Fund the Future campaign drives impact for the Future

At the heart of the Angus family, there’s a deep-rooted commitment to helping create a lasting impact by building something that will support the breed for generations to come. It’s this spirit of advocating for the future of education, youth and research that drives the Fund the Future campaign.

Thanks to a dedicated group of 16 Angus breeders, in the 2024 fiscal year, the Fund the Future campaign garnered $36,400 for the Angus Fund, helping to support the Angus Foundation’s mission and events like Beef Leaders Institute and Young Cattlemen’s Conference.

What makes 2025 even more special is a generous matching opportunity. In the new year, an anonymous donor has pledged to match the first $30,000 raised, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar donated.

“I’m thrilled to watch the campaign expand and see more breeders getting involved in 2025,” says Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director.

Supporting the Fund the Future campaign in 2024 were APS Angus, Taylorsville, Ky.; Bear Mountain Angus Ranch, Palisade, Neb.; Brumfield Angus Farms, Sawyer, Mich.; Deer Valley Farm, Fayetteville, Tenn.; Dyar Angus, Crossville, Ala.; Frank/Hazelrigg Cattle Co., Wentzville, Mo.; Heritage Farm, Shelbyville, Ky.; Knott’s Landing Angus, Laotto, Ind.; Marda Angus Farms, Lodi, Wis.; Mead Farms, Barnett, Mo.; Oakdale Farms, Rome, Ga.; Pollard Farms LLC, Enid, Okla.; Smithland Angus, Russell Springs, Ky.; Stevenson Down T Ranch, White Sulphur Springs, Mont.; Sydenstricker Genetics, Mexico, Mo.; and the Texas Angus Association.

Lots consigned to the campaign fund educational programs like Angus University and BEEF Academy; youth leadership development events like the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) and Raising the Bar conferences; and helping to fund research that advances the beef industry and Angus breed.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/FundFut or contact Jaclyn Boester at JBoester@Angus.org.

USDA finalizes third new regulation under the Biden-Harris administration to create fairness and transparency for contract farmers

Ag Secretary Vilsack Jan. 14 announced the third installment in a series of regulatory reforms under the Packers & Stockyards Act (P&S Act) that is intended to level the playing field for farmers who raise chicken, turkeys, hogs, cattle and sheep under contract or for sale to meat and poultry processing companies.

Specifically, the rule will give chicken farmers better insight into companies’ payment rates for their birds, will institute stability and fairness in what is commonly known as the “tournament system,” will provide farmers with key information on capital improvements the companies require farmers to make in order to keep or renew contracts, and give farmers stronger leverage when companies do not adhere to the rules.

The USDA has finalized two other rules that strengthen enforcement of the P&S Act and seek to create a fairer dynamic between integrated processing companies and the farmers who raise animals for them:

• Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments, finalized in November 2023, which requires Live Poultry Dealers — typically large processing companies — to give critical information about terms of their agreements to the poultry growers with whom they contract to raise birds.
• Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the P&S Act, finalized March 2024, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of certain other basic characteristics and bans companies from retaliating against farmers over basic activities.

In June 2024, USDA proposed Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets, which sought to define unfair practices under the P&S Act. USDA received more than 13,000 public comments on the proposal. Due to the complexity and length of time needed to finalize that regulation, USDA is withdrawing the proposal to preserve its ability to reexamine these important issues in the future and enable the Agency to explore with stakeholders regarding how best to implement the requirements of the P&S Act.

USDA has worked closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to enforce the P&S Act in the poultry sector. As a result of this close partnership, DOJ has obtained two consent decrees with large poultry integrators that increase protections for growers and decrease unfair, deceptive and anticompetitive conduct in poultry markets.

This rule takes effect on July 1, 2026, following publication in the Federal Register. A preview of the final rule, and a summary and FAQ are available on the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems webpage.

Background on the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule

On June 28, 2024, AMS issued the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule, which sought to specify general practices that are unfair and in violation of section 202(a) of the P&S Act. The proposed rule defined unfair conduct to encompass the spectrum of conduct that harms market participants and harms the market.

Although this proposal is being withdrawn, AMS continues to support the intent and purpose of the proposed rule, and the Department is not withdrawing this proposed rule based upon a change in agency interpretation of its authority of the P&S Act. This withdrawal action does not affect AMS’ ongoing application of existing statutory and regulatory requirements or its responsibility to faithfully administer the P&S Act.

A preview of the withdrawal notice is available on the Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets webpage. The official withdrawal notice will be published in the Federal Register.

Cattle producers pleased by withdrawal of ‘anti-free market’ USDA rule

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the withdrawal of the USDA’s proposed rule entitled Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets, announced Jan. 14 by Ag Secretary Vilsack. According to NCBA, the regulation would have dismantled current cattle marketing agreements, reversed decades of innovation in the cattle industry and threatened producer profitability.

“Under the ‘Bidenomics’ agenda, USDA pushed regulations like this one, which would have undermined the free market, harmed hardworking cattle producers, and far exceeded the agency’s authority granted by Congress,” said Tanner Beymer, NCBA executive director of government affairs. “We are pleased that USDA recognized their failed approach and withdrew this rule. NCBA will continue advocating for sound market principles and we look forward to working with the next administration on enhancing profitability opportunities for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.”

Field set for World Livestock Auctioneer Championship semifinals

Thirty-one bid callers will battle it out in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Dunlap, Iowa, this June. Hosted in conjunction with Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) annual convention, the event will bring together the top 10 individuals from each of the three qualifying events, along with the reigning International Livestock Auctioneer Champion.

The semifinalists are:

• A.J. Austin, Newport, Arkansas
• Andy Baumeister, Goldthwaite, Texas
• Tyler Bell, Anderson, Texas
• Neil Bouray, Webber, Kansas
• Leon Caselman, Long Lane, Missouri
• Colvin Connell, Willard, New Mexico
• Ryan Dean, Roland, Oklahoma
• Dean Edge, Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
• Steve Goedert, Templeton, California
• William Gregory, Auburn, Kentucky
• Michael Imbrogno, Turlock, California
• Brennin Jack, Virden, Manitoba, Canada
• Marcus Kent, Dunnellon, Florida
• Takoda Kiser, Leon, West Virginia
• Ryan Konynenbelt, Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada
• Justin Mebane, Bakersfield, California
• Trey Narramore, Portales, New Mexico
• Garrett Nunn, Laramie, Wyoming
• Ross Parks, New Concord, Ohio
• Jack Riggs, Glenns Ferry, Idaho
• Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas
• Seth Schnieder, Hershey, Nebraska
• Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kansas
• Jeff Showalter, Broadway, Virginia
• Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kansas
• Preston Smith, Imperial, Nebraska
• Andrew Sylvester, Westmoreland, Kansas
• Jace Thompson, Billings, Montana
• Marshal Tingle, Nicholasville, Kentucky
• Scott Twardowski, Swanville, Minnesota
• Zack Zumstein, Marsing, Idaho

The World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, conducted by LMA, is in its 62nd year. To learn more, visit https://www.lmaweb.com/.

W.D. Farr Scholarship recipients recognized for advancing the beef Industry

Conrad Schelkopf of Geneva, Neb., and Tyler Thomas of Baker City, Ore., have each been awarded a $15,000 W.D. Farr Scholarship by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF). The scholarship program recognizes outstanding graduate students for their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to the advancement of the beef industry. The scholarship recipients will be recognized during CattleCon 2025, Feb. 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University, Schelkopf is continuing his education at Kansas State, pursuing a doctorate in diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.

Growing up on a diversified livestock and row-crop operation in Nebraska planted Schelkopf’s roots deep within the beef industry. From managing a beef cow herd as part of his FFA supervised agriculture experience to spending many hours with his dad in the combine harvesting corn for livestock consumption, cattle have driven his passion within the ag industry.

“As a newly graduated veterinarian, I plan to pursue a career focusing on providing practical solutions in cattle health management through all stages of the production cycle,” said Schelkopf. “Receiving the W.D. Farr Scholarship enhances my ability to share my research with veterinarians and producers in the field, as well as direct future research initiatives with cattle production and sustainability as driving priorities.”

Thomas’ interest in cattle production began during childhood on his family ranch in Oregon. His appreciation for the industry was solidified years later while working across the genetics, cattle feeding and animal nutrition sectors in the United States and abroad. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University, where he is currently working toward a doctorate in animal nutrition. Thomas hopes to further the beef cattle industry by helping producers cater to consumer interests while improving operational profitability.

“I am passionate about helping cattle operations be profitable and sustainable, equipping the next generation of agriculturalists for success and researching solutions to common industry challenges,” said Thomas. “This scholarship helps me continue my journey of conducting valuable research, connecting with beef industry professionals and further developing the skills to make a positive impact on the beef cattle industry.”

The scholarship, established by NCF in 2007, honors the successful career of the late W.D. Farr. Farr, a third-generation Coloradan, pioneer rancher, statesman and banker was known for his extraordinary vision. His dedication to improving agriculture, livestock and water development resulted in significant changes in farming methods that have influenced the practices of ranchers and farmers throughout the nation.

The NCF advances the future of the beef industry by assisting in the education of the next generation of beef industry professionals. For more information about NCF and the W.D. Farr Scholarship, visit https://bit.ly/03news1.

Roll of Victory Sire of the Year

SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 was recognized as the Roll of Victory (ROV) Sire of the Year at the 2024 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) Super-Point ROV Angus Show Nov. 18 in Louisville, Ky. Stertzbach Cattle Co., Louisville, Ohio; Tim Schaeffer Show Cattle, Hagerstown, Ind.; and Ryan & Bridgette Van Zee, Sioux Center, Iowa, own the winning sire.