Zoetis Announces Strategic Research Collaboration with AgNext to Bolster Cattle Industry Science and Discovery

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

Research will help establish baseline measurements as part of animal lifecycle assessments

PARSIPPANY, N.J., December 5, 2024 —Zoetis announced it has entered a collaboration with Colorado State University’s AgNext to advance research in sustainable animal production. Together, Zoetis and AgNext are poised to shape the future and set new standards for sustainable management practices using animal health and genetic data.

“Beef and dairy producers currently define sustainability as healthy animals that are more productive and are therefore more resource-efficient and sustainable animals, which is true. However, specific benchmarks and data have been elusive in the industry,” said Dr. Mike Lormore, Head of U.S. Cattle and Pork Technical Services for Zoetis. “This research will allow us to obtain specific data to establish baselines and eventually to help producers, veterinarians, and nutritionists make more informed decisions to meet sustainability goals.”

The collaboration strives to close data gaps on technology and management practices that can enhance the efficiency of livestock production while ensuring the well-being of animals and addressing the industry’s evolving sustainability needs. The first study is focused on establishing baseline greenhouse gas emissions that reflect an industry-typical production environment for fed cattle and accounts for the standard health treatments animals typically receive.

The second study is a lifecycle assessment of beef and dairy production systems to support industry knowledge of the effect animal genetics and animal health interventions like vaccination and parasite control have on sustainable beef and dairy production.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) found that improving animal health can increase livestock productivity and welfare, and ultimately help farmers mitigate emissions and contribute to climate solutions.

“By leveraging animal health technologies and expertise at Zoetis and Colorado State University, we aim to increase the understanding of improved management to sustainability using this animal health data,” said Dr. Kim Stackhouse Lawson, Director of AgNext. “This will enable us to develop strategies that enhance animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic efficiency for livestock producers.”

“Zoetis’ animal health experience and genetic capabilities combined with AgNext’s expertise in advancing sustainability in the beef and dairy industries through their impactful research to improve animal health, productivity, and environmental stewardship, strengthens this collaboration,” said Shari Westerfeld, Vice President, Sustainability Customer Engagement at Zoetis. “This collaborative agreement demonstrates our commitment to support farmers, ranchers and producers in meeting their goals to raise healthy animals, to sustainably provide nutritious foods and meet the growing protein needs of the world’s population, now projected to grow to approximately 10 billion people by 2050.”

To learn more about sustainability efforts from Zoetis and AgNext, visit Zoetiswww.zoetis.com/sustainability and AgNext.colostate.edu.

About Zoetis

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.5 billion in 2023 with approximately 14,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

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Winterproof Your Farm Tires: Essential Tips for the Cold Season

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

Nashville, Tenn. (Dec. 4, 2024) – Winter is coming, and with it comes colder temperatures, wet or icy ground, and snow in some areas. Despite the changing weather conditions, you still need to get work done, and farm tire maintenance is crucial to staying productive, no matter the weather.

“Livestock still needs to be fed. In some areas, snow needs to be moved, or fieldwork finished,” says Greg Jones, senior manager of global field engineering, Firestone Ag. “Regardless of where you live, winter brings challenges. In the north, it snows. In the south, it rains. You need your tires to keep up throughout the season.”

Taking steps to safeguard your tires from harsh winter weather and conditions can help you avoid needing replacement tires come spring. Here are four practical tips to help you make the most of your farm tires and equipment this winter.

Tip 1: Maintain tire pressure when temperatures drop

Regularly checking and adjusting your tire air pressure is one of the most effective ways to extend tire life and carry heavy loads efficiently. Checking tire pressure in the winter is especially important since it is directly related to temperature.

“As temperatures rise, so does tire inflation pressure, and vice versa,” says Jones. “You need to be extra aware of your tire air pressure at this time since the colder weather causes drops in tire inflation pressure.”

Check your tire pressure daily or weekly, depending on your equipment usage. This helps to avoid underinflation or overinflation, which can both damage the tire and affect performance.

Tip 2: Be cautious of rough, frozen ground

Take extra care driving over rutted and rough frozen ground and stubble, especially for livestock operations and when clearing snow.

“When temperatures drop, mud can freeze into hard clumps, and stubble gets harder,” says Jones. “Driving over these is like driving over a sharp rock in the field. These frozen obstacles, which are common for northern U.S. farmers, can cause punctures or breaks in your tires.”

Whenever possible, minimize driving over rough surfaces and smooth out main driving paths to protect your tires from sharp, frozen debris.

Tip 3: Safeguard your tires during winter storage

For equipment that won’t see regular use during the winter, proper storage can help keep tires in good condition. Whenever possible, store equipment inside. Tires left outside on ice or snow are more prone to cracks as the rubber stiffens in low temperatures.

“When temperatures get cold enough, the elasticity of the rubber stops working as usual,” explains Jones. “Instead of stretching and relaxing, it becomes brittle and can crack.”

For equipment in winter storage, adjust tire inflation pressure to avoid finding a flat tire come spring. Due to permeation, a tire will typically lose around 1 PSI per month. To account for this natural, slow loss of PSI over time regularly check the tire pressure of your tires in storage and adjust to account for this change.

Tip 4: Optimize your tires for winter conditions

Winter across the country can create conditions that challenge tire traction. Tires built for fieldwork might not perform well in snow and ice. In the south, wet ground from winter rains can reduce a tractor’s traction in the field. If you need to put your equipment to work, these tips can help make them more efficient.

Adjust a tire’s footprint: Wet ground can heighten soil compaction and rutting, while reducing a tractor’s traction. Ensure your tire inflation pressure is optimized for the weight of the tractor. Properly inflated tires allow tractors to create an ideal footprint, spreading the machine’s weight over a larger area to minimize soil compaction and enhance traction.
Add weight: Adding weight to your equipment can help improve traction on icy or snowy ground. Extra weight can prevent slipping and help maintain stability. “Adding weight carefully and optimizing your tire pressure to the new weight can give you extra grip for winter work,” says Jones.
Use tire chains: Tire chains can be a good option in winter conditions by providing extra traction on icy surfaces. Tire chains can give your equipment the extra grip it needs in slippery conditions. Work with your local tire dealer and experts to ensure you are getting the correct chains for your tires and are installing them correctly to avoid unnecessary damage.

For more tips to get the most from tires and equipment this winter, contact your local Certified Firestone Ag dealer or visit FirestoneAg.com.

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About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 50,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

Cutlines:

FSAG_FieldWork.jpg: Regardless of where you live, winter brings challenges. You need your tires to keep up throughout the season.

FSAG_WinterScene.jpg: As winter approaches, it brings unique challenges for farmers—from icy ground and frozen mud to rain-soaked fields in the south. Keeping farm equipment running smoothly despite these conditions is no small task, but proper tire care can make all the difference.

FSAG_CowsInSnow.jpg: Taking steps to safeguard your tires from harsh winter weather and conditions can help you keep working in the winter and avoid needing replacement tires come spring.

Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Raises Record-Breaking $568,000

Posted on August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Raises Record-Breaking $568,000

| August 14, 2024

Contact: Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, 515-296-2266, Contact Us.

Article provided by ICA / images from Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show

In another record-breaking year, the 42nd annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show continues to elevate the bar raising $568,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This was a significant jump from last year’s record of $501,000. Including this year’s donations, the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer is inching close to $6 million in donations since its inception in 1983.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.

This event, hosted by the Office of the Governor of Iowa, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council is another example of the care the beef cattle industry has for our state, rural communities, and those in need.

“This worthy cause supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a celebration of our great cattle industry, and highlights how important this industry is to the state of Iowa,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “I want to thank everyone who helped us achieve another record-breaking total again this year of more than $568,000. This donation will be so impactful to the families served by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. I applaud the next generation of producers, our youth exhibitors, for their dedication and hard work, and their drive to help others in need.”

The Governor’s Charity Steer Show would not be possible without our sponsors, youth exhibitors and their families, celebrities, and buyers. Their impact through volunteering, donations, and dedication created another successful show and fundraising outcome. This year, more donations and support were collected in advance of the event than ever before.

We also had two exhibitors that exceeded the threshold of the most dollars raised throughout the event from donations and the sale of their steer. Baylen Brink raised $71,354 and Jacob Ringkob raised $58,211, which topped the previous record of $48,000.

Not only was Pioneer Pavilion packed for the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, but more than 4,000 people watched online. This event has become an anticipated and loved Iowa State Fair tradition. It is no surprise, as it brings together what is great about our state.

Recognizing the Winners

The 42nd Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show was held on August 10 in Pioneer Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair. Winners in four categories were recognized in the show ring – Community Hero, Grand Champion Showman, People’s Choice, and Judge’s Grand Champion. This year’s event hosted 24 sponsored steers, shown by their youth exhibitor and a local celebrity.

The Community Hero Award recognizes the youth exhibitor who goes above and beyond collecting non-monetary donations and creating awareness for the event. This year’s winner of the Community Hero Award was Layne White from Blakesburg. Iowa. Layne collected 175 pounds of pop tabs and a lot of nonperishable items for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Layne was sponsored by the Davis County Beef Promoters and showed with celebrity, Mercedes Northup, who was on The Bachelor.

Our showmanship contest was judged by Brad and Drake Hook. Their focus was on the partnership between the celebrity, youth exhibitor, and the steer. While we had some excellent celebrity showmen in the ring, who had done their homework, Drake awarded Cheyenne Houk also from Blakesburg, Iowa, and her celebrity showman, Mark McCully, CEO of American Angus Association, as the Grand Champion Showman. Their steer was The Business and they were sponsored by the Monroe County Cattlemen and Supporters.

A fan favorite, the People’s Choice Award, gives the audience and team supporters a voice in the competition as they help select the winner of this event. This year Brad Hook helped judge this award and as he worked the ring, he had the crowd roaring for their favorites. In the end, it was two-time NCAA champion wrestler, David Carr, and his youth partner, Kate Totemeier from Columbus Junction, Iowa, along with her steer, ZZ, who took the award! David, Kate, and ZZ were sponsored by the District 20 Cattlemen’s Associations.

Finally, the most prestigious award of the show, the Judge’s Grand Champion, was selected. Ross Havens from Nichols Farms in Bridgewater, Iowa, had the hardest task of working through and judging the stellar lineup of steers and showmen. Whopper and his youth exhibitor, Emma Norman of Searsboro, Iowa, and celebrity showman Jeff Angelo, an iHeart and WHO Radio personality, received the honor. This team was sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association.

Following the show, a live auction was conducted to raise funds through the sale of each steer and additional value-added items donated by industry supporters and celebrities. These funds were added to the donations received by each youth participant, resulting in the $568,000 donation going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Thank you to Governor Kim Reynolds for her continued dedication to this event and for her partnership with Iowa beef cattle producers. This event is a rewarding and humbling experience for all who participate.

For a list of sponsors, youth exhibitors, steers, celebrities, donors/buyers, and funds raised by each, please look for that in your next issue of the Iowa Cattleman or on the Governor’s Charity Steer Show website once the magazine is released.

Enclosure: For images from the event, visit the ICA Flickr page.

About the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 8,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.

About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information, and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.