F&R LivestockResource
Winter 2023 | Volume 6, Issue 2
Your direct source for livestock news and information
Published by Farmers & Ranchers Livestock, Salina, Kansas
In this Issue: 1 Breeding for a Better Future
Adding context and defining sustainability starts with a commitment to continual improvement. The American Angus Association deep dives into more than four decades of data collected to better define efficiency, improved GHG emissions, profitability and ultimately, sustainability. Our thanks to Angus Journal for permission to reprint.
10 Sustainability Snapshot, Part 1
The American Hereford Association is conducting collaborative research with Colorado State University’s (CSU) AgNext program to evaluate the breed’s genetics for methane production and nitrogen excretion. Previous research indicates genetics play a significant role and AHA is committed to take on the challenge and better understand the science. Our thanks to Wes Ishmael and the American Hereford Association for permission to reprint.
19 Beef X Dairy: Vision & Reality
For generations, dairymen have sought ways to add value, particularly to male calves. Dairymen are rapidly embracing beef-on-dairy crosses that are proving to be a valuable opportunity and a challenge for America’s beef industry. Thanks to Drovers Journal for permission to reprint.
23 Innovative Agriculture Serves Kansas and the World
K-State University is barreling toward the goal of raising $125 million to build and renovate the College of Agriculture facilities. This infrastructure investment will increase research production, advance agriculture technology, recruit faculty and students and expand partnerships with corporate and governmental partners.
Sustainability
25 Leverage Shift
The proverbial pendulum is shifting and returning the cattle cycle leverage to the producer. Fed cattle marketing is current, and the near future will pressure cattle feeders and packers to sustain the beef cattle inventory. The price of beef remains at an all-time high at the retail level.
29 Happy Flew Year
Leave it to Hooter to recall a year-end celebration in Apache Flats. Seems as though the combination of a huge bonfire, fireworks and a “wanna be” chemist is a very bad combination!
Breeding for a Better Future Genetics have potential to be a game-changer in the sustainability space. By Miranda Reiman, Angus Journal
“Continuous improvement” is a popular phrase as organizations and companies adopt sustainability plans, but it’s not a new concept in cattle country. Collectively, Angus breeders and their customers have operated under that “always getting better” mindset all along, says Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). There’s proof in the weaning weight trend that has gone up since it was first measured. From 1972 to 2021, Angus breeders have selected for growth, and that shows up in the weaning weight expected progeny differences (EPDs) that have increased by 81 pounds (lb.) during that period (see Fig. 1). It’s also
evident in adjusted weaning weights kept in the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) database, where bulls have gone from averaging 477 lb. at weaning to an average of 659 lb. last year. “We’re one of those countries that continues to produce more and more beef with fewer cattle. Genetics has obviously played a role in that,” Retallick-Riley says. Since 1976, USDA data show as the beef cow inventory has decreased, beef production in total tonnage has increased. CattleFax reports the average beef production per cow (including dairy cattle) was 467 lb. per head in Continued on page 4 ________________________________________
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