Texas Dairy Review


	Heat is on after ex-mayor jumps on ex-mayor's bandwagon Six more dairies being sued by Waco Fundraisers get underway Feast at DairyFest June 19, 2004 Staying put with no plans to move elsewhere “It was Texas from the start” says Muleshoe dairyman *If you’d rather fly than drive….* Hamilton herd update
	*Heat is on after ex-mayor jumps on ex-mayor's bandwagon*
	Some days you just step in it...and this couldn't have been more true last month for Stephenville's outgoing Mayor John Moser when he jumped on the bandwagon to praise Waco's outgoing Mayor Linda Etheridge for her efforts to clean up the Bosque River. Moser's comments, initially made in the Waco newspaper and later printed in the Stephenville newspaper, clearly clashed with recent efforts by dairy supporters who have been trying to raise money for eight Bosque River Dairies currently being sued by the City of Waco for allegedly breaking the Federal Clean Water Act. In a live interview broadcast on KCUB radio station, Moser stepped into it again, reiterating some of those same comments only hours before the first official fundraiser for the Dairymen's Legal Defense Fund began at Bramlett Implement in Stephenville on Fri., May 28. As a proponent of Etheridge's modus operendi to clean up the North Bosque River that has clearly blamed dairies for Lake Waco's poor water quality, Moser took the heat from dairy producers, agbusinesses and organizations that apparently regarded his comments about "fighting on the same side with Etheridge" as disloyal and underhanded. With an obvious animosity for dairies evident during his tenure as mayor, Moser chose to sidestep the dairy lawsuit issue during the radio broadcast and instead, redirect the attention toward the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), blaming them for the current situation between Waco and the dairies. If anyone expected an apology or straightforward explanation from Moser, there was none forthcoming. He stood his ground, defending his claim that Etheridge was tenacious yet gracious, objective, and looks at an issue based on science, not emotion. In direct conflict to that statement, dairy organizations have argued for years that Etheridge's allegations that blames dairy pollution as the major source for elevated phosphorus in the Bosque River is not based on scientific evidence and is emotionally driven instead. Moser hit another raw vein when he claimed that 8% of the phosphorus in the Bosque River comes from only seven cities from Stephenville to Waco, but did not know where the other 92% comes from. As to date, it has not yet been determined where Moser got those figures or data. While some area people were seriously offended by Moser's entire attitude, others simply preferred to consider him as a "has been," much like his cohort Linda Etheridge, and that a much brighter future is hopeful now that both mayors are no longer in the limelight. Time will tell if either one will resurface as public servants or in higher arenas. Although its been reported that Etheridge may go down historically in Waco as the "Water Mayor," in Erath County, there's a much stronger sentiment for her based on the devastation and destruction she's caused for area dairies. The City of Waco led by Etheridge's anti-dairy crusade for the past several years has not only damaged dairies, but has spoiled many good efforts by producers and various state, federal, and local groups to resolve water quality issues. Instead of moving forward, the issues have stagnated and been replaced by federal litigation that could take years to resolve. Since the lawsuits were dropped on the eight Bosque River dairies a few months ago, producers have been working to respond to the City of Waco's allegations. The attorney retained by the Texas Association of Dairymen (TAD) from the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, LLP, in Austin, has been meeting with the eight dairymen and their individual attorneys in a group effort to make a first and initial response to Waco. According to John Cowan, executive director of TAD, the attorneys are seeking a summary judgment that asks for dismissal of the suit based on the merits of the case and a change of venue from Waco to the northern federal district in Fort Worth. Although intervention in the suit by the state and federal government has been discussed, so far a decision has not yet been made and remains in the attorney general's office. "To intervene, the state would have to forego their sovereign immunity and would be treated the same as a common citizen, subject to penalties and under the direction of the court should the case be lost," Cowan said. Cowan also reported that the Southwest Milk Marketing Agency has not yet committed or established funding to aid in the legal defense of the dairies but the matter is under review by the board and the cooperatives. "We will continue to seek every means to resolve these lawsuits without litigation, if possible," Cowan said. "There is a recent report by TCEQ that indicates water quality has improved in the Bosque and the efforts made by dairies are working." In the past week, Stephenville and Waco's new mayors have taken office. There's been little time to determine where the two new mayors, Stephenville's Rusty Jergens and Waco's Mae Jackson, truly stand on dairy issues, but producers and supporters plan to approach the new officials in a positive manner that will hopefully establish an open line of communication.
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	Six more dairies being sued by Waco
	In a last minute news item, the Texas Dairy Review has been informed six (6) more dairies have been named in an amendment to the lawsuits originally filed by the City of Waco in February. The original 8 dairies were notified in a letter on or about June 1 that the following dairies have been added to the lawsuit: Keith Broumley Dairy, Harold Wayne Parks operated by Joost Smulder, Beltman Dairy owned by Joost Smulder and Harry DeWit, Russell Carpenter Dairy, Golden Star Dairy owned by Pete Schouten, and S Cow 10 Dairy operated by Pete Schouten, owned by Mike and Bill Schouten. Dairymen were initially stunned, but not entirely surprised at this latest news, saying it’s apparent Waco is hell bent on trying to destroy Bosque River watershed dairies with lawsuits.
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	ATTENTION DAIRYMEN Bosque and Leon Watershed Dairies The Dairy Manure Export Support (DMES) Project funded by The Texas State Soil Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) has been extended until 2005. More details will be available soon. For more information, please contact the DMES Project office at 254-968-3449 or 888-472-8033.
	Fundraisers get underway
	Area people have begun to realize the severity of the dairies versus Waco litigation and the risks involved if Waco prevails in their intentions. Last month, two area businessmen, Harold Fritts, president of Gorman Milling, Co., Inc., and Harry Bradberry, owner of Bradberry's Best in Dublin and co-owner of KCUB radio station in Stephenville, were the first to step up to the plate when Waco dropped the gauntlet on the dairies. In an effort to show support for dairy families who have helped to make his business a success, Fritts started the Dairymen's Legal Defense Fund, donating $5,000 dollars. Bradberry was quick to follow Fritts' lead and began an all-out radio campaign to promote the local dairy industry and keep citizens abreast of issues local dairies are now facing. In addition to KCUB's continuous promotion that urges people to contribute to the fund, the radio station is donating several remote broadcasts from various local businesses. Area business and their employees are invited to join in the effort by cooking hamburgers or hotdogs to gain donations from the public that will help defray legal expenses for dairymen to respond to Waco's allegations. The first of the remote broadcasts was on May 28 at Bramlett Implement in Stephenville. Bramlett Implement is a family-owned John Deere tractor dealership that has been in business since 1935. Donnie Bramlett, part owner along with Todd, Lori, Barbie and Roy Graham, said he's been doing business with the local dairies for 40 years. "The dairies have been a big part of my business," he said. On June 11, Stephenville New Holland, located at 2728 W. Washington will host the next fundraiser followed by Erath County Dairy Sales (ECDS) on June 23. ECDS will host the fundraiser referred to as "Showdown at the Bosque" during their Special Sale with a silent auction also scheduled as part of the event. Jim Beyer of ECDS announced that 1/2% of the commission and 100% of the total yardage received from the Special Sale will be donated to the Dairymen's Legal Defense Fund. He also stated that anyone wishing to donate cattle direct to the legal defense fund will be accepted with 100% of the commission and yardage being donated. This can be done at both the Special Sale on Wed., and the regular dairy sale on the following Friday. Items for the silent auction will be bid on Wed., Thurs., and Fri., until 6 p.m. when it will close. Those who would like to donate items for the auction, contact Christie Beyer, 254-968-7253, or Sherry Webb, Texas Dairy Review, 800-344-4901 or 254-965-2255. The Texas Dairy Review staff, dairy wives and dairy friends, will be flipping the burgers for the event. All dairymen and dairy supporters are encouraged to attend.
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	It’s a “Showdown on the Bosque” Please join volunteers and friends of dairy producers on Wed., June 23, beginning at 10 a.m. at Erath County Dairy Sales to help raise money for the Dairymen’s Legal Defense Fund., Hamburger plates will be sold at noon on a donation basis and a Silent Auction will also take place Wed., through Fri., ending at 6 p.m. on Friday. If you have items you would like to donated to the Silent Auction, pleased call Christie Beyer at 254-968-7253 or Sherry Webb, Texas Dairy Review at 254-965-2255 or 800-344-4901. Erath County Dairy Sales Special Heifer Sale will begin on Wed., at 1 p.m. One-half of the dairy sale commission and 100% of the yardage collected from cattle consigned to the sale will be donated to the Dairymen’s Legal Defense Fund. Donation will also be accepted for cattle to sell on behalf of the fund with 100% of the commission and yardage going to the fund.
	Feast at DairyFest June 19, 2004
	To celebrate June Dairy Month and in appreciation of area dairies, this year's DairyFest will be on Sat., June 19, from 2-9 pm at Stephenville City Park. Sponsored by TriCounty Agribusiness Association (TCAA), folks are invited to come out and enjoy delicious dairy foods including milk, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, ice cream and much more while listening to local entertainment and letting the kids play dairy-related games. TCAA needs everyone's help to make this year's event even bigger and better than ever. If a business or organization is interested in having a game booth or sponsoring an activity, by contributing either workers or funding, please let TCAA know. This is an opportunity for folks to promote their businesses or organizations to thousands of festival-goers. Most activities should be free or only recoup the costs associated with them, unless they are used as fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Vendor booths for area businesses, organizations, and arts & crafts will also be available at this year's DairyFest. Cost is $40 for a 10 X 10 booth. Event sponsorships are also available for those supporters who would like to help TCAA with the expenses of putting on such a huge event. Sponsors will have a sign displayed at the event, be named in a mail-out that goes to all area dairymen, & be recognized on stage at DairyFest, as well as in TCAA's monthly newsletters, event advertising & press releases. Sponsorships levels are: $500 Milktown Partner, $250 Bovine Friend, and $100 Cow Contributor. For more info contact TCAA at 254-965-2406, email tcaa@our-town.com, or visit www.tricountyag.com on the web. DairyFest is a S.P.A.R.D Event sponsored by TCAA, a non-profit organization promoting agribusiness in Erath, Comanche & Hamilton Counties, HEB, Southwest Dairy Farmers, and the dairy farm families of DairyMAX.
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	Staying put with no plans to move elsewhere
	If you venture out Hwy. 219 in most any direction from Lingleville, you'll find numerous dairies still operating although not near as many as there once was. Even though Erath County has lost far too many dairies in the past few years, there are still dairymen determined to do their jobs and stay put. Harry Van Kranenburg is one such dairyman who has no plans in the near future of moving to a different area. "I like the area, here," Van Kranenburg said. "If you want to expand, you're going to have to move to west Texas away from people. But I don't have plans to do that right now." Van Kranenburg and his wife Anita, both growing up in dairy families, came to the United States 10 years ago from the Netherlands. They married while still in Holland and left 14 days later for the wide open spaces of Texas. They had previously visited Texas twice before deciding on Erath County. "It seemed a good place to start," said Anita. They now have three sons, Robert 8, Bart 6, and Tom 4, who attend Lingleville School. The three boys participate in soccer, basketball, and baseball as well as other school and community activities. When Van Kranenburg moved to Texas, he envisioned milking 1,000 cows. He initially began dairying at Jack Beyers' old dairy located near Huckabay. When the opportunity arose, however, he bought the dairy where he's currently located from Paul Van Leeuwen, the original builder and owner. Van Kranenburg converted the double 10 parallel milking parlor into a double 20, and added four freestalls, making a total of four that accommodate 2,000 cows. The Van Kranenburg Dairy is permitted for 3,000 head and currently milks 2,100, 2X per day. The dairy is on 600 acres where plenty of coastal is grown and farmed by Van Kranenburg each year. Not only does he put up coastal for his own use, but he also grows and bales it for other dairymen. "Last year, we put up 20,000 big square bales," he said, adding that farming is something he really enjoys. The Van Kranenburgs have seen some of their friends move to west Texas or the Panhandle while many of their friends still remain close by. "Every place has its good and bad points," Van Kranenburg said. "Out in west Texas, the dairies get a lot of support because those people out there depend so much on agriculture. Here, there's not that much support, but we like the area and it provides a good social environment for us and our children." Harry added that the recent lawsuits by Waco against eight Bosque River dairies is a very serious problem. He said although some dairymen have talked about moving, he feels "you can always move,." because basically, that's been the trend of large dairies---to move away from people. "But, at some point, you have to fight back or you'll never win. All dairymen and the milk marketing agency are going to have to commit to the legal defense of these dairies so the same thing doesn't happen to everyone."
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	“It was Texas from the start” says Muleshoe dairyman
	Wide open spaces and more freedom to dairy is what the Gerald Osterkamp family bargained for when they decided to pull up roots in California and head for Muleshoe, Texas. Still in the process of transporting the last of their cows from Helendale, California near Barstow, the new Osterkamp Dairy officially began milking on May 18, 2004. The dairy is permitted for 5,500 head and is currently milking 2X per day between 3,000 and 3,200 cows in a double 35 parallel milking barn equipped with Westfalia Surge. The dairy is a dry-lot operation located on 480 acres in Bailey County. Owners Gerald and Beth Osterkamp are the parents of three offspring: Joe, 26, Sara 23, and Nick, 19. While Sara lives and works in Austin, Joe and Nick work together on the dairy, sharing various responsibilities. Nick is enrolled at Colorado State University where he’s been studying animal science but is out for the summer and helping Joe until the fall when he returns to school. Joe is a graduate of Southwestern University in Austin where he majored in sports medicine. But, upon graduation, things began to change for him. “I just knew that the more I got involved with sports medicine, it really wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life,” he said. “I grew up on a dairy and I’ve always liked the agriculture environment so I decided I’d rather work with animals than people. There’s no where else I’d rather be than on the dairy.” Joe admits that he’s the one who sparked his parents’ interest in coming to Texas. After attending college at Southwestern, Joe knew he wanted to live in Texas so he began to look at the different opportunities Texas provided in the dairy business. He found that Muleshoe had a lot to offer and he wanted his parents to see for themselves. He was so convincing, his parents came out to look around and didn’t seriously consider any other states before deciding on Muleshoe. “It was Texas from the start,” Joe said happily.. “I was very impressed with the people in Muleshoe and the locale, and so were my parents.” Joe said one major difference between dairying in California and in Texas, is being able to expand. He explained that expansion was out of the question where they were located in California due to environmental concerns by the state and others. “We wanted to be able to grow and to keep up with the times. Here, we can do that,” he said. Other advantages Muleshoe offered included land prices and climate. “The land price was extremely reasonable and the climate is excellent for raising cows,” he said. Another benefit was that the dairy site was already permitted which helped get things moving along quickly, he said. “Once we get all the cows moved and get everything organized, I know we’ll have a higher milk production. We’ve still got 16 to 20 truckloads coming.” The As far as culture shock, Joe laughed and said, “there’s a little,” explaining how much open space there is and how laid back people are. “The big difference is the people,” he said. “I love Texas. Everybody’s extremely open and neighbors try to help one another. They’re friendly and it seems to be a family-oriented area.” The dairy was constructed by Don Pool, of Clovis, NM, with milking equipment installed by Southland Equipment Co. out of Roswel1, NM. “Don and the Southland crew did an excellent job. It was first class and they were right on schedule. The whole thing has been amazing.” Joe said. Janet Claborn, executive director for Muleshoe Economic Development Corporation, said the Osterkamp Dairy is the seventh dairy currently operating in Muleshoe’s trade area. “We’re very proud to have the Osterkamp family here,” she said. Claborn said she’d like to add that one of the economic development corporation’s major incentives has been the excellent road work done by Baily County Commissioner C.E. Grant. “A special thanks goes to C.E. who’s put in so many hours and worked so diligently with the dairymen and the contractors in meeting their expectations. His willingness plus his expertise in building good roads is a wonderful asset---a big plus for Bailey Count.” Claborn said.
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	If you’d rather fly than drive…. former jet pilot could be the answer to your prayers
	Taking to the friendly skies as a means of travel for business or pleasure is especially appealing, time-saving, and popular in today's society. But sometimes folks become overly anxious about boarding any aircraft when they're unsure as to who's "behind the wheel." Dave Palmer, owner of Palmer Air Taxi, could be the answer to solving anyone's fears about flying, especially in a small plane. At an early age, Palmer felt a strong desire to become airborne that's resulted in a fascinating career. He is envied and respected by aviator enthusiasts everywhere and appreciated by passengers who hire his services. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Palmer served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and test pilot in F-4 Phantoms and the F-14 Tomcat. As a civilian, he worked as an experimental test pilot for General Dynamics and later at Lockheed Martin where he flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon. He was named "Test Pilot of the Year" in 1974 by the Navy and was Chief Test Pilot for General Dynamics for a number of years before retiring in 2000. Two years ago, Palmer decided to pursue his love for flying in a different way. Banking on his experience, he opened his own air charter service that fulfills a need for business executives and others who want to go somewhere quickly without enduring the hassles associated with major airports. "The best thing about it is I get to make a little money while doing what I love to do best," Palmer said. The best thing about it for his passengers is that his credentials are hard to beat and his knowledge of flying is exceptional. Based out of Mineral Wells, Texas airport (MWL), Palmer is a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot. Palmer Air Taxi is a one-pilot, one-plane operation licensed under Part 135 by the FAA that must comply with the same regulatory and safety standards to which larger airplanes and airlines must adhere. His twin engine, piston-powered, Beech Baron aircraft is required to undergo a rigorous inspection every 100 flight hours by a certified repair station. The plane has two 300-horsepower engines that provide plenty of power, cruising at 225 miles per hour. Enjoying the freedom that comes with flying, Palmer said he transports people all over the Southwest as far away as Denver and Atlanta. Although certificated to fly anywhere in the U.S., Palmer finds that most customers prefer to limit travel in smaller airplanes from 3 to 3-1/2 hours (800 statute miles). The plane seats four passengers comfortably and he only charges his passengers by the shuttle, not individually. When four passengers split the airfare, the $350 per flight hour cost is very reasonable. Although Palmer Air Taxi service may not be for everyone, he's found a niche that people have begun to latch onto. The convenience factor is very tempting along with the low cost and flexible service he offers. Palmer pointed out that people sometimes can't get to where they want to go by flying commercially because they have to drive too far to an airport. Add to that the expense and problems with parking, going through security measures, and boarding a flight that may require a layover, his unique service becomes a quick and ready alternative. Palmer said he can fly out of Mineral Wells Airport, pick up his passengers, and take them straight to their destination. "I'll fly as far as Abilene or Dallas free-of-charge to pick up passengers to fly them somewhere else," he said. Palmer said he's very flexible and can be ready to leave within hours because his aircraft is kept in tip top shape and ready to go at all times by his mechanic Ed Weir, owner of Weir Aircraft Services, at Mineral Wells. "I would really like to have a few days advance notice, but that doesn't always happen and I have flown with only a few hours notice." When a passenger inquires about a trip, Palmer easily checks out the weather and flying conditions by a satellite hookup in his office that allows him to okay or turn down a booking within minutes depending on weather or other airfield facility factors. From a passenger's point of view, one major advantage of flying in a small aircraft is knowing the pilot on a one-on-one basis. With credentials that speak for themselves, having Palmer in the cockpit is very reassuring to his clients. Palmer feels fortunate that he's still doing what he feels he was born to do. "When it's something you've known you wanted to do since you were 12 years old, it becomes your whole life. I'm lucky for having been able to know that flying was what I wanted to do at such an early age and could focus on it as a career."
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	Hamilton herd update; others urged to complete testing
	According to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the Hamilton County TB herd put under quarantine on Jan., 6, 2004 is the only herd currently under quarantine and the latest one to be detected. The 1,000 head herd is under a "phased" depopulation, with 700 head remaining, and plans for total depopulation by September. TAHC officials said the indemnity for the depopulation of the herd will be handled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) where each animal is individually valued. Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian, noted that the USDA’s indemnity is based on the fair market value of the animal. "For adult dairy animal, agricultural economists have determined the standard appraisal to be $1,425 but producers may negotiate for a higher payment by providing production records for dairy animals, including which lactation cycle the cow is in, test milk weights, 305-day adjusted production, and the relative production to the herd average. For high-value animals, the owners can supply us with a 'self-contained appraisal' from an agricultural appraiser that documents comparable sales and not replacement values." After depopulation and before a facility can be restocked with cattle, it must be cleaned and disinfected meaning the manure must be scraped out of the pens, water troughs cleaned, and feed bunks cleared. The cleaning portion is completed by the producer and his employees while the disinfection is done by regulatory staff. Basic USDA standards require the pens to be scraped to the dirt. Following that, the dirt, fences, facilities, are sprayed with disinfectant to ensure the bacteria is killed. This procedure takes several days to complete. TAHC regulations regarding an infected herd state: "In a newly assembled herd on premises where a tuberculous herd has been depopulated, two annual herd tests shall be applied to all cattle; the first test to be applied approximately six months after assembly of the new herd. These tests shall be followed by two complete herd tests at three-year intervals. If the premises are vacated for one year, these requirements may be waived." Hillman warns dairy and purebred beef cattle owners to complete the task to have herds tested for cattle tuberculosis (TB), so that Texas may regain its Class Free status for TB eradication. As of early May, 349 Texas dairies and 115 purebred beef herds have been tested for the bacterial disease since November 2003. While the dairy industry is making significant progress, it still falls very short of testing necessary to assure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other states that Texas has conducted adequate disease surveillance to find any remaining infected herds. Texas’ TB plan, developed by a joint industry and regulatory working group, calls for testing the state’s 850+ dairies and at least 2,500 of its beef seed stock herds by the end of August 2004. The plan was submitted to the USDA in 2002, along with a commitment to comply with the program. "The USDA could deny a bid for Texas to regain TB-free status, citing lack of disease surveillance, if we don’t meet our testing objectives," explained Hillman. The TAHC, through a cooperative agreement with the USDA, is funding ‘fee-basis’ payments to private, certified veterinarians who conduct herd tests, eliminating out-of-pocket expense for the cattle owner. "Unless we are granted an extension, this federal money will not be available after the end of August, so it’s crucial that producers take action to schedule a test now," Hillman said. The herd test must include all cattle 24 months of age or older (including dry cows in dairies). Testing of purchased replacement animals is optional, but the cost is covered by the program and should be considered, Hillman said.
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	VOLUME XIII, NO. 6	JUNE 2004