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Animal Ag Bites 1/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech is lending its support to Australia’s agriculture industry in the wake of devastating wildfires, launching a global fundraising effort for farmers and pledging to match donations dollar-for-dollar. The Australia Farming Relief Fund will provide goods and services directly to producers and will be coordinated on the ground by Alltech family companies Alltech Lienert Australia and KEENAN Australia.
  • The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association recognized Morris Westfall, Halfway, Missouri, with its “Pioneer Award” at its 52nd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show on January 11, 2020. The award is the highest honor given by the association and is comparable to a lifetime achievement award.
  • Milk Specialties Global, the global leader in animal nutritional supplements and dairy protein ingredients, debuts VitalChol DX™, a new rumen-inert choline supplement designed to optimize cow health during the transition phase.
  • The National FFA Officer Candidates have been invited to attend the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2020 International Production & Processing Expo, as a result of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s ongoing initiative to further attract students to the poultry and egg industries. The students will receive an all-expense paid trip to IPE in Atlanta, Georgia, and this opportunity is made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Tyson Foods.
  • At the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo, WATT Global Media will host three live events and showcase its current digital publications and products plus additional events scheduled for 2020. IPPE will take place on January 28-30, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo offers attendees access to the latest in protein and feed technology through exhibits and educational programing. TECHTalks are free, 20-minute technical presentations, offered each day at IPPE. For the 2020 IPPE, 65 presentations will be given in the TECHTalks theaters in the A-Hall at Booth A246, B-Hall at Booth B8648, and C-Hall at Booth C9249.
  • The winner of the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Flint, an Australian shepherd owned by Utah Farm Bureau members Rhett and Beth Crandall. The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina, recognized Flint, four runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup at AFBF’s 101st Annual Convention.
  • The 400 ranchers gathering at the National Bison Association‘s 25th Anniversary conference and the association’s Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show, are bringing more than 100 head of live bison to Denver, along with a commitment to continue building the market for bison meat based upon the quality of the meat and a dedication to sustainable ranching practices.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top official overseeing the agency’s marketing and regulatory programs will be among the speakers addressing more than 400 bison ranchers, marketers and enthusiasts scheduled to gather at the Renaissance Denver Hotel January 22-25. Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulation, is expected to focus on the agency’s work in improving animal traceability, but will likely touch on a variety of other issues important to U.S. bison ranchers and markets.
  • The pork industry has released its new sustainability report, Commit and Improve: Pig Farmers’ Approach to Sustainability, and updated website, porkcares.org. The report and website share firsthand accounts and data supporting pig farmers’ progress toward sustainability through the We Care ethical principles.
  • Following the USDA’s announcement to award $10.2 million for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Animal Health Laboratory Network, NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn issued the following statement: “We’re pleased to see 16 state departments of agriculture receive $1.8 million in new funding for disease preparedness and emergency response training. NASDA members act as the first responders to animal health emergencies, in addition to safeguarding our nation’s food supply and international markets year-round.” In the same announcement, USDA announced further development of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. All three programs were of top priority to NASDA in the 2018 Farm Bill.
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