|
VOLUME XVIII, NO. 5 |
TEXAS DAIRY REVIEW |
MAY 2009 |
|
CLICK ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION |
|||
 |
|||
|
DOPA credits earned at Field Day May 8th Cattle TB detected in west Texas herd McDonald’s introduces new McCafé Festive cultural benefit honors Tomas Borjan DairyFest to celebrate June Dairy Month Dublin celebrates western cowboy heritage Pork industry takes hit over N1H1 virus
|
|||
|
DOPA credits earned at Field Day May 8th |
|||
|
Two DOPA credits can be earned by dairymen who attend Southwest Dairy Day on May 8, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Sierra Dairy owned by Alan VanderHorst. At least 60 exhibitors and hundreds of people are expected to attend.
The VanderHorst facility is a large multifaceted complex that includes three dairies. Sierra Dairy is a 3500 cow operation that includes a 60 stall rotary parlor. Spectators will be allowed to view a freestall barn and learn about a 3-way cross breeding program. Guest speaker Dr. Saquib Mukhtar will talk about the weeping wall that includes a manure separation system, followed by Dr. Sam Feagley who will discuss manure spreader calibration. Both professors are from Texas A&M University at College Station. Bus tours will be available for the 2300 cow Windmill Farms operation that includes a cross-ventilated cow barn. Sequoia Dairy is a 960 calf raising facility that will host the newest information for cow comfort and cooling. Five major sponsors for the show are Dairy Max, Southwest Dairy Farmers, Elanco, DFA and Ag Texas. Exhibitor booths will be set up under a large tent for industry suppliers and vendors. Lunch will be served by Cook’s Fish Barn. Bilby and Texas A&M officials advise parents to leave small children at home due to the recent N1H1 flu outbreak. “This is a precautionary measure and the jumping castle originally planned for small children has been cancelled,” Bilby said. For additional information, call Choyia Holley at 254-968-4144, ext. 211, or email c-holley@tamu.edu |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Cattle TB detected in west Texas herd |
|||
|
Texas animal health officials continue to investigate the source or possible spread of cattle tuberculosis found recently at a 2600 head west Texas dairy located a few miles outside of San Angelo. The TB was discovered when the large herd was being prepared for sale and some of the animals reacted to TB skin tests. “The follow-up blood tests on these animals also were positive,” said Dr. Bob Hillman, Texas state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state’s livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. TAHC officials said there is no threat to public health since milk from commercial dairies is pasteurized, killing bacteria with heat. Preliminary tests on skin and blood indicated some of the animals are infected but further testing on tissue cultures sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, will be used to confirm the bacteria's presence. The final confirmation may take several weeks. It involves identifying bacterial growth from the tissue samples as Mycobacterium bovis. When one animal in a herd is found to be infected, the entire herd is deemed infected and all the animals will be killed, officials said. Texas regained cattle TB-free status in fall 2006, after losing the coveted status in spring 2002. “One herd will not affect the state's status,”Hillman said. “If a second herd is detected within 48 months, the state will again lose its TB-free status.” The state's most recent herd infection came in 2004. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
McDonald’s introduces new McCafé |
|||
|
Coffee is a popular brewed beverage that has played a major role in social interaction among people throughout U.S. history. But, in the past few years, American coffee lovers have taken their taste buds a step further to include specialty coffee such as espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and iced coffee. In keeping with the latest food trends to increase milk sales, Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI) and its 18 state regional organizations, has extended its partnership with McDonald’s, the world’s largest quick-serve restaurant chain, to offer McCafé---the name of the new milk-based specialty coffee beverages. DMI and the world-famous McDonald’s have a long-standing relationship where single serve milk sales among kids and adults as well as yogurt offered in a variety of ways have been promoted in recent years. DMI is now expanding the new specialty coffee beverages from a national perspective while Dairy Max will be building the new product locally. The consumption of specialty coffee has reached a $14 billion market in the U.S., increasing more than 91% since 2003. American coffee lovers are estimated to consume 3.1 billion cups per day, with fifty percent of the U.S. population, consuming specialty coffee. In 2008, McDonald’s committed to play a major role in the specialty coffee business—a market that relies heavily on fluid milk. McDonald’s began the process of retrofitting their nearly 14,000 U.S. outlets, investing approximately $100,000 plus per store to add coffeehouse bars, along with new machines to grind coffee beans, brew the coffee and mix it with steamed milk. DMI provided consumer data and insights on milk and specialty coffee and launched a nationwide sampling effort to build local awareness of McCafé espresso beverages that would grow milk sales. Dairy check-off assisted McDonald’s on a staged, market-by-market introduction of the specialty coffees, investing $1.4 million to support the development of the new beverage platform. “This summer, McDonald’s will launch a robust marketing campaign aimed at boosting McCafé espresso sales, which will benefit milk sales tremendously,” said Mike Konkle, general manager of Dairy Max. “They will devote tens of millions of dollars in marketing, merchandising and communications such as TV, radio and outdoor advertising to support McCafé beverages,” he said. “Based on DMI’s calculations, it is anticipated milk sales resulting from McCafé specialty coffee beverages will exceed foodservice industry milk volume in plastic bottles.” The value-priced McCafé will bring new consumers to the specialty coffee category. All McCafé coffee beverages are made-to-order with quality ingredients including fully ripened Arabica coffee beans, whole or non-fat milk, and caramel, hazelnut, vanilla and sugar-free vanilla syrups, of the customers’ choosing. Lattes, cappuccinos and mochas are available in three sizes: small (12 ounces), medium (16 ounces) and large (22 ounces). Dairy producers are teaming up with McDonald’s to make dairy a central focus in the chain’s future beverage development endeavors as well. With leadership from the Dairy check-off, McDonald’s is poised to be the foremost away-from-home dairy beverage destination. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Festive cultural benefit honors Tomas Borjan |
|||
|
The vibrant music penetrated the air and could be heard clearly when nearing the old rock school house building off Hwy. 219 south. A sign posted in front of the dilapidated building read, “Rancho Viejo,” meaning “old ranch,” befittingly named by its owner, Chino Rodriguez. A special day
The special affair on this day was a benefit for Tomas Borjon who had learned of an invasive disease a few months ago that did not bring very good news for him or his family. But, upon entering the rodeo grounds, it was plain to see by the massive crowd, the affair today was an act of love for a man who has obviously touched many lives during his 52 years. The benefit that hosted more than 1,000 people was initiated by Tomas’ good friend, Chino, and two of Tomas’ nephews, Mario and Adolfo Moreno. Hispanic culture at its best Once inside the grounds, the panorama was Hispanic culture at its finest. As the sounds of a full-fledged Mariachi band echoed loudly from a stage, authentic Mexican food wafted through the air, drawing people to the concession stand. No one could seem to resist the tacos, gorditas, rice and beans. Suited to individual tastes, just about any concoction imaginable was poured into a corn or flour tortilla---scrumptious to the last bite. People seemed to come from every direction, mixing and mingling, stopping to shake hands and patting each other on the back. Someone had erected a piñata where children continued to beat it with a stick, waiting patiently for its contents to spill out onto the ground. Mexican rodeo Spectators anxiously took their seats on the grandstand that overlooked a large arena built to accommodate the Mexican rodeo that provides its own unique events. The audience cheered as rodeo contestants entered the ring competing in bull riding, bulldogging, and bareback riding. While the sun shone down on this lively mix of cultural heritage, it was a great day for a good and worthy cause. This day was about Tomas. 27-year work history There has hardly been a day in 27 years when a person could not drive up to Erath County Dairy Sales (ECDS) and find Tomas somewhere about, ready to lend a helping hand. Loading and unloading cattle, cleaning out pens and the sale barn arena, and taking care of whatever has to be done is Tomas’ job. He first went to work for Jack Beyer years ago when Tomas was hardly more than a boy of 17. After Jack’s death, he continued to work for Jim and Jason Beyer and has managed to make a good and lasting living throughout the years. Jason said he was about 10 years old when Tomas married Yolanda, who was barely 15 years old. “I was at the wedding. They held it in the old blue barn. I just kept thinking she was very young and I didn’t have long to go,” he laughed. One of a kind But, on a more serious note, Jason gives full credit to Tomas for his selfless attitude as an employee and his sincere nature to please everyone. “He’s a good role model for younger people. He has always, without fail, come to work and never complains about anything. He does his job without question, always asking if he can do more,” Jason said. John R. Smith, who has worked with Tomas for more than 25 years, said Tomas has worked weekends and holidays, sometimes bringing his daughters with him. “Tomas is very good at what he does. He knows cows and people respect his opinion. He can always tell if a cow has a calf in her. He’s a special person---one of a kind in many, many ways,” Smith said. A “good father” Tomas and Yolanda raised their three daughters, Eva, 27, Jackie, 21, and Carina, 15, at the small community of La Sombra near Lingleville. Tomas also has three grandchildren, Ivan, 7; Araceli, 3, and Daniel, 3. Most people who know Tomas describe him as a thoughtful, quiet man, who says very little and tends to his business. But, when it comes to his daughters, he apparently becomes a little more verbal, according to his oldest daughter, Eva. Eva said her father is a “good father” and does not waste needless words; however, she laughed and said he manages to state his opinion when it comes to her and her sisters. “He’s sometimes old-fashioned in his beliefs about modern day life. But, we’re still able to go and talk to him when we have problems. The one thing we don’t like to do is disappoint him.” All females Being surrounded by his wife and daughters, Eva believes her father has gotten his “fair share of spoiling” and they truly enjoy waiting on him, getting him this or that, and making sure he’s taken care of. But, she laughed and admitted she doesn’t know if that makes up for what he has endured over the years from the all-female household. “He’s had to listen to us talk and gab and usually, he goes outside to the barn to be with his horses, sheep, goats, or other animals. If we want to see him, we usually have to go find him outside.” A boy at last Eva said she remembers distinctly her father’s reaction when she told him he was going to have a grandson. “When Dad found out, he was so excited. He had finally gotten a boy--- and he immediately bought him a saddle, chaps, boots, and a horse. This was long before Ivan was old enough to even know what it was all about,” she said. Eva said the Borjan family is close-knit and she cannot imagine living very far away from her parents. “I guess it’s our Mexican culture, but we want to be close to our family.” Tomas and Palomo At one time, Tomas was very active in the Mexican rodeo, competing in Mexican bulldogging. He and his beloved horse, Palomo, were familiar characters to his friends and family. But, during a bulldogging event in the mid 90s, Palomo stumbled coming out of a very long run and fell on Tomas, causing a serious back injury that took Tomas months to heal. Apparently, Palomo took the fall as badly as Tomas, only in a different way. Eva and Yolanda both said while Tomas was recuperating, Palomo would stand by the fence, day after day, hanging his head sadly, waiting for Tomas to appear. When Tomas was finally able to walk outside, Palomo was waiting and what a joyous event occurred. Palamo began bucking, rearing up, and prancing about, so very happy to finally see his master once again. The story about Tomas and Palamo spread throughout family and friends. Chino thought the story heartwarming and wrote about it in a song entitled, “El Corrido del Palomo.” It wasn’t long before the song was recorded and made into a CD by the band Los Reos of Waco. Tomas’ thank you On this day, Tomas was surrounded by his family as he walked around the festive event, shaking hands with many friends. The look in his eye said he was happy and grateful for the many people who showed up in his honor and traveled such long distances. As if compelled to make known his appreciation, in his own handwriting Tomas wrote a note that specifically said, “Thank you to all my friends and compadres that helped donate and make this event happen.” The benefit raised approximately $13,000. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
DairyFest to celebrate June Dairy Month |
|||
|
It’s not too soon to mark your calendars for this year’s annual DairyFest golf tournament and DairyFest celebration in recognition of June Dairy Month sponsored by TriCounty Agribusiness Association (TCAA) The DairyFest golf tournament is scheduled for Thurs., June 11, at Par Country Club with tee time at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $75 per person and includes greens fee, cart and lunch. The four-man scramble encourages hole sponsors from local businesses. DairyFest will be Sat., June 20, at Stephenville City Park from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The celebration will kick off with the Third Annual Milk Town Trot. The one-mile race will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K race will begin at 9 a.m. Registration is at 7:15 a.m. and entry fee is $10. The first 50 entries will receive a free t-shirt. The public is encouraged to participate in this fun-filled event. A new addition to this year’s schedule of DairyFest events is the TCAA and Stephenville Parks and Recreation Department (S.P.A.R.D) First Annual Softball Tournament. The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. at Stephenville City Park. For those who would like to add a little competition and enjoyment to their lives, get a team together and come out and join the excitement and fun. Everyone is invited to participate. For more information on the tournament contact S.P.A.R.D. at 254-918-1260. DairyFest participants are invited to enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment that includes music, dancers, dairy-related games, Milk-Mustache Polaroids, the Mobile Dairy Classroom, arts and crafts booths, and feast on the many dairy related foods. Armbands will be available at booths throughout the park for $1.The armband will allow participants to enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, yogurt smoothies, ice cream and milk. Vendor booths are available. The cost for a 10’ by 10’ booth is $55.00. Call Heidi, TCAA at 254-965-2406; email info@tricountyag.com, or visit www.tricountyag.com for more details. Dairy is the largest industry in the tricounty area and plays a vital role to the local economy and quality of life. The purpose of DairyFest during June Dairy Month is to celebrate the success of tricounty’s largest economic influence by showing appreciation to the many dairy farm families who work hard to provide fresh, nutritious dairy products. DairyFest serves to promote the dairy industry’s future and to foster a closer relationship between the urban and rural communities in the area through family fun related to dairy animals, products, and services. DairyFest is a S.P.A.R.D event sponsored by TCAA, HEB, Southwest Dairy Farmers, and the dairy farm families of DairyMax. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Dublin celebrates western cowboy heritage |
|||
|
The 2009 Cowboy Culture Celebration in Dublin, Texas, on April 24-25, provided plenty of excitement and entertainment to attract more than 2,000 folks from neighboring communities and surrounding areas. The two-day festival was a full line-up of events on both days to keep people of every age on the go while enjoying the host of activities. The festival was initiated and organized by Travis Bickham of Cowgirl Productions. Bickham is a lifetime equestrian with years of corporate experience who saw a need to bring Dublin’s intriguing western history and culture back to life. Bickham said when the community realized the importance of reviving a part of its history, leaders and officials stepped in to help put on a fantastic show. The extravaganza kicked off on Friday with good old fashioned chuck wagon cooking to be served at a feast later that evening. Vendors and shops were open during the day as visitors mixed and mingled throughout downtown Dublin. Events included mechanical bull rides, horse and buggy rides, cowboy poetry readings and live music performed by Cody Jewell, Frank and Patty Norena and Master’s Hands. This entertainment was followed that night with a dance and music provided by Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. Saturday’s festivities proved to be just as eventful starting with a trail ride and Ranch Horse Association of America (RHAA) sanctioned show at Dublin City Arena. A full-scale parade and other numerous activities were scheduled throughout the day and into the evening.
A major highlight of the day was a cattle drive conducted through downtown Dublin. Other main events included tours of the Rodeo Heritage Museum, Dublin Historical Museum and its famous Dublin Dr. Pepper plant. A horsemanship clinic was available for interested parties and a mounted cowboy shooting demonstration. The day’s festivities also included a bean cook-off competition with tasting open to the public and a ladies luncheon and fashion show at Dublin Mercantile. The impressive Ft. Hood Mounted Calvary gave a demonstration at Dublin City Arena followed by a Kids Rodeo that included a mutton busting and the Ranch Rodeo that evening. One of the highlights of the Ranch Rodeo was the Dairyman’s Challenge. The contest consisted of seven 3-person teams whose objective was to catch a steer, saddle it and ride it across a designated line to win. The team of Jacob Wiersma, Ashley Caballero, and Marcel Volleman proudly captured First Place, receiving a $350.00 cash prize. “This was only the first year for the celebration,” Bickham said. “It was a success and we plan on doing it again next year.” |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Pork industry takes hit over N1H1 virus |
|||
|
Pigs, of all things, are stealing the headlines recently and it is no wonder. Just about the time you start to throw a couple of pork chops on the grill, the Swine Flu, now referred to as N1H1 virus, hits full throttle. The media frenzy, where any responsible voice of reason is unheard of, begins to pelt the public with minute-by- minute reports on expanding and changing information, evoking fear and panic. As a result, the pork chops are tossed into the garbage, some schools suddenly close their doors, and numerous spring events are cancelled. But most importantly, the pork industry starts taking a tremendous hit. With little-to-late efforts to correct misconceptions, health experts now claim the spreading virus actually has nothing to do with pigs and should never have been named Swine Flu. But, the damage has been done and the pork industry is suffering from the global spread of misinformation based on non-scientific evidence. “There is no evidence at this time that swine has been infected with this virus," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a recent statement. He said consuming pork is "of no risk" to consumers. In agreement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security all confirm there are no food safety issues with the virus and that it is not in the U.S. hog herd. In spite of these and other official reports, China and other countries have banned pork and other meat products from some U.S. states. The Chinese government ordered all pork products from Mexico, Texas, Kansas and California destroyed or returned to the suppliers. The ban on pork by foreign countries was rebuked by U.S. officials who are warning that such embargos by trading partners could trigger trading disruptions with serious consequences. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said the bans are expected to weaken. “The restrictions should be short-lived because U.S. and international authorities have made it clear the N1H1 virus is transmitted through human contact and that pork is 100 percent safe to consume,” said NPPC Vice President and International Trade Counsel Nick Giordano. “NPPC has been in constant contact with U.S. trade officials and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk who have been busy working the phones with our trading partners. It is imperative our trade officials stop the export bleeding now.” In addition to China, bans have been implemented in Russia, Honduras, El Salvador, Lebanon, Ukraine, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. While it is obvious a rapidly spreading global virus exists, the scare and panic seems to be worse than the ill effects of the virus itself except in some cases. Of all other countries reporting isolated cases, Mexico is of the most concern with more than 150 suspected flu-related fatalities. The Center for Disease Control recommends the following measures to prevent the transmission of N1H1: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based sanitizers. • Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Try to stay in good general health. • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. The CDC also provides the following information: • People cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Most influenza viruses, including this virus, are not spread by food. • Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. • No food safety issues have been identified, related to the flu. • Preliminary investigations have determined that none of the people infected with the flu had contact with hogs. • The virus spreads from human-to-human transmission. • Restrict the entry of people into your facility to only workers and essential service personnel. • Prevent international visitors from entering your facilities. • Ensure adequate ventilation in facilities to minimize re-circulation of air inside animal housing facilities. |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
Plenty of interested Erath County folks showed up to object to higher taxes in the nationwide Tea Party on April 15, 2009.
|
||
|
|
|||
|
All internet content of this site
are Copyright © 2005-2009 TDR Publishing Co. All Rights Reserved. |
|||
 |
