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Looking back over the year's victories, disappointments |
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By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN | East Texas Edition |
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North Texas farmer Donnie Greiner and wife Sylvia Greiner, a Red River County crop insurance agent, were sentenced to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution for submitting false and fictitious claims to the FCIC about their crops in order to receive crop insurance funds. Co-conspirator John Houchin was sentenced to four months confinement and fined. Titus County ag producer Jerry Moody received the 2002 Texas Farm Bureau's Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Award. The Bush administration delayed its decision on setting a subsidy for soybeans. Amador Anchondo-Rascon, leader of immigrant smuggling ring for Tyson Foods Inc., pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges as part of a deal with prosecutors. According to USDA's latest data, October 2001 fluid milk sales totaled 4.5 billion pounds, up 0.6 percent from a year ago. Livestock markets showed 300-400 lb. heifers were sold for as high as $138 per cwt. this month. Tests performed by Australian officials on Jan. 10 confirm anthrax killed 10 head of cattle in the northeast part of that country. Statistics show the nation's wheat farmers planted the smallest acreage of winter wheat in three decades due to the 1996 law that ended most controls on farm production. Ozarka's Natural Resource Manager for Texas announced the company will conduct business without adverse effects on water supply. Plans to move forward with the construction of a water bottling plant in Wood County were also announced. Page Bishop was named new Wood County Extension Agent for 4-H. After 32 years of service, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association's (TSCRA) representative Jody Henderson retired. Due to Texas Department of Health's (TDH) ruling to cease operation of cooling ponds at dairy operations, a survey to collect data was issued by Texas Cooperative Extension. The survey's results was to be the first step to combat the issue. East Texas Electric Cooperative was a recipient of USDA's $19.6 million rural development loan and grant funding program. On Feb. 7, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to cut subsidies to big grain and cotton farms by capping government payments at $275,000 per operation. Robert L. Cook is named new executive director for Texas Parks and Wildlife. On Feb. 5, just days after the groundhog sees his shadow and predicts six more weeks of winter, much of Northeast Texas is blanketed with snow. Stocker cows bring $290 to $925 at area livestock barns. Slaughter lambs weighing 90-150 lbs. averaged around $79 this month. Feeder pigs brought up to $60. Good Holstein springers were selling for as much as $2,050, according to livestock market reports. On Feb. 13, Senate-passed farm bill, authorized $45 billion in spending for agriculture, conservation, and nutrition spending over next five years - a 26 percent increase over current programs. Texas-born country singer Waylon Jennings is laid to rest after passing away Feb. 13 from a long battle with diabetes-related health problems. USDA officially forecasted a continuation of less milk, more consumption, and falling milk prices for dairymen. The Senate-passed farm bill featured $2 billion dollars in direct counter-cycle market-loss payments to dairy farmers over the next five years. Extension dairy specialist Dr. Ellen Jordan, and area dairy farmers, came together in Dallas, on Feb. 22, as the next step to having the TDH/cooling pond issue resolved. A bid of $600,001 for the Grand Champion Steer at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo set a new world-record for steers by $1. Steers over 500 pounds were selling for $54-$107 at area markets. Holstein heifer calves bring as much as $550. TSCRA celebrated 125 years during its annual convention in Fort Worth, March 16-20. The proposal for the construction of Marvin Nichols Lake and Reservoir were discussed at meetings by two separate groups - the Sabine River Authority (SRBA) and the Northeast Texas Regional Water Planning Group (NETRWPG). Farmers celebrated National Ag Week, March 17-23. Hopefully, consumers also recognized the importance of agriculture during this commemorative week. USDA reported milk prices were expected to average much lower in 2002, as substantial recovery in milk production outstrips somewhat weaker growth in dairy demand. Dairyline columnist Lee Mielke pointed out March's milk production in the nation was up 3.2 percent from a year ago. A federal judge approved a $9 million settlement filed against a group of food companies whose products, on supermarket shelves, were found to have genetically-modified corn. Perdue Farms in Wilmington, Del., ceased use of antibiotics in their poultry. Federal officials suspect antibiotics to be responsible for food-borne transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An error in calculation slowed farm bill talks. A Senate-passed overhaul of farm programs found to be $6.1 billion over the spending limit set by congressional budget agreement. Efforts stimulated by Save Our Springs Of North East Texas (SOSONET) worked to have the region deemed a Groundwater Management Area by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). On March 25, just one day after being trampled by a bull, doctors said country singer Lyle Lovett is recovering fine. Worst of the accident is a crushed shinbone.
USDA's spring survey estimated farmers will grow more than 79 million acres of genetically-engineered corn and soybeans - a 13 percent increase from the year before. On April 4, the U.S. Postal Service released a new postage stamp featuring Texas in a "Greetings from America" series. Livestock market reports early in the month showed packer cows bringing $23 to $50 at area auction barns. Good fresh Holstein dairy cows were being purchased for as much as $1,925. TDH released a statement informing dairy producers to continue using their cooling ponds, if the new guideline criteria can be met. The criteria was developed by TCE specialists, and approved by TDH. On April 18, the U.S. House endorsed a $275,000-per-farm cap on ag subsidies. Karnal bunt was a major focus at the Texas Grain and Feed Association (TGFA) conference. KB, a fungus that lessens the value of wheat, caused a problem for the state's producers at last year's harvest time. Leaders from seven towns in the Bosque River area met April 24 to discuss TNRCC's order to reduce phosphorus levels by 50 percent while additional studies of the watershed are conducted. Area dairies and farms have been under fire for the problem. On April 11, Walker County became the 140th county in Texas to be quarantined of Africanized honey bees, also known as "killer bees" because of their aggressive behavior when disturbed. The day of trial, eight Northeast Texas dairy farmers/milk drivers took a plea bargain and cited "guilty" or "no contest" to federal charges of unlawful adulteration of milk products. Texas Ag Commissioner Susan Combs asked for additional $50 million to help in the state's boll weevil eradication program. Latest report issued by Milk Market Administrator showed a 875 Texas producers generated 482,994,330 lbs. of milk this month. Favorable weather conditions in Northeast Texas lead to good wildflower production. The bees were busy - spring honey making was under way in Texas. On May 2, the U.S. House approved a farm bill that allows a boost to subsidies by 70 percent, reversing '96 Freedom to Farm law. Protesters (adjacent landowners) pointed out that Pilgrims Pride-owned Strube Egg Farm continued to operate without TNRCC waste/wastewater permit. For second year out of last three, stripe rust shows up in Northeast Texas wheat. The new "Lone Star Note" $1 bill, identifiable by a star at end of serial number, was unveiled May 2 at Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas. Steers less than 300 pounds brought up to $160 this month. Compared to the previous week, prices for slaughter lambs sold during week of April 30 were steady. President Bush set aside criticism from fellow Republicans and signed a 10-year, $190 billion farm bill that expands subsidies to growers. Seattle Slew, winner of the Triple Crown a quarter-century ago, and Thoroughbred racing's greatest sire, died May 7. On May 15, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Veneman said annual disaster assistance funds for farmers should not be needed due to plentiful funds from new farm bill. Continued opposition to the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir was voiced at the NETRWPG board meeting. A May 13 letter from TNRCC ordered Pilgrims Pride's Strube Egg Farms to immediately reduce the amount of wastewater in the farms' lagoons - or shut down. Texas horsewomen Gail Shanahan of Stockdale and Maggie Green of San Antonio were among 14 people killed in Oklahoma when a bridge over the Arkansas River collapsed. Reports from Texas Cooperative Extension (TCE) cited the state's wheat harvest was on schedule. Angelina County reported its first case of rabies (a skunk) in 10 years. James W. Moore is selected as the new executive director of Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB). According to Texas livestock health officials, as of June 3, Texas is no longer accredited free for cattle tuberculosis (TB). Extensive testing/tagging planned to move cattle out of state. State officials warned that current Texas drought could rival the conditions in '98 when about $2 billion in agriculture losses were recorded due to dry conditions. An out-of-court settlement against American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was reached on June 11. Horse breeders will be allowed to register embryo-transfer foals. First case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Texas confirmed in two dead blue jays found in northwest Houston. Later in the month, WNV is detected in a horse. Around 107 counties in the state reported mild to severe grasshopper infestations. Medium to large slaughter lambs brought between $60 to $88 at area auctions. Feeder pigs, weighing up to 175 lbs., brought as much as $55. A U.S. District Court Judge in South Dakota ruled on June 21 that the Beef Promotion and Research Act is unconstitutional and orders a halt to checkoff collections by July 15. The nation's first bale of cotton for the 2002 is produced in Texas. Lorenzo and George Rodriguez of Harlingen were presented a $2,500 cash prize for the "first bale." A resolution passed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors called for national leaders to take action to protect nation's water supplies from further degradation, possibly due to ag sources. Veneman and U.S. Trade Rep. Zoellick announced on June 26 the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) will receive $8,503,362 in Market Access Program funding from USDA. Breeding age dairy heifers were selling for $1,375 at area dairy auctions. Reports showed 400- to 500-pound steers brining $60 to $105. Since late June, much of the East Texas region received good rainfall amounts. TCE reported pastures are in great condition and home gardens are producing abundant veggies. After contract approval between the SRBA and the Sulphur Basin Group on July 25, the SRBA began actual studies concerning the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir and the first step towards acquiring a permit for the lake. Still no action was taken in Pilgrim's egg farms situation. Operations continue as the methods, unapproved nor permitted by TNRCC, for disposing of waste/wastewater are utilized. Three East Texas poultry growers filed a lawsuit against Pilgrim's Pride, saying the company discriminates between growers who have tunnel ventilation and conventional growers. North Texas cowboy Les Nichols reached "Ground Zero" in New York in time for July 4 celebrations. Nichols rode a horse from Texas to New York City following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. WNV continued to spread in the state. The virus was found in two birds in the Dallas County area. Mosquitoes in Corpus Christi test positive for the potentially fatal St. Louis encephalitis virus, the first time in nearly a decade the virus was reported in area. Class III milk price projection was lowered to a range of $11 to $11.10 per cwt., down an average of 25 cents from previous month's projection. Good Holstein springers sell for $1,150 to $1,800 at area dairy sales. Beef heifers, weighing between 300-400 lbs., were bringing $78-$115. The July 2002 Baseline Analysis, released by the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at A&M, showed that with the new farm bill in place, about 10 percent of representative farms are classified as poor, down from three-fourths.
"Fast Track" trade legislation passed, restoring trade negotiating authority that Congress has withheld from the White House for eight years. Neil Hoff, a third-generation Windthorst dairy farmer, was elected DairyMAX president. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave Texas nearly $1.3 million to combat WNV. Sign-up for Milk Income Loss Compensation (MILC) began Aug. 13. Program to compensate eligible dairy farmers when milk prices fall below a specified level. Tex Ritter Museum and Texas Country Music Hall of Fame reopened in its new location - a $2.5 million building - yet still in Carthage. With much of Texas receiving plentiful rainfall, hay baling and cutting continues to be in full swing in late August. Four Texas counties (Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, and Live Oak) are named as agriculture disaster areas due to damages from summer drowning. On Aug. 22, National Milk CEO Jerry Kozak told Dairyline columnist that he's "frustrated" after repeatedly asking USDA to "immediately implement" the DEIP. Margaret Hoffman, eight-year employee of TNRCC, is selected as the new executive director of the environmental agency. It was also announced TNRCC would officially become Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on Sept. 1. A long-running poultry trade dispute between the United States and Russia is resolved. An update on Sept. 5 from TDH states that Texas has recorded 43 human cases of WNV, including one death, thus far. Montgomery County is latest addition to the state quarantine, restricting movement of commercial bee operations following detection of Africanized honeybees. As of Sept. 1, Texas borders reopened for black-tail deer and elk imports, if the animals meet new, stringent entry requirements. TCE reported the state's sweet potato harvest looks good, despite fewer planted acres. Dozens of pork producers sued Tyson Foods Inc., on Sept. 12, alleging the meatpacking giant abandoned them in a recent restructuring. The U.S. Senate agreed on Sept. 10 to provide almost $6 billion for ranchers and farmers battered by drought conditions. The 2002/03 milk production is reduced this month as higher grain prices are expected to further slow growth in milk yields. Demand for dairy products remained high. Dr. Jason Cleere is named the new Texas Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist for East Texas. Texas shrimpers saw some fine catches; yet the market remained rough. Kid goats weighing 20 to 40 lbs. sold for up to $98 at some sales. A Dallas investment group and partner completed the purchase of ConAgra Foods Inc. fresh beef and pork operations for $1.4 billion. A lawsuit filed by Texas beef ranchers against Oprah (accused of maligning the beef industry with her comments) is dismissed after six lingering years. A Port Arthur man is convicted in the death of a Texas Game Warden. "Big Tex," the 52-foot talking cowboy who welcomes those entering the State Fair of Texas, turned 50. September Class III milk price was at $9.92 per cwt. Veneman declared 122 Texas counties drought disaster areas. 4-H celebrated its 100th anniversary during the week of Oct. 6-12. WNV moved into the East Texas equine population. The virus claimed the life of a Wood County horse. A 56-year-old Parker County man died from bee stings when the tractor he was driving jarred an old truck, where a beehive had been. Cuban leader Fidel Castro signed over $17 million in contracts to buy food from the United States. New American food sales to Cuba reached nearly $75 million at agri-business fair. The fair was held specifically to boost U.S. farm products and chip away at 40-year trade embargo. Texas poultry and game bird owners were urged to check flocks for Exotic New Castle disease due to a confirmed case in California. Extension agents in several counties reported armyworms on the rise in area pastures. World Food Day was celebrated Oct. 16 to help increase public awareness of hunger in the world. Only defendant to face jury for the "watered milk" saga was deemed not guilty. Prosecution cited it was the "weakest" of their cases. USDA issued voluntary rules for county-of-origin labeling (COOL) for meat and some other products. Pilgrim's Pride issued nationwide recall of deli meat processed at its Pennsylvania plant. Event is largest meat recall in U.S. history. Farm Service Agency (FSA) launched "Base and Yield Update Option Analyzer (BYA)," an interactive web-based tool for landowners and operators to use in evaluating and calculating base and yield options for direct and counter-cyclical payments. Texans Vera Harrington of Sulphur Springs and John L. Cook of Nixon were appointed to serve three-year term on National Beef Board beginning in '03. Cheese prices plunged the week of Oct. 16, cited Dairyline columnist Lee Mielke. Federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a (animal rights) group that sought to release names and personal information of those who use taxpayer-funded lethal predator devices to protect their livestock. Texas milk production was up 7 percent from one year ago. Feeder lambs, medium- to large-frame, sold for as much as $90 at area sale barns. Feeder pigs, weighing up to 175 lbs., brought between $40 and $60.
Voters returned Texas Ag Commissioner Susan Combs to office and elected Sen. Jerry Patterson as Texas Land Commissioner. Plans for a new prepared Tyson Foods division headquarters in Fort Worth were announced. Reports showed continued low milk prices were having impact on dairy-related businesses. Scott Keeling of Hereford is elected as chairman of Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) board. Rep. Larry Combest, R-Texas, chairman of the House Ag Committee, announced his resignation from Congress, effective May 31. Pilgrim's Pride CEO David Van Hoose announced his retirement on the heels of a deli meat recall that was the largest in U.S. history. According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, WNV had been detected in 174 of Texas' 254 counties, as of the end of October. By Nov. 8, the number of equine infected with the virus totaled 1,269. An unusual case of a bovine with WNV was reported. A veterinarian in Southeast Texas, through lab results, confirmed a calf he treated had the virus. A dairyman in California was paid by the federal government to slaughter his 6,400-head herd due to an outbreak of bovine TB. Reports from livestock auctions showed 300-400 lb. beef heifers were selling for up to $121; and good Holstein heifers for $1,625. On Nov. 27, federal officials announced Texas feeder cattle will not have to meet additional TB movement restrictions as of Jan. 1 '03. European Union farm ministers reached a deal on bio-food labeling Nov. 28, ending months of dispute over labeling of genetically modified food.
Texas ag producers were encouraged by Robin Roark, state statistician for the Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, to fill out the ag census form. Roark stressed producer confidentiality is guaranteed by the law. Opponents of the Marvin Nichols Reservoir said they were thankful for a decision made by the NETRWPG that changed the language in the plan for the reservoir from "proposed" to "potential." A study released by American Farmland Trust showed that between 1992 and 1997, Texas developed 332,800 acres of high quality farmland - the most of any other state in the nation. The newly-formed East Texas Conservation Work Group met with state and federal leaders to cite their concerns over allocation of federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds. A spokesman for the group said 18 of the 22 deep East Texas counties received no EQIP funds in 2002. On Dec. 4, Tyson Foods announced plans to eliminate about 500 jobs nationwide as it integrates the operations of meatpacker IBP, which it acquired last year. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony were held at the new Ozarka Bottling Facility in Wood County on Dec. 7. Studies conducted by the company indicate the springs and aquifers they tap into can provide an average of at least 150,000 gallons of water per day. Texas Animal Health Commission named Dr. James Lenarduzzi as interim state veterinarian and agency executive following the resignation of Dr. Linda Logan. TAHC will conduct a search for a permanent leader to be placed by December 2003. Texas cowboy Trevor Brazile earned the World All-Around Champion title following National Finals Rodeo competition in Las Vegas on Dec. 15. Brazile, of Anson, competes in calf roping, team roping, and steer roping. Texans Thomas Potello and Richard Raun began their new three-year terms on U.S. Soybean Board. Potello on board, Raun is alternate. (The year-end review was compiled by Kristy Hemmingsen, Country World staff writer.) |
