This is Julie Mais, Angus Journal editor, with the March 10, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains information about virtual fencing for cattle, information about resources for cattle producers available from R-CALF USA about mCOOL and 50/14, an announcement from USDA about a call for Wildfire Commission Member applications, and details for the upcoming GRSB/Animal AgTech Innovation Summit in San Francisco. 

Advanced Tech With Real-world Applications

Adapted from a release by Kindra Gordon for Angus Beef Bulletin

The Range Beef Cow Symposium, hosted Nov. 16-17, in Rapid City, S.D., gathered several technology companies and university extension specialists to give practical demonstrations on new technologies. Read more to find out how ranchers have been able to apply them.

You’ve likely heard of shock collars and invisible fences to prevent dogs from going beyond a boundary in their yard. Well, that exact same concept is being used as “virtual fencing” for cattle.

Krista Ehlert, assistant professor and Extension range specialist with South Dakota State University said, “Virtual fencing allows for greater control over animal movement on the landscape.” 

With 1 mile of traditional barbed fence costing $8,000-$10,000 or more, virtual fencing offers a significant opportunity to reduce capital and labor costs, and ultimately improve grazing management, Ehlert explained.

To read more, go to angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the management tab. 

Ranch Group Releases mandatory country-of-origin labeling and 50/14 Toolkit 

Adapted from a release by R-CALF USA

In response to the introductions of Senate Bills 2716 and 949, R-CALF USA issued an in-depth guide for U.S. cattle producers and consumers to influence the timely enactment of the two key pieces of legislation — the “MCOOL and 50/14 Toolkit.”

The tool kit breaks down the steps needed to pass S.2716, the American Beef Labeling Act of 2021 for mandatory country-of-origin labeling; and S.949, the 50/14 cattle market protection bill to increase cattle purchases in the cash market — the industry’s most important cattle market, to a volume of at least 50% — below which studies have found harm to cattle prices. 

For more information go to r-calfusa.com. 

Biden-Harris Administration Issues Call for Wildfire Commission Member Applications 

Adapted from a release by the USDA

The Departments of Agriculture, the Interior and Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency are now accepting applications for members to the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized establishment of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. Announced in December 2021, it will play a key role in recommending federal policies and strategies to more effectively prevent, mitigate, suppress and manage wildland fires, including the rehabilitation of affected lands.

The commission is seeking volunteer members from diverse backgrounds, with a specific focus on members who represent non-federal interests as required by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

For more information, click on the link in this episode’s description. 

GRSB/Animal AgTech Innovation Summit 

Adapted from a release by the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

The countdown is on for this month’s Animal AgTech Innovation Summit in San Francisco. Will you be joining Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef’s Executive Director, Ruaraidh Petre, at the event on March 21? 

Make the most of this unrivaled opportunity to meet up with industry colleagues across the United States and around the world. Check in with partners and secure face-to-face time with new prospects during one-on-one meetings, roundtable debates, a drinks reception and a networking exhibition. 

Book your place for $1,295 and take a further 10% off with discount code GRSB10. 

The attendee list is rapidly becoming the who’s who of animal agtech. Join them at the Marriott Marquis hotel in San Francisco, Calif.

For more details or to register, visit animalagtech.com.  

The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.