Official Publication New York Angus Association
Angus Angles
DECEMBER 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE New CEO of AAA
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New Genetic Defect
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Fall Sale Reports
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NYS Fair Show Report
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NY Junior goes to LEAD
Come Join Us! NY- Angus Seedstock Capitol of the World
NY-Angus.com
ON THE COVER: A view from the recent National Angus Convention
New York Angus Association www.NY-Angus.com President Doug Giles 538 Rte. 343, Millbrook, NY 12545 845-677-6221 walbridgefarms@optonline.net Vice-President Nicole Tommell 1942 Hickory Hill Rd, Fonda, NY 12068 518-369-5149 mmtcattle@gmail.com Secretary/Treasurer Robert Groom 8974 Lyons Marengo Rd, Lyons, NY 14489
315-573-2569 Robert@angus.us Past President Mike Shanahan
P.O. Box 338, Ghent, NY 12075
518-598-8869 mike@cattlepromotions.com Directors Rob Bannister (2018) Jerry Emerich (2016) Craig Simmons (2018) Brett Chedzoy (2017) Derrick DeBoer (2018) Allan Lawyer (2017) Roger McCracken (2016) Fred Tracy (2017) Pete Murphy (2016) Angus Angles is published five times per
year by the NY Angus Association, in an 8.5 x 11 magazine format. It is edited and produced by Mike Shanahan,with Associate Editor Nicole DeBoer. Cattle advertisements will be limited to the majority promotion of Angus genetics.
Subscription Rate NYAA Members Free Non-Members $15.00 annually Regular Issue Advertising Rates Full Page $150.00 1/2 Page $100.00 $25.00 x 5 Issues Business Card Special Issue Advertising Rates Full Page $175.00 1/2 Page $125.00 * ask about discounted contract rates, & repeat customer benefits To Place advertising and for news and editorial content contact: Mike Shanahan - 518-598-8869 mike@cattlepromotions.com
Upcoming Angus Events National Western Stock Show (NWSS) January 12-16, 2016 • Denver, CO Trowbridge Invitational Angus Sale at NWSS January 14, 2016 • Denver, CO New York Beef Producers Conference (NYBPA) at Double Tree Hotel January 22-23, 2016 • East Syracuse, NY New York Angus Board Meeting at NYBPA Conference January 23, 2016 • East Syracuse, NY New York Angus Sale Selection Tour March 2016 New York Angus Annual Meeting at Justin’s Tuscan Grill March 19, 2016 • East Syracuse, NY Trowbridge Angus Bull Sale May 7, 2016 • Canandaigua, NY New York Angus & Hereford Sales at New Penn Farm May, 14, 2016 • Truxton, NY *** If you have an event you would like to see listed here, please contact mike@cattlepromotions.com*** Newsletter Deadlines & Publish Dates Deadline 1/15/16, Published 2/1/16 - Regular Issue Deadline 3/20/16, Published 4/1/16 - SPECIAL ISSUE Deadline 5/15/16, Published 6/1/16 - Regular Issue Deadline 7/20/16, Published 8/15/16 - SPECIAL ISSUE Deadline 10/15/16, Published 12/16 -Regular Issue
Note From the Editor www.NY-Angus.com Mike Shanahan, 518-598-8869 Luck of the Draw Recently at the National Angus Convention in Overland Park, Kansas, they gave away a Caterpillar Skid Steer to an attendee. Can you imagine winning such a big prize? Although I did not win, I still feel very lucky to have been a part of the Convention where ever 2200 attendees were able to listen to the speakers, participate in Angus workshops, attend the Annual Meeting, and meet producers from all over the nation. It was a very impressive event drawing multiple breeders from the northeast, representing New York and almost all of the New England region. If you have not had the chance to attend, you should go next year where it will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. One of the speakers was Ken Schmidt from Harley Davidson, educating us on how to distinguish ourselves among the competition in the marketplace. Another related workshop featured two large ranches and the American Angus Association discussing how to successfully brand ones own operation. The whole event was kicked off by listening to Richard Resnick, CEO of Genome Quest, a provider of computer software used in genomic research. He reminded advocates and skeptics the reality of genomics in todays world. His keynote address concentrated on the basic principles and fundamentals of DNA and genome sequencing. Many examples illustrated applications of the technology in human medicine, as well as in crop and livestock production. We learned that 80% of the corn grown in the United States is genetically modified “Bt” corn, which is resistant to a specific insect that causes dramatic yield loss. We also learned that “Roundup-ready” soybeans were developed through genomics to resist the weed herbicide glyphosate. The industry is currently working to identify genes associated with various aspects of livestock health and performance. Resnick said “these and other agricultural applications of genomics hold much promise for enhancing food production for humans.” Now we move into 2016 as a group of breeders and producers looking to grow and take advantage of everything that the marketplace has to offer. Keep in mind that no matter how big or small your operation is, you have a great impact on the food production system and the genetics that enhance the efficiency of our industry.
Mike Shanahan Editor Angus Angles
New York Angus Association Annual Female Sale 2nd Saturday in May
www.NY-ANGUS.com
Angus Hill Farm John Inkley V.M.D • 716-358-6817 randolphvetclinic@gmail.com
w w w.AngusHillFarm.com 12400 W. Main Street • Randolph, NY 14772
RALLY FARMS
Jesse Bontecou 1015 Shunpike • Millbrook, NY 12545
845-677-8211 Fax: 845-677-5316 Chris Howard • Herd Manager 845-416-1056 • chrisphoward@optimum.net
STOFFELS
VTR
GLENVIEW FARM
Valley Trail Ranch H 315-688-9195 C 315-767-3290 email:LLaribee@hotmail.com
Larry M. Laribee 3220 Fuller Road Carthage, NY 13619
Registered, AI sired, gentle, curve bending Heifers and Bulls
James D. Frueh 518-436-1050 Registered Angus Bulls, Steers, Heifers, Out of quality embryos Round Baleage and Dry Round Bales Springfield, VT and Glenmont, NY
Pleasant Valley Farm Registered Angus Breeding Stock & Freezer Beef
Travis Walton
-JOXPPE 3PBE t -JOXPPE /:
Frank & Joan DeBoer jdeboer@stny.rr.com 12491 St Hwy 357 Home: 607-829-3408 Franklin, NY 13775 Cell: 607-353-9520
Sarkaria Farms
Linwood Road (585)2434 703-1476 t TravisSTS9860@gmail.com Linwood, NY 14486
585-703-1476 • TravisSTS9860@gmail.com Like us on Facebook
American Angus Hall of Fame Tom Burke, Kurt Scha, Jeremy Haag
487 Whaupaunaucau Rd Norwich, NY 13815 www.SarkariaFarms.com
816-532-0811 Fax: 816-532-0851
Sarkaria Family • 607-336-1681 angus@sarkariafarms.com
Box 660 Smithville, MO 64089
angushall@earthlink.net • AngusHall.com
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DEPENDA - BULL SERVICES
Murphy Farm Registered Black Angus
• Semen Collection, Evaluation & Freezing • Frozen Semen Storage & Shipping • Individual Pens • Centrally Located - Just off I-90 near Utica, NY (exit 33)
Route 31, Vernon, New York dependabull@ymail.com Duane and Crystal Brayman Farm - 315-829-2250 • Cell - 315-264-4894 www.DependaBullService.com
www.NY-ANGUS.com
Peter Murphy 1132 Rt. 80 Tully, NY 13159 pmurphy001@twcny.rr.com Home: 315-696-6092
Cell: 315-706-1693
New York Angus Association Annual Female Sale 2nd Saturday in May
www.NY-ANGUS.com
McCracken Vu Farms Performance Bred Angus Cattle Home of the famous McCracken Missies! cattle working in 7 states & Canada!
Scott Oeschger, Owner 32 Railroad Ave • Orleans, VT 05860 Bob Butterfield, Manager 802-673-6629 • bob.b.springhillangus@outlook.com
Jamie & Jerry Brozman Ned & Linda Hower Jennifer & Shane Boyle E-mail: Justenuffangus@enter.net 354 Townshipline Rd. Nazareth, PA 18064 Home (610)-837-3866 Cell (484)221-3455 Registered Angus Cattle Tame Show Calves
Website/Facebook – www.justenuffangus.com
Roger & Alice McCracken 585-243-5037 2898 Mt Pleasant Rd
Katharine Wesche John Wesche
Registered Angus Cattle
50
1965
YEARS
Breeding Quality Angus Cattle
Commercial Feeders and Purebred Replacements
2015
Registered Angus Bulls available High $B embryos available
PUNSIT VALLEY FARM
PVF
Mark & Karolyn Shepard 518-392-3478 mshepard3478@gmail.com 365 Punsit Road Chatham, NY 12037
Registered Angus Solely using A.I. from Proven Genetics
518-672-5135 Pete Kindler Craig Simmons • 518-858-4461
EQUITY ANGUS
Registered Black Angus Jim Sheehan & Family 208 Sissonville Rd • Potsdam, NY 13676 816 O’Connor Road • Port Byron, NY 13140 Rich Brown Office: 315-265-8427 315-406-5335 Andy Weaber: 315-261-1331 rbbrown0243@gmail.com • www.EquityAngus.com windypointangus@gmail.com www.WindyPointAngus.com Cattle for the Future Today
New Penn Farm
3899 Taylor Road Shortsville, NY 14548
585-289-8246 Allan’s Cell: 585-489-6432 weschefarms@gmail.com
682 Archbridge Rd. Ext. Ghent, NY 12075
archbridgefarm@netzero.com
WESCHE FARMS Laura and Allan Wesche
Arch Bridge Farm, LLC
MAKING YOUTH OUR PRIORITY
Registered Angus 100% ALL NATURAL REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BEEF Douglas J. Giles 538 Route 343, Millbrook, NY 12545 M 845.235.3789 / T 845.677.6221 / F 845.605.1152 walbridgefarms@optonline.net walbridgefarm.com
P.O. Box 57 Lebanon Street Hamilton, NY 13346
315-824-1703 Arnold & Arlene Fisher
www.NY-ANGUS.com
5493 Cheningo Rd Truxton, NY 13158 Carl Hinkle (607) 842-6936 Jeanetta Laudermilk, Mgr. (607) 345-6466 NewPennFarm@gmail.com • www.NewPennFarm.com
Carousel Design Taylor Wierzbowski 716-574-9724 carouseldesign@aol.com www.newcarouseldesign.com
Graphic Design & Photo Services
New York Angus Association www.NY-ANGUS.com
Tom and Holly McKenny, Owners 207-415-2792 Rodney Cleaves, Farm Manager 207-798-0241 www.homesteadfarmangus.com
Annual Female Sale 2nd Saturday in May
Featuring calves from: Trowbridge Xquisite 0216 Trowbridge Axel 314 !
RANCE LONG !
35504 S. 4415 Rd. U Big Cabin, OK 74332 918.510.3464 U rlong@rancelong.com
Full Service Sale Management • www.RanceLong.com
Dorado Angus
Heathcote Farm
Tullyfergus Angus Herd
15 Heathcote Lane Amenia, NY 12501
Robert & Linda Groom
Jerry, Wanda, & Katarina Emerich 315-946-8204 1073 LaValley Road • Mooers, NY 12958 845-373-8731 Cell: 315-573-2569 518-593-0212 Dave Richmond, Mgr. rnlgroom@hotmail.com dorado@primelink1.net 845-323-9232 Forrest Hester, Herdsman heathcote@optonline.net Breeding Stock Available www.tullyfergus.com
Riga View Farm
FRONTIER GENETICS Allan Lawyer 845-891-6671 lawyera@optonline.net
Bob Butterfield 802-673-6629 bob.b.springhillangus@outlook.com
Vermont & New York
MMT
Janeen Bennett 11742 Short Tract Rd • Hunt NY 14846 585 245 4780 janeenbennett@yahoo.com
Jeff & Tammy Clark 860-671-1969 rigaview@att.net
71 Hammertown Rd • Salisbury, CT 06068
Cattle
Marc & Nicole Tommell & Family 1942 Hickory Hill Rd Fonda, NY 12068 518-573-0137 Marc • 518-369-5149 Nicole mmtcattle@gmail.com Licensed & Bonded, Buyers of Cattle
Phil & Annie Trowbridge 518.369.6584 phil@trowbridgefarms.com PJ & Miranda Trowbridge 518.755.7467 pj@trowbridgefarms.com 164 WALTERMIRE RD. GHENT, NY 12075ÊUÊwww.trowbridgefarms.com
T-BULL SALE >ÞÊÇ]ÊÓä£ÈÊUÊFEMALE SALE Sept 17, 2016
www.NY-ANGUS.com
New York Angus Association www.NY-ANGUS.com
Annual Female Sale 2nd Saturday in May
TOM & BETTY MILLER
MILLER FARMS 7326 E Tonawanda Creek Rd Lockport, NY 14094 (716) 434-3525 • (716) 870-8338 cell Est. 1979 Purebred Angus Cow/Calf operation featuring seedstock & freezer beef Bulls available every spring
THE HOMESTEAD
FARM 3442 BENJAMIN ROAD UNION SPRINGS, NY 13160 315-224-8969
TIM & MEL PALLOKAT BEEF • REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS • CROPS
SG
REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS
Michael & Leslie Riehle 4597 Lower Birch Run Road Allegany, NY 14706-9509
Home 716-373-3023 AAA# 1190457
Mike’s Cell 716-378-8575 Leslie’s Cell 716-378-0272
Skan-Tisco Farm Eric Brayman & family 1261 East Lake Road Skaneateles, NY 13152 ebrayman@hotmail.com 607-745-7568
Sara Fessner (585)752-1213 6899 Gauss Rd Bloomfield, NY 14469 Registered Angus Breeding Stock Sgangusfarm@gmail.com
Vacinek Angus Vacinek Family - Russel, Darliene, Lauren, & Lexi 12280 R te 39 •S ardinia, NY 14134 (716) 982-2788 vacinekfarm@gmail.com
Stop in anytime!
Penn State University Beef Center
3866 Kendrick Rd Sherman, NY 14781 Cell: 716-499-9596 Office: 716-761-6976
142 Orchard Road University Park, PA 16802
Wendall Landis - Manager 814-863-0831 office 814-280-7611 cell wlandispsu@gmail.com Mitch Stephens - Assistant Manager 814-762-4762 cell
BBMI Angus Jim Babcock & Family
Follow us on Facebook at Penn State Beef
www.NY-ANGUS.com
Things I wish I knew in college. Courtesy of: Sure Champ
Time is a great teacher – it gives us clarity and shows us what truly matters. As you begin this new chapter in your life as a college student, we only wish you the best of luck and are excited for what lies ahead. Here are those pearls of wisdom that come with time from industry leaders that have been there before you. “I wish I would have known just how many close friends I would make during college that supported our family through some really challenging times. The relationships that were developed during college, particularly through livestock judging, have been the single greatest asset from my educational experience.” – Brian Arnold
time in a young person’s life. The most important thing as an incoming freshmen should be to realize the importance of simply GETING THROUGH IT! Don’t make any mistakes you can’t reverse, make connections, and meet as many people as possible in your field of interest. The education in college comes through being there…not so much from class. The REAL LEARNING comes once you graduate and get in the field. A college degree simply allows you that opportunity!” – Kevin Mock
“If I could have gone back and told myself something on the first day of college, honestly I would have said “It will be okay, eventually you will love it.” Deep down, I am definitely a “homebody.” I loved every“As far as advice for classes I think the best thing about home – my family was there advice I have seems obvious, actually try to and my barn. When I got to school not only was I overwhelmed but when I had downlearn the material during lecture. It’s easy to get caught up in writing notes and then time and couldn’t go to the barn, I got homesick. For busy people, like livestock when you get done with lecture and look kids, having downtime is not fun. My advice back at your notes you have no idea what any of it means. So try to be active in class would be to always keep your schedule as full as possible to avoid that downtime.” – and learn it then instead of struggling latBailey Core er.” – Lauren Baker “On my first day of college I wish I could have reminded myself to simply ‘be myself’. I wish I knew then that eventually the new places, and faces would soon enough become the norm and before too long I would figure out where I fit in. If truth be told, I wish more than anything that I never would have let anyone talk me into an 8:00 am class! (Lesson learned, don’t fall for it you guys!) Haha! Honestly just remind yourself to be yourself, be confident and enjoy the “Drive to campus way earlier than you think college lifestyle.” – Brie Robinson you should. Traffic and parking is crazy the first few weeks, so in order to not be late “I was nervous because I really didn’t know on your first day leave extra early to acwhere I was or who was there! But I wish I count for not being able to find a parking would have known that day how many lifespot.” – Taylor Walker long friends I would make and how it truly would be a stepping-stone to my future!” “College years are a fun, developmental Miles Toenyes “I wish I would have known how far I’d go in four years, how many miles, how many new friends, how my life was going to change, how much I was going to grow as a person and as a cattleman. I wish I would have told myself to be ready and hold on tight! Cause it’s been a fun ride, the opportunities are endless if you accept them.” – Jason May
“The first day of college, I wish I would have known to get involved early. The amount of clubs, events or organizations that any campus has to offer is open to anyone that is informed and interested. In time, I got involved more and more later in my Freshmen year, but I didn’t take time to seek out certain opportunities early enough to participate in them. Overall, go to events that promote clubs and organizations, follow them on social media, or just simply ask. Find your passion, find the group with the same passion and participate in those experiences.” – Jessica Webster “I wish someone would’ve told me this. Don’t be too proud or afraid to ask for help. The people within the university or department that you’re studying in are here to help you. Helping make you successful, also makes them successful.” – Sierra Stephens “Never pass up any opportunities even if it seems insignificant. The best connections happen when you stretch your strengths.” – Ben Bobell “Looking back I wish I would’ve of enjoyed the time in school and not been so focused and stressed about judging and trying not to over cross the line between livestock and school, college is only four short years out of your entire life live in the moment!! Obviously the objective of college is to earn a degree, but there are so many more things that can be obtained while at school, the friendships and relationships forged during these years are more valuable and important than you realize.” – Brent Boland “I graduated high school with 39 other students and decided to attend the largest university in my state. So I guess you could say my first day of college was a little overwhelming. There are so many things I now wish I would have known on my first day, however the most important thing I wish I
would have known is to get out of your comfort zone. The “college thing” is new to every single freshman there too. Opportunities are not going to fall into your lap at this point. Remember you are in college to obtain a degree for a career you hopefully love someday. Make sure you treat each day as an opportunity to make your future plans become a reality.” – Allie Doise “College was one of the best times of my life, but it went by way too fast, and then it was time for the real world. Be sure to do things you won’t be able to do as easily when you have a real job. Take advantage of opportunities available with classes, clubs, extracurricular, travel and life. Use your electives to learn about something new. Keep yourself busy if you’re used to being busy. A part-time job is okay too. The one I had led me into the direction of my occupation even though it wasn’t what I originally wanted to do.” – Jennifer Carrico “This time of year definitely takes me back to my college days at SDSU in Brookings and I was just saying the other day what I wouldn’t give to go back to college. Maybe not so much for the tests and studying, but for sure the college town atmosphere and the network I built while I was there, and maybe even some of the opportunities I didn’t take advantage of and let pass me by. So for all of you in college, take advantage of every opportunity presented to you…big or small…do it all, you will NEVER say I wish I wouldn’t have been on the livestock judging team or I wish I wouldn’t have applied for that summer internship or I wish I wouldn’t have worked in the meat lab in my free time. One of the biggest things I wish I would have known in college is just how many budgets I was going to have to balance and how even as an ag journalism and Animal Science major, how numbers would be such a big part of my job. So my advice to you, no matter what your major is be sure and take a business course or two. There are many days here at my office that I wish I would have paid a little more attention in accounting and not just gotten by. You will never regret putting forth a little more effort, getting involved in campus activities, applying for the extra internship and stepping outside your comfort zone. Your college career goes fast and
before you know it you are in the real world with major life decisions to make. Work hard, get involved, have fun and enjoy 4 of the best years of your life.” – Amy Cowan
tion from home to college life so much easier because walking into a large class or through campus, there have been so many familiar and friendly faces. I’ve also learned that dorm rooms are really small and have tiny closets, which creates challenges for a “College is the perfect time to try new things, meet new people and expand your girl like me. College is like your show procomfort level. Moving to a new town with jects, you’ll get out what you put in.” – thousands of people from all different back- Makenzie Standlee grounds will really challenge you, but make the most of it by allowing it to both open “One thing my uncle taught my sister and I your mind and solidify your values. The is to treat school like an 8-5 job. Study and connections you make with friends and go to class and do homework, etc during professors while in college are so valuable that time frame and after that you have as these become the people that will be time to hang out with friends and do fun most helpful to you once you graduate and activities rather than procrastinating to do start your career. Make the most of every assignments. I wish I would have utilized interaction by always putting your best self https://www.myedu.com/ far more than I forward!” – Kristi Bishop did to see what profs were best/easier in certain subjects. You don’t have to buy every book (especially buy anything new) be“I think one thing I wish I would have cause there are many other resources to known on my first day of college is that structure is not everything. The more flexi- use. Kindle seven day free trials, Google, library resources (you can loan), rent a ble you can be, the more it will pay off in book from Chegg. Ask for the extra points, the end. In college, you’re building your teachers can do whatever they want with network that your whole life will depend on. It’s made up of people, places, memo- grades so push for the grade that you deries and tangible things. Flexibility is KEY in serve. Become friends with your academic advisor. They can use one class for multiple the agriculture industry and learning how to adapt and navigate those challenges that credits, so be their friend and meet with come up will serve you well in your future. them once a semester to make sure that everything is on track!” – Bethan Nolan If not option A, then option B– and here’s why the world is not ending! It’s ok if you don’t get an A on that test, you’ll get it next time and you’ll learn from it! Get involved and take opportunities AND give back to those organizations that mean most to you. You’ll be glad you did!” – Malorie Bankhead “That college, and your 20’s, flies by so quickly and you never get another chance at it so you need to make the most of it. Wear yourself out. Take all sorts of courses and expose yourself to all sorts of uncomfortable situations. Challenge yourself to be better and to get outside of your routine. There’s plenty of time for routines after you move on.” – Craig Reiter “I am a freshman at West Texas A&M University and the one thing I wished I had known when I went to college is that there would be so many people here that I had previously met either through FFA activities or at Livestock shows. It’s made the transi-
Success in Seattle
2015 LEAD Conference “NJAA members travel to Washington to experience agriculture in the northwest.”
By Nicole Lane, Angus Media editorial intern The Leaders Engaged in Angus Development conference, commonly known as LEAD, is a four-day event that brings together National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members from across the nation to learn about leadership development, agriculture and what life is like in other parts of the country. This year, more than 110 NJAA members ranging in age from 14 to 21 years old traveled to Seattle, Wash., Aug. 6-9 to take part in the annual event sponsored by the Angus Foundation. “This year’s theme was ‘Success in Seattle’ and it was so much fun getting to explore the city with our Angus juniors and watch them experience new parts of the country, while learning about leadership and building friendships for years to come,” says Jaclyn Clark, American Angus Association director of events and education. While in Washington, participants visited the famous Pike’s Place Market, toured the Space Needle and spent time on the beach. They also traveled to Taylor Shellfish Farms and Bellwood Acres, an apple orchard and distillery. When not exploring all that the Pacific Northwest had to offer, the juniors attended leadership workshops and heard from industry experts and motivational speakers. Eric Fernandez, a first-generation Angus producer from Pine Mountain, Ga., says his desire to learn more about the breed is what brought him to the LEAD conference. At 18 years old, he was one of the older members of the group but said he felt like a rookie, since it was his first time at the conference. However, he said it was worth it to gain technical and leadership skills to take home to his herd. “This was a great opportunity for me to travel to Seattle and meet over 100 like-minded people who share the same common goal of improving ourselves and our cattle,” Fernandez said. “I really enjoyed the Genex presentation, as it taught me all the opportunities available, specifically to juniors, to learn more about genetic technologies and hands-on training in artificial insemination techniques.” A day on the farm The home of Taylor Shellfish Farms is in the shallow Samish bay, where a lighthouse made
completely from oyster shells — the only one in the world — resides. Nicole Gilmore, a farm employee, explained to the group that shellfish farming is just like any other type of farm. The Taylor family uses tractors, plants their shellfish in rows and works to protect their crop from predators. They are the largest producer of farmed shellfish in the United States, and operate a business of nearly 500 employees and 11,000 acres of tidelands along the Washington coast and British Columbia. They also operate additional hatchery and nursery facilities in Hawaii and California, a shellfish distribution business in Hong Kong, and are partners growing Fiji Pearls with J. Hunter Pearls Fiji Ltd. Angus juniors participating in the LEAD conference were able to walk out into the bay, where the shellfish were growing and handle harvested live product. “I’ve never seen anything like it, being from the Midwest,” says retired National Junior Angus Board (NJAB) Leadership Director Jessica Radcliffe from Weston, Wis. “It was a great way for the juniors to see an industry of farming that they probably aren’t used to, and that’s what we want to relay to them — that we are all involved in agriculture, no matter what product you are producing.” A short drive north brought the group to Bellewood Acres and Distillery, a family-owned apple orchard and processing facility. John and Dorie Belisle, who planted the initial orchard in 1996 with the intention of producing wholesale apples, operate the farm. No longer wholesale with more than 25,000 fruit trees, the orchard is one of the largest U-Pick operations in western Washington. In addition to the apples, they produce numerous value-added products including apple cider, peanut butter, dried apple chips and distilled apple spirits. During their visit, juniors were able to tour the orchard and distillery learning how the farm uses apples in various ways for their customers. The LEAD conference is coordinated by the NJAB, who led team-building activities, leadership workshops and encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones and meet new friends. Attendees also attended seminars on the Certified Angus Beef® brand, cattle genetics, artificial insemination and marketing presented by industry professionals.
Juniors enjoyed a presentation by Josh Shipp, an entertainer and motivational speaker, who taught them to triumph over hardships in life. The group also received conversational training from Madlynn Ruble, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), on how to advocate for beef. “LEAD is really life-changing and you get to meet a lot of people and have experiences that you will never get from any other association or club,” said Alana Eisenhour of Wellsville, Pa. “The greatest thing is being able to leave a better leader, advocate and well-rounded person by having these experiences.” For more information on the LEAD conference or other opportunities for Angus youth, visit www.ANGUS.org.
Katharine Wesche, Shortsville, represented New York at the 2015 LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) Conference, Aug. 6-9 in Seattle, Wash. A total of 136 juniors from 29 states and Canada attended the conference, “Success in Seattle,” where they enhance leadership and interpersonal skills while learning more about the beef industry. Photo by Carrie Horsley, American Angus Association.
Make Walton’s Way, Your Way Travis Walton Linwood, NY 14486 • (585) 703-1476 TravisSTS9860@gmail.com TravisSTS9860@gmail.com
Always offering our genetics for sale. Stop by and visit anytime! - Walton Family
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Texas native to lead the nation’s largest beef breed organization Allen Moczygemba, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is the new chief executive officer of the American Angus Association, effective Dec. 1, 2015. Moczygemba will serve as the chief executive officer for the American Angus Association and for each of the Association’s subsidiaries: Angus Productions Inc., Certified Angus Beef LLC, Angus Genetics Inc. and the Angus Foundation. He will also be responsible for implementing the Association’s long-term strategic objectives and leading a team of more than 200 employees. The Association Board of Directors announced the decision today. “This is a great day for the American Angus Association and the Angus breed,” said Steve Olson, Association president. “Allen not only brings a fresh, strategic vision to our organization, but also a detail-oriented, hands-on approach to leadership that will ensure our resources are focused on continuing to grow demand
for Angus genetics and the Certified Angus Beef brand.” Moczygemba possesses nearly three decades of experience in the cattle business, managing business units, overseeing brands and building strategic relationships across the beef industry. He most recently served as vice president of marketing for Advanced Animal Diagnostics, a tech company developing onfarm animal-health diagnostic platforms. While serving as beef segment marketing director for Zoetis Animal Health and Pfizer Animal Health, he developed partnerships with organizations such as the American Quarter Horse Association, CattleFax, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He managed Progressive Beef, a program of standard operating procedures for the fed cattle sector that includes an independent third-party audit. The program’s standards align closely with major retailers, such as Performance Food Group. Moczygemba also was senior vice president for Farm Journal Database Strategies
and vice president for Farm Journal Livestock Group, where he was publisher of Beef Today and Dairy Today magazines. “AAA enjoys a long and successful history in developing innovative ways to advance the Angus breed,” Moczygemba said. “I am excited about helping to write the next chapter for the breed and blazing new trails of opportunity for our members.” Moczygemba received his degree in 1987 in agriculture communications from Southwest Texas State University. He and his wife, Venetta, have two sons, Lane and Ross. Courtesy of: The Stock Exchange
Q&A with Allen Moczygemba American Angus Association’s new CEO talks about Angus and what members can expect as he takes the reins of the organization. Q: First, how do you pronounce your name? A: “I get that a lot… It’s ‘Mitch-ehgemba.’” Q: Tell us about your background. A: “I’m a fourth-generation Texan who grew up on a commercial cow-calf operation in south Texas. I graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in agricultural communications in 1987 and have spent nearly three decades in agribusiness and the cattle business, working in different sectors to oversee teams and lead brands, manage business units and build strategic relationships across the
beef industry. My wife, Venetta, and I have two grown sons, Lane and Ross. Our boys live in Texas and are both in the final year of receiving their MBAs.” Q: Why are you interested in serving as the CEO of the American Angus Association? A: “For starters, it’s the American Angus Association — the most successful cattle breed association in the world. “Second, I feel that my collaborative leadership style and management skills will be a good fit for the Association. “And, finally, my business background allows me to bring a different perspective to American
Angus, which I believe will be beneficial as the Association begins work on updating the Long-Range Strategic Plan and creating new opportunities for growth in the years ahead. I’ve had the opportunity to work for market leaders such as Farm Journal Media and Pfizer Animal Health/ Zoetis, which I believe has prepared me well for my new role with the American Angus Association.” Q: How do you plan to grow demand for registered Angus seedstock? A: “While there’s been a tremendous amount of growth in demand for Angus cattle in the
past decade, we must continue to grow relevance for everyone from seedstock to commercial users. A high priority will be to develop a more comprehensive focus that creates more value through the chain, especially at the commercial level. We need to continue exploring how to reach commercial ranchers and providing meaningful programs and services for commercial cattlemen that are technologically based. We need to create a data stream from the packer back to the feeder and ultimately to the ranch to ensure that we have all of the information that producers need to make informed decisions about genetics, breeding decisions, etc.”
marvel at the breadth of influence that Angus has across the entire cattle industry. What the American Angus Association does impacts all the various sectors of the cattle business. And while that’s good for Angus and all of our members, it also carries with it a large measure of responsibility because our decisions and actions will ultimately have more influence on the US cattle industry than any other organization.
Q: What should people expect from your style of leadership? A: “My leadership style is built upon collaboration, building consensus and ultimately creating a culture of empowerment that is energized by Q: What do you think is the Association’s a shared vision. It’s also very important to greatest strength? A: “Without a doubt me that all views or perspectives have a it’s the members and staff and their reseat at the table and not be excluded from lentless commitment to improvement of having input.” not only the Angus breed but also the beef Q: You came from outside the Associaindustry as a whole.” tion. Why is that an advantage? A: “I have Q: What surprises you most about AAA? a diverse background and that allows me A: “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised by it, but I to bring a different — and I think broader
perspective — to American Angus. In turn, that allows me to see new opportunities. I’ve worked for some great organizations that have provided me a myriad of experience. I feel like all of those experiences have prepared me specifically for my new role at the Association.” Q: What do you want people to know about you? A: “First, I’m honored and humbled to be selected to lead such an outstanding organization. I really do understand and appreciate the legacy and heritage of the American Angus Association — and everything it’s meant to the beef industry. It’s important that we continue to build on this legacy, and make economic conditions even better for our members as we move forward. “Second, folks will see that I’m fair in both how I manage and in my decision-making process. I know that everyone is not going to agree with every decision that I make; however, I’m confident that people will see that I consider all viewpoints equally and fairly.”
JSK Livestock Sale Report Top Selling Females
Top Selling Bulls
Lot 1 SAV Emblyenette 8892, a daughter of SAV 8180 Traveler 004, sold for $7000 to Riga View Farm, Salisbury, CT Lot 18 JSK Garret’s Lass 1002, a daughter of Connealy Danny Boy, sold for $6500 to Alex & JoEllen Netherton, Las Animas, CO Lot 24 JSK Donna 2176, a daughter of OCC Paxton 730P, sold for $6250 to Salem Cross Farm, W Brookfield, MA Lot 4 VDAR Lass 8613, a daughter of SAV 8180 Traveler 004, sold for $5500 to Keith & Evelyn Van Dyke, Manhattan, MT Lot 20 Riverbend Donna X246, a daughter of N Bar Shadow X4124, sold for $5500 to Riverbend Farm, McDowell, VA Lot 21 JSK Donna 1RT1, a daughter of Leachman Right Time, sold for $5500 to Alex & JoEllen Netherton, Las Animas, CO
Lot 84 WRA Mirror Image Z11, a son of WRA Mirror Image T10 sold for $11,000 to Walbridge Farm, Millbrook, NY Lot 83 McCumber Paxton 0108, a son of OCC Paxton 730P, sold for $6250 to Fenton Farms, Stiglar, OK
AMERICAN ANGUS ASSN. ANNOUNCES THE TEN NEW YORK BREEDERS WHO REGISTERED THE MOST ANGUS
T
he 10 producers who registered the most Angus beef cattle in the state of New York recorded a total of 545 Angus with the American Angus Association® during fiscal year 2015, which ended Sept. 30, according to Richard Wilson, Association interim chief executive officer. The 10 top recorders in New York are: J S K Livestock Inc, Millbrook; Trowbridge Farms Inc, Ghent; Maple Avenue Farms, Earlville; Angus Hill, Randolph; Hidden Acres Ranch, Amsterdam; Rally Farms, Millbrook; Mark D Welytok, Canastota; Richard Brown, Port Byron; Mountain Hollow Ranch, Madrid; Ken & Pat Worden, Windsor. Angus breeders across the nation in 2015 registered 320,362 head of Angus cattle. “Our growth this fiscal year continues to demonstrate strong demand for Angus genetics and solidifies our long
-held position as a leader in the beef ty beef for consumers. For more inforcattle industry,” Wilson says. “These re- mation about Angus cattle and the Assosults underscore our members’ commit- ciation, visit www.ANGUS.org. ment to providing genetic solutions to the beef cattle industry.” ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. The Association provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quali-
Trowbridge Farms Annual Female Production Sale Report It was a beautiful warm fall day in Ghent, New York, for the Trowbridge Farms Annual Female Production Sale, held on September 19th. Buyers both in the stands and online were able to acquire some the best females available. Top-Selling Open Heifer, owned by Trowbridge Angus. Lot 1: Trowbridge Pure Pride 514, a daughter of PVF Insight 0129 and purchased by Kipar Farms of Meshoppen, PA for $20,000.00 half interest. Top-Selling Breed Cow, owned by Mud Creek and Trowbridge Angus. Lot 50: Boyd Forever Lady 2144 a daughter of S A V 8180 Traveler 004, due to calve 9/28/2015 to Bobcat Black Diamond and purchased by Werner Angus of Cordova, IL for $7,500.00.
Top-Selling Bred Heifers, owned by Trowbridge Angus. Lot 24: Trowbridge Pure Pride 368, a daughter of Connealy Confidence 0100, due to calve 11/5/2015 to Trowbridge Zyler 277 and purchased by Hoffman Ranches of Thedford, NE for $7,500.00. Top-Selling Fall Pair, owned by Trowbridge Angus. Lot 30: Trowbridge Lady Jaye Z142, a daughter of Connealy Consensus 7229, with a calf by SAV Recharge 3436 born 9/1/2015. This pair was purchased by Tom Boyan of NY for $8,500.00. Top-Selling Spring Pair, owned by Trowbridge Angus. Lot 53: Trowbridge Rosa A211, a daughter of PA Power Tool 9108 and purchased by Hargis Farm of Rocky
Face, GA for $4,500.00. Her calf sire by Schiefelbein HD 1241 was purchased by Mason Farm of Cape Vincent, NY for $3,400.00. Top-Selling Embyros, owned by Trowbridge Angus. Lot XX: Trowbridge Hazel 311 x RB Tour of Duty 177, was purchased by George Blevins of Butler, TN for $2,700.00.
Sale Gross: $378,750.00 Sale Average: $6,108.00 Sale Managers: Rance Long and American Angus Hall of Fame Auctioneer: Jim Birdwell
8th Annual Joint Production Sale
A beautiful late September day in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, in the heart of the New York wine country, was the backdrop for the 8th Annual Joint Production Sale at Tullyfergus Angus in Lyons. Buyers on the seats and online acquired some elite Angus genetics on the 26th. Top-Selling female was, KEM 875 of Woodlawn, a 3/7/05 daughter of BCC Bushwacker 41-93. The Tullyfergus Angus female sold exposed to WRA Mirror Image Z11 to Lowry Angus and ErReR Hill Farm of Pennsylvania at $5,250.00. Top-Selling Pair was sold by Walbridge Farm. Walbridge Queen
971, a 9/18/09 daughter of 21AR Coal Bank C014 sold with a heifer calf by PSU Joe 541 032 and bred to BRF Lut 87. She was selected by New Penn Farms, Truxton, NY at $3,900. Top-Selling Bred Heifers were sold by Kelleys Stock Farm , Camden, NY. They were both daughters of Kelleys Traveler 33Y and safe to Kelleys Final Answer 13Z and sold to New Penn Farm, Truxton, NY at $2,800 each. Top-Selling Open Heifer was Tullyfergus Erica 155. The 2/16/15 daughter of JSK Galileo 1322 from Tullyfergus Angus sold to Artisean Farms, Highland, NY at $2,900.00
Sale Gross: $241, 810.00 Spring Pairs Averaged: $3,300.00 Fall Bred Cows Averaged: $3,275.00 Spring Bred Cows Averaged: $2,994.00 Bred Heifers Averaged: $2,350.00 Open Heifers Averaged: $2,320.00 Commercial Pairs Averaged: $2,420.00 Commercial Bred Heifers Averaged: $2,464.00 Hybrid Bred Heifers Averaged: $1,542.00 Commercial Feeder Steers Averaged: $1,195.00 Commercial Heifers Calves Averaged: $1,100.00
NEW YORK BEEF PRODUCERS’ ASSOCIATION 290 FOUR ROD ROAD, ALDEN, NEW YORK 14004 716-902-4305 716-870-2777 Email: nybeefproducers@aol.com website: www.nybpa.org
NYBPA Annual Meeting, Winter Conferences, Awards Banquet and Trade Show January 22-23, 2016 Double Tree Hotel, 6301 St. Rte. 298, East Syracuse, NY 13057 Our Theme is “Using Antibiotics Responsibly for Cattle Care and Meeting Consumer Expectations” We are also holding a concurrent session on Saturday: Beef 101- which will cover: Handling Facilities/Fencing, Nutrition, Herd Health-vaccinations, worming & disease, Calving & Breeding, Pasture Management, Record Keeping and analysis, and Marketing. You can be involved in both sessions, Schedule and Registration Forms available on the web site www.nybpa.org under Winter Conference tab, or contact Brenda Bippert at nybeefproducers@aol. com. Trade Show and Conference Sessions run from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Friday evening January 22 at 8:00 PM Special quest Rick Haines, from The Independent Ag Network, Twin Falls, Idahoe will be talking about the voice of Midwestern Agriculture and the importance of Rural America in Agriculture. Make plans to attend this exciting weekend. The NY Junior Beef Producers will be having their Annual Semen Auction on Saturday January 23 during Lunch at approximately 12:30 PM. The Jr. Fundraising committee has worked very hard to put together a Great line up of semen for sale. Phone bids also accepted. A complete list of Bulls will be on the web site www.nybpa.org under the Youth tab.
Upcoming Events December 1- Jr Points Due to Mike Shanahan December 5- Trwobridge Feeder Calf Sale, Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange December 25- Merry Christmas from the NYBPA Executive Council 2016 January 1, 2016- HAPPY NEW YEAR January 4- Pre-Registration for Winter Conferences and Hotel Reservations Due January 22- Winter Conference Session #1 and NYBPA Annual Meeting January 23- Winter Conference Session #2 and NYBPA Awards Banquet January 24- NYBPA Council Meeting all at Double Tree Hotel, E. Syracuse, NY January 31- NYBPA 2016 Dues- due February 4-6 Western NY Farm Show Hamburg, NY February 25-27- NY Farm Show Syracuse, NY
New for 2016
“NYBPA Elite Female Sale” Saturday, May 7, 2016 In conjunction with Trowbridge Bull Sale Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange Canandaigua, NY Offering a Quality Selection of Purebred and Commercial Females including Open Heifers, Bred Females and Cow/calf pairs. For information on the sale or to consign contact: Andy Hoelscher- 716-597-8295 or Chris Dermody- 585-245-4843
Join the NYBPA Today! For only $30.00 a year. For information or application contact Brenda Bippert at nybeefproducers@aol.com. Don’t Delay Join Today!!
Joint Production Bull Sale Date May 21, 2015
(Always 3rd Saturday in May)
Location
Time
Tullyfergus Angus 8974 Lyons Marengo Rd. Lyons, NY 14489
1:00 PM
Sale Participants Tullyfergus Angus, Lyons • Fleur de Lis Farms, Seneca Falls McCracken Vu Angus, Piffard • Kelley's Stock Farm, Camden Walbridge Farms, Millbrook • Gibson Family Farms, Valley Falls Thanks to all who came and supported our female production sale, we wish everyone continued success with their purchases! Selling 30 breeding age Angus bulls backed by proven producing cow families. Performance and EPD information available soon. Sound, functional herdsires with gentle dispositions and longevity built in.
For more Information: Robert Groom 315-573-2569 robert@angus.us
rowbridge Angus wins inaugural CAB Ambassador Award “It’s not like we’re stopping by with two The cattleman has a little bit of a homepeople to have a cup of coffee,” Walen-
court advantage when it comes to con-
ciak says. “We’re bringing 100 meat
necting with consumers, because his rural
cutters from Price Chopper grocery
setting is becoming more urban all the time.
store and we’re stopping by for six
“There are 20 or 30 neighbors who adjoin
hours. You’ve got to be up for the chal-
our farms that are second home owners.
lenge.” And they always are. The neatly They come up Friday night and leave Monmanicured farm sits nestled among
day morning,” he says, noting that his family
eastern New York’s rolling hills. The
is always cognizant that those residents
small pastures where 250 registered
come for the quiet. “We don’t wean calves
cows graze are sprinkled between
on weekends or we don’t drive through
wooded areas that reveal their true
their driveway, we find another way in and
beauty each autumn, along with many
out.”
“country homes” that city dwellers flock to each weekend. The Catskill Mountain Most cattlemen don’t find themselves displaying bulls in a suburban grocery store parking lot or hosting meat cutters in their pastures, but that’s become as routine to Phil Trowbridge and his son PJ as breeding cows or clipping sale bulls. “Anytime we call Phil, and ask for anything—and we ask for some crazy things—he’s always game,” says Deanna Walenciak, Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand marketing director. Trowbridge Angus Farms, Ghent, N.Y., received the inaugural CAB Ambassador Award for a continual willingness to go above and beyond when hosting groups and representing the brand. Phil and Annie Trowbridge traveled to the CAB annual conference Sept. 24 to 26 in San Antonio, Texas. There they accepted the award on behalf of the family which includes daughterin-law Miranda (PJ’s wife) and the couple’s two daughters; daughter and son-in-law Amy and Michael Alix and their two kids.
range sits off in the distance.
Trowbridge takes the same care with his land and livestock, and hopes he is passing that lesson on to his kids and grandkids. “I
“We really need virtually no notice. We’re
can’t impress on them enough that I want
kind of ready all the time. That’s just our
them to take responsibility for what they’re
mentality,” says Trowbridge. It’s not so
doing and I want them to feel very proud of
much about keeping up the picturesque
what they’ve accomplished,” he says. Scott
scenery as it is just part of an overarching
Yelle, vice president of merchandising and
philosophy. “We’re committed to quality,
marketing for Sysco Connecticut, brought
no matter what we do,” he says. “We have
his entire sales force to the Trowbridge
horses, we have dogs, we have cattle, we
farm for a training last summer. He says
have grandkids; whatever we do, we really
that mindset was evident, and carried over
concentrate on having quality experiences.” to the 75 or more attendees. In addition to hosting CAB groups, Trow-
“It gives them some emotion tied to the
bridge runs an internship program and
story, feeling like, ‘Wow, I see where this is
opens his doors to college classes, to Na-
coming from,’” Yelle says. “We don’t always
tional Cattlemen’s Beef Association guests
get to see the product; we sell the box. This
and many others. “It’s become something
gives them confidence in selling CAB and
we look forward to,” he says, noting he
real sense of ownership and pride.” Con-
learns from the visitors as well. When Trow- necting with an Angus producer gave the bridge does customer meetings, he says,
brand a face, and that’s motivating, he says.
“It’s helped us a lot on how to know the ins
“Phil is a great story teller and people just
and outs of how the whole system works.”
gravitated toward him.” When people leave the farm, they have their own stories
of seeing a farm firsthand. Some are told in
shock: ‘Do they do this often?,’” Trowbridge
restaurant kitchens as a sales person closes says, noting the wakeup call was mutual. “I the deal, and others are told from behind a
didn’t realize that there were some people
meat counter as an urban mom tries to
that just assumed cattle were in a feedlot
make a supper selection.
all the time.” It’s moments like these that
Still others make their way to the pages that millions will read. On two separate occasions, Trowbridge hosted food journalists who write for publications such as The New York Times and Bon Appetit. One reporter made an impression with her first impression. “She was an extremely well-
inspire Trowbridge to keep opening up the farm gates. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to bring every consumer to the farm,” the breeder says. Each year, one-by-one, he’s getting a little closer to that than most ever will. Note to Reader: For a video overview of
educated, knowledgeable person but when Trowbridge Angus Farms, visit https:// she saw cattle on green grass she was like in www.youtube.com/watch?v=idz5RgFHJiY
Animal Welfare is a Top Priority for America’s Beef Producers Courtesy of: Facts About Beef
Animal welfare is a contentious and passionate issue, but most importantly, a number one priority for the dedicated farmers and ranchers of the United States. The truth is that farmers and ranchers are just like you – they care about providing the highest standards of animal welfare for their livestock and are committed to preventing animal abuse.
an animal and I don’t think any punishment used animal handling facility design known would be severe enough to make up for as the Serpentine ramp, or “S ramp.” In an what they did.” effort to improve the handling of animals, this curved, s-shaped ramp allowed reduced For all farmers and ranchers, like Adam, stress to livestock by taking advantage of there are a host of research-based standnatural cattle behaviors. The S-ramp is just ards that farmers and ranchers adhere to one example of a method that farmers and each day ensure their animals are well ranchers use to abide by care and handling cared for. Healthy animals are the key to codes, to ensure a high standard of animal safe beef. welfare. Many farmers and ranchers complete aniPrograms like BQA provide farmers and mal welfare programs which provide them ranchers with best practices on transporting with the tools and education to ensure cattle by avoiding undue stress caused by proper cattle care. For example, the Beef overcrowding, excess time in transit or imQuality Assurance (BQA) program offers upproper handling during loading and unloadto-date, scientifically-proven best manageing. While transporting cattle, farmers and ment practices. In 2003, the BQA program ranchers are careful to abide by the code developed The Cattle Industry’s Guidelines and sometimes they will even hire a livefor the Care and Handling of Cattle, making stock specialist to train other employees An example of a serpentine ramp or “S ramp” it very clear that “persons who willfully mishow to properly handle cattle with quality developed by Dr. Temple Grandin treat animals will not be tolerated.” Feeding assured methods. and nutrition, health care, handling and Farmers and ranchers are quick to condemn transportation are just a few of the areas As animal caretakers, farmers and ranchers any type of animal abuse. Adam Navinskey, addressed by the code. are highly concerned about their livestock. a beef and crop farmer from Kansas, exTheir animals are their livelihood, and they plained, “When I see animal abuse on TV or In the 1980’s Dr. Temple Grandin, professor are committed to providing a comfortable, of animal science at Colorado State Univerthe Internet, it makes me wonder what is safe environment throughout the beef sity, and consultant to the livestock industry wrong with these people? I don’t underlifecycle. stand how someone can consciously abuse on animal behavior, invented a now widely
USDA Announces New Commitments To Help Build Up Next Generation Of Farmers And Ranchers Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Harden also announced a new, tailored web tool designed to connect burgeoning farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started. “Today’s announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge, has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future,” said Harden. “No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.” The new web tool is available at www.usda.gov/ newfarmers. The site was designed based on feedback from new and beginning farmers and ranchers around the country, who cited unfamiliarity with programs and resources as a challenge to starting and expanding their operations. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner needs to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner. By answering a series of questions about their
operation, farmers can use the site’s Discovery Tool to build a personalized set of recommendations of USDA programs and services that may meet their needs. Using the new web tool and other outreach activities, and operating within its existing resources, USDA has set a new goal of increasing beginning farmer and rancher participation by an additional 6.6 percent across key USDA programs, which were established or strengthened by the 2014 Farm Bill, for a total investment value of approximately $5.6 billion. Programs were targeted for expanded outreach and commitment based on their impact on expanding opportunity for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, including starting or expanding an operation, developing new markets, supporting more effective farming and conservation practices, and having access to relevant training and education opportunities. USDA will provide quarterly updates on its progress towards meeting its goal. A full explanation of the investment targets, benchmarks and outcomes is available at: BFR-Commitment-Factsheet. Deputy Secretary Harden made the announcements during remarks to more than 60,000 attendees at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The National FFA Organization is the largest youth organization in the United States, and focuses on preparing students for a wide range of careers in agriculture, agribusiness and other agriculture-related occupations. As the average age of the American farmer now exceeds 58 years, and data shows that almost 10 percent of farmland in the continental United
States will change hands in the next five years, we have no time to lose in getting more new farmers and ranchers established. Equally important is encouraging young people to pursue careers in industries that support American agriculture. According to an employment outlook report released by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University, one of the best fields for new college graduates is agriculture. Nearly 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings are expected annually in the United States for the next five years, yet only 35,000 graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields are expected to be available to fill them. The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States. USDA recently released a series of fact sheets showcasing the impact of women in agriculture nationwide. Today’s announcement builds on USDA’s ongoing work to engage its resources to inspire a strong next generation of farmers and ranchers by improving access to land and capital; building market opportunities; extending conservation opportunities; offering appropriate risk management tools; and increasing outreach and technical support. To learn more about USDA’s efforts, visit the Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Results Page.
BY: PAUL TROWBRIDGE The view this month is not from the tractor seat but the shop floor. I am trying to come up with a way to recycle old pallets I guess my wording is wrong my first wife just stopped by the shop and informed me I was not recycling them but repurposing them. Anyway take a pallet put it on the floor and draw 2 lines from the top middle to the bottom outside corner one line on each side than cut along the lines and when you stand it up you have a wonderful four foot Christmas tree take the rest of the pallet and put in the wood stove to heat the shop while you try and figure out how many of these Christmas trees you need to decorate your yard no problem if you make a mistake it all helps to keep
the shop warm. I am also repurposing old horseshoes I have accumulated you can make just about anything your imagination can come up with from pumpkins to Christmas trees to wreaths to key hangers. The bees have been loving this great fall weather but as we know we still might have to pay for this gorgeous weather it is less than 26 weeks till spring but they could be very long weeks. While the ground is not frozen yet we have to mulch our parsnips and salsify so we can dig them in the spring we have left some carrots in the ground and mulched them also than if we get a break in the weather half way thru winter we will dig them for a real treat. Our chickens are winding down on their egg laying and
starting to molt every year is the same and as soon as the days start to get longer just like us they will start to perk up.
Thx For Readen Paul P.S. Our lives or just like a wheel barrow it will not go anyplace unless we push it
We’ve got a sick calf ! By Melissa Brewer, Communications Director, Certified Angus Beef LLC October, 2015 Caring for cattle can be rewarding work, even while it presents great challenges that make each day unique. Their health comes first, so you balance your days with a foundation of preventive practices and readiness to act quickly if anything starts to go wrong. Riding herd on brand reputation and issues management is not much different; it just takes constant vigilance and attention to the latest conversations. You may think your day on the farm or ranch is going to be spent building fence, but when you check the herd on the way and see a sick calf, your focus changes. Immediately, you act to diagnose and treat, perhaps calling in the vet and considering if this is an isolated incident while doing all you can to nurse the animal back to good health. The same kind of thing happens here as the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand communications team heads to the office with one intention, only to be deterred by the latest media coverage, riddled with misinformation about our industry or the brand. Take for instance a recent story by Consumer Reports about the safety of ground beef, leaving readers worried about beef that is conventionally raised. The story included helpful points like cooking to 160o F and washing hands, but it also suggested grass-fed and organic were safer and more sustainable, based on misinterpretations and details taken out of context. Our day – our week – immediately changed course as we began to monitor wider media coverage and prepare facts we could share with our thousands of retail and restaurant partners to put the story into context and arm them with information to answer customer questions. We worked closely with other experts from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the North American Meat Institute, just as you would consult your vet. Together, we sized up the situation, evaluated what tools to use (key messages, videos, infographics, statements from experts), and chose strategies for immediate and long-term responses. We also began more intense monitoring of traditional and social media conversations to keep on top of what consumers were saying. Thankfully, the software and online world provides the tools we needed to watch conversations unfold in “real time” so we could respond quickly if necessary. It was a big story the day it broke, gaining immediate traction in the news before settling back to a simmer. Although it’s quiet on a back burner, we watch that pulse in case it rears up and we need to respond. Days on the farm or at the CAB office aren’t always spent putting out fires, of course. Those underlying preventive strategies ensure good health as our communications team works to prevent or lessen the impact of unhealthy “buzz.” That takes proactive communication on the topics consumers have questions about today (think antibiotic resistance, hormones, genetically modified feeds). As the world’s conversation goes on, we keep strategizing the balance we need to help all of our brand partners remain ready for their day. For the most part, we work with others to tell consumers how beef is raised. For example, we support and rely on the multi-organization U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance and its FoodDialogues.com, a rich resource written especially for consumers who likely have never been on a farm. Several other proactive resources, like FactsAboutBeef.com and MeatMythCrushers.com, provide more technical information for a different audience, like our licensed foodservice and retail partners. Part of preparing for each day’s potential information challenges is knowing all the audiences and different messages that need to be conveyed. As your ranch grows, you have several generations and employees who bring different expertise and need different tools. At CAB, we think about each of our “families” of partners and how they overlap. All need to know how we’re dealing with an “illness” or topic, but each may all need to know something else, so they can best understand what it means to their role in marketing your beef. Our messages to farmers and ranchers may differ a bit from what we say to our retailers and restaurants, and all of those may differ just a little from what a consumer wants and needs to know. That’s OK. It’s a good thing. But, it takes time, energy and strategy to work through those logistics before an issue hits and everything exists in the same digital world. Cattle care isn’t always easy, but it’s a rewarding key to your success. Constant vigilance and planning is critical in maintaining a healthy herd – and a vibrant brand.
Angus Champions at the 2015 New York State Fair
Angus entries competed for top honors at the 2015 New York State Fair Angus Show, September 2 in Syracuse, N.Y. John Hausner, Dover, Pa., evaluated the 101 entries, which included 68 females, 20 bulls, 12 cow-calf pairs and one steer. WBB Minor 1524 claimed grand champion bull honors. W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y., owns the April 2014 son of Boyd Signature 1014. He first claimed junior champion. HWK Zaras Impression 2B was named reserve grand champion bull. Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y., owns March 2014 son of Dameron First Impression that earlier won reserve junior champion. Kelleys Beauty 933 8B captured grand champion female and junior champion for Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y. She’s an April 2014 daughter of Silveiras Style 9303. Kelsey Librock, Gasport, N.Y., claimed reserve grand champion female. LL Miss Lass is a June 2014 daughter of Hoover Dam and first won intermediate champion. WF Mr Curly won grand champion steer for Katharine Wesche, Shortsville, N.Y. He is an April 2014 son of Trowbridge Youngly 134. Windy Point Angus, Potsdam, N.Y., owns the grand champion cow-calf pair. P S Burgess 875 014 is a February 2010 daughter of O C C Missing Link 830M. A March 2015 bull calf sired by TEX New Design 2729 completes the winning pair.
Grand Champion Bull
Grand Champion Cow Calf Pair
Grand Champion Female
Reserve Champion Bull
Reserve Champion Female
Reserve Champion Cow Calf Pair
A complete list of winners follows: 2015 NEW YORK STATE FAIR ANGUS SHOW SYRACUSE, NEW YORK Total number shown: 101 Judge: John Hausner, Dover, Pa. HEIFERS 68 Shown Junior Heifer Calf Champion: Lucky Lane Sasha 521 Exhibitor: Elizabeth Luckman, Barker, N.Y. Reserve Junior Heifer Calf Champion: WBB Miranda 105 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Senior Heifer Calf Champion: Walbridge Elela 483 Exhibitor: Gunner Giles, Millbrook, N.Y. Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion: Walbridge Blackbird 482 Exhibitor: Gunner Giles, Millbrook, N.Y. Intermediate Champion Heifer: LL Miss Lass Exhibitor: Kelsey Librock, Gasport, N.Y. Reserve Intermediate Champion Heifer: WBB Candy Up 3884 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Junior Champion Heifer: Kelleys Beauty 933 8B Exhibitor: Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y. Reserve Junior Champion Heifer: WBB Candice 874 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Senior Champion Female: Tullyfergus Beauty 343 Exhibitor: Tullyfergus Angus Herd, Lyons, N.Y. Reserve Senior Champion Female: WBB Scarra 3913 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Grand Champion Female: Kelleys Beauty 933 8B Exhibitor: Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y. Reserve Grand Champion Female: LL Miss Lass Exhibitor: Kelsey Librock, Gasport, N.Y. BULLS 20 Shown Junior Bull Calf Champion: WPA Design with Confidence Exhibitor: Windy Point Angus, Potsdam, N.Y. Reserve Junior Bull Calf Champion: New Penn Hercules Kodiak5225 Exhibitor: New Penn Farm, Truxton, N.Y. Senior Bull Calf Champion: Lucky Lane Bohannon 422
Exhibitor: Elizabeth Luckman, Barker, N.Y. Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion: Tullyfergus Blackbeard 814 Exhibitor: Tullyfergus Angus Herd, Lyons, N.Y. Junior Champion Bull: WBB Minor 1524 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Reserve Junior Champion Bull: HWK Zaras Impression 2B Exhibitor: Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y. Senior Champion Bull: WPA Northern Pioneer 13086 Exhibitor: Windy Point Angus, Potsdam, N.Y. Reserve Senior Champion Bull: NONE Grand Champion Bull: WBB Minor 1524 Exhibitor: W B B Farm LLC, Alden, N.Y. Reserve Grand Champion Bull: HWK Zaras Impression 2B Exhibitor: Matthew Kelley, Cobleskill, N.Y. COW-CALF PAIRS 12 Shown Grand Champion Cow-Calf: P S Burgess 875 014 Exhibitor: Windy Point Angus, Potsdam, N.Y. Reserve Grand Champion Cow-Calf: B H C Blackbird 6132 Exhibitor: Walbridge Farm, Millbrook, N.Y., and Sorensen Family, Greenfield, Iowa STEERS 1 Shown Grand Champion: WF Mr Curly Exhibitor: Katharine Wesche, Shortsville, N.Y. GROUP CLASSES Produce of Dam: B H C Blackbird 6132 Exhibitor: Walbridge Farm, Millbrook, N.Y. Best Six Head: Kelleys Stock Farm, Camden, N.Y. Get-of-Sire: V D A R Really Windy 4097 Exhibitor: Tullyfergus Angus, Lyons, N.Y. Junior Get-of-Sire: V D A R Really Windy 4097 Exhibitor: Tullyfergus Angus Herd, Lyons, N.Y.
Angus Association Announces New Genetic Condition The American Angus Association was recently informed by Dr. Jon Beever, geneticist at the University of Illinois, that the American Simmental Association has observed a genetic condition, Oculocutaneous Hypopigmentation (OH). The condition is inherited as a simple recessive. Cattle affected by OH have eyes with irises that are pale blue around the pupil with a tan periphery. Their hair coats have a slightly bleached color. While some affected calves have sensitivity to light, they are believed to be otherwise normal functionally and physiologically. Dr. Beever’s research indicates the source of the condition in the Simmental population was likely a commercial Angus cow that was a founder animal to a line of black Simmental cattle.
As part of his research, Dr. Beever’s lab recently screened 1311 Angus bulls for the OH mutation. Of those, only one was identified as a carrier of the mutation, Sir Wms Warrant, (AAA 9196894) born in 1978. In 1982, Warrant was identified by the Association as a carrier of Heterochromia Irides (HI), commonly known as “White Eye,” based on abnormal calves sired by him. Although they are two separate genetic conditions, OH and HI exhibit many of the same characteristics. Based on current research and input from Dr. David Steffen, an expert on genetic conditions at the University of Nebraska, the Association now concludes that the condition carried by Warrant is OH, not HI. Other animals previously listed as HI carriers are under review. The American Angus Association is work-
ing with the University of Illinois to screen widely used Angus bulls as well as potential carriers to determine the impact of the genetic condition. For a list of animals tested to date and their test results, please visit angus.org Updates to EPD/Pedigree Lookup please use article you can find at: http:// www.angus.org/Pub/
Sarkaria Farms Registered Angus Seedstock, Proven Genetics
487 Whaupaunaucau Rd Norwich, NY 13815
Making proven cow families our business.
Trowbridge Hazel 311
Sitz Upward 307R x OCC Jet Stream 825J x GAR Grid Maker
This high growth female is leading our donor unit. A beautiful udder, deep ribbed female with mass & muscle, tracing back to the known Yon Hazel T154.
Sarkaria Family 607-336-1681 • angus@sarkariafarms.com
www.SarkariaFarms.com
See You in April!
The Only Mating in Existence by 6807
Henrietta Pride 1009
She Is It!! The One and Only...
Reg#16930767
sire: DHD Traveler 6807 dam: Sitz Henrietta Pride 643T BW +2.6; WW +48; YW +91 MILK +20; CW +40; MARB -.05 RE +.94; FAT -.010; $W +38.21 $F +39.36; $G +12.59; $B +101.58
Henrietta Pride 1009 is the $116,000 valued cornerstone Henrietta Pride in the Lawson Farms program and she is a direct daughter of the $390,000 valued full sister to the growth and CW leader, Upward, Henrietta Pride 643T by the legendary female sire, Traveler 6807.
Chris and Amanda Lawson 1691 Chadwell Station RD Ewing, VA 24248
Rock Solid Genetics
Office: 276-445-5411 Cell: 423-526-8576 Fax: 276-445-5348
Email: lawsonfamilyfarms@hotmail.com WWW.LAWSONFAMILYFARMS.COM
Watch for progeny and pregnancies from Henrietta Pride 1009 to anchor the 2016 Lawson Farms Production Sale sired by the featured bulls in the Lawson Farms elite herd sire battery.
Select
7
a
[CAPITALIST]
CODE SIRE for every desire
[ALL
IN]
[SUNRISE]
7AN351 | 16752262 | Final Answer x Bextor
7AN379 | 17307074 | Ten X x Upward
7AN361 | +16933958 | Daybreak x Objective
Unmatched in his ability to inject mass and body width with as much shape as you can ask for. King of the cowmakers, his daughters have perfect udders and raise heavy calves.
Sort the database any way you want and All In consistently rises to the top. Again this year he’s one of our top sellers and his calving ease and growth records are proof why.
A calving ease sire who consistently delivers high growth and high carcass merit, Sunrise is over 1.1 for both Marb and REA, plus he’s got the carcass records to back it up.
CED: 12 BW: -0.3 WW: 64 YW: 110 $W: 68.75 $B: 97.74
CED: 14 BW: 0.0 WW: 76 YW: 127 $W: 94.68 $B: 195.34
CED: 13 BW: 0.9 WW: 64 YW: 120 $W: 54.43 $B: 163.17
[TRACTION]
[REMEDY]
[PROPHET]
7AN394 | 17262374 | Top Game x Predominant
7AN419 | 17331233 | Thunder x Bando 9074
7AN320 | +16295688 | Bextor x Objective
Everyone is proud of their Traction calves! There are real pounds here and his offspring have an impressive design. If you’re looking for outcross genes here he is.
If you’re serious about improving foot quality, here is your Remedy! Super low BW in a high phenotype package. Use to make high utility cows that are easy to look at.
One of the best for Marbling, Prophet offers proven CED and high growth performance. His daughters are spectacular—they’re feminine, good-uddered and gentle.
CED: 7 BW: 2.6 WW: 70 YW: 129 $W: 72.42 $B: 186.60
CED: 14 BW: -3.5 WW: 54 YW: 105 $W: 64.72 $B: 124.41
CED: 11 BW: 1.1 WW: 77 YW: 135 $W: 89.35 $B: 131.16
Diamond
See you at the EPDs as of 9/11/15
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Courtesy of: Sure Champ Dry conditions are sparking wildfires across the nation reminding us all to take fire-safety seriously. There are easy precautions you can take to keep your livestock safe. Here is a handy fireproofing guide to help remind you of those often overlooked hazards. Clean up Keep your barn tidy, uncluttered and clean. Clear your barn of piles of scrap lumber, empty feed bags, gasoline cans, etc. These items may not seem like a big deal but can be easily flammable. Ban Smoking Make your barn a “no smoking” area. The tinniest ember from a cigarette can spark a fire in dry conditions. Enforce the ban by posting no-smoking signs in and around your barn. Remove Flammables Dry conditions are hazardous enough without added fuel. Store combustible materials (fuel, chemicals, paint and gas-powdered equipment) at least 50 feet from your barn. Extension Cords
Extension cords are usually unavoidable in the barn, but they also have the potential to be a fire hazard. Try to use only heavy-duty models designed for outdoors and replace them if they become damaged or wires are exposed.
Manage Vegetation Vegetation is easy fuel for a fire. Keep all grass and weeds pulled or mowed down, especially in extremely dry conditions. If possible, try surrounding your barn with gravel instead of plants or grass.
Circuit Overload Heat lamps and fans are an easy way to overload your circuit if you have too many plugged in at one time. Arrange them so they are being used as efficiently as possible, and disconnect whatever is not in use.
Install Fire Extinguishers Make sure your barn has at least one fire extinguisher. Extinguishers can easily be kept right inside the door or in the feed room. It is important that everyone that is at the barn regularly knows how to use them too.
Enclose Bulbs Install wire or metal cages to cover light bulbs in overhead lights and heat lamps. This will keep your animal from accidentally breaking them. If possible, replace all of your barn’s bulbs with plastic-coated safety bulbs and be sure all the bulbs you are using are the correct wattage.
Enhance Your Address Many barns are located on rural roads that are not easily found or incorrectly mapped on GPS devices. Be sure that your street number is clearly visible from the road so that your local fire department can find you in case of emergency.
Manage Manure Manure is one of the most often overlooked fire hazards. Don’t let it build up near your barn, as decomposing manure creates heat.
Bringing Home the Bacon – I’m a Cancer Survivor
with Meat on the Menu. Courtesy of: bovidiva This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meat as being carcinogenic to humans and red meat as a probable carcinogen. Bacon has become the darling of the foodie world over the past couple of years, with bacon-flavoured popcorn, milkshakes and lollipops on the market, so does this new labelling mean that a package of bacon will be slapped with a warning sticker, and every hotdog will come with a side of medical advice? Although the overall risk of developing colorectal cancer is small, headlines citing an 18% increase in colorectal cancer risk from consuming one 50 g serving of processed meat per day (approximately one hotdog) have led to consumer concern – including the (incorrect) assumption that eating 5 portions of processed meat would therefore lead to a 90% certainty of developing colorectal cancer. Let’s examine the real risk. The average person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 5%. If the WHO data suggesting an 18% increase in risk is correct, a daily 50 g serving of processed meat increases that risk to 5.9 % (an increase slightly less than 1 people per 100), of which between 0.65 – 5.4 people will survive for 5 years or more (depending on cancer stage at diagnosis). Despite the increase in meat consumption over the past
century (and therefore assumed increase in processed meat consumption due to changes in dining habits and food availability), the death rate from colorectal cancer has dropped over the past 20 years. Moreover, in media articles discussing the WHO announcement, there is no mention of mitigating factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption. What happens if I eat 50 g of bacon within a huge salad with a side of oat bread, a meal high in dietary fibre, which is cited as having a protective effect against colorectal cancer? Or if I eat bacon after running five miles, given the role of exercise in preventing cancer? As with so many other health risks, it’s almost impossible to assess the impact of meat consumption in isolation. Both alcohol and cigarettes are already listed as carcinogens by the WHO, yet how many people have actually forgone a glass of wine or pint of beer based upon the fear of cancer? By contrast, how many have cheerfully raised a glass to headlines stating that red wine may have beneficial health effects? Rather than health benefits, this announcement may reduce meat consumption by people who are most vulnerable to health complications from nutrient deficiencies (e.g. growing children, pregnant women and elderly people); not to mention the undoubted glee of anti-animal agriculture
groups who will welcome the gift of further ammunition against meat consumption. As a cancer survivor, I am the last person to downplay the importance of minimising cancer risk. However, ultimately we will all die and almost everything we do, from driving a car to choosing salad ingredients, carries some risk to health. Rather than the continuing mass of conflicting evidence, where every week a new article warns us about the latest cancer-causing drug/chemical/food; we need a balanced assessment of all cancer risks in order to make the best choices. I don’t smoke and I have had less than 10 alcoholic drinks in the past 2.5 years, but bacon remains on my dinner menu tonight.
Environm
Social
70%
percent more food needed to feed a growing population
Now
omic
MEETING GROWING GLOBAL DEMAND BY BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL DILIGENCE THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN.
Ec
on
Beef Sustainability
tal en
2050
The beef industry has improved its sustainability by 5% in just 6 years to help meet those needs.
The Beef Checkoff Program launched a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to quantify and benchmark environmental, social and economic aspects of beef industry sustainability from 2005 - 2011. Improvements included:
10%
Emissions to water
Increased use of precision farming techniques
2%
7%
Greenhouse gas emissions
Emissions to soil
Improvements in crop yields
32%
Occupational illnesses and accidents
Improved genetics, health and nutrition for cattle
2%
Energy use
Increased use of biogas capture and conversion
2%
Resource consumption
3%
Water use
Improved implementation of right-sized packaging
How was sustainability improved?
Future opportunities to further increase sustainability:
Continue to increase waste water recovery and biogas capture
Explore additional packing alternatives to reduce inputs
Reduce food waste
Continue to optimize nutrient application to soil and crop yields
Source: Beef Industry Sustainability Lifecycle Assessment, funded by the beef checkoff
Further adoption of water efficient irrigation systems
Committed to a journey of continuous improvement
How to Login to AAA Online The American Angus Association has begun to rollout an updated look to their AAA Login website. Taking a cue from the current look of smartphones and tablet devices, the login site hopes to be more userfriendly for any producer looking to access or submit data on their herd.
ures 3 & 4, there are clickable words Home and Manage Herd just above the top row of buttons. Clicking on either of these will take the user back to that level of menu button options. Fig. 3
Gone is the Classic Menu page of multiple tabs that, in total, contained over 300 link options. Instead, the home login page has been broken down into six different categories or graphic buttons. (See Fig. 1) Popup descriptions for what can be found under each button are visible as the user hovers over a specific button. Fig. 1
Fig. 4
From the home login page, the Manage Herd button will likely be one of the more active options a producer will select. Clicking on this button takes the user to a set of nine graphic buttons that cover such categories as herd information, submission of registrations, transfers or performance data, DNA testing and results, AI and ET information or enrollment, and information for the MaternalPlus速 and AngusSource速 programs. (See Fig. 2)
Looking back at the home login screen (See Fig. 1), the My Account button, allows the user to manage their login profile and password, view account balances and history of work in the office. The option to change preferences for registration certificate storage, invoices, and performance reports are also included in this area.
Fig. 2
For producers who wish to communicate with American Angus through their login account, the home login screen has a button labeled My Messages, which will connect with the Message Center. This popular feature has been available to producers in the login menu for over a year. Notices from the office are automatically sent out and appear in this area whenever work processes through the office. This includes notices from AGI regarding receipt of DNA samples or parentage exclusion issues, suspense notices for work received in the office, and when purchased animals have been transferred into your inventory. Producers can easily reply to the message to clear up issues or send their own new messages when questions or additional requests arise. The My Customers button allows a user to maintain a database of customers with their full contact information and sales history. This area also allows the producer to access information on the animals they have purchased into their herd as well as transferred out of their herd.
When submitting work online to the Association, the common buttons for use will be Registration/Transfers/Performance and DNA. If selected, either one will bring up another series of graphic buttons to select from that pertain to each specific topic. (See Figures 3 & 4) This extra level will allow the user to narrow in on the topic of their choice and get right to work. The actual submission screens in these areas have not changed; just how one might navigate to the area when compared to the Classic Menu. Moving back and forth between the home login screen and the different levels of a category can be done without having to use the back button on your internet browser. As an example, looking again at Fig-
The Classic Menu button (previous look of tab menu feature) will be available for a limited time, should a producer wish to continue with that format as they learn to transition to the new format. It is encouraged for users to give this new layout a try. Navigation of the updated website should be an easier task since the layout is broken up into categories and uses the graphic buttons to illustrate a connection to what that area includes. For assistance with the new login format please contact the American Angus Customer Service department at 816-383-5100 or by email to angus@angus.org. Written By: Kristin Toll This article is reprinted with permission from the February 2015 Angus Journal
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