M AY 2013
Legislature pondering state water task force Members will prepare a study of Nebraska needs, uses and resources By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent
Nebraska’s water is a valued commodity, and state senators are proposing the creation of a task force to forge a long-term plan for protection and sustenance of water resources in the state. LB 517 is still being fine-tuned, but the finished product will result in a task force that will prepare a study of Nebraska water needs, uses, and resources. Members of the task force will be selected to take into consideration all interests in Nebraska water usage, whether it be municipal, surface water,
ground water, or for the provision of offset water. “This task force will be charged to identify needs and prioritize those needs, “ said Kent Miller, director of Twin Platte Natural Resources District. The results of the task force’s water study will be used to plan the use of state funds for water projects. Miller said that water management can be very expensive, especially for repair of infrastructure or to provide for offset water. Past legislation has addressed previous water issues, and Roric Paulman, Sutherland farmer and Board of Directors Chairman for the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance, sees value in the work that has been done. With a look at the future management of Nebraska’s water resources, he applauds the efforts of Senator Carlson in
working towards long term sustainability. As Paulman has followed the progress of the bill, the exact makeup of the task force has continued to evolve. He said he is very optimistic and hopeful that Western Nebraska water interests can be involved in providing input for working towards a plan that addresses all the complexities of water management in Nebraska. Through open forums hosted by the NE Water Balance Alliance, people from various water interests have been involved in the discussion of water issues. As the final reading of LB 517 is completed and the bill goes through, then the task force composed of water experts, and some governor appointed legislators will be announced. The research and planning of the task force is to begin by June 1 and a plan is to be prepared by Dec. 31.
Pastures weakened by drought will require time for recovery LINCOLN — Nebraska’s pastures are starting to grow again, but the effects of last year’s drought linger and might cause complications for producers, University of NebraskaLincoln forage specialist said. Some might want to get their animals outside and into green fields, but droughtweakened pastures will not be able to feed these animals without sustaining further damage, said Bruce Anderson,
UNL Extension forage specialist. However, there are ways to compensate for the loss and help pastures recover. Although recent snow and rain provided moisture for pastures, the levels were still less than average. Considering the severe stress pastures experienced during last year’s drought some might be dead or exhibit slow growth, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said. Damaged pastures
could take another year to recover. Pastures throughout the state, especially those with bluegrass, have gaps that allow for weeds to establish. Noxious weeds like thistle and leafy spurge, as well as woody plants like brush and red cedar trees can take advantage of the weakened pastures. “Weeds are a natural outcome when competitive ability of the plants Please see TIME, Page 3
Corn board may be undergoing changes LB354 would align structure similar to other ag groups By CAROLINE SABIN Telegraph correspondent
Feed, fuel, food and fiber. Corn covers a lot of ground as a resource for consumer products. The Nebraska Corn Board’s goal is to focus on research, market development and educating the public about the benefits of corn. The means by which they promote the corn industry comes through check-off dollars that are collected when grain is sold by the producer. This self-supporting entity may be undergoing some changes as the Nebraska lawmakers debate LB 354. “This legislation is basically designed to allow the Corn Board to work more closely with growers,” said Jon Holzfaster, NE Corn Board member
representing Western Nebraska. While the Corn Resource Act that first established the NE Corn Board has worked satisfactorily, the proposed changes to the board would align their structure to be similar to other ag groups. Presently, members of the Corn Board are appointed by the governor. The change being considered is that of having board members elected by producers in their district. Nebraska is divided into eight districts based on corn production. Another change that is being considered is the check-off per bushel. Presently there is a mandatory half a cent per bushel checkoff. The point up for debate is to change this to a check-off with the option of a refund. Those exempt from the check-off would be producers who are also livestock feeders that plan to feed the corn. Holzfaster feels the changes would provide more flexibility for producers and allow
the board to work more closely with growers. Some of the promotion work done now involves FFA (Future Farmers of America) and LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) participants. Holzfaster said that the board recognizes the value of strong leadership in individuals involved in agriculture. Research is carried out in cooperation with universities. Recent research has focused on the formulation of feed rations using distiller’s grains, a corn byproduct of the ethanol industry. In predicting a timeframe for the passage of this bill, Holzfaster expects there to be more discussion by senators to clarify details of the bill. It’s possible that it will be finalized this year, but it could be carried over to next year.
TIME from Page 2
is lowered,” Anderson said. “Weeds become more opportunistic with less competition, so it’s important to get them under control while patches are still small.” In general, drought and overgrazing damaged almost all pastures last year. The plants don’t begin to recover until after they have started to grow, and extra stress can slow down that process. “Pastures might be green and growing, but their ability to handle further stress has lessened,” Anderson said. Anderson suggests waiting 10 to 14 days later to let animals out for grazing. Feeding on leftover hay or other for-
Time and Temperature 532-6007 YOUR SOURCE since 1881
ages from winter for this extra time will give permanent pastures much needed recovery time. “Any permanent pasture that was really stressed last year is going to have some really weak plants in it,” Anderson said. “And we’ve got to be careful that we don’t overstress those plants early in the spring.” Planting annual forages also can help relieve some of the pressure on stressed pastures and forage supplies. The drought severely depleted hay supplies last year, so planting oats, grasses and millets can compensate for some of that problem. “These annuals can be very productive in terms of the amount of forage they produce to
rebuild that hay supply,” Anderson said. With the recent rain, Anderson thinks some pastures might hold an opportunity for fertilizer. Application will not be appropriate in all fields, but might stimulate growth in others. In pastures that have enough moisture in normal years, fertilizer will help take advantage of existing rain moisture to help pastures recover. Producers should still be careful with grazing even if they take these precautions. Anderson warns not to overstock in stressed pastures. “We have to keep the stocking rate conservative to give plants a chance for a lengthy, long-term recovery,” he said. “They cannot be continually grazed short.” — IANR news
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2012 a good year for Nebraska livestock industry Cash receipts from cattle and calves totaled $10.38 billion, up nearly $2 billion from 2011 By ROBERT PORE World-Herald News Service
Despite drought and high feed costs, 2012 was a good year for Nebraska’s livestock industry. Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves and hogs and pigs in Nebraska last year totaled $11.26 billion, which is up from $9.5 billion in 2011, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Meat Animals Production, Disposition and Income
2012 Summary released last week. Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves in Nebraska last year totaled $10.38 billion, which was up from $8.63 billion in 2011. Nebraska was second in the nation in cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves behind Texas with total cash receipts of $10.5 billion. Cash receipts from marketings of hogs and pigs in Nebraska last year was $891 million, compared to $920 mil-
lion in 2011. Drought last year hurt grass production and forced producers to supplement feed to their cattle. Drought also cut back on hay production. According to the USDA, hay production was down 28 percent in 2012. The cost of hay averaged $196 per ton in Nebraska last year. Hay prices are still high because of scarcity as the USDA reported that preliminary hay prices averaged $227 per ton in April.
A cool spring this year has slowed grass growth, forcing producers to draw on short forage supplies. The USDA said hay and forage supplies were rated 23 percent very short, 46 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. As of April 29, the condition of Nebraska cattle and calves was rated 0 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 66 percent good and 7 percent excellent. Spring calving was 91 percent complete. Calf losses this spring have been 7 percent below average, 88 percent average and 5 percent above average. Also, last year, some cow/calf producers were forced to cull their herds because of the lack of grass growth and high feed costs. According to the USDA, average steer and heifer prices in
April 2012 were $128 per hundredweight. Preliminary prices this April are also $128 per hundredweight. Nebraska was the nation’s top commercial red meat producer in 2012, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Total red meat production in Nebraska in 2012 was 7.29 billion pounds, up from 7.16 billion pounds in 2011. Cattle slaughter led the way in Nebraska as the state was first in cattle slaughter in the nation. Nebraska ranked in the top 10 in hog slaughter. In March, Nebraska led the nation in commercial red meat production with 571.9 million pounds, which was 6 percent lower than March 2012. Nebraska was also first in the nation in cattle slaughter in March with 518,000 head. The average live weight was 1,383
pounds, which was 28 pounds heavier than March 2012. Nebraska was sixth in hog production with 643,000 head slaughtered, with an average live weight of 273 pounds, 5 pounds lighter than the previous year. Total production for cattle and calves and hogs and pigs last year was 6.38 billion pounds, compared to 5.9 billion pounds in 2011. Cattle and calves production in Nebraska was 5.1 billion pounds and for hogs and pigs 1.28 billion pounds last year. In 2011, cattle and calves production was 4.58 billion pounds, and hogs and pigs production was 1.32 billion pounds. Earlier this year, the USDA reported the value of Nebraska’s corn crop was $9.1 billion and soybeans $2.9 billion. The combined value of Nebraska’s corn, Please see GOOD, Page 5
Singles looking for love in dwindling farm country TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Until Rubert Kerl’s wife left him two months before the couple’s 35th wedding anniversary, the soybean and corn farmer thought his dating days were over. Then, sullen and down 20 pounds fretting over the breakup, Kerl, of Mazomanie, Wis., happened to see a notice in his local paper about a group for single farmers seeking a social life. “You got to do something,” he remembers telling himself. The ad was his ticket to meeting an unattached farm girl. “It was love at first sight,” Kerl, 75, says of Charlotte, 71, and before long they were married. In recent years, dating services for people of different ages, interests and religious backgrounds have proliferated thanks to the internet. But one of the most resilient groups of all goes back to the 1980s and focuses on an increasingly challenging niche: farmers in rural
GOOD from Page 4
soybean, cattle and calves and hogs and pigs last year was $23.27 billion. Nationwide, 2012 production of cattle and calves and hogs and pigs totaled 73.5 billion pounds, up 1 percent from 2011. Production increased 4 percent for hogs and pigs but decreased 1 percent for cattle and calves. Total 2012 cash receipts from market-
ings of meat animals increased 6 percent to $90.1 billion. Cattle and calves accounted for more than 75 percent of that total, and hogs and pigs accounted for nearly 25 percent. The 2012 gross income from cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled $90.7 billion, up 6 percent from 2011. Gross income for cattle and calves increased 8 percent, and hogs and pigs increased 2 percent over the previous
year’s gross income. Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves increased 8 percent from $63 billion in 2011 to $67.9 billion in 2012. All cattle and calf marketings totaled 55.4 billion pounds in 2012, down 1 percent from 2011. Cash receipts from hogs and pigs totaled $22.2 billion during 2012, up 2 percent from 2011. Marketings totaled 33.3 billion pounds in 2012, up 4 percent from 2011.
The Associated Press
In this April 13 photo, Glenn Ackeberg, of Lindon, Ill., dances with Barb Ruttledge, of Walnut, Ill., during a Singles in Agriculture social event at the Silver Spur Dance and Reception Hall, in East Moline, Ill. Singles in Agriculture is a group for single farmers seeking a social life or even a spouse. Chapters are active in 11 farm states in the Midwest and West, each of which holds three to six social events a year. areas, whose numbers are shrinking with the farm population and who don’t tend to live very close to others. Today, the Singles in Agriculture group has several hundred members and holds get-togethers in rural commu-
nities for people who want to live on the land. The participants tend to be older than those in other singles groups and favor a style that’s more small town and traditional. Please see LOVE, Page 11
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UNL NEWS
Food Processing Center to mark 30th anniversary LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Food Processing Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary next month with tours and free ice cream. An open house is planned from 1-5 p.m. June 9 at the center, in the Food Industry Complex on UNL’s East Campus. Tours of the cen-
ter’s pilot plants will be offered, as will interactive displays on sensory testing, marketing, food safety and more. And then there’s the free ice cream. The FPC’s Dairy Store is one of East Campus visitors’ favorite stops, and the samples will remind open house participants why. Nebraska was one of the first states to develop a food processing center, and its center served as an example for other states to do the same.
USED CHRYSLER DODGE CARS 13 Dodge Dart SXT Rallye, 1.4L Turbo, 6-autostick, Remote start/ entry, Seat riser, Travel comp, Traction control, Alum wheels, Nice, 40+ mpg, 3500 miles .$18900 12 Chrysler 300 Limited, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, 2-power heated-cooled leather seats, Dual-pane panoramic Sunroof, 900-watt 18-speaker sound, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, Navigation, Much more, You get the idea, Decked executive, $43,000+ new, 14k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31800 12 Chrysler 300 Limited, v6, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, 2-power heated leather seats, 8.4" touch screen, Premium sound, Back camera, Chrome wheels, 14k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25800 12 Chrysler 300 Touring, v6, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, Power seat, Keyless, Touch screen, Dlx travel comp, Keyless go, 17k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23800 12 Chrysler 200 Touring Convertible, v6, Auto temp, 2-power seats/ top, Sirius, Dlx travel comp, Alum wheels, Loaded and Very Nice, 7k mi . . . . . . .$21500 12 Chrysler 200 Touring, 3.6v6, Auto temp, Power seat, Sunroof, Keyless, Sirius, Program travel comp, Alum wheels, Very loaded unit, 14k mi . . . . . . . . .$18800 12 Dodge Avenger SXT Plus, v6, 6-spd auto stick, Auto temp, Power seat, Keyless entry, Sirius, Sunroof, Dlx travel comp, Alum wheels, Loaded, 17k mi . . . .$18900 11 Chrysler 200 Limited, 3.6v6, Auto temp, Heated power seat, Sunroof, Touch screen Navigation, Premium sound, Projector lamps, Decked executive, 31k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18900 11 Dodge Charger SE, v6, Power seat/ recliner, 2-zone a/c, Keyless go, Travel comp, Traction control, Steering wheel control, Alum wheels, Nice, 16k mi . .$19800 04 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Touring, V6, Power seat/top, 47k mi . . . .$8750
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*13 2500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, CUMMINS, 6-spd auto stick, 2-power heated/cooled buckets, 2-zone auto temp, Premium sound, Remote start, Loaded, List $56675 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50199 *13 2500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, CUMMINS, 6-spd auto stick, 2-power heated/cooled 40/20/40, 2-zone auto temp, Premium sound, Remote start, Loaded, List $56175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49774 *13 2500 Crew Cab SLT LB 4x4, CUMMINS, 6-spd auto stick, Power seat, Tow pkg w/ control, Possi, Sirius, Keyless entry, Travel comp, A/T tires, Nicely equipped, List $51260 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45394
*13 2500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, HEMI, 6-spd, 2-power heated/cooled leather 40/20/40 seat, 2-zone auto temp, Premium sound, Back camera, Loaded, List $47755 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$42613 *13 2500 Crew Cab SLT LB 4x4, HEMI, 6-spd, Power seat, Anti-spin, Back camera, Remote start, Travel comp, Keyless, Tow pkg w/ control, Sirius, A/T tire, List $43775 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$39029 *13 2500 Crew Cab Tradesman SB 4x4, HEMI, 6-spd, Full power, Keyless entry, Tow pkg w/ brake control & mirrors, Anti-spin, A/T tires, Chrome wheels, List $39180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34965 *13 2500 Reg Cab SLT LB 4x4, 5.7 HEMI, 6-spd auto, Power windows/ door locks/ mirrors, Travel computer, Tow pkg w/ control, Sirius, Well equipped, List $37660 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33519 *13 1500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, HEMI, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, 2-heated/ cooled power buckets, Premium sound, Back camera, Loaded unit, List $47300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$41431 *13 1500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, HEMI, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, 2-heated/ cooled power seats, Premium sound, 8.4" screen, Back camera, Loaded, List $46625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40857 *13 1500 Crew Cab Laramie SB 4x4, HEMI, 8-spd auto, 2-zone auto temp, 2-heated/ cooled power seats, Premium sound, 8.4" touch screen, Back camera, Loaded, List $46625 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40857 *13 1500 Crew Cab Express SB 4x4, HEMI, 6-spd auto, Full power, Keyless entry, 20" Alum wheels, Sirius, Hitch, Fog lamps, Nicely equipped, List $35365 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29481 *13 1500 Quad Cab Tradesman SB 4x4, 5.7 HEMI, 6-spd auto, Power windows/locks/mirrors, Hitch w/ tow pkg, HD cooling, Sirius, Alum wheels, List $33950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29267
USED PICKUPS 12 Dodge 1500 Quad cab SLT SB, Navigation, Luxury group, Keyless, Bluetooth, Dlx travel comp, Alum wheels, Auto dim mirror, Executive, 31k mi . . . .$26800 11 Chevy 1500 Crew Cab LT 4x4, 5.3v8, 6-autostick, Power seat, Remote start, Tubes, Tow pkg, 3.42 no-spin, Chrome/ alum wheels, Local trade, 26k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$28800 11 Dodge 2500 Reg cab ST 4x4, HEMI, A/C, Tilt, Cruise, CD, Sirius, Travel comp, Business console, Tow pkg, HD ready for work, 35k mi . . . . .$22850 10 Dodge 2500 Reg cab SLT 4x4, HEMI, Power seat/recliner, Keyless, Theft alarm, Premium sound, Tow pkg w/ brake control, Travel comp, Anti-spin, 31k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25800 07 Dodge 2500 Mega Cab SLT SB 4x4, CUMMINS, 6-spd auto, Power seat, GPS navigation, Tubes, Spray liner, 3.73 Anti-spin, Very nice unit . . . . . . . . . . .$28900 07 Ford 150 Ext Cab 4dr XLT 4x4, 5.4v8, Full power, Remote/keyless entry, Comp/temp, Fog lamps, Alum wheels, One owner local trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14850 96 Mazda B2300 Ext Cab SE 2wd, Fi4, 5 spd, A/C, Alum wheels, Solid unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3950 88 Chevrolet 3500 Reg Cab 4x4, 5-spd, HD work ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1485
*NEW & USED MINI-VANS $1000 ADDITIONAL REBATE FOR VW OWNERS *13 Chrysler Town/ Country Touring-L, 2-power heated leather/ rear heat, 3-zone auto temp, Remote start, Rear video, Blind spot detect, Back camera, 2-LOADED, List $34820 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$31358 *13 Chrysler Town/ Country Touring, Power seat/doors/gate, Leather, 3-zone a/c, Back camera, 9" rear video, Sirius, Touch screen, More, List $30990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27848 12 Chryler Town/ Country LIMITED, Sunroof, HID lights, 2-9" rear video, Navigation, 506-watt sound, Blind spot detect, Rear camera, Decked executive, 17k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$33885 12 Dodge SXT Express, Stow-n-go, 3-zone a/c, Power seat/pedals/doors/lifttgate, Rear video, Back camera, Sirius, Travel comp, Alum wheels, Well equipped, 15k mi $22500 12 Dodge SXT Express, Stow-n-go, 3-zone a/c, Power seat/pedals/ doors/liftgate, CD, Steering wheel controls, Super console, Travel comp, Alum wheels, 12k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$21800 12 Dodge SXT Express, Stow-n-go, 3-zone a/c, Power seat/pedals/doors/liftgate, Keyless entry, Travel comp, Alum wheels, Well equipped, 19k mi . . . . . . . . . . . .$21400 12 Dodge SXT Express, Stow-n-go, 3-zone a/c, Power seat/pedals/doors/liftgate, Keyless entry, Travel comp, Alum wheels, Well equipped, 24k mi . . . . . . . . . . .$20900 08 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, 3.8v6, Stow-n-go, Power driver seat/doors/ pedals, Keyless entry, Travel comp, Traction control, Very nice local trade . . . . . . .$11900 01 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport, Quads, 3-zone a/c, Power seat, Power slide door, CD/ cass, Alum wheels, Load level, Nicely equipped, Solid, Local trade . .$4885
FULL SIZE VAN 11 Ford E350 XLT 12-Passenger van, 5.4v8, Rear a/c, Keyless, Rear park assist, RSC traction control, Super hauler, Very nice condition, 29k mi . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20800
*YOUR REBATE MAY BE GREATER - CALL. ALL REBATES TO DEALER. REBATES TO DEALER BUSINESS CENTER CUSTOMERS ONLY. REBATES/ SALE CAN END OR CHANGE AT ANY TIME. CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS NOT INCLUDED (EX: RAILROAD PROGRAM). THESE PROGRAMS MAY LOWER PRICE/ INCREASE REBATE. CONTACT DEALER FOR DETAILS. (050813).
AP IMPACT: Wind farms get pass on eagle deaths Obama administration has never fined nor prosecuted a wind-energy company CONVERSE COUNTY, Wyo. (AP) — It happens about once a month here, on the barren foothills of one of America’s green-energy boomtowns: A soaring golden eagle slams into a wind farm’s spinning turbine and falls, mangled and lifeless, to the ground. Killing these iconic birds is not just an irreplaceable loss for a vulnerable species. It’s also a federal crime, a charge that the Obama administration has used to prosecute oil companies when birds drown in their waste pits, and power companies when birds are electrocuted by their
power lines. But the administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind-energy company, even those that flout the law repeatedly. Instead, the government is shielding the industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret. Wind power, a pollution-free energy intended to ease global warming, is a cornerstone of President Barack Obama’s energy plan. His administration has championed a $1 billiona-year tax break to the industry that has nearly doubled the amount of wind power in his first term.
But like the oil industry under President George W. Bush, lobbyists and executives have used their favored status to help steer U.S. energy policy. The result is a green industry that’s allowed to do not-so-green things. It kills protected species with impunity and conceals the environmental consequences of sprawling wind farms. More than 573,000 birds are killed by the country’s wind farms each year, including 83,000 hunting birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles, according to an estimate published in March in the peer-reviewed Wildlife Society Bulletin. Getting precise figures is impossible because many companies aren’t required to disclose how many birds
they kill. And when they do, experts say, the data can be unreliable. When companies voluntarily report deaths, the Obama administration in many cases refuses to make the information public, saying it belongs to the energy companies or that revealing it would expose trade secrets or implicate ongoing enforcement investigations. Nearly all the birds being killed are protected under federal environmental laws, which prosecutors have used to generate tens of millions of dollars in fines and settlements from businesses, including oil and gas companies, over the past five years. “We are all responsible for protecting our wildlife, even the largest of corporations,” Colorado U.S. Attorney David M. Gaouette said
The Associated Press
A golden eagle flies near a wind turbine on a wind farm owned by PacifiCorp near Glenrock, Wyo., on May 6. At least 20 golden eagles have been found dead at the companies wind farms in Wyoming, according to data obtained by The Associated Press. in 2009 when announc- states, including ing Exxon Mobil had Wyoming. pleaded guilty and The large death toll at would pay $600,000 for wind farms shows how killing 85 birds in five Please see WIND, Page 15
EPA continues to release producers’ personal info World-Herald News Service
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association officials said they are “appalled” to learn that the Environmental Protection Agency continues to illegally release information on cattle operations to groups such as Earth Justice, the Pew Charitable Trust and the Natural Resources Defense Council. In this latest action, the agency again admitted it had released too much information on livestock producers, specifically producers from Montana and Nebraska. This action happened less a month after the agency found it had released too much information on livestock producers in 10 states. J.D. Alexander, a cat-
tle feeder from Pilger and immediate past association president, said his information was released to the activists groups in the initial EPA action. It is clear, he said, “someone at EPA is either completely incompetent or intentionally violating federal law. Either way, this action shows EPA cannot be trusted with sensitive information and should not have the authority to procure or disseminate it.” The records released in February by EPA include names of producers and operations, locations and in some cases even personal phone numbers for farmers and ranchers who own beef, swine or
poultry operations. Most of the 80,000 facilities listed are not regulated under the Clean Water Act, some having as few as 12 head of livestock. After the cattlemen’s association and other livestock groups expressed outrage over the initial release of information, EPA conducted a review of the records and admitted it released too much personal information for 10 of the 29 states included in the documents. After a second review, the agency once again said too much information was released for operations located in Nebraska and Montana. “These actions by EPA once again prove Please see EPA, Page 10
▼
SCHOLARSHIPS
Telegraph staff reports
Youth Camp scholarships deadline approaching Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis until May 21 from the Twin Platte Natural Resources District (TPNRD) for junior high and high school students who attend one of two camps held in June 2013. The 50th annual Range Youth Camp will take place June 10-14 at the State 4-H Camp near Halsey. Range Youth Camp is for youth from 14-18 years of age. The camp features information on range management, conservation, ecology, animal science, and wildlife on Nebraska’s most extensive natural resource — rangelands. The cost and TP-
EPA from Page 9
that the agency is incapable of properly doing its job,” Alexander said. “Nowhere in law is EPA required to obtain and display such personal information on all these livestock operations. On the contrary, the federal government should be protecting its citizens from unwarranted attacks. Nebraska Sens. Mike Johanns and Deb Fischer said the fact that EPA disregarded the privacy of cattle producers in their home state of Nebraska and across the country shows the agency continues to act as if it is above the law. “EPA’s disclosure of personal and confidential information of private citizens and business owners — including 3,500 Nebraskans — demonstrates a com-
NRD scholarship for the camp is $275 per student. Visit the nesrm.org website for more information. The Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE Camp) will be held June 16-19 at the State 4H Camp near Halsey. The ACE Camp is for students who have completed 6th, 7th or 8th grade this year and want to learn more about natural resources. The cost and TPNRD scholarship for the camp is $190 per student. The registration covers meals, lodging and camp activities, but not transportation to and from the camp. Visit the nrdnet.org/education.php website for more ACE Camp information. Contact the TPNRD office or visit tpnrd.org before the May 21 deadline to download a scholarship application.
plete disregard for their privacy and safety,” Fischer said. “Now, we have learned that, in the agency’s mismanaged attempt to recover the information, the EPA failed to request the return of hundreds of Nebraskans’ personal data that should not have been released.” Johanns agreed with Fischer, stating that “EPA’s ongoing assault on America’s agriculture producers is nothing short of alarming.” “EPA’s disregard for the privacy of farmers and ranchers in Nebraska and across the country is, at best, woeful negligence, and at worst, a flagrant effort to aid organizations seeking to radically dismantle agriculture practices, with no regard for what it takes to feed the world,” Johanns said.
LOVE from Page 5
The gatherings are “kind of like being in a small town ... and the common denominator is that farm history that helps everybody to blend in and kind of blurs the edges so we can all be friends,” says member Cara Maschmeier, 53, who grew up on a 1,400acre wheat and milo farm in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Single farmers face an especially difficult task finding others like them. In recent years, many farm families have sold out to corporations and moved away; the rural population has been gravitating to the cities, leaving small towns to wither, cafes to close, social organizations to decline. Meeting people is harder than ever. “Farming is not an easy life. Your (dating) pool is very small to begin with,” said member Kevin Lilienthal, 50, who farms soybeans and corn on 160 acres near New Liberty, Iowa. Many young people who leave the farm “never want to come back. Any type of
relationship is just a challenge.” Singles in Agriculture at one time had a membership of around 1,600, but the demographic trends have taken their toll. Chapters covering 16 states in the Midwest and West are active; each holds three to six social events a year. The rules for the get-togethers are simple: No cussing, no drinking, no smoking. What’s allowed: square-dancing, bowling, card games. Small-talk tends to run to commodity prices and hedging your grain crop, cow-milking equipment and combine maintenance. While the organization doesn’t exist strictly as a dating service, a fair number of single farmers have met their significant others through the group, mainly because they feel comfortable among like-minded folks. At gatherings, “you end up finding someone you never knew you were looking for,” Maschmeier says. “You get so attached to these people. You hurt for the ones who are left, you hurt for the ones
who are gone — everybody knows everybody else.” Donna Chumney, 58, of Burnet, Texas, saw an ad for the group in a co-op magazine, and eventually found her fianc0x233, Gerald Dorn, at a chapter meeting. Dorn, who fancies himself “a very young 75,” farms corn and soybeans
in Nebraska, and has logged thousands of miles on his pickup driving the 750-plus miles between the couple’s homes. In Donna, Dorn said, he got “an over 6 feet tall, blonde, blue-eyed Texan.” He swept her off her feet by taking her to Iowa to see the bridges of
Madison County and other sights. Now he’s thinking about a move south to consolidate operations. “I very much could become a great Texan,” he says, between picking cactus needles out of his arms after clearing brush on Chumney’s property. Roberta Statler-Meierotto, of Mount Pleasant,
Iowa, met her second husband, Gilbert, through the club. He died in 2007, but Roberta refuses to close the door on the possibility of another husband with a farming background. “I know what kind of lifesaver this group was to me, and I want to keep that going,” she says.
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5 Residential Real Estate
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
554 Houses For Sale
1 0 11 E a s t 1 0 t h 2 B d r m , 1 bath, over sized lot, newer central air & heat, underground sprinklers. $58,750. 308-520-2702
& 6 Farm Ranch
625 Livestock EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
604 Farm Machinery New, Used & Rebuilt tractor parts. Most makes and models. Buying tractors, combines & hay equipment for salvage. Miller Repair LLC, Maxwell, NE. 308-582-4303. Email: millerrepair@yahoo. com
613 Feed/Hay/Grain 1321 Buffalo Bill Avenue 3 bdrm, 2 bath, ranch, hard wood floors, fire place, new roof & furnace & sprinkler system, $160,000. 402-681-1812
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday 2pm-5pm and by appointment 709 Clearwater Court
Have Big round bales of NEW Prairie hay (308) 532-7967 or 308- 539-7967
616 Fertilizers & Seeds FEED SEED Hybrid Forage Sorghum (GW-400 BMR) Hybrid Sorghum Sudan Grass (Sweet Bites) Call Extreme Ag Brad 308-440-2652 Andrew 308-340-2889
625 Livestock
Beautiful home for sale-5 Bdrm, 2 bath ranch with walk-out basement on 10 acres, 30x48 shop, 2 miles south of Ogallala, NE. 308-280-0048 for more info.
FOR MORE INFO! 308-532-9263
1005 Cars
NEW Never Used, 36” GE 5 burner gas cook top & down draft hood, $200. 928-587-0325
1010 Boats & Motors 1 9 7 8 M a r k Tw a i n 1 4 0 H P 1 7 ’ , o p e n b o w. S k i / F i s h Extremely clean and well taken care of. Runs great. Updating, must sell! $1455. 308-6960983
SOLD IN 1 DAY!!!! Cub Cadat RZT- Zero turn mower. with grass catcher, 24 HP Kohler OHV engine, like new. SOLD IN 1 DAY!!!! JOHN Deere 2005 Riding Lawn m o w e r, LT 1 8 0 . $ 1 , 9 0 0 . Ve r y C l e a n E x cellent Condition, 69 Hours (308)532-9002 Leave message & Phone #.
For Sale- Power trowel, p l a t e p a c k e r, c o n c r e t e b u g g y, b a z o o k a t a p i n g gun, texture gun with 10 g a l l o n h o p p e r. c a l l 3 0 8 697-3168 20 GELBVIEH/ANGUS BALANCER BULLS. Spring/Fall yearlings,2-yr olds. Performance, fertility and DNA-tested. 308-239-4577 Paxton, NE.
Tri-color beagle puppies for sale near Cozad. $125, no shots. 308-746-4127 leave message. AKC German Shepherd puppies- German parents, shots current, 2 year guarantee, www.vomspringer.com 308-289-3651
S Y LVA N 1991Open windshield, leisure/ fishing boat, 60hp Johnson trolling motor & accessories, $3500. (308) 5372418 LUND 1985 TYEE- 90 Hp Johnson m o t o r, fish f i n d e r a n d t r o l l i n g m o t o r, $2,500. (308) 660-5380 after 6pm.
1013 Campers/RVs
Ye l l o w L a b p u p p i e s , 6 weeks old, first shots, $75. 308-368-7749
YA M A H A 2008 FJR 1300, new tires, electric windshield, ABS brakes, throttle lock, side bags, local bike, only 15,000 m i l e s , S p o r t To u r i n g w i t h attitude. REDUCED $8,300. 308-520-7154
SUZUKI 2005 650 V STROMClean dual sport, 6 speed, throttle l o c k , l i g h t w e i g h t , V Tw i n p o w e r, G I V I b a g s , g r e a t MPG, on Road or off REDUCED $3,950. 308-530-0798
1031 Pickups To y A u s t r a l i a n S h e p h e r d puppies. Born March 12, 2013, black tris, 2 females 1 male. current shots. (308) 537-7267
& 10 Automotive Transportation 1005 Cars
FLEETWOOD 2004 BOUNDERgas, 3 s l i d e s , 3 6 ’ , B l u e O x To w package, new tires, 39,000 miles. $51,000. 308-539 -1979 VEGA 1978 24’ PULL T Y P E C a m p i n g T r a i l e r, Like New condition. Sleeps 5, Call 308-660 - 11 5 7 o r s e e a t 3 2 5 0 N . Wa s h B o a r d R d N o r t h Platte, NE.
Mark V ShopSmith. Five f u n c t i o n s ( t a b l e s a w, d r i l l press, lathe, horizontal boring machine and disc sander) in one machine. $2150. 308-532-1981
1020 Trucks /Trailers
849 Pets
1025 Motorcycles
8 Red Border Collier Puppies, Selling with out paper $350 with Papers $400. (940) 781-4306 Cozad, NE
1025 Motorcycles
V O L K S WA G E N 2003 PA S S AT - G o o d s h a p e , f u l l y l o a d e d , l e a t h e r, E x cellent MPG. Call 308-530-7715
828 Household Goods
837 Machinery & Tools
Crooked Creek Angus Registered Bulls for Sale! Ye a r l i n g a n d 2 y e a r o l d s . Deliver and sight unseen purchases available. Bloodlines include Rito 3 X25, Freedom, Just Right and New Design. Quite and relaxed disposition. Adam Jones St. Francis KS, 7853 3 2 - 6 2 0 6 . w w w. c r o o k e d creekangus.com
Beginning Dog Agility Classes. Plus Dog Obedience class. Starting May 21 308-530-2721 www.fourpawsdog training.net
8 Merchandise
834 Lawn & Garden
308-532-0747 or 308- 539-8748 For Sale By Owner $380,000. (2500 sq. ft upstairs plus full basement) 5 bdrm, 4 bath, cul-de- sac, custom tile, large lot with alley access.
HOUSE FOR SALE IN GRANT: 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Clean, move in ready. 2 year old roof. Handicap accessible. Large corner lot. Call John 308-464-0745
WE BUY AND SELL TRAILERS
849 Pets
Construction Tool Trailer 8’x24’. (308) 530-4060
HONDA 2009 REBELMint condition, always shedded. 308-289-3433
CHEVROLET 2007 KOD I A K - 4 d o o r, a i r r i d e s u s p e n s i o n , a l l l e a t h e r, satellite system, 4 TVs, 56,000 miles, Duramax diesel, Allison 6 speed transmission, $48,000, Will accept hay or guns for partial payment. 308-530-0193
1032 SUVs G M C 2 0 0 4 E N V O Y S LT All Wheel Drive Leather and Loaded with everything! 140,000 miles, extremely clean, runs great! $8755. 308-6960983 Must sell!! HONDA 1995 ODYSSEY$1100. 308-520-8052
WIND from Page 8
the renewable energy rush comes with its own environmental consequences, trade-offs the Obama administration is willing to make in the name of cleaner energy. “It is the rationale that we have to get off of carbon, we have to get off of fossil fuels, that allows them to justify this,” said Tom Dougherty, a long-time environmentalist who worked for nearly 20 years for the National Wildlife Federation in the West, until his retirement in 2008. “But at what cost? In this case, the cost is too high.” The Obama administration has refused to accept that cost when the fossil-fuel industry is to blame. The BP oil company was fined $100 million for killing and harming migratory birds during the 2010 Gulf oil spill. And PacifiCorp, which operates coal plants in Wyoming, paid more than $10.5 million in 2009 for electrocuting 232 eagles along power lines and at its substations.
But PacifiCorp also operates wind farms in the state, where at least 20 eagles have been found dead in recent years, according to corporate surveys submitted to the federal government and obtained by The Associated Press. They’ve neither been fined nor prosecuted. A spokesman for PacifiCorp, which is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, said that’s because its turbines may not be to blame. “What it boils down to is this: If you electrocute an eagle, that is bad, but if you chop it to pieces, that is OK,” said Tim Eicher, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service enforcement agent based in Cody, who helped prosecute the PacifiCorp power line case. By not enforcing the law, the administration provides little incentive for companies to build wind farms where there are fewer birds. And while companies already operating turbines are supposed to avoid killing birds, in re-
ality there’s little they can do once the windmills are spinning. Wind farms are clusters of turbines as tall as 30-story buildings, with spinning rotors as wide as a passenger jet’s wingspan. Though the blades appear to move slowly, they can reach speeds up to 170 mph at the tips, creating tornado-like vortexes. Flying eagles behave like drivers texting on their cellphones; they don’t look up. As they scan for food, they don’t notice the industrial turbine blades until it’s too late. The rehabilitation coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, Michael Tincher, said he euthanized two golden eagles found starving and near death near wind farms. Both had injuries he’d never seen before: One of their wings appeared to be twisted off. “There is nothing in the evolution of eagles that would come near to describing a wind turbine. There has never been an opportunity to adapt to that sort of threat,” said Grainger
Hunt, an eagle expert who researches the U.S. wind-power industry’s deadliest location, a northern California area known as Altamont Pass. Wind farms built there decades ago kill more than 60 per year. Eagle deaths have forced the Obama administration into a difficult choice between its unbridled support for wind energy and enforcing environmental laws that could slow the industry’s growth. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, in an interview with the AP before his departure, denied any preferential treatment for wind. Interior Department officials said that criminal prosecution, regardless of the industry, is always a “last resort.” “There’s still additional work to be done with eagles and other avian species, but we are working on it very hard,” Salazar said. “We will get to the right balance.” Meanwhile, the Obama administration has proposed a rule that would give wind-energy
The Associated Press
Graphic shows how birds are harmed by wind turbines. companies potentially decades of shelter from prosecution for killing eagles. The regulation is currently under review at the White House. The proposal, made at the urging of the windenergy industry, would allow companies to apply for 30-year permits to kill a set number of bald or golden eagles. Previously, companies were only eligible for
five-year permits. In exchange for the longer timetable, companies agree that if they kill more eagles than allowed, the government could require them to make changes. But the administration recently said it would cap how much a company could be forced to spend on finding ways to reduce the number of eagles its facility is killing.
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PANDA
Intact male, 1 year old, AWESOME DOG!!! Housebroke Good w/Kids Cats, No Dogs
Female, 2 year old (Prefers Women Sweet Lady Bug!), Aussie Cross, No cats, Good w/Dogs Kids?
BILLY
ODIE
COMIC
DLH male neutered, Siamese X (blend?), Litter trained
DLH male neutered, Litter trained, Very friendly
DLH male neutered, Litter trained, Loves to Visit!! Love People, A Real Character!
STOCKMAN’S VETERINARY CLINIC N. HWY 83 • NO. PLATTE
308-532-7210
TIME TOOL AND EQUIPMENT 308.534.9370
Fur the Love of PAWS passionately dedicated to saving animals in need at the North Platte Animal Shelter as well as animals in the community facebook.com/FurtheLoveof PAWSRescue
South Jeffers Small Animal Hospital
308-534-3701
(308) 532-4880 220 W. Fremont Dr • North Platte
Female, 4-5 year old, Skittish but Warms Up Quickly, Very Sweet, Jack Russel X, Good w/Dogs & Cats, Kids? Housebroken?
SPOOK
FLOYD
DSH female spayed, Litter trained, Real talker, Very friendly
DSH male intact, 8 mo. old, Litter trained, Striking Marks, Spunky!
sjeklocha
VETERINARY CLINIC Dr. Susan Sjeklocha
1306 N. Buffalo Bill • North Platte • 308.534.1257
Westfield Small Animal Clinic 308-534-4480
SHADOW Intact male, 7 year old, Very Protective of Owner, Black Lab X, Housebroke Good w/Dogs, Cats, Kids?
308-532-5474
WHEELS NORTH PLATTE VETERINARY CLINIC USED CARS 308-532-0366 308-532-8829
NORTH PLATTE 308-534-7636 800-303-7636 MAYWOOD 308-362-4228 800-233-4551
Cans for Critters Recycling Program Proceeds benefit the Rescue of Shelter Pets & Homeless Animals of NP Area. Call for Drop Off Locations 520-7762
facebook.com/NPCansforCritters