Statement Regarding USDA’s New Framework for Animal Disease Traceability The following is a statement from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Steve Foglesong regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new framework for animal disease traceability in the United States: “We appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s commitment to addressing producers’ concerns with animal ID. The plan appears to lay the foundation for a flexible approach ... (more)

Updated estimates positive for ethanol but concerns remain The Environmental Protection Agency’s updated regulations implementing the expanded Renewable Fuels Standard include an important credit for distillers grains, a feed ingredient produced by corn ethanol plants, the Nebraska Corn Board said. “We have said for many years that distillers grains is an outstanding feed ingredient that is often overlooked when it comes to corn ethanol production,” said Jon Holzfaste... (more)

CBS News Two-Part Story on “Antibiotics on the Farm" Set to Air February 9-10 on “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric” The following information was researched and prepared largely by Steve Kopperud, executive vice president of Policy Directions Inc. and AFIA’s government affairs consultant. He may be reached at skopperud@poldir.com. Readers also may contact AFIA’s Joel Newman (jnewman@afia.org), Anne Keller (akeller@afia.org) or Richard Sellers (rsellers@a... (more)

Saunders County Corn Growers Herbicide Update and Burger Fry - Friday, February 5 at UNL's ARDC.  Growers are invited to attend the Saunders County Corn Growers Herbicide Update and Burger Fry on Friday, February 5. The meeting will be held at noon at the Saunders County Extension Office located at the UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center August N. Christenson Research and Education Building near Mead.  Lowell Sandell, UNL Extension Weed Specialist, will discuss:  ... (more)

Here's a machine that could have come in useful in December and January!  My father-in-law, Roger Tomfohrde of Lake City, MN, sent me these pictures today.  They say necessity is the mother of invention...  Here's to ingenuity!!!

 

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Nebraska LEAD XXVIII Travels to Lithuania, Latvia and EstoniaTwenty-nine Nebraska LEAD XXVIII Fellows recently returned from the 2010 International Study/Travel Seminar to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia."This seminar is designed to provide first-hand appreciation and understanding of our international community and the potential for people of all nations to work together," said Terry Hejny, Nebraska LEAD Program Director and group leader.During the Jan. 8-21 seminar, LEAD Fellows attend... (more)

Obama: End Crop Subsidies to WealthyPresident Barack Obama asked Congress on Monday to slash crop subsidies to "wealthy farmers" and to pare federal support for crop insurance, moves estimated to save $10 billion over 10 years.  In his proposed budget for fiscal 2011, Obama suggested a sharply lower cut-off in income that qualifies for crop supports, implemented over a three-year period. It would save $2.26 billion over 10 years.The administration plan would end crop subsidies to ... (more)

Cattle Supply Decline to Continue in 2010, According to CattleFaxBut Beef Exports Expected to Increase, Decline in Beef Demand to SlowCattle supplies in 2010 should decline another 1 to 1.5 percent in 2010, Randy Blach, Chief Executive Officer for Cattle-Fax, told attendees of the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Tex., today. At the same time, beef demand will continue to be impacted by a weak economy and high unemployment.Nevertheless, 2010 overall “should be a better year ... (more)

Following the Pender and Wisner Pilger girls basketball game on Thursday night, I had a surprise delivery by senior Celsey Wichman on behalf of the Pender girl's basketball team.  As I lifted the tin foil on the huge platter there sat the biggest cookie I have ever seen, at least in person.Take a look at this beautiful creation because it has already been cut and partly devoured by yours truly.Pender High School has always been a special place as all of our Sportsbooster Schools are, but wh... (more)

NE delegates at Cattle Industry ConventionNebraska is sending several delegates to the Cattle Industry Convetion and trade show going on in San Antonio, Texas.  One of those in attendance is Nebraska Cattlemen President Elect Chuck Folken from Leigh.  He says Nebraska will be promoting a resolution...(click below to hear audio):13    "... that to convention."Another topic that will receive much discussion is NCBA's governance.  The Governance Task Force, o... (more)