Howdy Neighbors!

Here's your morning farm news headlines from the Director of Farm Programming for the Radio Oklahoma Network, Ron Hays. Our email this morning is a service of Midwest Farm Shows, featuring the Southern Plains Farm Show in Oklahoma City April 19-21, 2007, as well as the Tulsa Farm Show held each December. Check out details of both of these exciting shows at the official website of Midwest Farm Shows by clicking here.

If you have received this by someone forwarding it to you, you are welcome to subscribe and get this weekday update sent to you directly by clicking here.

That program includes the latest on new technology and how that is impacting producers presented by Dan Poston of Mississippi State University, Tom Verry of the National Biodiesel Board on the current state of the biodiesel Industry, a Grower Panel that will discuss tillage practices that work for us here in Oklahoma and even the latest on the Qualisoy efforts to produce soybeans with no trans fat.

The Oklahoma Soybean Expo will also feature exhibits and even lunch for those participating. For last minute info on the event- contact Rick Reimer at 918-343- 2326.

Besides Peterson. other lead sponsors will be Congressman Ralph Hall of Texas (who also was a lead sponsor in the unsuccessful effort to get this legislation through in 2006) in the House, while Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Republican Pete Dominici of New Mexico will be lead sponsors in the Senate.

We talk with Congressman Peterson about this Federal push for clarification of CERCLA as it relates to animal waste, as well as the issue of banning Horse Slaughter for human consumption- all of that on our Wednesday Beef Buzz from the Radio Oklahoma Network. You can link to that below.

Click here for the latest Beef Buzz with House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson.

Edmondson, who is suing Tyson and other northwest Arkansas Poultry Companies for alleged pollution of the Illinois River watershed with chicken litter, has spoken publicly about his opinion that Burrage has a conflict and should not be voting on that measure- even though the chicken industry is not specifically mentioned in the legislation.

Burrage did cast a vote in favor of the measure at the Committee level, as 709 passed. The measure now awaits full Senate consideration and a companion measure is being considered by the House. In 2006, the House passed a similar measure, but Senate consideration was buried by Senate Democratic leadership. While the Attorney General has indicated that the measure will not apply to his current lawsuit, many say it would be an embarrassment to Edmondson if the bill is passed by both bodies and is signed into law by Governor Henry, also a Democrat. Industry observers tell us that the Governor could be in a tough spot if the bill reaches his desk- should he support the AG and veto the bill- if he does, that could weaken future political ambitions by angering key rural groups.

Any living person who derives the bulk of their income, or has retired from an agricultural enterprise, is eligible for nomination. Candidates for consideration are agricultural leaders who have exemplified personal values, dedication to community service, excelled in production and performance and who have provided a strong role model for the state’s youth. “This is the most prestigious award in Oklahoma agriculture and I think it’s even more special this year due to our centennial celebration,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach. “Our state was opened for settlement by farmers and ranchers so the award will probably get even more attention than ever this year.” Last year’s inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame was Murray Williams, Altus, OK cotton grower and livestock producer.

We have linked to the ODA web site and specifically to the Hall of Fame nomination page- which has the rules for the entry process. if you have questions about the Hall of Fame nominating process- contact Jason Harvey at 405-522-5563.

Click here for the ODA's Ag Hall of Fame Nomination form

In particular, Dick Bond of Tyson says that he is hopeful that the Center will help them drive more new products down through the pipeline for their beef business, which has been lagging with the continued problems in key Asian export markets. Bond says concentrating the work in one center will speed development time for new products for institutional customers and time-stressed consumers, who, according to Tyson market research, have less and less time to prepare meals. "It's more than just a building. It is the hub for food innovation," Bond said.

Tyson officials indicate that they rolled out more than 460 new products this past year- the majority of them chicken. As they go forward, they indicate they hope to keep rolling out about that many new products annually, but will be focusing more on beef products, as well as pork.

Korean and U.S. officials got nowhere yesterday in Washington as they discussed the beef issue. South Korea made the same offer they made a few weeks back- that is, they would continue to examine every box with a fine tooth comb and x-rays. If they find any bone chips, they will reject that box, but will allow the rest of the shipment to enter the market. This pertains to boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age.

The US has demanded that Korea follow OIE standards, which says bones are not an issue with BSE- the key is to remove the Specified Risk Materials at the time of slaughter. The Koreans are saying they don't care about what the OIE says- they will keep up their requirements in place. All of this as the two countries negotiate a Free Trade Agreement. US Lawmakers have told Korea to forget about a deal until they fully reopen their market to US beef based on the OIE standards. So, the game of "chicken" over beef continues.

Spencer wins a $1000 scholarship for her efforts that were rated second in the beef division of the event. The Premiere Exhibitor Champion was a young man from California.

We also invite you to check out our website at the link below to check out an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.

Click here to check out WWW.OklahomaFarmReport.Com