This is Heather Lassen, editorial proofreader, with the November 7, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains an announcement naming the newly elected leadership and directors of the American Angus Association Board of Directors, a list of suggestions of five chores to begin before winter, a story about the effects of high diesel prices on farmers, information about a special episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen honoring veterans, and a report on alfalfa exports.
Angus Delegates Elect New Leadership, Directors
Adapted from an article by Briley Richard, Angus Communications
The 139th Annual Convention of Delegates assembled Nov. 7, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Five directors were elected to the Board of Directors, as well as a president and chairman and a vice president and vice chairman of the Board.
Elected officers are Chuck Grove, Forest, Va., president and chairman of the Board; and Barry Pollard, Enid, Okla., vice president and vice chairman of the Board.
Jonathan Perry, Fayetteville, Tenn., will serve as treasurer for the 2022-2023 term.
Grove says the Angus breed is in a prime position to lead industry advancement.
Grove says, “With the vast influence Angus has on the beef industry, the breed is looked to as leaders ready to navigate both opportunities and potential obstacles. The future of the industry and this great breed looks bright in the coming years, and while I have been devoted to the breed for a lifetime, the next year will be the most rewarding yet.”
Elected to their first terms on the Board of Directors are Rob Adams, Union Springs, Ala.; Art Butler, Bliss, Idaho; Alan Mead, Barnett, Mo.; Henry Smith, Russell Springs, Ky.; and Roger Wann, Poteau, Okla.
To read more, go to angusjournal.net.
Five Chores to Begin Before Winter
Adapted from an article by Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University
No. 1. Get your water sources ready. Water is the most important nutrient. A clean and abundant supply of water is critical for the health, reproduction and production of beef cattle. In a year when ponds are low, now is the time to be planning for your winter water supply. Evaluate your ponds or water sources now. Whether it is pond cleanout, installing automatic waterers, checking wells, windmills, etc., now is the time to act before freezing temperatures arrive. Most ponds are at low levels. Shallower ponds are more subject to freezing. Plan accordingly.
No. 2. Secure your feed and hay supply. Even if we receive ample moisture before the first frost, we are running short of growing days for warm-season grasses.
To read more, go to angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the health and nutrition tab.
High Diesel Prices Put Strain on Farmers
Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation
The average price of diesel is $5.32 per gallon, more than $1.50 above the same time last year. While prices are below the $5.81 peak in June, the high cost of fuel is hitting farmers hard as they navigate the fall harvest season. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the factors driving up fuel prices in the latest Market Intel report.
A ban on U.S. imports of petroleum from Russia, lower domestic production capacity, and seasonal demand are all contributing to higher costs. Russia provided 20% of the petroleum imported into the United States in 2021, but that was halted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beyond the effects of Russia, since 2019, domestic diesel production capacity has dropped by 180,000 barrels per day.
For the full story, go to fb.org.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Honors Veterans With Special “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” Episode
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
On Nov. 4 Cattlemen to Cattlemen, the television show of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, announced that it will air a special “Salute to Veterans” episode on Nov. 8 in honor of Veterans Day. The show will highlight the service of veterans involved in the beef industry and explore the connection between patriotic farmers and ranchers and our nation’s servicemembers.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Don Schiefelbein, a Minnesota cattle producer, says, “Cattle producers are a patriotic group, and we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices military men and women have made to protect our freedoms and way of life. NCBA is proud to salute our nation’s veterans and highlight their personal stories.”
For more information, go to ncba.org.
U.S. Alfalfa Exports Surge
Adapted from a report by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
Livestock producers take notice: third quarter 2022 just posted the highest alfalfa export quantity on record. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service released September data, capping off the third quarter. Alfalfa exports exploded to 852,525 metric tons, outpacing last year (previous record) by 13.7% and last quarter by 26.2%. Six countries bought 96.5% of total alfalfa exports this quarter, a figure that is typical for the U.S. alfalfa export market. China, the largest purchaser also posted the highest quarter (quantity) ever, out pacing last year by nearly 100,000 metric tons. The tally was 568,990 metric tons, 66% of all alfalfa exported. Third quarter 2021 was also the previous record high and this toppled that figure by 20%, and was more than 200,000 mt, higher than the prior two quarters in 2022.
For the full report, go to dailylivestockreport.com.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.