Year-end Review: 2003 filled with ag-related occurrences

By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN and CAROLYN ROST

January 1, 2004 -- As any other 12-month span, our region, our state, our country, and our world experienced many ups and downs this year. From the news pages of Country World, several ag- and rural-related issues were reported on throughout the year. Here's a month-by-month review:

January

USDA's Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service announced that Great Britain is finally free of foot-and-mouth disease.

Around 13,500 people were fed over 8,000 pounds of barbecue and fixin's on Jan. 21 on the capitol grounds in Austin following the noon inauguration of Gov. Rick Perry. The barbecue was prepared by Eddie Deen of North Texas.

A 35-year-old rice and cattle producer from East Bernard was still celebrating his win from the Texas Farm Bureau's convention, held in December. Stephen Gertson of Wharton County was deemed TFB's Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher. The annual competition recognizes the hard work and determination needed to succeed when starting out in the challenging business of agriculture.

Good Holstein springers averaged around $1,300 at area sale barns. Steers under 300 pounds were bringing over $140 in some instances.

Scientists reported evidence of wide impact of global warming on wild plants, animals.

Announcement was made this month of a new blood test that detects tuberculosis (TB), developed by scientists at USDA's Ag Research Service. The finding was viewed as "breakthrough."

A deal hatched on U.S. poultry exports to Mexico; U.S. and Mexican trade officials hatched an agreement to reimpose trade tariffs on U.S. chicken legs.

February

Feb. 1, NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia comes to a devastating end, due to an explosion while airborne over Texas skies. Debris from the wreckage is found in several East Texas counties, including many farm fields and ranch pastures. A few weeks later, Texas Animal Health Commission led the testing of three cows and two captive deer in Cherokee County to determine if the debris caused illness in the animals.

Announced Feb. 6, Fort Dodge Animal Health was issued a full license by the USDA for the West Nile Virus vaccine (West-Nile Innovator).

On Feb. 1, voters in Bandera County decided, by a 387-to-95 vote, to require producers to fence in their animals to keep them off adjoining properties, according to Bernice Bates, Bandera Co. clerk.

FFA celebrated 75 years of making a positive influence in students' lives. National FFA Week is observed Feb. 15-22.

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo ended its two-week run at the end of the month with record-breaking attendance for five of those days. The total attendance for the 16-day stock show was reported to be 1,066,778 with all shows sold out an average attendance of 13,066 seats per show.

The Ag Assistance Act, signed into law Feb. 20, authorized total disaster aid estimated at $3.1 billion for ag producers suffering from natural disasters and related conditions.

More studies, and debates, were conducted regarding the costs of COOL (country-of-origin labeling). USDA granted a 30-day extension to the COOL comment period, pushing it to Feb. 21.

Country World columnist Reavis Wortham acquired several wins from the Texas Outdoors Writer's Association's Excellence in Craft competition.

As explained in an Associated Press news story, "a possible war in Iraq, a stagnant U.S. economy, a strike affecting the Venezuelan oil market, a colder than normal winter in the Northeast ... have pushed refined oil prices higher."

Dolly (a sheep), the first mammal cloned from an adult animal, is euthanized on Feb. 14 after being diagnosed with a progressive lung disease.

Texas A&M University Dairy Center in College Station announced they would end production in August.

March

U.S. military forces began war in Iraq.

Texas Ag Commissioner Susan Combs kicked off National Ag Week (March 16-22) by signing a proclamation and presenting a display at the state capitol that recognizes more than two centuries of Texas agriculture.

Milk prices hit rock bottom at only a little over $8 per hundredweight.

Foreign traders are increasing their corn exports, which means the amount of U.S. corn in storage is stacking up this month, according to USDA reports issued March 11.

In letters sent March 13 to President Bush, members of Congress said Russia's proposed quotas on U.S. meat and poultry exports are unfair and disrupting the market.

On March 8, the decision to keep the pork checkoff rate at 40 cents was made at the Pork Act Delegate Session.

Much of the South Central Texas region was experiencing a moderate "El Nino" year, according to the National Weather Service.

On March 26, Tyson Foods is acquitted on charges of hiring illegal immigrants.

About 28,500 metric tons of wheat is loaded March 31 for 33-day journey from Texas to Iraq as part of the U.S. Agency for International Development's plan to help feed the war-torn nation.

A handful of dairy co-ops take the USDA to court to block the agency's final rule on Federal Order prices.

The NASS surveyed product prices, which generated Febuary milk prices, were all down.

Agricultural economist said consumers should expect to pay higher prices for beef; beef prices expected to set new record.

Beef heifers weighing between 300 and 400 pounds were bringing up to $123 per hundredweight.

With the risk of national security level at "high," Ag Commissioner Susan Combs urged Texas producers to remain vigilant and maintain heightened awareness for unusual activity around their property.

April

The Railroad Commission of Texas recently announced the top oil and gas producers of 2002. Top five oil producing counties: Gaines, Andrews, Yoakum, Hockley, and Ector. Top five natural gas producing counties: Hildago, Zapata, Webb, Panola, and Freestone.

Citing health risks from diesel-powered vehicles, two advocacy groups urged the government on April 15 to impose tough emissions and clean-fuel requirements for off-road construction, surface mining, and farm vehicles.

Cloning technology reproduced two endangered wild cattle, birthed by a cow in early April on an Iowa farm.

Dr. Bob Hillman completed his first day, April 1, as Texas' new state veterinarian and head of Texas Animal Health Commission.

During the recent 28th annual Family Land Heritage ceremony, 94 Texas farms and ranches were recognized for remaining in the family from 100 to 150 years. The awards were handed out by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Susan Combs on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

The European Union on April 2 fined six French farm federations 16.7 million euro for fixing prices and limiting imports of beef during Europe's mad cow crisis in 2001.

An April 9 discovery of Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) in backyard flock of chickens in El Paso forced the announcement of a poultry quarantine. The disease had already devastating poultry farms in California earlier in the year.

USDA reported a drop in salmonella incidents in the United States, due to USDA's food safety program.

A proposal to amend the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), to specifically allow cooling ponds as a method to cool cows, was passed at the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipment.

A report on April 21 by the USDA cited a decline in gross livestock income. Sheep producers were the only group to see an increase.

American Trucking Association (ATA), the nation's largest trucking industry trade and safety organization, on April 24 announced its support for new federal Hours-of-Service rule.

On April 28, the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security endorsed the concept for nationwide identification of all commercial livestock.

April Class III milk price was $9.41, up 30 cents from March, but $1.44 below a year ago.

Low milk prices were putting the squeeze on dairy finances. Reports noted that if feed prices begin to climb, many producers could be forced out of business.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department stated conditions are right for a prime spring turkey season. TPWD said, "It's a good year to be a turkey hunter."

Dairy heifer calves were sold for $75 to $350 at area markets.

Auction reports showed nanny goats bringing between $20 and $95.

May

Although the state hadn't experienced any "wipe-out" disasters affecting wheat crops, localized weather had greatly reduced potential for high yields, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension.

Milk prices were turning around and the cash cheese market strengthened, according to a milk alliance representative, but warned "it's not a recovery."

On May 15, a new system to allocate federal Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funds in Texas was in place. Debates over the way funds were allocated within the counties led to the changes.

Almost 400 tornadoes were recorded this month, setting a new record for the number recorded in a single week in the United States.

The Texas Forest Service crowned a new state champion live oak, replacing a tree that has held the title as largest of the species since 1966. The oak, located deep within the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, about 50 miles south of Houston in Brazoria County, was added to the state's Big Tree Registry, which has kept a record of the largest of Texas' 250 tree species since the 1940s.

West Nile Virus was officially detected in Texas after the finding of a dead bird near Houston.

June Carter Cash, legendary singer and wife of Johnny Cash, died on May 15 at the age of 73.

In mid-May, Texas House Democrats walked away from their jobs in Austin, in order to not let a new plan of redistricting advance.

Colby Brandt of Sealy took second place in the national Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with a colored pencil called "Woodies," a depiction of a pair of wood ducks for 2003.

Texas Cooperative Extension reported a critical period was approaching for cotton and grain. Lack of significant rain affected May yields of production.

Texas Cooperative Extension stated a "short war" in Iraq would actually improve ag exports.

Auction reports showed "good" Holstein springers sold for $1,100 to $1,400 a head. Steers over 500 lbs. were bringing over $107 per hundredweight. Sheep, weighing 40 to 60 pounds, were averaging $90 to $110.

Eligible ag producers were reminded of the May 30 sign-up deadline for the 26th Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The program is to help producers safeguard environmentally-sensitive land.

June

On June 19, the McDonalds Corporation, amid concerns from consumers, asked meat suppliers to stop using antibiotics in animals.

Tuberculosis is found in two New Mexico dairy herds.

The Texas Department of Agriculture unveiled "Texas YES!" program designed to promote growth in rural areas.

Reports showed stocker cows sold for close to $800 at Texas stockyards.

Pilgrim's Pride announced June 9 that it will be acquiring Con Agra's chicken division.

Texas farmers and ranchers accomplished most of their goals in the 78th Session of the Texas Legislature, cited several farm organizations.

On June 25, Tyson Foods officials plead guilty of dumping wastewater. The company was fined $7.5 million for dumping wastewater.

The House Appropriations Committee on June 25 agreed to an extension for implementing country-of-origin labeling (COOL) so further investigation could be conducted.

As "Dairy Month" ended, the state's milk producers faced some of the lowest prices ever seen for their product. USDA announced the June Class III price at $9.75 per hundredweight, up 4 cents from May, but still 34 cents below a year ago and a nickel below support, according to Dairyline columnist Lee Mielke.

West Nile Virus cases in humans continued to increase in Texas.

A study conducted by Texas Cooperative Extension and it's experimental stations stated Texas food, fiber system greatly contributed to state's economy between 1997 and 2000, despite drought and low prices.

The state "budget axe" fell on the Texas Wildlife Damage Management Service (TWDMS), an intricate part of helping control coyotes, wild hogs, and other destructive, animals in the state. The action came from Gov. Rick Perry who eliminated the $6.9 million state appropriation from the agency's budget.

Just as Texas citizens thought they'd heard the last of the 78th Legislature of Texas, Gov. Rick Perry quickly called a special session that began on June 30. Called to address redistricting, the special session can last up to 30 days and is quoted as costing the state $1.7 million.

July

As wheat harvest came to a close, disappointing yields were experienced due to dry conditions suffered earlier in year.

July egg production in Texas was down 1 percent from a year ago.

Texas Cooperative Extension reported the region's pastures were feeling the effects of a hot summer; farmers urged not to overgraze.

USDA announced $11.78 for the July Class III milk price.

The U.S. House eliminated the funding for COOL; Senate vowed to preserve the program.

Texas Forest Service stated few Southern Pine Beetles were found in East Texas timber.

USDA's "Midyear Cattle Inventory Report," released July 18, estimated total U.S. cattle at 103.9 million, 1 percent below last year.

USDA announced plans for a national livestock identification program.

Goliath, an 8-year-old Percheron gelding from Texas, owned by Priefert Manufacturing, was celebrated at a news conference in Mount Pleasant. Goliath went into the Guiness Recordbook as the tallest living horse, standing 19 hands and one inch at the withers.

August

On Aug. 5, Mexico restricted the import of U.S. horses due to high numbers of cases of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis cases in the United States.

U.S. officials said they would allow certain Canadian beef exports to enter country after a three-month hiatus after the discovery of a Canadian beef cow with BSE (mad cow disease.)

On Aug. 13, an international trade panel approved U.S. lumber tariffs.

Corn and grain sorghum harvest came to a close this month with disappointing yields, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension.

On Aug. 21, the Alan Ritchey Dairy, facing severe environmental allegations, is ordered to meet with U.S. EPA officials in response to an administrative order filed against the farm in June.

Federal officials announced West Nile Virus had killed at least 14 people in the U.S. and infected 700 thus far in 2003.

Boosted by persistent strength in cash prices, the August live cattle contract set an all-time high for any live cattle contract when it traded at $84.90 on Aug. 28 on the CME.

Beef production hit record monthly lows this month.

State budget cuts led to Texas Cooperative Extension eliminating 110 positions across the agency. Some agents take early retirement.

TDA amended the cotton stalk penalty in effort to control cotton pests and eradicate the boll weevil in Texas.

Legendary cowgirl Connie Douglas Reeves has died at the age of 101 after being thrown from her favorite horse, Dr Pepper. Reeves, who taught more than 30,000 young girls to ride horses at Camp Waldemar near Hunt, died Aug. 17, 12 days after the fall. She died of cardiac arrest at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, said George Anne Elmore, whose family owns the camp northwest of San Antonio.

The best viewing of Mars occurred on Aug. 27 when the planet passed closer to the Earth than it has been in past 73,000 years.

September

VeriPrime Inc., a company in Wichita, Kan., created a new tracking system that is intended to help health officials quickly track the source of an outbreak of food-poisoning, all the way back to the farm.

The Sept. 13 vote on 22 constitutional amendments was deemed a success for rural Texas. While all of the amendments passed ... several by large margins ... seven dealt with concerns in the state's rural area.

A Sept. 16 press release stated 2,552 bids for the Cooperative Working Together (CWT) milk-reduction program were received from the nation's producers.

The legendary "Man in Black," Johnny Cash, died Sept. 12 at the age of 71.

September milk production in the top 20 states totaled 11.6 billion pounds, according to USDA; Class III futures portend a peak in September of $14.20.

September dairy cow numbers, at just over 9 million head, were almost 100,000 less than one year ago.

September egg production in Texas was down 2 percent from 2002 totals.

The Texas Senate, after meeting in special session, passed a bill on Sept. 25, allowing the state to establish a beef check-off program if the national program was ruled unconstitutional.

Novartis announced the development of a new West Nile Virus vaccine for horses.

TDA was granted approval by U.S. EPA to issue crisis exemption to use spinosad to control several types of armyworms on pastures and rangeland.

Brucellosis is detected in a Henderson County cattle herd.

A federal judge ruled against class-action suit that accused Monsanto and it's rivals of plotting to control prices of genetically modified corn and soybeans.

On Sept. 30, legendary Texas bootmaker James Leddy died at the age of 66.

In the South Central Texas region, cotton production varied. While most of the entire region received more than enough rain in late winter and early spring, crops around the East Bernard area had too much rain early, and not enough rain, later.

Rice producers in South Central Texas and Louisiana were "harvesting rice while the sun shines" as fall's rains and cool weather crowded the near horizon. According to USDA reports, the rice harvest was around 95 percent harvested as the month ended. Some areas experienced so much rain, from hurricanes and other storms, producers had a hard time getting into the fields to harvest the rice or prepare for a second crop.

October

The EPA, on Oct. 17, ruled farmers can continue to use sewer sludge for fertilizer, citing there is only minimal danger from such dioxins.

New Texas redistricting map greatly impairs opportunity for rural Texans to elect their own to Congress, according to local politicians.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed legislation for a state beef checkoff to promote beef and beef products.

Reports showed costs for ryegrass seed and ryegrass-wheat mixtures, planted this time of year for winter pasture, were up from last year amounts. Representatives from local seed companies state wheat seed prices this year are highest they've ever seen.

Texas pecan growers were seeing high yields and high quality.

Brazil led the world in soybean exports.

Legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker died in his sleep Oct. 12.

The current average milk price of $10.81 per cwt. is up from $10.52 one year ago.

Texas Forest Service received the most prestigious national fire prevention award given in forestry.

On Oct. 28, Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt was voted to become the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in Texas feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 2.72 million head on Oct.1, unchanged from one year ago.

Barrel racer Charmayne James, with 11 world titles, announced plans to retire.

Texas milk production totaled 451 million lbs. during October, up 8 percent from previous year.

Good, fresh dairy cows sold for over $1,700 at area sale barns.

November

With much-needed rainfall scattered throughout the state recently, range conditions resembled spring rather than early fall, making deer hunting prospects look good.

After months of apprehension in the U.S. agricultural industry, USDA, in early November, issued 203 pages of rules it intends to use to implement the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) legislation covered under the 2002 Farm Bill. But Congressional action on Nov. 25 called for postponing the implementation of mandatory COOL until September 2006.

Pilgrim's Pride Corp., second-largest poultry producer in U.S., announced Nov. 24 it's completed acquisition of ConAgra Foods' chicken division.

University of Nebraska researchers find success with new vaccine and feed additive that significantly reduces E. coli bacteria in feedlot cattle.

Texas doctors announced the state could be in for a bad and longer-lasting flu season than normal. Current flu vaccine does not cover all strains. Related deaths have occurred.

Dairy market analyst Jerry Dryer announced cull rate for cows was high, with the latest data influenced by National Milk Producer Federation's CWT program.

Recent figures from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) showed a total of 43 CAFOs in Texas were under enforcement action.

As massive wildfires ravage Calfornia, Texas fire officials said conditions for East and North Texas was "ripe" for such blazes due to insufficient rain amounts.

After more than 20 years of research, scientists said they have a solution that could save peanuts and corn from aflatoxin, a destructive mold that destroys millions of crops.

Statewide testing for tuberculosis in cattle is under way. The testing is expected to help Texas regain a national, accredited TB-free status for its cattle and their producers.

On Nov. 4, Japanese officials confirmed that a 21-month-old bull is the country's ninth known case.

Steers, less than 300 lbs., were being sold for up to $147 per hundredweight.

Entering the winter months, Texas hay supplies were reported to be adequate.

The Tenth Farm Credit District passed the $7 billion mark in ag and rural mortgage volume for the first time in its 86-year history.

Weakness in the cheese market prompted NMPF to ramp up third phase of its CWT supply management program, according to Dairyline columnist Lee Mielke.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner cost more this year than last because basic food items for the holiday have increased.

Packer boer goats, weighing 300 pounds and over, were being sold for $5 to $7 at area sales.

"Is your wheat legal?" was the question raised to producers after discoverying that proprietary wheat is protected and not to be used without permission; lawsuits were being filed against farmers and seed companies.

In mid-November four women were inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame; including Texan Velda Tindall Smith, post-humously.

December

A tree from MR and MS Trees (Christmas tree farm) located in Anderson County was readying to open for its seasonal business. The farm, earlier in the year, had captured the title of the 2003 Texas Overall Grand Champion award in the Virginia Pine category.

As the new and recent star of the second "Joe Millionaire" TV show, Texas cowboy David Smith won big in the end; the heart of the girl he chose, and a 90-acre ranch.

In a comparison of data from the Milk Marketing Administrator, Texas milk volume showed its continuation of increase, and the number of milk producers continued to decline.

Texas Farm Bureau's annual convention netted several top awards, including Marissa Patton of Stamford as Miss TFB and the Free Enterprise Speech winner; Chad Hobbs of Round Rock as the Excellence in Ag award winner; Donnell Brown of Throckmorton as Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher; and William Rutherford of Uvalde as the Talent Find Contest winner.

Two South Central Texas hay producers - Greg Luhn of Austin County and Gerald Fritz of Kerr County - were among the top six winners at the 2003 Texas State Hay Show.

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Rasiers Association asked the U.S. Border Patrol to suspend its recently begun horseback patrols in and around the fever tick eradication zone.

TCEQ announced they would review their enforcement practices. A week later, an audit showed problems with the agency's enforcement policies and payment means.

As the year came to a close, beef producers were facing the first case of "mad cow" disease in the United States. Industry leaders were working to promote the effectiveness of the "safeguard" testing procedures which detected the disease; and the safe quality of the U.S. beef supply.