MACOMB, IL -- Entries are now being accepted for the 37th Annual Western Illinois University Bull Testing Program. According to Ken Nimrick and Bruce Engnell, co-directors of the program, entries for the 112-day test are open to any breed and are due Sunday, Aug. 31; however, bulls must be weaned and started on a pre-conditioning program no later than Friday, Aug. 22.
"The WIU Bull Test offers breeders the opportunity to compare their bulls against bulls from other breeders when fed and managed in the same environment," Engnell said. "It also provides them the opportunity to get data on their bull's feed efficiency -- how many pounds of feed a bull must eat to put on a pound of body weight.
"Things are changing in the beef industry. High energy, land and feed costs are altering the way we will do business in the future," Nimrick added. "Feed efficiency has always been important, but we have tended to focus on out put (weaning weights, yearling weights, ADG) in our beef selection programs in the past. High cost inputs are altering the equation."
Engnell noted that balanced rations and good management can affect feed efficiency and cost of production; however, studies show that approximately 40 percent of the differences in feed efficiency are accounted for by genetics. Reduced feed usage means higher profits from a producer's next calf crop, he added.
"A bull requiring only one pound less feed per pound of gain than another bull will transmit approximately 40 percent of that advantage or 0.4 pound less feed per pound of gain to his offspring compared to the other bull," Engnell explained. "With ration costs approaching $220 per ton and each animal gaining 800 pounds from weaning to harvest, the result is a savings in feed cost of $35.20 per animal. If that bull sires 100 calves over his lifetime he will put $3,520 more in your bank account compared to the other bull."
According to Nimrick, few on-farm testing situations can gather this type of data, and it is extremely important for the breeders' economics. In addition to average daily gain and feed efficiency, the WIU Bull Test Program provides information on weight per day of age, scrotal circumference, pelvic area, ribeye area, fat depth and marbling.
"The bulls are also indexed, so the breeder gets a rather substantial amount of information in a situation that provides an unbiased comparison," Nimrick pointed out. "We've made some changes in the testing program, and hope that breeders, old and new, will find the test to be an invaluable part of their performance program."
In addition to the testing program, bulls will have ultrasonic data gathered to be included in their breed's EPD program. At the conclusion of the test, a sale of the top bulls will be held March 20, 2009.
"The days of having cattle 'just for fun' are gone," Engnell said. "Today's cattle producer is extremely conscious of the 'bottom line' and the bulls can make that 'bottom line' appear a lot brighter."
For more information on the program, contact either Nimrick at 309/298-1288 or Engnell at 309/298- 2613 (days) or 309/298-1276 (nights). For an entry packet contact the WIU agriculture department at 309/298-1080. Entry forms for this year's test, along with information on last year's program, can also be found at www.wiu.edu/bulltest.
MACOMB, IL -- A Western Illinois University educator has been lauded by an international technology society for her efforts in the online learning realm.
Leaunda Hemphill, an associate professor in Western's instructional design and technology (IDT) department, was recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) for her project, "Looking at Technology Integration Issues in the K–12 Classroom: A Cross-Cultural Collaboration." She was the only Illinois educator to receive commendation.
Hemphill integrated the use of virtual worlds, specifically Second Life, to create rich learning experiences for her students in IDT 534, Issues in Instructional Technology and Professional Development for Educators. Students at the Macomb campus work with students and educators in China to review opportunities in Second Life for K-12 teachers.
Sponsored by ISTE's Special Interest Group for Telelearning (SIGTel), the Online Learning Awards recognize creative educators worldwide for their pioneering use of telecommunications networks to provide innovative learning opportunities for students in grades K–16.
"Leaunda's recognition is impressive and well-deserved," said College of Education and Human Services Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps. "We have a central goal to provide a challenging and supportive learning environment that is widely recognized as meeting the new technological demands of a global society. Leaunda's work illustrates our commitment to meet this goal and to continue to advance in the field of education."
ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET) and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide.
MACOMB, IL -- Michael Godard, assistant professor of kinesiology at Western Illinois University, joined more than 100 other professors and graduate students from universities throughout the U.S. and Canada at the recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) course, "Dietary Supplement Research Practicum 2008." The practicum was held on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, June 9-13.
According to Godard, ODS offers the annual intensive course to provide essential knowledge of dietary supplements to academic faculty and their doctoral or post-doctoral students with an interest in this subject. Experts from NIH, academic institutions and federal regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), served as speakers.
"The practicum provided a thorough overview of issues, concepts, unknowns and controversies about dietary supplements and supplement ingredients," Godard noted. "It also emphasized the importance of scientific investigations to evaluate the efficacy, safety and value of these products for health promotion and disease prevention and treatment, as well as how to carry out this type of research."
Participants also spent the day in Washington, D.C., meeting with representatives from professional associations, the media, the dietary supplement industry and consumer advocacy groups that study, advocate, regulate, or educate about dietary supplements.
Godard is currently conducting a research study examining the effects of Cactus Pear Fruit supplements on blood sugar level and body fat percentage.
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's Visual Production Center (VPC) photographers earned an honorable mention and second place awards at the recent University Photographers Association of America annual convention held last week in Alabama. Nearly 250 photographers submitted work in seven categories.
VPC Photographic Library Manager Larry Dean and Photographer II Lindy Baker received an honorable mention for their photography that appeared in the 2007 WIU Viewbook. The pair shot the various photographs that appeared throughout the 24-page prospective student guide.
Dean captured second place in the Publications category for his photographs that were used on a poster created by WIU Associate Art Professor Vince Palacios; Dean also earned an honorable mention in the Personal Vision category for a photograph of a praying mantis.
Baker placed second in the Nikon Photo Shoot-out competition for his photograph that reflected the competition's theme, "The Pause That Refreshes."
"Larry, Lindy, Digital Imaging Specialist Brian Kreps and Student Photographer Neil Wiarda bring a vast array of experience, creativity and skill to the Visual Production Center. The awards are a testament to the quality work that is produced on a daily basis," said Darcie Shinberger, director of University Relations. "Through their work, VPC photographers capture the vitality of our campus and illustrate the University's core values through the images they take."
For more information on VPC's services, including photography, call 309/298-1993 or visit www.wiu.edu/vpc. To view VPC's online photo library, visit http://photos.wiu.edu/lightbox.
Livingston-Webber Named Interim Chair of WIU's English and Journalism Department
June 25, 2008
MACOMB, IL - - Joan Livingston-Webber, a Western Illinois University English professor, has been named interim chairperson of Western's Department of English and Journalism, effective July 1, according to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Inessa Levi.
She succeeds David Boocker, who accepted the position of dean of the college of arts and sciences at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Livingston-Webber, who came to WIU in 1988, is currently on the department's curriculum review committee. She has served on the departmental personnel committee several times since 2003 and was a member of the University's Faculty Senate. She teaches courses in the English education and professional writing programs and has taught science fiction courses. In 2000, Livingston-Webber received the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award.
"Dr. Livingston-Webber has a long history of excellence in teaching and service to the College of Arts and Sciences and Western Illinois University," said Levi. "We were fortunate to have someone of her capabilities to serve as interim chairperson after Dr. Boocker accepted his new position. I am grateful to Dr. Livingston-Webber for her willingness to help the college as we search for a new chairperson in the Department of English and Journalism."
Previously, Livingston-Webber taught at Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indiana University at Bloomington and the University of North Dakota. She received her Ph.D. from Indiana University in 1992; and she earned her master's and bachelor's degrees in English language at the University of North Dakota.
Livingston-Webber has been recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2002 and 2005.
Content by Jeff Dodd, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing Officer
