News Update

News Update
Sept. 21, 2006

Outreach Seminar Approaches

The Ohio Angus Association will host a field day, Sunday, Sept. 24 at Kingsway Angus near Tiffin, Ohio. A full day of activities is planned, including an Outreach Seminar conducted by American Angus Association staff.

The day’s activities will begin at 10 a.m., with a working dog demonstration and cattle on display. A lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., followed by an Outreach Seminar. Association staff will talk about Association programs and services, and answer questions.

This will be the first in a series of Outreach Seminars set during the fall and winter months. This is the third year for the seminars, which allow members to keep current on Association programs.

For more information about the event, contact Jerry Ballard, Ohio Angus secretary, at (740) 452-8821, or Kingsway Angus at (419) 937-1864.

Forest Service to Amend Prairie Dog Management

Ranchers in parts of Nebraska and South Dakota may get some help with prairie dog management, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

According to the article, the Forest Service plans to complete an analysis and environmental impact statement (EIS) by Oct. 1, 2007, aimed at enhancing management of prairie dog populations to better protect land and resources. The amended forest and grasslands plans will allow greater latitude to manage prairie dogs on the Buffalo Gap, Oglala, and Fort Pierre National Grasslands.

The actions from this EIS are aimed at further reducing conflicts with adjacent landowners and improving habitat conditions on national grasslands in South Dakota and Nebraska, NCBA reports.

Governor Facilitates Hay Movement

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has issued an executive order to expedite hay movement due to ongoing drought, the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) reported. The temporary order waives road and licensing requirements for vehicles carrying oversized loads of round hay bales. Oklahoma and Texas have issued similar regulatory waivers. The Kansas order is set to expire 30 days from its Sept. 8 issue date.

The order suspends requirements for special permits on oversized and overweight vehicles transporting round bales, according to KLA. It also temporarily eliminates licensing and operating authority normally required by the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Kansas Department of Revenue.

USDA Announces Economic Development Funds

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner yesterday announced that $15.4 million in loan and grant funds will be provided to business councils, economic development agencies and cooperatives in 15 states to spur business growth. The funds are expected to create or save an estimated 4,700 jobs.

The loans and grants are being provided under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Economic Development and Intermediary Relending programs. A total of 30 loans and grants will be provided to applicants in states including Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. A complete list of loan recipients is available at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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