News Update
Feb. 17, 2011

NCBA Strongly Supports Amendment to Block Funding to Regulate Dust

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today, Feb. 17, 2011, sent a letter to first-term U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) in support of her amendment to H.R. 1, a resolution to fund the federal government through the end of this fiscal year. Representative Noem’s amendment would block any funds from being used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify the national primary ambient air quality standard or the national secondary ambient air quality standard applicable to coarse particulate matter (dust).

NCBA President Bill Donald said last summer EPA laid the foundation to regulate dust at the unprecedented level of 65-85 ug/m3, which is essentially twice as stringent as the current standard. He said if EPA moves forward with a proposed rule later this year, vast rural and agricultural areas of the West and Midwest would be put into nonattainment, and farmers and ranchers could be fined for everyday activities ranging from tilling soil, moving cattle, driving on unpaved roads or planting and harvesting crops.

According to the letter, NCBA recently commissioned a study to determine the number of areas across the country that would be adversely affected by a revised standard. The study concluded the number of areas that would fall into nonattainment goes up by almost 250% if the standard is lowered from the current standard of 150 µg/m3 with a 99th percentile form to a level of 65 µg/m3 with a 98th  percentile form.

“EPA’s efforts to regulate dust just don’t make sense. Rural dust has long been found to be of no health concern at ambient levels,” Donald said. “Cattle producers across the country thank Representative Noem for her commonsense amendment to stop EPA from moving forward to stop this job-killing regulation that would have detrimental effects on farmers and ranchers nationwide.”

— Release by NCBA.

Ag Expo Offers Producers Updates on Agricultural Information, Technology

Information and technology are constantly changing, and producers rely on experts, as well as each other, to share the latest updates on farming and ranching practices. The 19th Annual Ag Expo promises to offer farmers and ranchers a quality educational experience to help them maintain and increase their productivity.

The expo will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 22-23, at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds in Portales, N.M. The event is free and open to the public. New Mexico State University (NMSU) is sponsoring the event, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local businesses.

Expo topics range from how to control prairie dogs to training stock horses.

On Feb. 22, John Wenzel, NMSU Extension veterinarian, will offer a hands-on program to enhance participants’ calving management skills. Monti Vandiver, an integrated pest management specialist with Texas Agri-Life, will talk about ways to identify various pests found on area field crops, and will help producers develop strategies and control thresholds of pests in order to determine when to apply pesticides.

Scott Bagley, from Dimmitt, Texas, will demonstrate how to develop strong young stock horses. Ted McCollum, Texas Agri-Life beef cattle specialist, will hold two sessions on options for managing retiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage. John Idowu, an Extension agronomist with NMSU, will present a talk on the agronomic options for CRP.

On Feb. 23, Jerry Hawkes, NMSU ag economist, will discuss marketing opportunities available to farmers and ranchers who want to utilize options, futures and hedging to take greater advantage of commodity prices. Kyle Dillard, a dog trainer from Milnesand, N.M., will offer hands-on stock dog demonstrations. Sam Smallidge, NMSU Extension wildlife specialist, will provide training on various means of controlling prairie dogs.

On both days of the expo, there will be an antique tractor parade and antique tractor games. Exhibits and information booths will be set up throughout the expo.

Attendees who have a disability and are in need of an auxiliary aid or service, or anyone needing more information on the expo, can contact the Roosevelt County Extension Office at 575-356-4417 or visit www.portales.com/events/view/New-Mexico-Ag-Expo.

— Release by NMSU Extension.

Nebraska Restaurant to be Awarded “Best Burger”

Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers along with the Nebraska Beef Council have announced the launch of their “Nebraska’s Best Burger” contest. The contest will run from Feb. 15 through March 31, 2011.

The contest asks the public to vote for their favorite restaurant and burger by filling out an online nomination form at www.nebeef.org. Any Nebraska restaurant of any size is eligible to win and all restaurants are encouraged to promote the contest at their establishments.

“We are looking forward to a great response to this promotion,” said Adam Wegner, Director of Marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “This contest offers an opportunity to highlight beef and discover some of the great restaurants here in Nebraska.”

The top five nominees will be evaluated by a panel of judges who will score each hamburger on taste, proper cooking and appearance. The winning restaurant will be announced April 15, 2011, and will receive a plaque, $2,000 in promotional assistance from the Nebraska Beef Council and recognition on the Nebraska Beef Council website.

For a full list of rules, contest details or to submit a nomination, visit www.nebeef.org or contact the Nebraska Beef Council at 308-236-7551.

— Release by the Nebraska Beef Council.

TSCRA Gears Up for 2011 Convention Weekend

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) will host its 2011 Convention April 1-3 in San Antonio, Texas. More than 2,000 ranchers, landowners and members will gather for a weekend of outstanding programs, educational sessions, a trade show with more than 200 exhibits, plus networking and fellowship with fellow cattle raisers.

Dennis Avery of the Hudson Institute Center for Global Food Issues will open the TSCRA Convention with a discussion on the sustainability of agriculture and the world’s food supply. Temple Grandin, subject of the Emmy award winning HBO movie, Temple Grandin, recognized expert on animal handling systems and frequent speaker on the subject of autism, will be the Closing General Session featured speaker.

TSCRA’s School for Successful Ranching will offer practical, hands-on knowledge on the subjects of ranch security, hiring part-time employees and day workers, small producer issues, profitably managing wildlife and cattle, horse health and nutrition, cattle handling and brush management.

The 36th Annual TSCRA Trade Show will feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the newest products and services. Exhibitors will be offering door prizes, drawings and giveaways to all Trade Show attendees.

The Convention Weekend will also include two unique parties. On Saturday night the Cattle Raisers Dance at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum will feature Jake Hooker and The Outsiders. The Young People’s Reception will be hosted at the Howl at the Moon Saloon on Friday night.

Registration for the Convention Weekend is currently open. There are multiple discount options available for participants who register before March 4. A complete schedule of events, information on accommodations, and registration information can be found at www.tscra.org/convention.

— Release by TSCRA.

— Compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.