My Beef Checkoff: May dairy edition

Have You Herd…

… “Like” MyBeefCheckoff on Facebook for regular news and updates about your Beef Checkoff Program.

… Be sure to check out MyBeefCheckoff on YouTube to watch videos from dairy producers across the country.

… Hear more from cattlewoman Sarah Childs, Florida, about how the beef checkoff is teaching producers

May Quality Tip:  Your Veterinarian -- A Critical Partner 

An ongoing relationship with a practicing herd veterinarian is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of your dairy animals. The checkoff-funded Dairy Animal Care Quality Assurance (DACQA) guidelines  stress the importance of a valid veterinary client/patient relationship (VCPR). That includes having your veterinarian make regular herd visits, provide employee training and develop herd-management protocols.

But, what is a VCPR? Here are some criteria to consider from the DACQA guidelines:

• Your veterinarian assumes responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and you have agreed to follow your veterinarian's instructions.
• Your veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of your animal(s) to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of their medical condition. This means that your veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with your care and keeping of the animal(s) by virtue of an examination of them or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where they are kept.
• Your veterinarian is readily available, or has arranged for emergency coverage, for follow-up evaluation in the event of adverse reactions or failure of the treatment regimen.

Learn more about your beef-checkoff funded Dairy Beef Quality Assurance program.

New My Plate, My Way Tool

Following release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate icon comes the introduction of the My Plate, My Way interactive eating personality assessment tool developed by the beef checkoff. This tool will help Americans — many of whom strive to eat healthier, but struggle to make it work for their needs and circumstances — better understand their eating “personalities.”

Research shows that people who follow a personalized eating plan have greater success at meeting dietary goals than those following a standard diet. Therefore, the information and resource personalization further aids in success for Americans to adopt healthy eating habits. Read more here.

'Eat Veal' Sweepstakes Winner Announced

1. Meat and poultry trends in the U.S.
2. Corn and soybean prices continue to retrace 2012 drought rally
3. Ag markets generally mixed to start this week
4. USDA announces Conservation Reserve Program sign-up
5. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL
6. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early

1. Ag markets were mixed to start the new week
2. U.S. cattle placements rise in April as feed costs subside
3. Schwieterman: Cattle futures end week with sharp losses
4. Insects. They’re what’s for dinner!
5. The relationship between retail gasoline prices and futures prices
6. New school lunch beef recipes win approval from kids, foodservice

1. Tyson selects panel to monitor animal welfare program
2. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
3. 2014 Farm Bill: Are we near an agreement?
4. BeefTalk: How do we get the next generation to raise beef?
5. Farm bill and immigration reform action needed
6. Boxed beef hits record highs, cattle weak to lower