News Update

News Update
May 14, 2007

Relief Efforts Under Way for Tornado Victims

The EF5 tornado that ripped through Greensburg, Kan., May 4 left a path of devastating destruction. Several relief efforts have been initiated to help residents affected by the tornado recover.

The Wichita Eagle today reported several fundraisers and organizations accepting donations, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, the Greensburg Rebuilding Fund and more. For a complete list, visit www.kansas.com/228/story/69478.html.

According to the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA), reports indicate fencing supplies are also in high demand in the affected areas. Therefore, KLA is accepting donations to purchase posts and barbed wire. The fencing supplies will be available for pickup, free-of-charge, to producers in the affected areas at Pratt Livestock May 18-19. For more information, contact Mike Lewis at Pratt Livestock at 620-672-5961, or the KLA office at www.kla.org.

Others wishing to help gather cattle or fix fences in the storm-affected area are encouraged to call Jeff Scott with the Stafford County Emergency Management office at 620-546-6304.

BIF Meeting Pre-Registration Deadline Tomorrow

Colorado State University (CSU) will host the 40th anniversary of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) June 6-9. The annual conference will focus on the future of genetic evaluation and improvement with a variety of presenters from around the country.

The deadline for pre-registration is May 15. The conference will be at the Hilton Hotel adjacent to the southern edge of CSU’s main campus. Other activities will take place throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado. To register and for program details, go to www.beefimprovement.org and click on the Conventions tab. For information contact Willie Altenburg at 970- 568-7792 or willie@rmi.net, or Mark Enns at 970- 491-2722 or Mark.Enns@Colostate.edu.

Angus Productions Inc. (API) will provide real-time coverage of the event at www.bifconference.com. The site features a complete schedule, travel information and access to proceedings papers, summaries, PowerPoint presentations, audio of the meeting, and more.

The BIF Annual Research Symposium and Annual Meeting will be hosted by CSU, Colorado Livestock Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and BIF.

— Information provided by CSU.

USDA Proposes Rules for Extending Broadband Services in Rural Areas

New rules being proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are designed to facilitate further deployment of broadband services to rural communities nationwide, said Thomas Dorr, agriculture undersecretary for rural development, Friday.

The changes are intended to improve broadband coverage by refining eligibility and coverage areas, along with increasing emphasis on reaching areas with limited service.

For further information regarding the proposed broadband rules, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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