Prolonged exposure to heat can have a number of adverse physical and emotional effects, but awareness and proper care can help people of all ages beat the heat monster, said Texas AgriLife Extension Service experts. “Excessive exposure to a hot environment, especially while active or working, can bring about any of a number of disorders or illnesses related to hyperthermia,” said Dr. Carol Rice, AgriLife Extension specialist in health and wellness education. “Some of the physical effects range from heat cramps to edema – swelling of the ankles and feet – rash, exhaustion or heat stroke.”

This year, fed cattle prices will average about 18% above a year ago, while calf prices surge about 30%. The only real beneficiaries of record high cattle prices in 2011 will be cow-calf producers and breeding stock providers in non-drought regions. After a few good months in early 2011, cattle feeding began to record huge losses. Even with higher fed cattle prices this fall, the red ink will continue on feedlot closeouts for at least the balance of 2011.

Some people set out to make a lasting change on their industry, but Max Deets, Beloit, Kan., says he never thought of himself in that light. Instead the cattle feeder’s natural leadership ability, quest for improvement and genuine respect for others led him to some of the most influential roles in the beef business.

Accelerated Genetics, Baraboo and Westby, Wisconsin, a global provider of bovine genetics and research, has been awarded the “Compass Award” for its long-term commitment to excellence in the stewardship of its employees’ retirement assets. The award was given by Francis Investment Counsel, a nationally recognized expert retirement plan investment consulting organization.

MINTREX chelated trace minerals from Novus International, Inc., belongs to a new feed ingredient category. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) accepted this new feed ingredient definition July 31, during its 2011 Ingredient Definitions Committee Meeting in Austin, Texas.

Much of the corn and soybean market attention is appropriately focused on the prospective size of the 2011 U.S. crops and speculation about the USDA’s August 11 Crop Production report.  The size of these crops will obviously largely determine the magnitude of supplies available for consumption during the 2011-12 marketing year.  The magnitude of old crop stocks on September 1 will also contribute to next year’s supply.  As the 2010-11 marketing year enters the final month, there are indications that both soybean and corn consumption will fall short of the most recent USDA projections.

USDA-NASS released both the July report and the July inventory report on Friday, July 22. Both reports confirmed that the severe drought that is affecting the Southern Plains and Southeast is also affecting cattle numbers.

E.I. Medical Imaging (EIMI) announced the release of the 1.07 firmware update for the Ibex family of ultrasound systems. The update (version 1.07) is available now for download for Ibex customers free of charge from EIMI Imaging via the company website. This update underscores EIMI’s commitment to customer feedback and product evolution. To download, simply register at www.eimedical.com for your login account information.

The National Farm-City Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents, is now seeking nominations for the first annual Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award, paying tribute to an outstanding individual who has contributed to Farm-City activities as an advocate for accurate communications between rural and urban audiences. The award is in honor of Charles "Charlie" Eastin, DVM, who passed away earlier this year and played a fundamental role in Farm-City activities. A board member for many years, Eastin was especially active in planning and initiating Farm-City events in the Lexington, Kentucky, area.