- The World Pork Expo makes its return to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, June 9-11. The Expo is presented by the National Pork Producers Council and this will mark the year’s 33rd annual event. Thousands of producers and industry professionals will gather to learn the latest technologies, innovations, enjoy free pork and more.
- The Public Lands Council (PLC) has renewed the call for responsible, proactive management of horses and burros managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Recent activist efforts to undermine the truth about overpopulated rangelands seek to exploit political transitions and undermine progress that has been made toward improved management of wild horse and burro populations on federal lands in the West.
- Four finalists have been selected for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) 8th annual National Anthem Singing Contest. The winner will receive a trip to the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Opening General Session on Aug. 10 as well as the Cowboy’s Night at the Opry event on Aug. 12. The contest is sponsored by Norbrook. The four finalists are: Carrie Behlke, Benkelman, Neb.; Karna Dam, Hooper, Neb.; Franki Moscato, Oshkosh, Wis.; and Kenli Twitchell, Rexburg, Idaho. Videos of the finalists are available for voting on the convention website at https://convention.ncba.org. The public can vote for their favorite singer once per day per person through June 18, and the winner will be announced June 21, 2021.
- A new era in bison research formally began this week as the recently established Center of Excellence for Bison Studies funded eight projects to study topics ranging from ecosystem impact to meat quality. The Center awarded more than $300,000 in funding to support the first year of each project, some of which may extend for up to three years. The National Bison Association’s Science and Research Committee formally reviewed the proposals and identified the top applications for funding. The funding for the proposals was provided by the National Buffalo Foundation, which is engaged in a major fundraising effort to support the center’s work.
- Entries are open for the 38th annual World Forage Analysis Superbowl. The 2021 contest, held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, is set to award over $26,000 in cash prizes, made possible by generous award sponsors. The World Forage Analysis Superbowl is open to all forage producers across North America. The deadline to submit corn silage samples is July 15, while all other entries must be submitted by August 26. The $35 entry fee provides entry into the contest along with a detailed sample analysis that will be emailed or mailed to entrants after all samples have been judged. Entry forms are available by visiting foragesuperbowl.org or by calling 920-336-4521.
- After 31 years of distinguished service with the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), including the last 20 as CEO, Neil Dierks has announced his plan to retire from NPPC by the end of the year. The NPPC Board of Directors has initiated a search for a new CEO. Dierks will remain in his role as CEO until the search process is completed and will serve as a strategic counselor during a transition period.
- The annual Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show brings together cattlemen and women from across the country for education, entertainment and excitement. This year the importance of gathering in person is even more evident after the uncertainties in 2020. It is time to “Tune in to Tennessee” Aug. 10-12, 2021, for a convention filled with activities for the entire family. Registration and housing for the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade show is now open.
