This is Heather Lassen, editorial proofreader, with the April 8, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains considerations for planning spring calving dates; comments from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association about the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act; an announcement from the American Farm Bureau Federation about a new resource for K-12 science, technology, engineering and math educators; and an update on avian influenza and its implications.
Changing Weather Changes Calving-date Benefits
Adapted from a release by USDA Agricultural Research Service
On rangelands of the western United States, calving in late winter instead of spring maximizes calf growth by supplying high-quality forage when it’s most needed, according to a study by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
There is high value in using rangelands to lower the cost of beef production. Selecting the right calving time is one factor ranchers can adjust to affect the efficiency of beef production.
However, with climate conditions shifting, the costs and benefits of calving at different times are changing.
Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service Livestock and Range Research Laboratory in Miles City, Mont., completed a long-term study recently published in Rangeland Ecology & Management.
To read more, visit angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the management tab.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Endorses Bipartisan Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act, known as the A-PLUS Act, introduced April 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Vicky Hartzler and Rep. Jimmy Panetta. If enacted, the bill would clarify regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act to allow livestock market owners to maintain an ownership interest in small meatpacking entities, and would secure another tool in the toolbox to boost processing capacity and alleviate key challenges in cattle marketing.
Clint Berry, chairman of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Livestock Marketing Council, said, “The need for new packing facilities has become a critical issue for the cattle industry. Huge amounts of capital are required to get new facilities up and running.”
For more information go to ncba.org.
Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Launches ‘One-stop Shop’ for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Educators
Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has launched a first-of-its-kind online platform for K-12 and science, technology, engineering and math educators who seek to bring science to life through the lens of agriculture.
The Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education supports educators who teach, coach or advise K-12 science coursework in public and private, formal and informal educational spaces through a three-pronged approach consisting of classroom resources, professional development and partnerships.
Daniel Meloy, executive director of the Foundation for Agriculture, said, “We’re pleased the Food and Agriculture Center for Science Education will enable us to continue supporting educators in meaningful ways with relevant resources and vital professional development.”
To read more, go to fb.org.
Avian Influenza Update and Implications
Adapted from a report by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
As losses from avian influenza continue to pile up, meat market participants are naturally nervous and wondering how this will affect meat supplies and prices this spring and summer. USDA recently made some changes to the way they report the flocks affected, and this now gives a much better idea as to the extent of losses at various poultry industry segments. What’s important to understand is not just the total number of birds affected, but also what type of birds they are and what they supply to the market. The effect of high-pathogenic avian influenza on the egg production industry has been devastating, which is also what the industry experienced in 2015. Of the 22.8 million birds in commercial operations lost so far, about 80% have been egg-producing layers.
For more information, click on the link in this episode’s description.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.