At the recent Century Farm Ranch Ceremony, 17 farms and two ranches from 11 counties were inducted as century farms, and Steve Gilbert of Gilbert Ranches in Linn County and Samuel Dement of Dement Ranch in Curry County were honored at the Oregon State Fairgrounds, bringing the total number of Oregon century farms and ranches to 1,101.

Within the last year, many uncertainties have sprouted in the beef industry. Two major areas important to the future survival and success of the beef industry are potential governmental policy changes affecting beef production systems and beef pricing.

Artificial insemination (AI) techniques that work well with cattle and swine can be difficult or costly to perform in sheep, but helps on the way, thanks to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) studies in Fort Collins, CO.

Despite the economy of the beef industry, the American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) reports growth during the last fiscal year. During 2008-2009, the association had an increase in total animal registrations and new memberships.

The Idaho Fish Game Department (IFG) has decided to shut down three of 12 wolf hunting zones because hunters in those zones are reaching their quotas. The department is allowing for a total of 220 wolves to be killed across the state, but the three zones are approaching the states legal limits.

Madeleine Pickens, wife of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens and founder of the National Wild Horse Foundation (NWHF), is in negotiations to purchase a historic Nevada ranch which she hopes to convert into a non-profit wild horse sanctuary, learning center, and tourist destination.

Jack Maddux of Wauneta, NE, received the 32nd annual National Golden Spur Award from the Ranching Heritage Association in Lubbock, TX. The award was given in recognition of his contributions to the livestock and ranching industries and his contributions to improving the land and natural resources.

Twenty-three home cooks showed their sizzle for beef in the South Dakota (SD) CattleWomens 2009 Beef Cook-Off held recently at the South Dakota State Fair. Through eight hours of the contest, home cooks broiled, baked, grilled and saut%u9964 beef vying for $2,000 in top prizes made possible by the SD Beef Checkoff and the SD Beef Industry Council.

A reco record-setting 17 pro- ducers and feeders received the prest prestigious GridMaster Award at the National Red Angus Convention in Mah- nomen, MN, Sept. 16-19. The GridMaster Gri Award rec- ognizes producers and feed- ers owning cattle that meet and exceed ex strict carcass quality specifications.

Over the past 30 years, Gill Red Angus grew and became established as a reputable seedstock source. As the number of registered Red Angus expanded, the Gills began phasing out their commercial operation, allowing them more time to focus on raising quality bulls and elite females.