News Update
October 8, 2013
Record Livestock Death Loss
As South Dakota livestock owners begin to dig out from one of the worst blizzards to hit western South Dakota in recorded history, reports of animal losses are just coming in.
“Producers and family members are busy trying to recover from the results of this terrible blizzard. At the present time, we don’t know if there will be any governmental program to assist ranchers. This may take awhile because the federal shutdown has furloughed key local USDA staff,” said Julie Walker, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension beef specialist.
Walker urges livestock producers to document death loss.
“We know that you don’t need another task during this difficult time, but it is critical that you document your losses. The lesson learned from the winter of 1996 to 1997 showed the importance of good records needed for getting some assistance from governmental programs,” she said.
Government Unable to Respond
to Distress in Livestock Industry
As the U.S. government remains in shutdown mode, National Farmers Union (NFU) is deeply concerned about the direct impact it is having on livestock producers, especially in severe-weather-stricken areas. NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement:
“Over the past few days, Colorado, South Dakota, Wyoming and other areas have seen record amounts of unseasonably early snowfall. With government agencies operating in limited capacity, the residents of these areas were lacking information and saw delays in reports and warnings in order to be prepared for the extreme conditions experienced.
“Early estimates just in the state of South Dakota are showing losses of 15% to 20% of entire herds. We are operating with limited information, as USDA offices are not collecting or receiving data; however, this is an extremely concerning situation. Ranchers do not have access to assistance with the USDA Farm Service Agency offices closed; Livestock Indemnity Program benefits are not available; and other sources of support and information are unavailable.
“We are only beginning to learn of the impact that these weather disasters have had on our family farmers and ranchers while the government is shut down. I am deeply concerned for the future of our industry if this situation continues.
“It is critical that Congress pass a clean Continuing Resolution, get the government working again, and also pass a five-year, comprehensive farm bill this year. We cannot afford this standstill any longer.”
Farmers and Motorists Can Work Together
to Prevent Traffic Collisions Involving Farm Equipment
According to the Michigan State Police, more than 150 traffic collisions involving farm equipment have occurred in the state each year since 2006. On average, 167 collisions involving farm equipment have occurred causing 44 injuries and four fatalities each year in Michigan. Some counties have more of these types of events than others due to the number of farms, number of motorists and the terrain. Annual collision statistics for individual counties can be obtained online at the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Statistics webpage.
Collisions involving farm equipment can be prevented. Whether you are a motorist or a farmer, please do your part to make our public roads safer by implementing the practices listed below. This is a shared responsibility for everyone.
Recommendations for farmers include:
- Always mount a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) emblem to all tractors, combines and implements transported on public roads;
- Never use white lights on the rear of the tractor when driving on public roads. If you don’t have a rear red light, have an escort vehicle follow within 50 feet of the tractor or implement of husbandry;
- Always use flashing amber warning lights on public roads;
- Check to see if traffic is backing up behind you and consider how to let traffic pass. Consider pulling over to the shoulder when it is safe for your vehicle;
- Use turn signals or proper hand signals to communicate your intentions to motorists and never travel left of the center of the road after dark, during poor visibility or when approaching the top of a hill or a curve.
For more information, please view the full release here.
Are You North America’s Next Cold Crew Champion?
The search is on for the toughest winter workers in the 3rd annual Cintas & Carhartt Cold Crew Contest. The contest wants to see how you “Outwork Them All.”
Cintas launched the campaign in 2011 to recognize individuals in the United States and Canada who withstand the toughest winter working conditions. Contestants are encouraged to share their stories and explain why Carhartt, a brand for hard-working people, is essential to their jobs at www.cintas.com/carharttcoldcrew for their chance to win free merchandise and a grand prize trip for two. Entries are being accepted now through Feb. 28, 2014, at which time Cintas and Carhartt will select finalists and begin public voting at the contest website.
Last year’s contest spurred hundreds of entries, which were narrowed down to nine finalists from across the United States and Canada. The public voted, and James Tatem, an arborist foreman from Hooksett, N.H., was crowned the grand-prize winner. In June, he and a guest enjoyed a trip for two to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tenn.
For more information, please view the Cold Crew Challenge page here.
Quality and Value First
Not so long ago, a Cleveland cardiologist sat his son down and asked what he wanted to do with his life.
The son of John and Dinah Hodgson grew up playing lacrosse and going to Browns and Indians games, but Chris had spent little time behind a food counter, nor did he know any famous chefs.
He focused on sports, travel and service, spending summers on medical missions to such faraway points as Russia and Africa.
Sitting in his father’s office, he looked his dad in the eye and said, “All I really like to do is cook.”
The doctor’s response: “Go be a chef then. But don’t just be a good chef, be a great one.”
“You don’t expect your parents to tell you to go cook steaks for a living,” Hodgson says now, while admitting it was just the push he needed to go with a little experience at a bar and grill. “I fell in love with it, but I never knew you could do that as a profession.”
He found out in a few whirlwind years. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Arizona,
Hodgson landed an internship in New York City — but left to buy a food truck.
The newly minted Chef Hodgson helped change Cleveland’s code to allow food trucks, and then opened Hodge’s, a bricks-and-mortar restaurant downtown. Meanwhile, he starred on The Food Network in The Great Food Truck Race and then continued as The Next Food Network Star. Then, he married the love of his life last May.
Whether planning a chef career in a truck or looking for love, Hodgson is persistent. He goes after what he wants.
For more information, please view the full release here.
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