Performance information due June 6

June 6 is the deadline for submitting Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) data for inclusion in the next National Cattle Evaluation (NCE), which generates data for the Fall 2008 Sire Evaluation Report. It’s important to both individual herds and to the breed to collect and submit performance records promptly.

The Fall 2008 NCE will include new expected progeny differences (EPDs) that combine carcass and ultrasound performance data. The genetic evaluation produces a single set of EPDs for carcass weight, marbling score, ribeye area and fat thickness. The new EPDs simplify selection tools for commercial bull buyers using Angus genetics by consolidating predictions for animals with carcass and/or ultrasound data. For more information, go to Carcass EPD Info.

The fall NCE will also include updated research reports for heifer pregnancy and docility. Be sure to submit your breeding records by June 6.

Performance information can be submitted through AAA Login, Angus Information Management Software (AIMS) or via conventional mail, e-mail or fax. If you have questions, contact the Performance Programs Department at 816-383-5100.

Plan now for summer field days

Now is the time to plan for the upcoming summer field days that you may be hosting at your farm or ranch. The Association’s communications team offers a field day planner complete with a timeline and checklist of preparatory activities to make your event a success. In addition, the Association will help you publicize your event if hosted on behalf of a local, state or regional Angus association.

A packet of information and posters to display and distribute at your event are available. Contact the Communications Department at 816-383-5100 for more details.

Nominate delegates now

Only a few weeks remain to nominate delegates to represent each state at the 2008 American Angus Association Convention of Delegates, set for Monday, Nov. 17, in Louisville, Ky.

Each active Association member should have received a nomination petition in the mail and may nominate one member from his or her state or district. All eligible nominations will be included on a state ballot that will be mailed to members this summer for the final selection of delegates.

Signed nominations must be received in the Association office no later than June 30 to be included on the final ballot. Remember, if your membership has expired or will expire in May or June, renew now. Only current members can be placed on the ballot. Details of the entire election process can be found in Article III of the Association’s Breeder’s Reference Guide, which was mailed with the March Angus Journal.

It’s important to nominate a person who is willing to attend the Annual Meeting and who is informed about the Angus business. The event takes place during the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).

Order Black Books now

Now is the time to place your order for the 2009 Beef Record Service (BRS)/AngusSource® black books. The pocket-sized books include a 2009 calendar as well as space to keep management records on your cow herd.

The books make a great promotional tool or gift for your commercial bull buyers. You can custom-order your books for $2.50 each, which includes your operation’s logo and contact information foil-stamped onto the back cover. Custom orders require a 100-book minimum order. If you would like to order smaller quantities with the Association’s logo on the back cover, those are available for $2.50 each.

BioZyme, through the Angus Foundation, is a major partner in the production of these books, and a VitaFerm® ad will appear on the inside front cover, which reduces book costs to producers. Custom orders must be placed by July 15.

To place orders, contact Kristin Toll, the BRS/AngusSource black book representative, at 816-383-5100 or send e-mail to Kristin Toll.

Books will be shipped to you by Nov. 15 — just in time to distribute to your customers during the fall marketing and holiday seasons.

Cattlemen's Boot Camps set for Fall

A Cattlemen’s Boot Camp is set for Aug. 22-23 at Texas A&M University Beef Center, College Station, Texas.

Another Boot Camp is planned for Oct. 17-18 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.

The day-and-a-half event is open to all cattle producers and includes information from management and breeding, to marketing and evaluating the end product.

Registration is just $75 and includes meals and materials. Watch for more details in the near future.

For more information or to register, contact Shelia Stannard or Monica Jordan at 816-383-5100.

National Angus Conference & Tour set for Oklahoma

The 2008 National Angus Conference & Tour (NAC&T) is Oct. 7-9 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The three-day event will include educational programs and tours of Angus herds in Oklahoma. Purina Mills LLC and Alpharma Animal Health are the major sponsors of the event.

A schedule of events, along with online registration is available at National Angus Conference & Tour.

American Royal announces Angus changes

Angus exhibitors will want to note changes to the American Royal schedule later this year. The junior heifer and the Super-Point Roll of Victory (ROV) Angus shows will both be on Friday, Oct. 31, rather than on two separate days as in the past. The junior show will begin at 8 a.m., with the Super-Point ROV Show to follow.

Also, the entry deadline for both open and junior cattle has moved to Sept. 10. Watch American Royal for more information.

Juniors should note deadlines

A summer full of junior Angus activities is first preceded by many deadlines for entries, contests and awards.

May 15 is the ownership and entry deadline for the Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show.

June 1 is the deadline to submit entries for the NJAS writing, photography and graphic arts contests.

June 1 is also the ownership and entry deadline for the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS).

June 1 is also the entry and recipe deadline for the Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) Cook-Off.

Make note of these and other approaching deadlines, as no late entries are accepted for any reason. If you have questions, contact the Junior Activities Department.

Juniors, submit entries online

Junior members can save time this spring by submitting their entries for shows online. Simply log on to NJAA Online and provide the necessary information, including a Visa® or MasterCard® number to cover entry and bedding fees. Online entries are subject to the same entry deadlines as those submitted via mail. No late entries are accepted for any reason.

Need help with junior transfers?

Juniors who have not received the transfer paper on a purchased heifer should contact the Association at least two weeks prior to the ownership deadline of a particular show. The staff will make every attempt to get the animal transferred on time. Please contact the Association before it’s too late.

Also, all original registration papers are needed at shows to verify the animal’s tattoo. If you store your papers electronically, be sure to request the paper copy before leaving home to attend the show.

LEAD Conference goes to Montana

Developing personal leadership skills is one of the most valuable benefits of being a National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) member. One event that allows members to do just that is the NJAA Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference set for Aug. 1-4 in Billings, Mont.

All juniors 14 to 21 years old are encouraged to attend the conference, “Take it to the Top.” Juniors will have the opportunity to make new Angus friends, learn about current beef industry issues and tour agricultural sites in “Big Sky Country.”

Conference space is limited to 200 participants, so reserve your spot soon. Early registration for juniors, advisors and parents is $175 and due June 15. After this deadline, the rate increases to $200, if space is still available. Registration and release forms are available in the green NJAA information packets that were mailed to all junior members earlier this year.

Tee up for annual golf tournament

The eighth annual Angus Foundation Golf Tournament will be Tuesday, July 15, at The Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk, Iowa, in conjunction with the NJAS. This event provides an opportunity for Angus enthusiasts of all ages to join together in a day of fun and recreation while raising money to support the Angus Foundation’s education, youth and research programs.

Player entry fees will again be $100 for adults and $75 for junior Angus members. Player registrations must be received by June 30. A late fee of $10 will be applied to players registering after June 30.

Funds generated through team entry fees and event sponsorships support the Foundation’s education, youth and research efforts. For more information about signing up a team, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

Auction will support Foundation

A silent auction featuring a variety of Angus items will be conducted during the 2008 NJAS in Des Moines, Iowa. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Angus Foundation. Many valuable items and collectibles will be featured.

All state junior associations are encouraged to donate an item to the auction, but donations from individuals are also accepted. To donate items contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

That Old West Magic

The 2008 Angus Foundation Gala and Auction, titled “That Old West Magic: A Saturday Night at Prosperity Junction” is set to take place Aug. 30 at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Okla. Breathtaking art exhibits and authentic Western entertainment await you!

Look for more information on this exciting event in the June Angus Journal.