Loose Ends...

Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association members in District 2 will meet at 67 Steak House in Big Lake on Saturday, March 27. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. and conclude with a noon meal.

TS&GRA officers will review legislation on the state and national levels that could have an adverse effect on sheep and goat producers. Particular emphasis will be given to private property rights issues, water and animal health issues. There will also be discussions on the proposed national sheep organization and the current TS&GRA membership drive.

Directors to serve the district for the 1999-2000 term will be elected at the close of the meeting. District 2 is made up of the counties of Andrews, Borden, Crane, Crockett, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Irion, Loving, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Reagan, Scurry, Sterling, Upton, Ward and Winkler.

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Okla., is sponsoring AgVenture '99 June 1-4.

Approximately 15 high school students will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience while learning about prescribed burning; livestock handling facilities and methods; controlled rotational grazing; quail habitat management; deer spotlight surveys; livestock health, nutrition and reproduction; intensive vegetable production; fencing materials and methods; pecan grafting; livestock marketing; ag communications; ag career opportunities, etc.

Students and staff will be housed at the Noble Foundation Conference Center. All meals and transportation will be provided. There is no fee, but accepted participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from AgVenture '99.

Applications are available from Grant Huggins, AgVenture Committee Chair, The Noble Foundation, P.O. Box 2180, Ardmore, OK 73402-2180 or by phone at (580)223-5810. Applications are due April 5.

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The Texas Cattle Feeders Association newsletter reports that beef exports set a record in 1998, exceeding the million metric ton mark for the first time ever. According to USDA, beef exports totaled 1,022,470 metric tons, a five percent increase over 1997. However, reflecting lower domestic prices and the weakness in the Asian economy, the value of U.S. beef exports declined five percent to $2.8 billion in 1998. Japan again was the No. 1 export market for U.S. beef, taking 468,800 metric tons, an eight percent increase over 1997. Mexico, the No. 2 export market, took 187,263 metric tons, a 28 percent increase. U.S. beef and variety meat exports to Europe jumped 180 percent to 40,851 metric tons. However, exports to South Korea, at 57,427 metric tons, were down 40 percent and exports to Canada at 97,644 metric tons were off seven percent.

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The Texas Animal Health Commission reports that 195,571 cattle entered Texas from other states while 93,307 were shipped out. Also, 2795 sheep entered Texas while 3293 were exported to other states.

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Members of the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association in District 7 will meet to elect directors for the 1999-2000 term on Friday, March 26 at Lone Star Barbecue in Brady. The meeting will begin with a meal at 6:30 p.m.

TS&GRA officers will go over results of the recent membership drive and will review legislation on the state and national level which could adversely affect sheep and goat producers. Particular emphasis will be given to private property rights as well as water and animal health issues. Discussion will also be held in regard to the proposed national sheep organization.

District 7 is made up of the counties of Brown, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Mills and San Saba.

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Americans for Medical Progress and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Foundation have created a campaign to educate the public about the role of animal research in improving women's health. According to AMP, women are the major consumers of health care in the United States and are also major contributors to animal rights groups. The Women's Health Campaign's goal is to "empower" women to make informed decisions about health care and their charitable contributions, ensuring that donations given to animal rights groups don't work counter to women's health. More information is available from their website at www.ampef.org.