Guest guest Posted January 13, 2007 Report Share Posted January 13, 2007 Below is a press release from the Colorado Cattleman's Association. I made a trip today to Lamar, CO, to deliver some feed to a friend that trains Cutting Horses. We decided to go grab some lunch, and while setting in the local diner located on US Highway 287, we counted 17 semi loads of carcasses traveling on the highway. We weren't there more than 45 minutes. The local rendering plants are overwhelmed, and I learned today, that carcasses are traveling now to Wichita, Kansas, and a plant in Texas, I believe around Borger.Also talked to some of my cousins today for the first time, and they are already dealing with cattle aborting.We are now in another winter blast. Very cold arctic air, and chances for more snow accumulation, and freezing rain. Oh Joy!I sent that diary of a Snow Shoveler, as I found it humurous at the time. I'm now living that diary...it ain't so funny anymore. :)Just wanted to pass along what I've learned today.Ray Schafer###While various reports of cattle death totals from the recent blizzards are making their rounds, the Colorado Cattlemen's Association (CCA) said it is too early for a final count. "We still don't have final numbers, and probably won't for some time. Lots of them are still digging out, and searching; and some producers will continue to lose cattle well into the spring," said Traci Eatherton, CCA Director of Communications."We are estimating between 8,000 and 15,000 will be the final count when it is all done. This equates to over $10 million in cattle alone and when we start looking at the economic impact, we are looking at hardships well into the new year. Low birth weights, health issues, cows aborting, escalating hay prices, and more, will all contribute to the ultimate impact of the blizzard," said Terry Fankhauser, Executive Vice President of CCA.While the blizzard damage estimates are still unaccountable, the generous donations are starting to add up. "The cattlemen helping cattlemen has been incredible! Louisiana Cattlemen's Association donated a sum of money to the Cattlemen's Fund through National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The National Western Stock Show has been raising money during their rodeos and handing out flyers. The list of emails and phone calls offering help, hay, and/or money continues to grow. It's been very humbling!", Fankhauser stated."The help at the local and state levels has been there from the beginning, and is continuing, even with the sun shining. Unfortunately the help at the federal level has been disappointing, " Fankhauser added.While exceedingly frustrating, the CCA office, Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) and Colorado Farm Bureau (CFB) continue to work toward federal disaster declaration and assistance for livestock producers. "I can't begin to tell you the road blocks we have incurred. This further solidifies my belief that we must help ourselves. We must rely on 'Ranchers helping Ranchers'," Fankhauser said."There are a lot of ranchers out there who are short on hay and concerned that they will be running out long before the end of winter," Eatherton said. CCA and CLA are taking hay donations and have local drop areas for storage. Those with available hay can contact CCA at (303) 431-6422 or CLA at (970) 378-0500, or visit the CCA website at *MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.coloradocattle .org." claiming to be* http://www.colorado cattle.org. <http://www.colorado cattle.org.>National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has activated a disaster relief effort for cattlemen hit by the recent blizzards, similar to the hurricane relief efforts a year ago. In cooperation with the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF) and state and local cattlemen's associations, NCBA is accepting monetary donations, one hundred percent of which will be distributed to cattlemen in need -- there is not a percentage taken for administration costs. Donations can be made to the National Cattlemen's Foundation and are tax deductible. The relief funds will be distributed as directed by state associations in the affected areas. Donations can be made at the NCF web site http://www.national cattlemenfoundat ion.com/, <http://www.national cattlemenfoundat ion.com/,> or by calling NCBA at 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872).In addition to hay needs, Jim Rogers, Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Assoc. president from Wiley, also encouraged local members to call in their death losses on cattle into CCA, so that accurate numbers can be calulated. Bent-Prowers association serves ranchers in Baca, Bent, Kiowa, Otero and Prowers counties.The Bent-Prowers Cattlemen's board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25th at Bent's Fort Inn in Las Animas. In addition to discussing relief efforts, the board will finalize plans for its annual meeting on March 17. Ranchers and other members are invited to attend.-- Man is the religious animal. He is the only religious animal that has thetrue religion -- several of them. He is the only animal that loves hisneighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn't straight.-Mark Twain, author and humorist (1835-1910) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.