This is Jaime Albers, graphic designer for the Angus Journal, with the June 27, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains news about the recently hosted Beef Leaders Institute; an announcement from the American Angus Association naming its new regional manager for Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi; and a report on costs for summer cookouts this year. 

Angus Breeders Engage in Premiere Education at Beef Leaders Institute 

Adapted from a release by Peyton Schmitt, Angus Communications

Twenty-one American Angus Association® members from across the globe attended the 2023 Beef Leaders Institute June 13-17. The annual event is hosted by the American Angus Association and funded by the Angus Foundation and Certified Angus Beef. BLI provides Association members the opportunity to experience the beef value chain from pasture to plate.

Mark McCully, Association CEO, says, “It’s truly a privilege to welcome a new Beef Leaders Institute class each year. This unique experience fosters growth for attendees and provides an opportunity to connect with their fellow breeders.”

Participants began the week at the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, Mo. While at the breed’s headquarters, attendees met with staff to learn about the many departments and programs housed within the Association. 

To read more, visit angus.org. 

American Angus Association Names New Regional Manager

Adapted from a release by Briley Richard, Angus Communications

The American Angus Association welcomes Shawn Gray of Samson, Alabama, as the regional manager for Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. As a University of Florida graduate, Gray has spent his career diversifying his skill set in seedstock production, commercial backgrounding, nutrition, forage management and more.

Gray says, “My background in seedstock, cow-calf, stocker/backgrounding and feedlot operations has provided me an understanding of the relationship between sectors. I plan to use this knowledge to be a resource for Association members in the Southeast.”

Gray comes to the Association after spending nearly five years managing more than 10,000 head of stocker cattle at Crimson Cattle Company.

To read more, visit angus.org. 

Cost of Summer Cookout Down Slightly From 10-Year High 

Adapted from a release by the American Farm Bureau Federation

Celebrating the 4th of July with a cookout will cost significantly more than two years ago, although prices have fallen slightly from record highs in 2022. Families will pay $67.73 to host an Independence Day cookout with 10 family members or friends, based on the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey.

The $67.73 grocery bill is down 3% from 2022, but still approximately 14% higher than prices were just two years ago. Last year set a record high since the American Farm Bureau Federation began the survey in 2013, and 2023 comes in as the second-highest cost. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.

For more information, go to fb.org. 

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