Due to technical difficulties, no newsletter was sent out for August 7.
This issue will cover both Thursday and Friday.
EPA won't cut ethanol in gas, despite Perry's request
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday it will not curtail a rule requiring that ethanol be added to gasoline, turning back criticism that the additive was artificially raising food prices. Texas Gov. Rick Perry petitioned the EPA in late April to grant a
50 percent waiver on the nation's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which calls
for 9 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol to be added to gasoline
supplies this year. "Good intentions and laudable goals are small compensation to the families, farmers and ranchers who are being hurt by the federal government's effort to trade food for fuel..." more
Cattle raisers disappointed with EPA decision
TSCRA President Jon Means made a statement Thursday in response to the EPA's denial of Gov. Perry's request for a waiver on RFS. "We are extremely disappointed with EPA's decision today to deny the request by Governor Perry to waive a portion of the renewable fuel standard (RFS). This decision by EPA clearly demonstrates a lack of understanding of how the RFS contributes to high grain costs, which are severely impacting our industry in a negative way. It also shows that the federal government is willing to continue putting food and fuel in competition with one another, which is a dangerous gamble..." more
Sorting out the Country-of-Origin-Labeling rule
NCBA, together with TSCRA, have labored on Capitol Hill for some time to keep the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law from becoming a paperwork nightmare for cow-calf producers. Efforts to develop a compromise version of COOL during the 2008 farm bill debates resulted in the more moderate interim final rule on COOL published Aug. 1 in the Federal Register. The interim rule incorporates provisions that make mandatory labeling more feasible for producers. NCBA has provided producers with information to help sort out the COOL issue and help dispel any misunderstandings of what to expect in the coming months. more
Texas Panhandle water focus of hearing
As the Groundwater Management Areas around the state prepare to set desired future conditions of their various aquifers and depletion limits, there is some disagreement among the different districts in Groundwater Management Area 1. Ultimately, the different districts will have to reach a consensus on rules governing groundwater in the Panhandle, and some are concerned that there may be changes to the rules at the district level through the groundwater management process. TSCRA representives have attended hearings related to the issue and are monitoring the situation closely. more
Agricultural conference to address industry challenges
Texas agricultural leaders are invited to attend an important conference that will identify and address major challenges to the future of the industry. The
Agricultural Challenges Conference, sponsored by the Texas Farm Bureau, is scheduled for September 25-26 in Austin at the Marriott Airport South. more
It's what's for dinner: Ranch burger
You don't have to own a ranch to love this burger (but it sure doesn't hurt.) more
Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns, 8-7-08
Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns is a weekly report from Washington, D.C., giving an up-to-date summary of top policy initiatives concerning the cattle industry.
USDA and DHS hold public meetings on potential sites for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
USDA estimates put farm production expenditures at record levels in 2007
Don't miss NCBA's award-winning Cattlemen to Cattlemen
The episode airing the week of August 12-17 will feature Executive Director of Producer Education Tom Field, who will talk about the importance of value added calves. Plus, take a look at how proper nutrition can play an important role in starting your calves off on the right foot and don't miss the exciting beef recipe with an Olympic flair!
NCBA’s Cattlemen toCattlemen on RFD-TV provides weekly news and features for cattle producers across the country. It
airs every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, with repeat episodes on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at midnight (all times Eastern). It is
also available online at www.CattlementoCattlemen.org.
Calendar
August 7-9―Prescribed Burn Workshop, Texas AgriLife Research Station, Sonora, Texas. more
August 13―Dam Safey for Owners Workshop, McKinney City Hall, McKinney, Texas. more
August 14-15―Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas. more
August 15―Farm and Ranch Management Workshop, Historic Meeting Hall (The Beer Warehouse), Floresville, Texas more
August 15-16―Texas Ranch Roundup, Multi Purpose Events Center (MPEC), Wichita Falls, Texas. more
August 28―Lone Star Ag Credit Futures Market Symposium, Parker County Sheriff's Posse Clubhouse, Weatherford, Texas. more
September 3―"My Piece of Texas" Grazing Workshop, Clarendon Jr. College, Clarendon, Donley Co., Texas. more
September 9―Blackland Prairie Ranch Economics Conference, Fletcher-Warren Civic Center, Greenville, Texas. more
September 10―"My Piece of Texas" Grazing Workshop, Bear Creek Ranch, Cresson, Texas. more
September 13―Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, Pleasanton, Texas. more
September 18―19th Annual Wildlife Management Symposium, Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Artesia Wells, Texas. more
September 21-23―TSCRA Fall Board Meeting, Holiday Inn Select, Tyler, Texas. more
September 25―Feral Hog Workshop, Helotes 4-H Activity Center Helotes, Texas. more
September 27―Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, Stockdale, Texas. more
October 1―"My Piece of Texas" Grazing Workshop, Bee County Expo Center, Beeville, Texas. more
