NCBA Announces 2021 Beef Quality Assurance Award Winners

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced the winners of its 2021 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards, sponsored by Cargill, during the final general session of the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show this week in Nashville.

The National BQA Awards annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators. Winners not only demonstrate high-quality animal care and handling principles as part of their day-to-day operations but express a strong desire to continually improve their operations through BQA.

2021 BQA Cow-Calf Award
Deseret Cattle & Citrus in St. Cloud, Florida

2021 BQA – FARM Dairy Award
Willow Behrer Farms, Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania

2021 BQA Feedyard Award
Imperial Valley Feeders, California

2021 Marketer BQA Award
The Livestock Exchange, LLC, a regional livestock auction market located in Brush, Colorado

2021 BQA Educator Award
Dr. Steve Boyles, Ohio State University

The National BQA Awards are funded in part by the Beef Checkoff program and sponsored by Cargill. To read more about each of the award winners’ operations, visit bqa.org/about/bqa-awards.

Find out more about the BQA program in this interview with NCBA Executive Director of Producer Education and Sustainability Josh White.
CIC2021 Interview with Josh White, NCBA BQA 4:23

Cattle Industry Convention virtual news room.

2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

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Development of NCBA Sustainability Goals

Cindy Zimmerman

From left: Jason Sawyer, Mike Williams, James Vaughn, Brantley Ivey, Ashley McDonald

The sustainability goals announced today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) are the result of the efforts of a Sustainability Goals Task Force that was formed to evaluate the current state of U.S. beef cattle sustainability, determine which improvements are most critical and help share the story of progress.

Three members of this working group joined NCBA Senior Director for Sustainability Ashley McDonald and researcher Jason Sawyer to talk about the goals and how they were developed. Brantley Ivey from Virginia, James Vaughn from Georgia, and Mike Williams of California discussed the environmental, economic and social sustainability goals they helped to craft.

Listen here:
CIC2021 Sustainability goals press conference 26:30

Cattle Industry Convention virtual news room.

2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

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Cattle Industry Commits to Climate Neutrality by 2040

Cindy Zimmerman

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals to set targets that can demonstrate to the world that already sustainable beef producers are committed to continued improvement.

The goals for the U.S. cattle industry include:

Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040.
Create and enhance opportunities that result in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic sustainability by 2025.
Enhance trust in cattle producers as responsible stewards of their animals and resources by expanding educational opportunities in animal care and handling programs to further improve animal well-being.
Continuously improve our industry’s workforce safety and well-being.

“Cattlemen and women have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability for generations. They work tirelessly to protect the land, water and air resources in their care. Through countless improvements in genetics, grazing management, manure handling and the adoption of many other technologies, this is just the next step on our industry’s path,” said Marty Smith, a Florida cattleman and NCBA past president. “Producers deserve recognition for their use of cutting-edge practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact. By setting goals, we’re publicly committing to continuous improvement and setting targets that allow us to measure and document those efforts.”

These goals are the culmination of a grassroots, rancher-led process. The Sustainability Goals Task Force was formed in 2021 to evaluate the current state of U.S. beef cattle sustainability, determine which improvements are most critical and help share the story of progress. Members of this working group – cattle farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. – led the process and made all decisions, including setting the sustainability goals.

To learn more about the cattle industry’s sustainability goals, go to ncba.org/sustainability.

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall talks more about the sustainability focus of the industry in this interview.
CIC2021 Interview with Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO 4:05

Cattle Industry Convention virtual news room.

2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

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Precision Ag News 8/11

Carrie Muehling

  • AgLaunch and Farm Journal are pleased to open applications for the third Row Crop Challenge to select leading startup companies addressing the biggest problems in production agriculture. Applications are being accepted through September 6. Start-up companies who are interested in the AgLaunch365 accelerator can apply here.
  • John Deere has added the 6120EH Tractor to its lineup to meet the needs of high-value crop growers who require high clearance and reduced speeds to match the speed of field workers.
  • Precision Planting, LLC, a subsidiary of AGCO Corporation, announced an agreement to acquire the business and assets of Headsight, Inc., a leading precision agriculture harvesting solution company.
  • Be a part of the fun and enter the National Corn Growers Association National Corn Yield Contest by the August 18, 2021 deadline.
  • Bianca Moebius-Clune, PhD today joins American Farmland Trust and will lead AFT’s Farmers Combat Climate Change Initiative, which strives for a future where farmers and ranchers embrace regenerative management systems to combat climate change, build healthy soils, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, make operations more resilient to climate disruptions like drought, floods, and disease, and ultimately become more profitable, productive and viable. The initiative also works to protect farmland and promote compact growth, and to advance smart solar siting.
  • The non-profit Soil Health Academy announced that it has received a $1.2 million grant from global food company General Mills to provide education and assist wheat and oat producers in targeted regions of the U.S. and Canada as they transition from conventional agricultural practices to soil health-focused regenerative agriculture systems. The grant also funds a regenerative dairy project for several dairy producers in Wisconsin that supply to General Mills.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications for the 2022 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge through Aug. 20.
  • The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute is pleased to invite you to the Water for Food Global Forum. The Forum is a virtual series of events held throughout October that will convene leading international experts, growers and organizations to focus on achieving global water and food security.
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Meister Media Pleased with Inaugural Tech Hub LIVE

Cindy Zimmerman

Attendees at the first-ever Tech Hub LIVE Conference & Expo addressed digital data-driven agriculture from all angles at the premier event. Nearly 600 agriculture and technology professionals gathered in-person last month for the first-ever Tech Hub LIVE Conference & Expo to gain actionable, practical knowledge and to connect with others across the entire precision community.

“No matter where you are on the precision agriculture journey, there were informative education sessions, innovative Tech Talks, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help you put innovation into practice,” says Paul Schrimpf, conference chair of Tech Hub LIVE and group editor of the Agribusiness Group at Meister Media Worldwide.

Attendance exceeded expectations, showing that the industry is excited to be meeting in person again. “We’re glad to be back together, knowing that those valuable relationship-building experiences happen over lunch, at a casual reception or field-day tour,” Schrimpf says.

“I think it’s a great turnout. I’m really impressed with the turnout of the ag retail sector and the ag technology industry. Some of the best players in the industry are here. This is a great event to really get the technology industry together, compare notes, and help each other understand what’s next,” Jason Weller, President, Truterra LLC, said during the event.

Sponsors and exhibitors supporting Tech Hub LIVE said the energy on the floor and connections forged made Tech Hub LIVE a unique opportunity. Consisting of over 70 booths across all agriculture technology sectors, the tradeshow floor showcased the latest products and solutions, along with demonstrating technologies and educating attendees.

“I’m really pleased to see the large turnout,” said Ernie Chappell, Founder and President, EFC Systems, Inc. “A good number of retailers and tech providers are here. As Tech Hub LIVE is the intersection of agriculture and technology, I’m very pleased to see that the crowd and the educational content is phenomenal.”

The education was practical, applicable and relevant, from addressing “The Top 10 Technologies You Need to Know Now” to topics related to recruiting, robotics, sensors, and operational efficiency.

“We started a new tradition with Tech Hub LIVE by introducing an event that cuts down industry silos and convenes precision agriculture professionals who share a common desire to advance their agronomic program and position their business for success in a digital age,” Schrimpf says. “With this successful debut, we look forward to building the momentum with Tech Hub LIVE 2022 and continuing to engage through the year the community of professionals that is committed to innovation in agriculture.”

See and hear a recap of the 2021 Tech Hub LIVE

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Colorado Ranch Receives Environmental Stewardship Award

Cindy Zimmerman

Beatty Canyon Ranch in Kim, Colo., was named the national winner of the 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) on Tuesday evening at the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville. The annual award recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers.

Owned and operated by Steve and Joy Wooten and Brady and Arin Burnham, Beatty Canyon Ranch (BCR) manages 125,000 acres and has the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of land stewards involved in day-to-day operations. The ranch is a family and faith-based business with its focus on land, livestock, recreation and community.

“Judicious management of our natural resources has sustained the ranch through hardships across generations,” said Steve Wooten. “We are so honored to be recognized for our family’s efforts to preserve the environment, support communities and share our quality of life with others.”

Established in 1991, ESAP identifies outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Each year, seven families are recognized with regional Environmental Stewardship awards, with one being honored as the national winner. BCR was selected as the national winner from the following 2020 regional winners:

Region I – SK Herefords, New York
Region II – Southern Cross Farm, Mississippi
Region III – Euken-Myers Family, Iowa
Region IV – Double C Cattle Company, Oklahoma
Region V – Beatty Canyon Ranch, Colorado
Region VI – Boies Ranch, Nevada
Region VII – Johnson Farms, South Dakota

Listen to an interview with Wooten after being named the national winner.
CIC2021 Interview with Steve Wooten, Beatty Canyon Ranch 1:44

Cattle Industry Convention virtual news room.

2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Environment, NCBA

NCBA Pleased With Infrastructure Package

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is calling the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by the U.S. Senate yesterday a step in the right direction.

“We are pleased to see the Senate has passed an infrastructure package that will benefit American cattle producers. Investments in infrastructure are critical to ensure that those in rural America, including farmers and ranchers, have the necessary resources to operate the businesses that serve as the backbone of rural economies,” said Executive Director of Government Affairs Allison Rivera. “We see this legislation as a step in the right direction and will continue working with Members of Congress to ensure that the needs of cattle and beef producers are included in a final infrastructure bill.”

Cattle producers from around the country are meeting this week in Nashville for the annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Listen to Rivera explain what they like about the bill in this interview.

CIC2021 Interview with Allison Rivera, NCBA 2:29

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Thousands Gather for Cattle Industry Convention

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is getting underway today in Nashville, where more than 6,000 cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders are gathering for three days of education, policy development and networking.

“I am pleased that cattlemen and women can come together in person once again,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jerry Bohn. “Producers from across the country and their families look forward to convention every year, but I think it means even more following the pandemic’s disruptions.”

Bohn says attendance may end up being closer to 7,000 for the convention, since Nashville has always been a popular destination and many producers can drive. In this interview, he talks about the important cattle industry issues that are on the minds of producers here.

CIC2021 Interview with Jerry Bohn, NCBA president 5:15

Cattle Industry Convention virtual news room.

2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

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Consultants Lead the Way in Ag Tech

Carrie Muehling

Consultant Kylen Hunt led a panel on Serving Large Farm Operations and Other Business Challenges at Tech Hub Live. His focus in agriculture is on adoption planning, which he said few people are doing today.

“When you build an adoption plan, then a grower has something to look forward to with the technology adoption, and that’s something that we’ve found to be very powerful,” said Hunt.
“When we’re thinking about the adoption planning process, we’re thinking forward to what’s next.”

Hunt works with a farmer’s team, which can include ag retailers and equipment operators on financial planning when it comes to technology implementation, maintenance and replacement. He said data management is critical to the adoption plan.

Tech Hub Live interview with Kylen Hunt (5:21)

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Animal Ag News 8/10

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) announced that it will begin publishing a National Daily Direct Formula Base Cattle report, which will provide greater information into the foundational prices used in cattle market formulas, grids, and contracts, and a National Weekly Cattle Net Price Distribution report, which will show the volume of cattle purchased at each different level of pricing within those formulas, grids, and contracts. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has long urged USDA to adopt policies that increase transparency in the cattle markets and applauds this effort to provide producers greater insight into cattle transactions.
  • Jennifer Nealson of Denver has been hired as the new Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Nealson is responsible for directing program strategy, development and integration through marketing, research and science disciplines in an effort to increase the demand of beef.
  • The 2022 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) has already surpassed 507,000 square feet of exhibit space and has secured more than 1,000 exhibitors, with six months remaining until the Expo. Made up of three integrated trade shows – International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo and International Meat Expo – the IPPE is the world’s largest annual meat, poultry and animal food trade show. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI).
  • The American Feed Industry Association’s Board of Directors voted in a special election today to accept the nomination of Mike Gauss, president of Kent Nutrition Group, Inc., to become the Board chair-elect of the organization. Gauss will succeed current Board chair Mike Schuster, vice president of sales at Laidig Systems, Inc., in May 2022.
  • Merck Animal Health has announced new naming for its cattle vaccine portfolio; one of the largest and most comprehensive vaccine portfolios in the industry. The goal of the new naming and packaging is to make it easier for customers to recognize the company’s vaccines and to identify specific formulations.
  • Emily Melchior, New Mexico State University, and Luke Fuerniss, Texas Tech University, have each been awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program was established by NCF in 2007 to recognize outstanding graduate students who plan to pursue careers in meat science and animal agriculture. Melchior and Fuerniss were selected from 24 applicants based on their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to advancement of the beef industry.
  • Select Sires is excited to announce the hiring of Kelly Fox as a communications specialist. In this role, she will manage Select Sires’ websites and other digital platforms, including content creation, informational updates, and strategies to increase user engagement. Fox will also provide support to member cooperatives and international distributors. She will use her design skills to develop print and digital promotions for Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics and GenerVations genetics, in addition to programs and services to enhance Select Sires’ brand image.
  • Animal Health & Nutrition Company, a Paine Schwartz Partners portfolio company and the commercial leader in animal health and nutrition product development and commercialization of nutritional health products, announced that it has rebranded as Axiota Animal Health.
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