The Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, embroiled in a legal battle with the Clinton administration over the federal "Clean Water Action Plan," is calling for help — of the information variety.

The WACD wants to hear from any public lands operator who faces grazing reductions based on alleged "impaired watersheds.

"This information could be very valuable to the Clean Water Action Plan lawsuit," the group says, "especially if it is directly related to "unified watershed assessment."

Information should be directed to: Mrs. Bobbie Frank, Director, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, 2404 13th St., Cheyenne, Wyo. Her phone number is (307) 632-5716, E-mail: waocd@trib.com.

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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association says Congress may soon consider legislation that includes language calling for $16.3 billion in death and gift tax relief beginning in 2001. This measure would make it easier to keep farms and ranches in the family.

The tax relief legislation is included in the House Minimum Wage Bill (HR 3081), which is expected to be considered in the House in the next week. HR 3081 would provide $16.3 billion in death and gift tax relief by substantially cutting rates for smaller estates, repealing the five percent surtax on large estates by 2001, and reducing the top rate to 50 percent by 2002. The bill also makes modifications to the Generation Skipping Transfer tax prior to its repeal.

Additionally, small business tax relief for producers is provided in 2001 by allowing a 100 percent deductibility for health insurance in 2001 instead of 2003, increasing the small business equipment expense deduction to $30,000, and increasing the business meal expense deduction.

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At the 1999 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this year, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will introduce several major initiatives aimed at cultivating a nationwide fan base for professional rodeo in 2000 and beyond. The announcements will include an expanded prime-time television schedule, increased prize money, aggressive public relations and media outreach strategies, event marketing focuses on the fan experience, and plans to elevate the star status of rodeo's premier athletes.

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NCBA recently announced that it is broadening the criteria for the Environmental Stewardship Award so more people may participate. Now organizations like the Sierra Club and even local garden clubs are able to nominate someone for the award. The only requirement is that nominees must raise or feed cattle.

The Environmental Stewardship Award program is now in its 10th year. Nominees compete for one of seven regional awards based on the state of residency of the nominees, and the seven regional winners then compete for the national award.

The selection committee is a diverse group of 14 people from wildlife, environmental, agriculture and land management organizations. It selects winners based on the use of natural resource stewardship practices that contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profit ability. Innovative management and conservation practices in energy, water, air, vegetation, wildlife and soil management are considered.

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A pesticide recertification training program is scheduled for November 9 at the Abilene Civic Center. A total of five CEUs will be awarded to those who attend. The fee is $2. More information is available by calling Taylor County CEA Gary Bomar at (915) 672-6048.

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Three new directors have been elected for the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts. They are: Aubrey Russell, of Panhandle, Area I, which encompasses the Panhandle and South Plains; Jose Dodier of Zapata, Area II, which contains the South Central, South and parts of the Gulf Coast areas; and Barry Mahler, of Iowa Park, Area V, representing the Rolling Plains, North Central and Central areas of the state.

Other directors/officers are: Wayne Register, New Waverly, president; and Edward Albrecht, Comfort, secretary-treasurer.

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Two of the nation's major packers are reporting sizeable profit increases, at least partly attributable to the healthy margins they have enjoyed in their beef segments. IBP's third-quarter profits jumped almost 50 percent from a year earlier, to $95 million from $66, and Cargill posted a first quarter profit of $150 million, up from $4 million a year earlier. In Cargill's case, the previous figure was said to have reflected losses from the Russian currency crash and debt default.