via Bovine Carcass Merit Project

HARTLAND, Wis. (June 13, 2008) The opportunity for beef producers to satisfy consumer demand for consistent, high-quality beef may be closer to reality through the Carcass Merit Project (CMP). Following its acquisition of Bovigen, the original commercial sponsor, Pfizer Animal Genetics is now collaborating on the project with a group of universities led by Texas A&M University. The project, which includes data contributed by 14 breed associations, is coordinated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and primarily funded by Beef Checkoff Program dollars. more

Phenotype is an individual’s observed category or measured level of performance for a trait. Its genotype (genetic merit) and the environment it experiences determine an animal’s phenotype. Because genetic selection and environment – including management – drive expressed levels of performance over time, you can determine if genetic selection and management are working by studying annual changes in observed performance. more

Greg Comstock has been named Executive Secretary of the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA). Comstock has served the RAAA as the Marketing Programs Coordinator since 2003, where he directed breed promotion and the development of several facets of RAAA’s commercial marketing programs. Age verification, electronic ID capabilities and an umbrella program for cooperating feedyards are all components of the Red Angus Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP), whose design and implementation occurred during Comstock’s involvement. With over 1 million head of cattle enrolled, from more than 3000 producers, the Red Angus FCCP remains the seedstock industry’s most experienced source verification program. more

AMARILLO, Texas, June 10, 2008 - Micro Beef Technologies, a leading provider of innovative, integrated animal management solutions for the global food supply chain, today announced the release of MICRO PVP (www.micropvp.com), a major expansion of its current USDA-approved Process Verified Program. The MICRO PVP will allow ranches, livestock markets, and feedyards to more easily age verify their cattle for export markets as well as benefit from newly added “Born in USA” and “Born and Raised in USA” claims. more

Genetic improvement, new technologies and new markets were among the topics discussed at the 18th biennial International Limousin Conference, May 20–28 in Italy. Kent Andersen, Ph.D., executive vice president for the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), addressed the conference’s “Future Perspectives of Limousin in the World” technical session, which was May 25 in Florence. He explained how the U.S. Beef Industry Whole-Genome Selection Project will enable and enhance genetic evaluation. more

Comprehensive IGENITY® profile can help producers make important decisions with more confidence.

DULUTH, GA — June 9, 2008 — As fall approaches, producers are looking to offset record-high input costs with savvy production decisions. Now, with inside information from the comprehensive IGENITY® profile, producers can make more confident selection, management and marketing decisions that will help ensure their profitability. more

Dodge City, Kansas - ROTO-MIX recently completed an expansion of their manufacturing facility in Dodge City, Kansas. ROTO-MIX is a leading manufacturer of livestock feed mixing equipment for the beef cattle and dairy industries. ROTO-MIX also manufacturers and markets a complete line of manure spreaders as well as compost mixers and spreaders for municipal and industrial applications. more

[Fresno, CALIFORNIA] – Alltech, the global animal health company, is continuing to maintain momentum as the title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™ with the announcement of Western Millling as the official West Coast feed partner of the Games. more

Schaumburg, IL, June 5, 2008 – The Professional Agriculture Division of Central Life Sciences, whose founders invented insect growth regulator (IGR) technology more than 30 years ago, is pleased to announce that Katie Carriker has joined the company as Regional Sales Manager focusing on the west coast. more

DVD Showcases New Rhino 700 FI and Rhino 450 SxS Vehicles vs. Competition

Cypress, Calif. – June 2, 2008 — Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has released a new informational DVD featuring the company’s highly popular Rhino Side-by-Side (SxS) vehicles. The new DVD, available free online at www.yamahaoutdoors.com, provides a comprehensive review of the new Rhino 700 FI and the Rhino 450 SxS vehicles and delivers detailed head-to-head comparisons with competing models. more