Industry Briefs

NOBLE RESEARCH INSTITUTE NAMES GENERAL RANCH MANAGER

Joseph Pokay IV was recently hired by Noble Research Institute as general ranch manager. Pokay brings more than 13 years of full-time production agriculture experience to Noble, specializing in regenerative ranching practices.

During the last three years, he worked for Deseret Ranches, one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. As ranch general manager, Pokay will oversee Noble Ranches, about 14,000 acres of research and demonstration land.

Pokay will work with existing ranch managers and staff in implementing regenerative management planning and practices to improve soil health, which benefits society by improving the health and quality of our land, water and food.

He earned his bachelor of science with double majors in animal science and agricultural business from Colorado State University.

U.S. red meat exports closed the first half of the year on a strong note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Although volume and value eased from the enormous totals posted in April and May, export value was still the highest on record for the month of June and first-half shipments established a record pace for both beef and pork exports.

June beef exports totaled 112,249 metric tons, up 42% from a year ago when exports were still hampered by a COVID-related slowdown in production. Export value was $804.4 million, up 68% from a year ago and the third highest on record after April and May of this year. Firsthalf exports reached 700,087 metric tons, up 18% from a year ago, valued at $4.64 billion (up 28%). Compared to 2018, the record year for U.S. beef exports, first-half results were up 6% in volume and 15% in value.

Beef exports were led by an exceptional performance in South Korea, rapid growth in China, strong demand in Japan and Taiwan and a rebound in shipments to Mexico and Central and South America.

ANGUS MEMBERS ACHIEVE 1 MILLION GENOTYPES

Angus Genetics Inc., a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, has reached its 1 millionth mark in Angus genotypes. This was a monumental accomplishment for the Angus breed, says Kelli Retallick-Riley, Angus Genetics Inc. president.

The organization began including genomics in the genetic evaluation in 2010 with the idea of using this technology to enhance accuracy, evaluate for traits at earlier ages and predict difficult-to-measure traits for Angus breeders.

TEXAS BEEF COUNCIL RELEASES 2021-2025 LONG RANGE PLANS

Texas Beef Council released its official 2021-2025 Long Range Plan. Developed over the past few months, this new five-year plan will guide Texas Beef Council through 2025.

Texas Beef Council board of directors worked together to create this industry blueprint, meeting in February 2021 to begin fleshing out the plan. The group continued working throughout the spring season and approved the final version at Texas Beef Council’s June 2021 board meeting.

The plan is based on one primary mission: to strengthen demand for beef as the world’s most preferred and trusted protein. Keeping in mind the Texas Beef Council’s commitment to promotion, research and education, the new plan reflects three core beliefs:

• The Industry Long Range Plan is the cornerstone of a strong state-national partnership.

• Research is the foundation of all Checkoff-funded activities.

• Producer support, engagement and control of Checkoff funds are essential.

From there, the Long Range Plan details and expands upon four key areas of focus helping Texas Beef Council enhance beef’s reputation, find new consumer opportunities worldwide and encourage support from producers.

1. Grow consumer trust in beef.

2. Promote and capitalize on the multiple advantages of beef.

3. Drive growth in beef exports.

4. Grow stakeholder trust in Checkoff programs.

To view the full document, visit texasbeefcheckoff.com/longrangeplan.

Photo courtesy of Noble Research Institute BEEF EXPORTS REMAIN STRONG