News Update
Sept. 15, 2006

Johanns Releases Final Farm Bill Analysis

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns released a comprehensive analysis Sept. 13 of key factors that will affect future growth in U.S. agriculture: international trade, research and development, protection of agriculture from pests and diseases, and challenges in preparing the next generation of farmers.

“This paper looks at the evolution of the agricultural marketplace and the strategies that farmers have used to meet emerging challenges,” Johanns said.

The analysis highlights opportunities to improve global competitiveness, make research and agriculture protection programs more effective and facilitate the transition of farms to the farmers of tomorrow.

Titled “Strengthening the Foundation for Future Growth in U.S. Agriculture,” this is the fifth and final in a series of analysis papers related to production agriculture. As with the four papers before it, the paper was written by USDA economists. It is not intended to recommend policy, but rather to provide a thorough analysis of the state of U.S. agriculture and to present issues and alternatives for public consideration.

All of the analysis papers are available at www.usda.gov/farmbill.

National Farm Safety and Health Week 2006 Sept. 17-23

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids (FS4JK), a nonprofit organization that works to promote farm safety for kids, is promoting All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety in recognition of National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 17-23.

FS4JK’s chapter volunteers are encouraged to conduct community presentations using FS4JK’s newly released ATV educational packet, “Ride Smart!” The packet teaches children the importance of ATV safety and training and stresses the significance of wearing protective equipment, riding a properly sized ATV and not allowing passengers.

Funding for the ATV educational packet was provided by Syngenta and Monsanto. The packet includes resources from the National 4-H Council, Great Plains for Agricultural Safety and Health, Penn State and Arctic Cat.

FS4JK is also conducting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for all FS4JK chapter volunteers, ages 10-18. Youth are asked to write and record their own PSAs about ATV safety. Three winners will receive ATV safety prize packages donated by Arctic Cat.

Angus Foundation to Announce First-Ever Campaign at Louisville

Join the Angus Foundation on Nov. 11 in Louisville, Ky., for the unveiling of the first-ever multimillion dollar, multiyear campaign supporting the Foundation’s education, youth and research activities. This monumental fundraising drive will further strengthen the Angus Foundation’s ability to advance the Angus breed and agricultural industry for the betterment of all Angus supporters.

The formal campaign announcement will come Saturday night during the fourth annual Angus Foundation Supporter Recognition Event. All Angus supporters who have contributed $250 in the last year to the Angus Foundation are invited to attend this special donor celebration in Louisville.

The time to guarantee your reservation is drawing near. If you haven’t supported the Foundation in the last year, you can still secure your reservation now by contributing $250 or more by Sept. 30, 2006. To contribute online by Visa or MasterCard, visit www.angusfoundation.org and click on “Donate Online” on the top-right of the home page.

Your contribution, payable to the Angus Foundation, can also be mailed to the Angus Foundation at 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506. For more information call (816) 383-5100.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.