News Update
November 10, 2008

American Angus Association® Seeks Summer Interns

The American Angus Association® is now accepting applications from college students who want to explore a career and gain real-world experience at a breed association. The paid internships last approximately 10-12 weeks during Summer 2009. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2009.

The Association’s Communications Department offers an internship to junior- or senior-level students majoring in agricultural journalism or communications who have an interest in the livestock industry. Animal science students with a strong skill set in writing and editing are also encouraged to apply.

Students interested in the communications internship should have completed course work in news and feature writing, as well as editing and photography. The candidate should have experience with livestock shows. Send a cover letter, résumé and writing samples to Shelia Stannard, director of communications & events.

The junior activities department employs a college student to assist in the planning and execution of junior Angus shows and leadership events. The intern will work closely with various aspects of event planning. Applicants should be detail-oriented, outgoing, be able to work with all types of people and be a self-starter.

Applicants for the junior activities internship should be incoming juniors or seniors with an agriculture-related major. Any student interested should apply to Robin Ruff, director of junior activities.

For more information about any of these internships, or to submit an application, which includes cover letter, résumé and references, please contact the individuals listed above at 3201 Frederick Ave., Saint Joseph, MO 64506 or call them at 816-383-5100. Applicants for the communications internship should also submit writing and photography samples. Students interested in multiple internships should apply to each individual.

— Release provided by the American Angus Association.

Still Time to Button Up House for Winter

Investing a little time in home maintenance before winter officially arrives can help to make the family more comfortable and yield a savings in home energy costs, said Bruce Snead, Kansas State University (K-State) Research and Extension residential energy specialist.

Home heating and cooling costs typically account for up to one-third of home energy costs, and, this year, in Kansas, consumers can expect an increase in natural gas prices, said Snead, who expected the increase to range from 20% to 40%.

Checking a home heating system before winter sets in is recommended, said Snead, who advised basic maintenance such as cleaning or changing the filter, oiling the motor and fan, and checking to see if vents and ducts are open and clear.

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for seasonal or otherwise scheduled maintenance is recommended, he said. And, if a homeowner is uncertain about performing the regular maintenance, scheduling a service call can help to ensure a smooth transition to the heating season.

Consumers also can trim home heating costs by installing a programmable thermostat, he said. A programmable thermostat will allow a homeowner to maintain a comfortable temperature when family is present, and reduce energy use at night and when the family is away at work and school. Programming also will bring the temperature back into the comfort zone before the family wakes to the new day.

A programmable thermostat typically costs about $40-$150 and will usually pay for itself in three years, Snead said.

Adjusting a traditional thermostat also can yield a savings, he said. Lowering the thermostat to 67° F (down from 68°) can yield a 2%-3% savings. Turning the thermostat down while sleeping (8 hours a day, for example) can yield a 1% savings. Older adults generally prefer a warmer environment, but those who wear a sweater and turn down the thermostat also can save on energy costs, the energy specialist said.

To further reduce home heating costs, Snead suggested:

• Caulking around windows and doors, in gaps or cracks between the foundation and siding, stone or brickwork, or to fill other obvious air leaks;
• Checking ductwork for leaks, and sealing leaks, if found;
• Sealing and insulating an attic floor; and
• Sealing and insulating the perimeter of a crawl space, and sealing ductwork in the crawl space.

To reduce general energy use within the home, Snead offered familiar, but sometimes overlooked tips:

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
  
• Turn off lights when leaving a room.
  
• Unplug phantom energy users, including small appliances, cell phone chargers and video game boxes, when not in use.
  
• If you are on time-sensitive electrical rates, use appliances at off-peak times or when rates are lower. Do laundry during early morning or evening hours (and wash with cold-water detergents); run the dishwasher when full, before bedtime, also when rates are lower. If unsure about rate structure, contact the utility service provider.
  
• Use appliances, such as slow cookers or electric skillets, that require less energy.

Consumers also are encouraged to consider replacing aging appliances with newer, more energy efficient models, Snead said. Replacing a five- or more year-old dishwasher or 10- or more year-old refrigerator can generally yield a savings in energy use that will, over time, offset the cost of repairing or replacing the older appliance. If replacing a refrigerator, don’t put the old one in the garage and plug it in.

Look for appliances with an “Energy Star” label with a cost estimate for operation, he said.

— Release provided by K-State Research and Extension.

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.