Board Commentary
Animal Disease Traceability and how it affects Red Angus Breeders is the topic of this month’s column. - On page 6

Association Commentary
As RAAA completes its 1st quarter of genomic enhanced EPDs, RAAA staff has fielded many questions regarding the application of this technology – specifically its impact on EPDs. Following are some of the more prevalent questions we’ve fielded from our membership. - On page 8

Marketing Update
Previously, Japan required American beef to be harvested from cattle 20 months of age or less. But this spring, that restriction has been eased to 30 months or less. That simply means the vast majority of cattle can now be eligible for export to Japan. - On page 10

Member Services Bulletin
Data can be reported electronically via Member Data-REDS at Redangus.org. Once logged on, click on New Registrations to submit the data. Fall 2012 weaning worksheets will only be mailed upon request. Please contact RAAA National Office ASAP for printed worksheets. - On page 12

If you Show, Be in the Know!
With the recent RAAA board decision to implement a rotation process of the RAAA National Open and Junior Shows, the location for 2014 will be the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The RAAA National Junior Show will take place February 1 and the Open Show on February 2. - On page 14

Where are they Now?
In the years since serving on the JRA Board of Directors and receiving JRA scholarships, I have lived in three new states outside of my home in Wisconsin and currently reside in Minnesota working for Hormel Foods. The journey that led me to Hormel began with my leadership roles through the JRA and growing up in production agriculture. - On page 16

Fast Facts About Agriculture
As stated in previous articles, facts can be the best tool to promote the industry to someone not familiar with agriculture or farming/ranching. Whether you want to tweet one of these tidbits or stop someone at the grocery store, here are some worthwhile facts you can use in your everyday agricultural advocacy efforts. - On page 18

Three Herds, Three Breeding Programs... All Benefit from A.I.
Producers using artificial insemination (A.I.) in their herds reap the benefits of genetic improvements, a consistent calf crop and increased pounds at weaning. Maybe you’ve thought about the idea but aren’t sure what’s involved or how you would implement A. - On page 22

Nebraska Research - Using Reds to Improve Returns for Ranchers
Nebraska, known historically as ‘The Beef State” is home to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL). - On page 38

60th ANNUAL RED ANGUS CONVENTION
The Montana Red Angus Association is extending a special invitation to you to attend the 60th Annual Red Angus Convention. Save the dates of September 11-14, 2013 in Lewistown, Montana, the heart of cattle country in the Big Sky. - On page 42

Management Updates
"If heifers are slighted nutritionally, it's going to have an impact on their age and weight of puberty," he said. "If you're managing a later-maturing breed and you compromise their nutritional development ... you've unknowingly set those heifers up for reproductive failure. - On page 52

Show Reports
Jackson, Mississippi February 11, 2013 Grand Champion Female: Damar Eleanor Z208, 3/2/12, owned by Beth Orr, Newbern, Tenn. Reserve Grand Champion Female: BHC Heather, 12/11/10, owned by Rocky Hill Farms, Petersburg, Tenn. Grand Champion Bull: ATKN Cowboy Zone, 2/6/12, owned by Hickory Hill Farm, Taft, Tenn. - On page 64

Welcome to our Newest RAAA Members!
MCCANN RANCH & LIVE- STOCK CO. WILLIAM VERN MCCANN JR 1027 BRYDEN AVE LEWISTON, ID 83501. - On page 66

Calendar of Events
1 Caraway Red Angus Ranch Spring Bull Sale, Lake Benton, MN 1 Presser Red Angus Production Sale, Mercer, ND 1 C Lazy B Private Treaty Bulls, Kearney, NE 1 Trinity River Land & Cattle Co Private Treaty Offering, Shepherd, TX 2 Daigger-Orr Red Angus,... - On page 76

Advertiser Index
3K Land & Cattle Co...........................64 5L Red Angus.................................60,71 ABS......................................................11 Accelerated Genetics ..........................13 Andras Stock Farm..............................78 Angelo Cattle Company .......................70 Angus World .......................................74 Atkinson Reds ......................................37 Axtell Cattle Co ....................................72 Bachman Cattle Farms....................43,77 Barenthsen-Bullinger Red Angus .........73 Basel Red Angus ................................72 Beatty Farms. - On page 78