September 1, 2000

Durango added to rebate program

The new Dodge Truck Bonus Certificate Program for the 2001 model year has been extended and enhanced for Texas Farm Bureau members.

“For the first time ever, we are extending our program to include our award-winning Durango Sport Utility vehicle—both 4x2 and 4x4,” said Jack L. Warren, Dodge Truck Marketing. “Of course, we have included every model included in last year’s program.”

Vehicles in the program include 2000 and 2001 models as follows: Ram Pickup, Ram Chassis Cab, Dakota Pickup (excludes 4 cyl.), Durango, Ram Van, and Ram Wagon.

“The $500 discount for TFB members continues on all of these models. This program becomes effective Aug. 14, 2000,” he said, noting that discounts will only be paid on Durangos purchased on or after Aug. 14.

Humane Society seeks ranchers’ names
The Humane Society of the United States in mid-July made a formal request to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) for information on Texas farmers and ranchers certified to use or apply M-44 devices or livestock protection collars.

TDA has referred this request to the Attorney General’s Office for a decision on whether TDA is required by law to release the requested information.

Texas Farm Bureau, on its own behalf and on certain individual applicator’s behalf, submitted a brief to the AG’s office on Aug. 11, objecting to the release of the requested information.

Texas Farm Bureau, along with the American Farm Bureau Federation and unnamed producers, filed suit last fall against the United States Department of Agriculture and have been successful in having a preliminary injunction issued prohibiting USDA’s Wildlife Services from releasing requested information on names and locations where livestock protection collars are used.

Now, it appears another group is requesting similar information from a state agency.

On Aug. 9, AFBF sent a memo to state Farm Bureaus stating that similar Humane Society requests had been made in Wyoming and Utah. The national organization asked to be advised immediately if any other states had received such requests in order to take immediate action.

The communique also noted that other similar groups could be cooperating with the Humane Society in sending these requests.

Any individual applicators interested in knowing more about the brief may call TFB at 254-751-2270 (Organization Division) or 254-751-2280 (Legal Department).

TDA town hall meetings set
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs has announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture will host a series of town hall meetings throughout the state starting in September.

Combs will meet with farmers, ranchers and rural community leaders to discuss issues affecting the agricultural industry and rural Texas.

Town hall meetings scheduled to date include:

• El Paso, Sept. 15, 10 a.m., Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, 1380 A&M Circle.
• Marfa, Sept. 15, 4 p.m., Marfa City Hall, 113 S. Highland, Casner Room.
Other town hall meetings, with specific locations yet to be determined, include:
• Mineral Wells, Childress and Haskell, Oct. 3.
• Tyler, Crockett and Bryan, Oct. 4.
• Sonora, San Angelo and Llano, Oct. 10.
• Kingsville, Harlingen and Carrizo Springs, Oct. 18.
• Stephenville and Gatesville, Oct. 24.
• Seminole, Dalhart and Hereford, Oct. 26.

Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Cooperative Extension and various commodity groups are helping organize these town hall meetings.

For more information, contact John McFerrin at 512/463-7593 or jmcferrin@agr.state.tx.us.

Notable Quotables

“ ‘If you grow GMO wheat, we will not want to buy it.’ That’s what we’re hearing from our customers. They’re saying, ‘We see where it is helpful to our farmers, but what does it do for us?’ ”

Dawn Forsythe, spokesperson for the U.S. Wheat Associates, explaining one of the many objections heard overseas regarding biotech crops. She said growing industry fears over the safety of biotech crops is making many in the wheat industry nervous.