This is Andy Blumer, Angus Media web services team lead, with the June 9, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains news from this week’s meetings of the American Angus Association Board of Directors, a story about the 80th barn to be painted with the Certified Angus Beef logo, a report on Australian beef exports, and information about the upcoming R-CALF USA convention and trade show.
Board Highlights: Functional Longevity, Making the Membership Experience Better and New CAB Programs
Adapted from a release by Miranda Reiman, Angus Media
Angus breeders from across the country came together this week to set direction for the American Angus Association, making certain the breed is serving its members well now and in the future.
“Longevity has obviously been one of those real key priority traits that the Board's been focused on, and therefore the research has been ongoing to develop a research EPD [expected progeny difference],” said Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Assocation, on The Angus Conversation podcast. The Functional Longevity research EPD will be released this summer to anyone currently submitting data through MaternalPlus® or inventory reporting.
Eventually, the maternal weaned calf value index (known as $M) will include that new EPD, but not until next year when it’s fully included the weekly evaluation, said Chuck Grove, chairman of the board.
He noted, “It probably won't change dollar M significantly. It's a small piece of the index, but when you insert that small piece, you've also got to make the other pieces a little smaller that are in the index.”
The board officially took “no action” on the application to approve the slick intentional gene alteration, but did release a memo explaining that decision that can be found at www.Angus.org.
Barry Pollard, vice chairman of the board, also joined the podcast, and to hear that full episode, search for The Angus Conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Or, listen at theangusconversation.com. To read more, visit angusjournal.net.
80th Barn Painted With Certified Angus Beef Logo in Iowa
Adapted from an article by Elizabeth Rosson, editorial intern, Angus Journal
Landi Livingston and Hoover Angus welcomed friends and family to their Ellston, Iowa, operation June 4, 2023, for a barn bash to celebrate the facilities being painted with the iconic Certified Angus Beef® logo.
As the crowd arrived to the sixth-generation family farm, Troy Freeman applied the final brushstrokes to the barn. This was the 80th logo Freeman brought to life.
Livingston took guests on a hayride tour of pastures, explaining herd genetics and breeding objectives. Festivities continued as CAB beef was featured for dinner as a live band performed.
Livingston says, “Our goal of the barn-branding celebration was to not only invite our customers to our new sale facility to see the painting, but to also share the rich history of both Hoover Angus and Certified Angus Beef, so our customers could develop a stronger connection to both.”
For the full story, go to angusjournal.net.
Australian Beef Exports to United States See Significant Jump
Adapted from an article by Chris Moore, Meatingplace
Australian beef exports to the United States experienced a significant surge in May, marking a turnaround after a period of subdued trade, according to Meat & Livestock Australia.
The exports to the United States reached a record monthly tally of 19,786.5 tons, a substantial 44% increase compared to April and the highest figure in the past year. The boost in exports comes as the United States deals with reduced domestic production due to drought-driven herd reduction.
This surge in Australian beef shipments to the United States, along with solid growth in other export markets, reflects the positive momentum and increased supply in Australia’s beef industry.
To read more, click on the link in this episode’s description.
R-CALF USA Announces “American Spirit” 24th Annual Convention and Trade Show
Adapted from a release by R-CALF USA
R-CALF USA will host its 24th Annual National Convention and Trade Show “American Spirit” Aug. 17-18, 2023, at the Monument in Rapid City, S.D. Excited for another year of inciting producer engagement, the group looks forward to further developing strategies to improve the trajectory of the U.S. cattle industry.
Taking place at the foot of the Black Hills, not far from Mount Rushmore, a symbol of American spirit itself, the group looks for the convention to embody the essence of that spirit. Feeding off the themes of freedom, patriotism, liberty, democracy, family and country, the event will provide attendees with the tools to act and defend the American cattle industry against the impending threats they are facing.
For more information go to r-calfusa.com.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.