This is Julie Mais, Angus Journal editor, with the November 1, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains an opportunity to listen to the newest podcast from The Angus Conversation about change, information about a program to promote safety on the farm, and an opportunity to listen to a Beltway Beef podcast about the inside scoop on beef sustainability. 

Making Change — Fast, Deliberate, or Both?

Adapted from an article by Miranda Reiman, senior associate editor, Angus Journal

The scenic route sounds nice but is better applied to road trips than breeding programs, say two Angus producers featured on the latest episode of The Angus Conversation. 

“A really good breeder told me about 30 years ago … part of this thing is getting there as fast as you can. He said, just as importantly, never back up. So, you know, try to balance risk and reward,” says Ben Eggers, who has spent four decades with Sydenstricker Genetics. 

He and Darin Meyer, De-Su Angus, discussed how to make quicker genetic progress, how breeding and genomic technology can help and cautions along the way.  

“I usually start out with an animal's worst two traits and mate off of that,” says Meyer, who brings experience with his commercial cow herd and Iowa dairy operation. “A cow is never as good as her best trait. She's only as good as her worst trait, because that kind of makes her falter.” 

Is there a perfect mix of embryo transfer (ET), artificial insemination (AI) and natural service? In the world of rapid generational turnover, how is longevity included in the mix?  

Eggers said, “I wonder with the current scenario if we're going to prove these sires as well as we have been doing.” 

Find out their thoughts on that and more by listening to “Eggers, Meyer: Making Progress, Carefully” anywhere you get podcasts, or by clicking the link in this episode’s description. 

Safety on the Farm: Rollover Protection Structures Save Lives 

Adapted from a release by K-State Research and Extension news service

A Kansas State University official says a program that offers rebates to farmers could help “close the gap” on more Kansans installing safety kits on tractors and other equipment — and more importantly, save lives.

Tawnie Larson, state coordinator of the Rollbars, Rollover Protection Structures Rebate program, said an estimated 30,000 Kansas farms — or, nearly one-half — have at least one tractor without the available safety features.

Rollbars, Rollover Protective Structures, often known as ROPS, are a piece of equipment that can be used to prevent serious injury or death if a tractor overturns.

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the tractor is the leading cause of death on the farm. Larson said the most frequent cause of tractor-related deaths are side and rear overturns.

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

Beltway Beef Podcast: The Inside Scoop on Beef Sustainability 

Adapted from a release by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Each week, Beltway Beef brings you the latest policy news affecting the U.S. cattle and beef industry. Hear from subject-matter experts, producers and industry leaders on the topics that affect the business viability of farms and ranches across the country.

On this episode, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart and Senior Director of Sustainability Samantha Werth join to discuss the science that confirms the cattle industry’s sustainability. Thanks to generations of continuous improvement, the cattle industry has substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions while more efficiently providing a nutritious protein and supporting the economy in rural communities. 

To listen, click on the link in this episode’s description. 

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