Eric Grant is public relations director with the American Angus Association. This summer the American Angus Association announced new policies surrounding the genetic defect known as developmental duplication. The simple recessive defect, researched by Dr. Jon Beever from University of Illinois, had been shown to result in calves born with polymelia, or a calf with additional limbs. However, those births were “rare events” given the greater rate of embryonic death. Progressive Cattleman Editor David Cooper asked Eric Grant some follow-up questions about DD.

Ranchers and farmers know what it’s like to work in the cold. Now is a chance for your hard work to be recognized in the third annual Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest. Cintas launched the campaign in 2011 to recognize individuals in the U.S. and Canada who withstand the toughest winter working conditions. This year’s theme is “Outwork Them All.” Contestants may share their stories and explain why Carhartt, a brand for hard-working people, is essential to their jobs at for their chance to win free merchandise and a grand prize, all-expenses paid trip for two (location yet to be announced).