News Update

News Update
Dec. 29, 2006

NJAA, Angus Foundation to Appear on RFD-TV

The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and the Angus Foundation will be featured on next week’s episode of “The American Rancher” on RFD-TV. The show will air five times, including Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, at 9 p.m. Eastern time; Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 7 at 10 p.m. RFD-TV is available on Dish Network channel 9409 and DirecTV channel 379.

The 30-minute episode of “The American Rancher” will include two of the Angus Foundation’s new videos, which feature interviews with Angus breeders and junior members from across the nation.

“NJAA: Developing Leaders for the Beef Industry and Beyond,” which highlights opportunities available to Angus youth through NJAA involvement, will show first. “Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus,” which introduces the Angus Foundation’s efforts to bolster support for education, youth and research projects through a five-year, $11 million campaign, will follow.

Look for both of these videos to be available at www.angusfoundation.org in the coming weeks.

FDA Approves Food From Cloned Animals

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced yesterday that food from cloned animals is safe for consumption, according to The Associated Press.

After a more than five-year study, the agency said food from cloned animals is “virtually indistinguishable” from conventional livestock. According to the article, FDA officials say special labels aren’t needed, but no official decision on labeling has been made. The agency will accept public comment on the issue for the next three months.

South Korea Threatens to Reinstate Beef Ban

South Korean legislators warned they could reinstate the ban on U.S. beef imports if U.S. officials continue pressuring South Korea to ease its inspection standards, according to Meatingplace.com.

Seventeen South Korean lawmakers issued a statement Wednesday expressing their displeasure; however, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Undersecretary Chuck Lambert said the statement is somewhat insignificant since the South Korean market has yet to accept any U.S. beef, Meatingplace.com reported.

USDA Allocates $385M for Schools, Roads

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced yesterday more than $385 million in Forest Service (FS) revenue will be distributed to 41 states and Puerto Rico for improvements to public schools, roads and stewardship projects.

“This is the sixth and final year of payments as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Self Determination Act of 2000,” Johanns said. “The Forest Service has distributed more than $2 billion under this legislation since 2001 to assist counties in maintaining and improving local schools and roads.”

Since 1908, 25% of FS revenues, such as those from timber sales, mineral resources and grazing fees, have been returned to states in which national forest lands are located. The funds have been used for schools and roads as well as to create employment opportunities to maintain current infrastructure and enhance forest ecosystems, improving land health and water quality. Authority for the FS to make the payments expired at the end of fiscal year 2006.

For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us.

Analyst Forecasts a Short-Term Future for Ethanol

Andrew Gottschalk of Englewood, Colo.-based HedgersEdge.com projects the grain-based ethanol industry won’t have a long future, according to The High Plains Journal.

During a conference at Fort Hays State University, Gottschalk said that as corn prices increase, it will become increasingly expensive for ethanol plants to operate. Instead, he expects biodiesel — with similar energy output as conventional fuel and little byproduct — to have a more long-term future.

“… Every time you see someone try to chase something like they are with ethanol today, it’s going to end up a problem,” he said.

Visit www.hpj.com/archives/2006/dec06/dec25/Analystseesnolong-termfutur.cfm to read the article in its entirety.

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