This month in brief

Recently, Chipotle Mexican Grill, a national restaurant chain, unveiled an advertising campaign that includes billboards that read: “Get antibiotics from your doctor, not your beef,” writes “Vet's Opinion” columnist Dave Sjeklocha. In “Dangerous perceptions,” on page 10, the DVM points out that while the campaign may help the burrito chain differentiate itself from its competition, it's a slap in the face of U.S. livestock producers.

With out-of-control hay prices and prospects for even higher costs in 2008, getting serious about extending the grazing season has never been more important, says grazing guru Jim Gerrish. In “Five steps to winter savings,” on page 20, the “Grazier's Page” columnist tells how producers can get completely out of the hay-feeding paradigm or significantly reduce the number of days they feed hay.

The most reliable genetic predictions for additive traits that producers currently enjoy are Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). But, in “Fast-Forward Genetics,” on page 38, contributing editor Wes Ishmael tells of a revolutionary new science called whole-genome selection that would make genetic predictions for additive traits, with moderate accuracy, possible the day an animal is born.

Approaching its 40th year, the biennial Range Beef Cow Symposium has become a top venue for progressive cattlemen. In “10 Hot Tips,” on page 58, Senior Editor Burt Rutherford distills 10 presentations into practical production advice for creating value in your calves, gene markers and EPDs, byproduct economics, body condition scoring, calving season, the effect of corn price on profitability, early weaning and others.

In an effort to keep European Union (EU) beef supplies free of foot-and-mouth disease, veterinary representatives of the EU's 27 member states enacted strict new traceability and animal movement measures on Brazil. The result is most Brazilian fresh and frozen beef imports came to an end, effective Jan. 31. In “Brazil Slapdown,” on page 64, Brussels-based Meghan Sapp provides the details on the EU move.

Without ever writing a check, cow-calf producers and others in the agricultural community are supporting missionaries around the globe, thanks to a 50-year-old stewardship program called STEER. In “Holy Cows,” on page 70, former BEEF senior associate editor Diana Barto tells how this non-profit stewardship program has used agricultural projects to steer more than $13.3 million to missions since 1957.