NEWS

Brazil-based JBS Swift, the world’s largest beef producer, announced plans in early July to acquire the McElhaney Cattle Co. feedyard of Welton, Arizona. McElhaney has a one-time capacity for 130,000 head of cattle, according to a company press release.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised its guidance document containing advisory levels for the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, also referred to as DON or vomitoxin – increasing the level destined for beef cattle and establishing for the first time a separate level for dairy cattle.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced July 1 that USDA has finalized tougher new standards for ground beef purchased by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for federal food and nutrition assistance programs, including the National School Lunch Program.

Beef Improvement Federation members and industry experts heard new genetic advancements and technologies that embody the cutting edge of profitable solutions during the BIF Research Symposium at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

The National Angus Conference & Tour will be held Sept. 14-17 in Bozeman, Montana. Three of the event’s participating speakers provided Progressive Cattleman some pre-event comments about their presentations. Learn more at www.nationalangusconference.com