This is Megan Silveira, assistant editor for the Angus Journal, with the August 1, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains an opportunity to attend Lunch and Learn webinars about data collection, comments from the National Farmers Union about the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, comments from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association about the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act, and considerations for controlling cattle feed costs.
August Lunch and Learn Series: Data Collection
Adapted from a release by Jera Pipkin, Angus Communications
Back and better than ever, this summer's Lunch and Learn sessions focus on topics for the everyday Angus breeder. Lunch and Learn sessions are designed to give cattlemen and women the opportunity to learn information in a more in-depth, hands-on approach while addressing frequently asked questions about American Angus Association programs and services.
August 11 | Do's and Don'ts of DNA Sampling
Attend this session to learn about tips and tricks to a successful DNA sample.
August 18 | Phenotype Collection: When and Why
Attend this session to learn what phenotypes you should be collecting, when and why they matter to the Association.
August 25 | Subjective Scoring: When and Why
Attend this session to learn about taking subjective scores, how they compare in different environments and how the information is useful.
These sessions will be hosted on Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. Central. Sessions will last between 20-30 minutes and allow for 10-15 minutes of questions from the audience.
For more information or to register, go to angus.org.
National Farmers Union Statement on Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Adapted from a release by the National Farmers Union
National Farmers Union strongly supports the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 as currently presented by the Senate. Overall, this bill invests $40 billion in agricultural and rural communities.
NFU President Rob Larew says, “NFU welcomes the major investments in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs for agriculture included in the Inflation Reduction Act. These provisions will support farmers and ranchers in continuing to expand their role in fighting climate change while also supporting the resilience of their operations. The addition of biofuels infrastructure funding is also a welcome addition and one that will support farmers and consumers across the country. We strongly support this package and urge Congress to move swiftly and pass it.”
To read more, visit nfu.org.
NCBA Statement on Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act
Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association responded to the release of House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott’s Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act.
NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says, “NCBA is committed to working with the House Agriculture Committee to protect our most vulnerable producers, and we appreciate the Chairman's attention on this important issue. Unfortunately, H.R. 8590, the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act, as introduced, prompts more questions than it provides answers. While collectively we would have preferred to provide input into the drafting of this legislation, we look forward to working with our partners in the livestock community to address the blind spots in this proposal.”
For more information go to ncba.org.
Cut Cattle Feed Costs; Don’t Cut Corners
Adapted from a release by Purina Animal Nutrition LLC
Whether you’re in an area suffering from drought or not, cattle feed cost is the single largest expense in the cow-calf sector, and prices are still on the rise. Although the future looks strong, with a recent CattleFax report predicting the gap between calf prices and cash cow costs to narrow in 2022, the current situation has producers asking, “Where can I cut?”[1]
N.T. Cosby, senior consulting nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition says, “Decisions made today can affect calf weaning weights this year, how quick a cow will rebreed and calve next year, and even the weight of her next year’s calf. Producers looking for cost savings should choose strategies to save money now, without losing advantage in strong markets later.”
For more information click on the link in this episode’s description.
Today’s update was compiled by Heather Lassen, proofreader for the Angus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.