This is Heather Lassen, special projects editor for the Angus Journal, with the October 26, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains information about applying for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Internships, a story about CAB brand sales in fiscal year 2023, comments from the American Farm Bureau Federation congratulating Rep. Johnson on his election as Speaker of the House, and information from the NCBA about how to submit nominations for its Environmental Stewardship Award.
Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Internship and Host Ranch Applications Open
Adapted from a release by Peyton Schmitt, Angus Communications
The Talon internship program provides college-aged students the unique opportunity to spend their summer on an Angus operation gaining valuable, hands-on experience. Interns gain extensive ranching knowledge while enhancing their skills as advocates for the beef industry. Host applications for the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program internship are due Oct. 31, and student intern applications are due Dec. 1.
Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director, says, “We are thankful for the vision of Cam Cooper in preparing the next generation of leaders for Angus and the cattle industry.”
The late Camron “Cam” Cooper of the Talon Ranch, Twin Bridges, Mont., developed the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Endowment Fund in 2009 to be a one-of-a-kind educational experience for students.
For more information or to apply, go to angus.org.
CAB Brand Sales Third-Best in 45-Year History Adapted from a release by Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef
Shifting market dynamics have already marked trend changes in the 2023 cattle and beef markets. These shifts are most succinctly summarized through two factors, fewer cattle and higher prices, that will further entrench themselves in near-term trends.
As Certified Angus Beef celebrated the close of its 45th year this September, several highlights emboldened brand stakeholders and producers. The single largest factor in the brand’s supply, fed-cattle slaughter volume, provided a formidable obstacle as the nation’s drought-reduced cow herd pulled fed-cattle supplies 3.3% lower for the past 12 months. However, with other positive trends, CAB acceptance increased 0.5% for the fiscal year with 5.82 million head earning the CAB brand.
Marbling trends have been on a lower pattern in the past year, with USDA Choice slightly lower for the period. However, the Premium Choice carcass share has been surprisingly strong. This, coupled with the Prime grade working both above and below the 2022 pattern, allowed the CAB carcass acceptance rate to improve half of a percentage point to 36% in fiscal 2023.
The full CAB Insider article is available at cabcattle.com under the news tab.
American Farm Bureau Federation Congratulates Rep. Johnson on Speaker Election
Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented Oct. 25 on the election of Rep. Mike Johnson to be Speaker of the House.
“AFBF congratulates Rep. Mike Johnson on his election to Speaker of the House. Speaker Johnson has a strong history of supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, which has earned him the ‘Friend of Farm Bureau’ award multiple times.
“America’s families are relying on Speaker Johnson, and Congress, to focus on pressing needs, including completion of fiscal year 2024 appropriations and passage of a farm bill. The farm bill provides certainty to those who grow this nation’s food, fuel and fiber and plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and affordable food supply for everyone.
“We stand ready to work with Speaker Johnson to pass this important legislation. Every family in America is counting on his leadership.”
For the full story, visit fb.org.
2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Nominations Now Open
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Nominations are now open for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award. Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers across the nation.
NCBA President Todd Wilkinson says, “Cattle producers across the country are committed to conserving natural resources for future generations. This award celebrates the innovative efforts our industry is undertaking to protect the environment, engage with communities and remain profitable.”
Any individual, group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business raising or feeding cattle. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves, although nominees may be involved in the preparation of the application.
To read more, go to ncba.org.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for the Angus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.