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New York Beef Producer's Association
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Message from the President
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Dewey
Hauman |
Winter has finally arrived,
a good time to reflect on 2007 and plan for 2008; time to
get out the seed and AI sire catalogs. Time also to plan
on attending our annual meeting January 25- 27, 2008 in Syracuse,
NY. From the winter management educational programs, trade
show, banquet, awards presentation and auction to benefit
the junior scholarship program, there is something for everyone.
It is a good time to get together with friends once again.
The Bull Test and Empire Heifer programs are underway with 55
bulls and 100 heifers respectively. Thanks to the Genetic Improvement
Committee, Cornell, and the many consignors. The Value Discovery
program is also underway with 220-230 calves.
I attended the NY Farm
Bureau annual meeting December 4 - 6 in Niagara Falls, NY.
Two of many policy issues agreed to and important to the
livestock producer included increasing the combined truck/trailer
GVW to 26,000 pounds from the current 10,001 pounds, and
the creation of agriculture plates for trailers. The New
York Farm Bureau has also released a “Farmer’s Guide
to Truck & Farm Implement Laws & Regulations”.
It is available to NYBF members for $20.00. It is an excellent
guide in explaining the new laws.
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Governor Elliot Spitzer attended
Thursday’s
session and announced his plans to provide affordable broadband high
speed internet service to all of New York, including the most rural
areas. Grants to research, design and service providers will lead
this economic development. The increased flow of information (12
times faster) will support all New York businesses.
Effective November 19, 2007 imported Canadian cattle older than 30
months have been arriving across our border, but at a much lower rate
than previously expected. In fact, the USDA has lowered its 2008 import
projections for Canadian cattle over 30 months of age from 657,000
head to 75,000.
As calving season slowly approaches,
review your vaccination program with your veterinarian. Our long
winters certainly give us the opportunity to insure our cow herds’ health
is up to date for another calving and breeding season.
Well, it’s time to start
catching up on those winter repairs and projects. I wish you all
a successful 2008. See you in Syracuse.
Regards,
Dewey
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