The National Pork Board has finalized its new budget. They’ve got an aggressive plan to spend just under $50 million. This means the continuation of pork racing and the approval of all state budgets. Producer approval is high too according to their annual survey: the survey showed that producer support of the Pork Checkoff and the programs the Checkoff supports is now 71 percent in favor and 19 percent opposed. In 2004, the support level was 61 percent in favor and 26 percent opposed.
Beef Checkoff Video Available Online
An overview of the Beef Checkoff is now available in the form of a 28 minute video that you can download off the Cattlemen’s Beef Board website. It’s a big file so make sure you’re on broadband. If you don’t have it you can order a dvd. The video was launched on the RFD-TV network in September.
Avian Flu: It’s Not In Your Food
I don’t know about you but I’m getting a little tired of all the avian flu news. I was at a church dinner recently and overheard an elderly couple discussing it. The man was explaining what a pandemic is and how many people in the United States would die if “it” gets here.
New MBIC Director Stahl
Three newly elected board members for the Missouri Beef Industry Council recently attended their first board meeting. This week we hear from Jay Stahl, region 4, in Southwest Missouri, who is from Lamar.
Missouri River May Rise Twice
This week on Corn Talk, Missouri Corn Growers Association board member, Paul Gross, of Corder, MO, talks about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and the concerns of Missouri agriculture with the plan’s not one, but two Missouri River spring rises ordered to take place in late March and early May.
Farm Bureau Talks Turkey
A Thanksgiving meal is still “affordable” according to the latest annual American Farm Bureau Federation survey.
New MBIC Board Member
Three newly elected board members for the Missouri Beef Industry Council recently attended their first board meeting. This week we hear from Jim Freeman, region 3 in Southeast Missouri, who is from Salem.
Announcing Bootheel Agri-Energy
This week on Corn Talk, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman Mike Geske (guess-key) of New Madrid county in the Bootheel talks about the announcement of Bootheel Agri-Energy, a new ethanol plant project proposed in southeast Missouri.
National Beef Ambassador Announced
Amanda beat a sharp group of contestants in the Beef Ambassador Competition. This news just came in. Hot off the wire.
Winter Convention Registration Time
Winter convention time is coming up and there’s no way to list them all since every state commodity group is having a meeting. However, a couple of note that I thought I’d make sure you’re aware of include: