19 H- 2nd place- Kade Patton, Frankfort, IN
class 19 H- 5th place- Craig Heyob, Hagerstown, IN
Class 31 H- 3rd place-Kade Patton, Frankfort, IN

2012 National Western Stock Show-Junior Angus Show

Reserve Summer Heifer Calf Champion-Entry: 15 – BC II Cami 211. Born: 5/2/11. Sired by Exar Lutton 1831, Owned by: Schyler Bane, Waynetown, IN

Class 5- 6th place-Katelyn Wilson, Orleans, IN
Class 7- 1st place-Catherine Knebel, Winamac, IN
Class 9- 7th place- Robbie Dragani, Plymouth, IN
Class 10- 8th place-Kale Hensley, Markleville, IN
Class 11- 3rd place-Brooke Langley, Walton, IN
Class 13- 2nd place- Robbie Dragani, Plymouth, IN
Class 13- 5th place- Daniel Mooney, Peru, IN
Class 15- 1st place- Chase Cunningham, Lebanon, IN
Class 16- 1st place- Kade Patton, Frankfort, IN
Class 16- 4th place- Madison Stockdale, Waynetown, IN
Class 27- 1st place- Kade Patton, Frankfort, IN

2012 National Western Stock Show- Bull show

Winter Bull Calf Champion-Entry: 1447 – WCC Spoiler Y1. Born: 1/3/11. Sired by CJ Prestige 25T, Owned by: Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, IN and Hunter Hamilton, Heltonville, IN

Class 5 2nd place-Ashlyn Carter, Noblesville, IN
Class 13B- 3rd place-Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, IN
Class 14 B- 2nd place-Omega Cattle Corp, Williamston, MI; Robert Zeedyk, Warsaw, IN
Class 16- 2nd place-Mark Fort, Knightstown, IN; Wilson Cattle Company, Cloverdale, IN

Nearly $48,000 in Gross Proceeds Raised for the Angus Foundation and 2012 National Junior Angus Show

“Angus Night on the Mountain,” hosted by Tom and Lois Ames of Spruce Mountain Ranch, Larkspur, Colo., was held Jan. 11, 2012.

Seven exclusive packages, an elite heifer pregnancy and a raffle generated nearly $48,000 in gross proceeds for the Angus Foundation’s education, youth and research efforts and the 2012 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), set for July 15-21 in Louisville, Ky.

“Angus Night on the Mountain,” a fundraising event to benefit the Angus Foundation and 2012 NJAS, was hosted and underwritten by Tom and Lois Ames at their beautiful Spruce Mountain Ranch, Larkspur, Colo., on Jan. 11. The event was held in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver.

The exclusive packages offered to benefit the Angus Foundation included:

· Advanced Reproductive Technology Package, donated by Trans Ova Genetics and Bovance, purchased for $5,300 by Canadian-based Soo Line Cattle Company.

· 2012 Angus Foundation Golf Tournament Event Sponsorship, donated by the Angus Foundation, purchased for $3,500 by Ames Construction and the Terry Stade Family of Terry Stade Farms Inc., Minn.

· A Getaway Trip to Scenic Arkansas, donated by Sen. Percy and Donna Malone of Malone Supreme Angus, Ark., purchased for $1,800 by Bill Davis and Leo McDonnell, Mont.

· A Breathtaking Arizona Getaway, donated by Bob and Lisa Norton of Biozyme Inc., Mo., purchased by Dixon Land and Cattle, Okla., for $2,500. Prior to this final purchase, Spruce Mountain Ranch, Colo.; Sam Johnson, Ohio; and Buford Ranch, Texas, purchased this package and donated it back for re-auction to add another $8,000 in donations to the Angus Foundation.

· West Tennessee Outdoors Experience, donated by Kathy and Scott Ledbetter and Linda and Frank Smith of Lone Oaks Farm, Tenn., purchased for $1,700 by Kiamichi Link Ranch, Okla. Prior to this final purchase, Buford Ranch, Texas, bought the package for $1,900 and donated it back for re-auction.

· New Mexico Antelope Hunt, donated by Express UU Bar Ranch LLC, N.M., purchased by Sam Johnson, Ohio, for $5,500.

· Cruise for Two on Carnival Cruise Lines, donated by Cotter Travel Associates, Mo., and the Angus Foundation, purchased for $4,250 by Stillwater Angus, N.Y.

Gary Taylor, Tenn., had the $11,500 winning bid on an elite heifer pregnancy package to support the 2012 NJAS. Gardiner Angus Ranch, Kan., donated the elite heifer pregnancy from the multi-trait feature of the Gardiner Angus two-year-olds, New Design 1779, sired by the popular ABS roster member Daybreak. The donor dam of this pregnancy blends the multi-trait leading sire, New Design 5050 with the featured donor in the Southern Cattle Company program, Objective 1067.

A silver cuff bracelet donated by Gist Silversmiths, Calif., was raffled during the event and raised nearly $2,000 for the Angus Foundation. Jessica Sawyer, Neb., won the Angus bracelet.

“‘Angus Night on the Mountain’ was another fundraising success for the Angus Foundation because of the steadfast commitment and dedication our Angus breeders and friends have to helping our organization advance the Angus breed through education, youth and research,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “A special thank you is to be given to our wonderful hosts, Tom and Lois Ames of Spruce Mountain Ranch, their family and outstanding professional staff, our National Junior Angus Association directors, generous donors and buyers of our live auction items, along with Cotton & Associates who have helped coordinate this fun and enjoyable activity. We will always owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who helped with this event.”

Assisting the Angus Foundation in event management was Larry Cotton and his team at Cotton & Associates. Larry and Ryan Cotton served as event co-emcees. Steve Dorran was the auctioneer for the evening, and he was assisted by ringmen Terry Cotton, Matt Printz, Alan Sears, Jim Gies, Justin Stelzer and Delvin Heldermon.

The Angus Foundation was established in 1980 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization to support Angus education, youth and research. To learn more about the Angus Foundation and the programs it supports, call the American Angus Association® at 816-383-5100 or go to www.angusfoundation.org.

New EPD Sorting Tool Available to Angus Producers

New EPD Sorting Tool Available to Angus Producers

The American Angus Association® is giving breeders — large- and small-scale — another powerful tool to advance herd genetics. Through the Association’s AAA Login, members can now access expected progeny difference (EPD) sorts, free of charge.

The new function allows users to sort any EPD or $Value for current sires, dams, or non-parent bulls and cows. Producers can focus searches on whatever criteria they are interested in viewing.

“The tool narrows down results for producers to match genetics to their particular herd goals,” says Don Laughlin, Association director of member services.

When sorting cattle in the database, a user can view the top 100 animals that meet the specified criteria. The more strict the search, the lower the number of results.

The EPD Sorts program debuted Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, and within two hours, 200 free searches were completed by Association members. Before the free selection process was added to AAA Login, searching specific EPDs cost $15 per EPD category.

The feature is particularly helpful for smaller producers. The new function allows genetics from any herd to be easily found by other breeders looking to meet particular goals.

“Animals that do not meet minimum requirements to show up in the Sire Evaluation Report will be accessible via AAA Login’s sort tool,” Laughlin says.
This, and a host of other genetic tools are available through the Association’s data entry and management service, AAA Login. The service began in 2001 with 21 features, and has since grown to nearly 80 producer tools online. The site allows producers to register animals, submit Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®), pay membership fees and more.

“We are constantly adding new features based on breeder feedback,” says Chris Stallo, the Association’s assistant director of information systems. “Our goal is to provide user-friendly programs that Angus producers can put to work on their operations.”

Current AAA Login users can click on the “Interactive Tools” menu to access the sort feature. Members new to the program can visit www.angusonline.org and click “Sign Me Up.”

For more information contact Information Systems at 816-383-5100.

The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving nearly 30,000 members across the United States and Canada. It provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on the power of Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association’s programs and services, visit www.angus.org