News Update
March 18, 2013
Tri-County Beef and Forage Workshop set April 19
at Overton, Texas
A workshop designed to help beef producers in Cherokee, Rusk and Smith counties fine-tune their operations will take place April 19 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton.
“We feel this is going to be a quality educational event for producers at a low cost, thanks to our sponsors,” said Aaron Low, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent for Cherokee County. “This event will allow producers to see and review current and cutting-edge research while visiting the Overton center.”
Registration for the workshop is $10, with a noon meal and break refreshments included. Registration may be paid at the door on the day of the event by cash or check. Low asked those who plan to attend to RSVP to his office at 903-683-5416 by April 16 to facilitate meal planning.
Those attending can earn three continuing education units for the renewal of their Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s licenses. One unit will be in the integrated-pest-management category, one in laws and regulations, and one general.
The workshop will begin with registration at 8 a.m., with a welcome by Charles Long, resident director of research at the Overton center. The workshop will adjourn at 3 p.m.
The four inside educational topics and their presenters will be: “Review of The National Beef Quality Audit,” Dan Hale, AgriLife Extension meat specialist, College Station; “Herbicide Updates and Sprayer Calibration Demonstration,” Darren Rozell, of the Rozell Sprayer Manufacturing Co., Tyler; “Fly Control: A Look at Current Research,” Sonja Swiger, AgriLIfe Extension livestock/veterinary entomology specialist, Stephenville; and an update from the Texas Beef Council during lunch.
American Royal Annual Meeting Includes Update on Plans to Replace Kemper Area and Officer Elections
An update on the plan to replace Kemper Arena with a new Agricultural Events Center and officer elections were the centerpiece of the annual Board of Governors’ meeting that took place March 14 at the World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.
“Our economic study completed last spring validated that the current economic ‘footprint’ of the American Royal Complex is estimated at over $60,000,000 per year. It also showed that with the addition of the new proposed facility, in place of Kemper Arena, this number will increase an additional estimated $14,900,000 for a total of nearly $75,000,000 of yearly impact. We are pleased to confirm that plans are moving forward to make this a reality as we continue our private fundraising initiative and also our ongoing negotiations with the city of Kansas City,” said Brant Laue, outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors and incoming 2012 Chairman of the Board of Governors.
The 2012 American Royal financials were also a topic of discussion at the meeting. “We are pleased to announce that we expect a positive net income for the second year in a row. We continue to emphasize that the American Royal is a community-based, not-for-profit organization which promotes agriculture and agrarian values in the greater Kansas City area,” said Cynthia Pistilli Savage, newly-elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The official elections results were as follows:
- Chairman: Cynthia Pistilli Savage, Raphael Hotel Group
- Chair-elect: Mariner Kemper, UMB
- Corporate Secretary: Angie Stanland, Cerner
- Treasurer: John Mitchell Jr., Treat America Food Services
- Vice Chair of Agricultural Center Campaign: Brant Laue, Armstrong Teasdale LLP/Laue Ranch
National Ag Day Expands Celebration for 40th Anniversary
In response to growing attention on the global availability of food, and in recognition of the 40th Anniversary of National Agriculture Day, March 19, 2013, the Agriculture Council of America has announced a full two-day lineup of high-profile events in the nation’s Capitol.
“This is undoubtedly the most important Ag Day program in our history,” said Jenny Pickett, president, Agriculture Council of America. “Our goal is to ensure the eyes of the nation are on the contributions American agriculture makes not just here in the United States, but also around the world. That’s the message we’re taking to the Hill, and the message that will be carried through communities across America.”
2013 events include:
March 18, 2013:
- Farm to Fork Politics: An insider’s look at the year ahead for food and agriculture — A panel discussion moderated by Sara Wyant of Agri-Pulse and featuring J.B. Penn, chief economist, John Deere; Keith Collins, former chief economist, USDA; and B. Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Information Services Division, National Restaurant Association. Hart Senate Office Building Room 902, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Agri-Pulse Reception follows in the same room. No charge to attend reception.
March 19, 2013:
- U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) Food Dialogues: The Next Generation of Food & Farming — A special event featuring young influencers exploring food trends and advancements in modern agriculture. Location TBA, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon — A luncheon emceed by legendary agricultural broadcaster Orion Samuelson and featuring the Outstanding Young Farmer honorees and members of Congress. Cannon Caucus Room, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This event is free of charge.
- Celebration of Ag Dinner — This event will feature the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011, and honor the winners of the Ag Day essay, video essay and poster contests. USDA Whitten Patio, 5 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10.
Complete details and registration information can be found at www.agday.org.
National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.
Statement by AFBF President Regarding Japan Joining the Trans Pacific Partnership
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) supports the addition of Japan as a negotiating partner in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). As a major U.S. trading partner, Japan would bolster the reach of the TPP for U.S. agriculture.
“As the fourth-largest U.S. agricultural export market, with nearly $14 billion in purchases in 2012, Japan is crucial to America’s farmers and ranchers. Both the United States and Japan will benefit from Japan being a TPP partner, and by sharing in improved sanitary and phytosanitary standards for agricultural trade and expanded market access with TPP nations.
“It’s important that new entrants to the TPP recognize this is a comprehensive agreement and that individual sectors should not be excluded from the negotiation. The TPP provides an opportunity to strengthen trade relationships, address remaining barriers and improve the competitiveness of the Asia/Pacific market.”
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