This is Julie Mais, Angus Journal editor, with the December 8, 2022, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains a story from AGI President Kelli Retallick-Riley about the advantages of Angus, comments from the American Farm Bureau Federation about labor challenges and the farm economy, and discussion of the 2023 Farm Bill. 

The Advantage Within

Adapted from an article by Kelli Retallick-Riley, Angus Genetics Inc.

The naturally polled head, dark skin around the eyes and superb mothering abilities helped Angus gain early popularity. The dominance of the black coat color made Angus easily recognizable, but what makes the breed most special could be what is under the hide.

Genetic change and progress have been rapid in the Angus breed due to the commitment of seedstock breeders to data collection. From birth and weaning weights to carcass ultrasound collection, and now fertility and temperament recording, Angus breeders are working to describe their genetics to the best of their ability.

Coupled with advanced expertise in data analysis, the American Angus Association has worked to present the best genetic description of Angus cattle anywhere in the world.

To read more, go to angusbeefbulletin.com/extra. 

Labor Challenges Increase Farm Economy Pressures 

Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation

Labor demands continue to tax the bottom lines of farmers and ranchers, with rising wage rates and record usage of the H-2A visa program. Meaningful reforms to the federal government’s guest worker program must be a priority for Congress by the end of the year.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with more than 350 other food and farm organizations that are part of the Ag Workforce Coalition, sent a letter urging the Senate to pass legislation to address the nation’s agricultural workforce challenges before the end of the 117th Congress. The House of Representatives has passed a farm labor reform bill, but the legislation needs improvements to adequately address pressing needs facing agriculture.

To read more, visit fb.org. 

2023 Farm Bill Discussions Relate to Money 

Adapted from a release by Kay Ledbetter, Texas AgriLife Communications

Changes in the farm bill will be mostly about money. 

That was the message Joe Outlaw, Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University co-director in the Department of Agricultural Economics of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bryan-College Station, delivered recently during the annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show.

Outlaw, speaking about the farm bill, said a lot of action is happening in Washington with different proposals and discussions on the table. However, in the end, it will boil down to what money is available.

The Inflation Reduction Act signed into law by President Biden earlier this year extended the Affordable Care Act, as well as added funding to existing agricultural conservation programs familiar to producers. 

For more information, 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.