This is Megan Silveira, assistant editor for the Angus Journal,  with the April 6, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains information on how to apply for Angus Foundation scholarships, a statement from the NCBA to correct falsehoods about mRNA vaccines in cattle, comments from R-CALF USA about some electronic surveillance devices approved for use in the U.S., and information about the Blueprint for the Future cattlemen’s conference to be hosted in Oklahoma in May. 

Angus Foundation Scholarship Applications Due May 1

Adapted from a release by Peyton Schmitt, Angus Communications

Scholarship applications are due May 1 for college students involved with the Angus breed. The Angus Foundation awarded more than $318,000 in scholarships in 2022 alone. The Angus Foundation offers scholarships to undergraduate, graduate and trade school students each year to help Angus youth achieve their educational goals and offset the rising costs of tuition.

Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director, says, “The Angus Foundation’s scholarship program is one of the most prominent and consistent ways our donors support Angus youth. Our scholarships pave the way for a bright future for our industry by ensuring young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

For more information or to apply, visit angus.org. 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Statement Correcting Internet Falsehoods About mRNA Vaccines in Cattle 

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

On April 5 the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released a statement in regard to false information circulating on social media about the use of mRNA vaccines in cattle:

“There are no current mRNA vaccines licensed for use in beef cattle in the United States. Cattle farmers and ranchers do vaccinate cattle to treat and prevent many diseases, but presently none of these vaccines include mRNA technology.”

To read more, go to ncba.org. 

The “People’s Department” Shrugs Off the People 

Adapted from a release by R-CALF USA

In February, the U.S. military began tracking an object believed to be a Chinese surveillance balloon over the skies of cattle country in Montana. The U.S. military soon shot the balloon down to protect the United States’ national security threatened by Chinese surveillance. In the month prior to this national security event, the USDA proposed a rule to require America’s cattle producers to affix electronic surveillance devices on their adult cattle when transporting them across state lines. 

Among the handful of USDA-approved manufacturers from which American cattle producers would be directed to purchase their mandatory electronic surveillance devices was a company designated by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as China’s manufacturer of electronic animal identification products, Wuxi Fofia Technology Co., Ltd.

To read more, visit r-calfusa.com. 

Registration Open for Cattlemen’s Conference: Blueprint for The Future 

Adapted from a release by Katrina Huffstutler, Noble Research Institute

Thirty-five years ago, cattle industry leaders gathered at the Blueprint for the Right Kind type conference. This spring, the event will be reprised as Cattlemen’s Conference: Blueprint for the Future, presented by Cattlemen’s Congress, Oklahoma State University and the Noble Research Institute. The event will be hosted May 24-25 on the Oklahoma State University campus. 

Jarold Callahan, chairman of Cattlemen’s Congress, says, “Cattlemen’s Conference will be a must-attend event for anyone interested in building the right kind of cattle, not just for today, but for the future. The event in the 1980s focused on building cattle that fit the industry at that given time. Today, the industry has evolved and therefore, our cattle and management need to do the same.” 

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.