News Update
June 19, 2013
Angus Journal Facebook Fan Favorite Photo Contest is Open
The Fan Favorite Photo Contest is back by popular demand. This is the second year for the new category in the National Junior Angus Association/Angus Journal photo contest via social media. The Fan Favorite category for each age division will be voted on by fans of the Angus Journal Facebook page.
The photo in each age division with the most “likes” will each earn a spot as the Angus Journal Facebook page cover photo, and will also be recognized as a Fan Favorite at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Kansas City, Mo., July 5-11.
The voting deadline is July 3. To keep it fair, all photos must be voted on through the Angus Journal Facebook page (so feel free to share the photo, but direct friends to vote on the AJ page) and only the votes fans of the Angus Journal page will count.
Farm Bill is a Good Start to Solving Spending Problem
Washington has a spending problem.
It is a true statement with the federal government running annual trillion-dollar deficits. It invites the question: what is Washington doing about it?
House Republicans have made serious efforts to reduce deficit spending, but with a Democratic-led Senate and White House, there are limits. Fortunately, though, Republicans have a golden opportunity to cut a significant sum of federal spending with the farm bill, specifically, with H.R. 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act.
The House Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 1947 with nearly 80% of the Committee roster voting for it. They had good reason to vote for it. It is a different kind of farm bill. Conservatives who want to reduce the cost, size and scope of the federal government have good reason to support it, too, when it comes to the House floor this week.
Not only does H.R. 1947 cut nearly $40 billion in mandatory federal spending, it also sets forth a path for greater savings in the future because of fundamental policy reforms.
A major point that is seldom highlighted is the fact that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or what is known as food stamps, operates like an entitlement program. This means it continues unless Congress acts to change it or improve it.
Although some argue that SNAP should be removed from the farm bill and considered separately, the more compelling argument is that the farm bill, which has an expiration date, allows lawmakers to implement reforms to SNAP every five years.
To read more about potential reforms to SNAP and the rest of the article, click here.
American Agri-Women hold 20th Annual Symposium in Washington, D.C.
Women involved in agriculture from throughout the United States met in Washington, D.C., recently for the 20th annual American Agri-Women (AAW) Fly-In & Symposium. Thirty-four members represented 14 state affiliates, including two legacy kids. The group met with elected officials, toured government agencies and held an educational symposium titled “Immigration Reform-Health Care Reform: Agriculture Connection.”
The AAW Fly In is an opportunity for the AAW Membership to get an insider’s look at agencies in Washington, D.C. Members are informed of the relevant issues being addressed by Congress and encouraged to meet with their legislators face to face.
AAW key issues included support of H.R. 75 American Sovereignty Restoration Act 2013; Immigration Reform; Inland Waterways Transportation Capital Development Plan (R.I.V.E.R.S. 407); Reforming Gross Vehicle Weights (S.E.T.A. HR 612); and Sulfuryl Fluoride Amendment to Senate Farm Bill, S. 954 [Sulfuryl Fluoride Agricultural Coalition (SFAC)].
Champion of Agriculture awards were presented to Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Rep. John Thune of South Dakota. The award recognizes members of Congress who are leaders in supporting agriculture.
A special briefing was held with Rep, Frank Lucas (R-OK), chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Lucas said the challenge of the Farm Bill is that his colleagues are far removed from the farm and nutritious, safe food has always been available.
Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join, www.americanagriwomen.org.
Mark Russell Selected to Lead Missouri Beef Industry Council
Matt Reynolds, President of the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC), has announced the selection and hiring of Mark Russell, Jefferson City, Mo., as the new executive director of the organization.
“Mark brings a tremendous background and experience in all facets to MBIC. His knowledge and enthusiasm for the beef industry is impressive and we are extremely pleased to have him on-board,” added Reynolds.
Russell’s most recent role as director of business development for the Missouri Soybean Association and Merchandising Council has allowed him to work with businesses that impact Missouri agriculture. His career has centered on agriculture and promotion with early positions in the Nebraska and Midwest cattle industries. He also headed up grassroots efforts when the Missouri Department of Agriculture launched the AgriMissouri program.
His career has also included working as a young farmer advisor in education and the business development manager for the State of Missouri’s Department of Economic Development. Attracting ag industries to the state has been a primary role for him in his career. Successful projects included DuPont Pioneer’s expansion in New Madrid and Ag Odor Control launching in Salisbury, Mo.
In his youth, Mark grew up in central Missouri on a beef operation close to Olean, where his parents reside today. He was active in 4-H and FFA and grew up “sitting in a saddle” on the family’s ranch. Horse showing and team roping kept the family busy when not ranching.
Currently, Mark and his family have a small grass and livestock farm east of Jefferson City and a crop farm in Linn County. Mark and Sherri, his wife, are parents of three children — Brady, Morgan and Mary.
USDA Celebrates National Small Business Week with Continued Investments to Help Rural Business Grow
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Small Business Week by highlighting USDA’s actions to help rural small businesses create jobs, get access to capital and spur economic growth. He also announced the selection of recipients for USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grants. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in small towns and rural communities, just as they are in our biggest cities,” Vilsack said. “USDA supports small businesses by providing job training, business development opportunities, strategic community planning and other resources. We’re focused on making sure that Main Street businesses have the tools they need to grow.”
Secretary Vilsack announced 54 awards under the Rural Business Enterprise Grants program in 21 states — Alaska, Arizona, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Please click here for a complete list of Rural Business Enterprise Grants awarded today.
Rural Business Enterprise Grants and other USDA programs help rural small businesses manufacture new products, expand local food systems and create jobs. Secretary Vilsack continued a call this week for Congress to pass a comprehensive, multiyear Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible. Leaders from both parties have signaled a willingness to come together and get this critically important legislation passed. On June 10, 2013, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan version of a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. Secretary Vilsack noted that he is encouraged by signs that the House of Representatives will consider a bill this week.
For more information and the rest of the release, click here.
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