Friday, August 22, 1997

China may be a supplier of grain

By J.T. Smith / Abilene Reporter-News

Just as it does with the cotton market, China also can have a huge impact on the global grain market.

It always depends whether China is buying or selling. It appears China may be a seller of grain this year.

In fact, China could be a major supplier of grain if early estimates for a record summer grain harvest there prove true.

Analysts are waiting to see how good the crop there actually is this year.

China is the world's largest wheat producer. But how much they will export or import depends on crop quality, says Bill De Maria.

De Maria is the assistant executive director of the International Grains Council.

He also notes that if El Nino reduces the Australian wheat harvest, it could leave further export opportunities for the United States, Canada, and European Union.

High Plains cotton strategy

The High Plains is now faced with what direction to take in controlling the boll weevil that is finding a new home there.

As we've reported, cotton growers in the world's most concentrated area of cotton production recently voted against establishing a High Plains/Caprock boll weevil eradication zone.

Of the 13,200 voting forms mailed out, only 6,636 valid ballots were returned. Of those returned, only 48.8 percent voted "yes," well short of the two-thirds majority needed to establish the zone.

Producers clearly were not ready to accept the proposals offered by the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation.

In the long run, cotton growers must be strongly behind whatever program or strategy they take to fight the boll weevil.

Lift of long ban on Argentine beef next week

A 68-year ban on imports of beef from Argentina ends Monday.

Since 1929, the U.S. government had prevented imports of fresh, chilled or frozen beef from Argentina because of foot-and-mouth disease in Argentine cattle.

Following a massive vaccination program, the disease was last reported in Argentina three years ago.

USDA officials say they are "confident" that importing meat from Argentina will not put U.S. livestock at risk.

Argentina now will be allowed to export 20,000 metric tons (about 40 million pounds) of fresh beef to the United States each year.

Shorthorn group elects officers

The Texas Shorthorn Association elected officers at the organization's annual meeting in Lubbock.

Officers elected for 1997-98 are: Mac Rains, president, of Rotan; Jim Cato, vice president, Whitney; Belynda Rains, secretary-treasurer, Rotan; and Mary Bass, publicity, Olton.

Membership in the Texas Shorthorn Association is open to any person or firm interested in the breeding and promotion of Shorthorn cattle.

The $50 annual dues may be mailed to: Texas Shorthorn Association, P.O. Box 387, Rotan, Texas 79546.

For more regarding membership, sales, or shows, contact: Belynda Rains, secretary, (915) 735-3462.