Kansan Appointed To USDA Secretary’s Advisory Committee On Animal Health

Jul 31, 2015

Today Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey congratulated Mary Ann Kniebel, White City, for her reappointment by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to serve on the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health.

“Mary Ann brings a vast knowledge of the cattle business to the committee and contributes valuable insight and firsthand knowledge about raising healthy animals. Given the importance of this committee and the leading role Kansas plays in the nation’s animal agriculture industry, especially the beef cattle sector, it is important for Kansas to have a presence on this committee,” said McClaskey. “Mary Ann is recognized in Kansas as a leader in the beef cattle sector, and I am confident she will continue to use her knowledge and skills to represent our state’s agricultural interests, ensure federal discussions and policies are aimed to supporting livestock farmers and ranchers, as well as help advance animal agriculture throughout the country.”

The Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health will provide outside perspectives on USDA strategies, policies and programs to prevent, control and/or eradicate animal health diseases. The Committee will also lead broader dialog on public health concerns and the stability of livestock economies. Kniebel is one of 19 individuals from across the U.S. chosen to serve on this committee, which is comprised of livestock producers, animal health officials, animal welfare advocates, and more.

Animal agriculture, the largest segment of the state’s agricultural industry, is of vital importance in Kansas. Kansas is regularly among the top states in the nation in the beef cattle sector. Additionally, it is one of the fastest-growing dairy regions in the country and is committed to growing other sectors of animal agriculture in the future.

Source: ks.gov

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.