As policy makers edge closer to releasing rules for the new Margin Protection Program (MPP) for dairy producers, introduced in the new farm bill, many questions still remain.

Bob McCan, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president, said if cattlemen and women want a seat at the table and involvement in shaping the future of the beef industry, attendance at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference is a must. The conference features meetings of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Cattlemen's Beef Promotion & Research Board (CBB), American National CattleWomen, Inc. and National Cattlemen's Foundation.

The U.S. has almost forgotten about Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), said Bill Barton, Idaho state veterinarian. But because of the USDA’s recent proposal to allow importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from certain regions in Brazil, FMD was a topic presented at the Idaho Cattle Association Summer Round-Up, held June 24 and 25 in Idaho Falls.

A civil lawsuit filed in April by Leachman Cattle of Colorado and Verified Beef against the American Simmental Association (ASA) sparked new debate at the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium held June 19, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

When manure needs to be spread during summer, sometimes the only place available is an alfalfa field. Manure can provide valuable nutrients to alfalfa, particularly phosphorus, potassium and boron. This may increase alfalfa yield or reduce fertilizer costs. Alfalfa also will absorb the nitrates from manure, reducing the risk of environmental contamination. But manure can cause problems for alfalfa.

Emilie Belage
Registrar and Bilingual Customer Service Agent
Jersey Canada
Guelph, Ontario

The 2014 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23 through June 28. Junior voting delegates took part in electing three members to the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) board of directors, with new and retiring board members electing new AJSA officers.

Brian Wilkins Western Regional Sales Manager Accelerated GeneticsElk Grove, California