Thursday, May 28, 1998

Drought in Mexico is affecting cattle ranchers

By J.T. Smith / Abilene Reporter-News

Problems in Mexico go beyond the haze from the many fires that have been burning there.

Mexico's spring rainy season has failed to materialize, and severe drought grips the country.

The dry weather has caused cattle to lose up to 40 percent of their weight. This has forced many Mexican cattlemen to liquidate their herds.

"The situation is serious -- there's no food, and cattle are dying of starvation, lack of water and high temperatures," said Andres Piedra, director of economic studies at Mexico's National Cattle Confederation.

This -- of course -- has created big economic problems. And this could affect cattle trade with the United States.

U.S. beef exports to Mexico will be in jeopardy by an anti-dumping suit that will be field in June by the National Cattle Confederation, National Association of Feedlot Owners and National Association of Federally Inspected Slaughterhouses.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the success of of U.S. beef exports (which reached 149,959 tons in 1997) has prompted another round of accusations by Mexican cattlemen of dumping at low prices. Their complaints are aimed at winning support for imposing higher import duties there.

Meeting to seek ideas for improving Farmers' Market

Area produce growers are invited to attend an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the new Taylor County Extension Service office on the grounds of the Expo Center in Abilene.

The meeting will focus on the future of the Big Country Farmers' Market at the Taylor County Expo Center.

Taylor County Extension Agent Gary Bomar said the meeting will seek input from area produce raisers as to the needs for renovation and/or expansion of the facility and ideas on marketing produce via the facility.

"Following the meeting, recommendations will be considered, and programs will be designed to increase area participation in this type of produce marketing," Bomar said.

An evening meal will be provided, so the Extension Service office needs an estimate of those planning to attend. Please call the office at (915) 672-6048.

Farm Credit Bank reports first quarter earnings

The Farm Credit Bank of Texas and its affiliated lending associations report combined first quarter earnings of $23.9 million.

This year's figure compares with $22 million for the first three months of 1997.

The growth in earnings is attributed to growth in net interest income, which increased by $3.7 million from the first quarter of last year, primarily as a result of an increase in loan volume and a strong lending rate.

During the first quarter, loan volume grew by $41.2 million in the long-term lending portfolio, while the short-term portfolio experienced a slight decline of $4.8 million.

Total gross loan volume as of March 31 was just over $4 billion.

"The condition of the bank and affiliated associations in our territory continues to be very strong," said Arnold R. Henson, Bank CEO.

Due to an increase in expenditures, partly relating to technological enhancements and support, Year 2000 compliance, salaries and net pension costs, non-interest expense increased by $2 million from the first quarter in 1997.

"We have initiated a complete and thorough plan to address the Year 2000 issue," Henson said. "Our consultants, KPMG Consulting, are working with us to implement strategic and tactical improvements to core-critical systems. We expect to be in compliance and tested by June 1999."

The Farm Credit Bank of Texas and its 16 affiliated Production Credit Associations and 25 Federal Land Bank Associations are member-owned agricultural lending cooperatives with combined assets totaling $4.5 billion as of March 31. Together, they comprise the 10th Farm Credit District, which is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System.

TDA accepting Family Land Heritage applications

The Texas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 1998 Family Land Heritage Program.

The program recognizes Texas farms and ranches that have been in continuous production by the same family for at least 100 years.

TDA will accept applications through the Oct. 15 deadline.

Texas Ag Commissioner Rick Perry said summer is the ideal time for farm and ranch families to explore the rich legacy of their Texas heritage.

Family Land Heritage applications can be obtained from TDA by writing to Debbie Ellis, Texas Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 12847, Austin, Texas 78711 or by calling (512) 463-7653.

Applications also should be available at your local county judge's office.

Farms and ranches that qualify will be honored during a January 1999 ceremony in Austin.

More than 3,000 farms and ranches across Texas have been honored since this recognition program began in 1974.