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VOLUME XIX, NO. 2 |
TEXAS DAIRY REVIEW |
FEBRUARY 2010 |
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Texas and New Mexico dairy farmers need Washington connection Republicans gear up for March 2, primary High Ground of Texas to host events at the 2010 World Ag Expo A marriage made in Heaven that was bound to include cows Bramlett looks back at transformation of Erath County CWT members react to recent $100,000 Haiti donation Representative Miller moves forward for re-election in Mar. 2, primary Candidate for state representative’s position aims at health care reform Candidate for Court at Law Judge wants to be fair and impartial McDougal seeks re-election for county court at law judge Candidate feels way to be involved in community is to play an active role
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Texas and New Mexico dairy farmers need Washington connection |
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Unrepresented, unrecognized, or un-whatever, Texas and New Mexico certainly seem to be sucking hind tit when it comes to Washington affairs. This is evidenced by the recent appointments to Sec. Tom Vilsack’s Dairy Advisory Committee and not one single dairy farmer or representative from the southwest region of Texas or New Mexico was named to the committee. Not to deride those people selected, but it is questionable why these two states---whose producers contribute a highly significant amount of milk to overall U.S. milk production--- were passed up. Is it yet another reminder that dairy industry success is not measured by the amount of milk produced but by the number of dairies, instead? Third largest milk producing region Dr. David Anderson, an economist at Texas A&M University, College Station, reports that in 2009, Texas and New Mexico together were the third largest milk producing region in the nation. “Both states continued to grow in 2009, as did national milk production, even though it was a terrible year for producers,” he said. “But, it takes awhile to get the ship turned---like the Titanic.” In 2009, Texas increased in milk production over 2008 by 5.1%, the fastest rate of increase in the top 20 states. New Mexico increased by 0.5% over 2008. Anderson reported in December of 2009, Texas had 411,000 cows; 20,900 pounds in average production per cow and 8,840,000,000 (8.84 billion) pounds total milk production in the state. New Mexico had 318,000 cows; 24,305 pounds in average production per cow and 7,904,000,000 (7.9 billion) pounds total milk production in the state. Texas grew 14% from 2007-08 Due to the rediscovery of the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico in the past few years, mega dairies are now located in the arid climate that is extremely good for producing milk. The growth spurt from 2007 to 2008 led Texas to grow 14% in total milk production and New Mexico at 8%. Milk figures have little influence Unfortunately, these outstanding production figures do not appear to bear any influence on the selection of a national committee that should include a fair and balanced group from all regions of the U.S. The Washington connection just does not seem to reach far enough. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) made an effort to nominate people for Vilsack’s committee. “Secretary Vilsack has been very responsive to the dairy industry,” said G. H. Cain, of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). “But, we are disappointed that no dairy farmers from this area were appointed.” Cain is employed at the Grapevine office of DFA’s Southwest Council. The need for new blood Pete Schouten, a Central Texas producer near Stephenville and a member of Lone Star Milk Producers said the Texas and New Mexico production figures are impressive. “That’s a pretty good chunk of milk we’re producing,” he said. “But, we don’t seem to get recognized for it and the same people from the same areas keep getting on committees.” Others agree, claiming Vilsak’s committee “needs some new blood” and it should come from the southwest for a change--- instead of from the northeast or Midwest, as usual. Considering the northeastern and Midwestern dairies, it is obvious they have something Texas, for example, does not have. They have a connection to their own state departments of agriculture and on a national level, through their U.S. senators. These liaisons work very well for them. Obscure Texas milk industry But, Texas dairies? It seems they are nearly obscure in the eyes of the state’s legislators even though the black and white spots in the Panhandle are truly unmistakable. In fact, The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), does not even mention the dairy industry on its home page website. This makes one wonder how aware are the state’s legislators, officials and the public of the Texas milk industry’s impact on the state’s economy. Get connected One thing that could be in the Texas milk industry’s favor is the 2009 appointment of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. Perhaps Cornyn will veer away from cotton, fuel, beef cattle and wine, long enough to take an interest in the dairy industry’s two-fold contribution of milk and culled cows for beef sales. But, even that is questionable. A little too late this time for Vilsack’s committee, there’s always two years from now. But, a much bigger and broader effort than that should be made. The southwest dairy farmers, Texas in particular, need to get connected through their state and U.S. legislators and any other avenues that will give them the recognition they deserve and promote their product. The committee Appointees to Vilsak’s committee began their two-year terms in January where they begin a review of the milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on how USDA can best address the needs of a struggling dairy industry. It is not limited to federal milk marketing issues. Producer-members Erick Coolidge (PA), Le Ma Ra Farm; Timothy den Dulk (MI), Den Dulk Dairy Farm, LLC., Debora Erb (NH), Springvale Farms/Landaff Creamery, LLC.; James Goodman (WI), Northwood Farm; James Krahn (OR), Oregon Dairy Farmers Assoc.; Edward Maltby (MA), Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance; Manuel Souza (CA), Mel-Delin Dairy; Ed Welch (MN), Associated Milk Producers; James Williams (GA), Williams Dairy Trucking, Inc. Processing industry members are: Jay Bryant (VA) Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Assoc.; Patricia Stroup (CA), Nestle; Sue Taylor (CO) Leprino Foods Co., Inc.; Robert Wills (WI), Cedar Grove Cheese, Inc. Members representing state government, retail, academia and consumers are: Rodney Nilsestuen (WI), WI Dept of Agriculture; Robert Schupper (PA), Pennsylvania Giant Food Store; Andrew Novakovic (NY) Cornell University; and Paul Bourbeau (VT), Paboco Farms, Inc. For more information, go to http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/DairyAdvisoryCommittee. |
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Republicans gear up for March 2, primary |
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The tide is turning and some experts predict an obvious surge in the political environment from the national level to local elections as candidates gear up for the March 2, 2010, Texas primary. In Erath County, incumbent Democrats are unopposed by their own party members. These current office holders will remain on the ballot in the November 2010 general election where they will seek re-election to their seats against the Republican winners of the March primary. The Texas primary requires voters cast their ballot for one party only. In the general election, electors can vote for the party of their choice or a split ticket. Voters will have a chance to meet all local Republican candidates at a political forum hosted by Cross Timbers Republican Women on Feb. 15, 2010, 6 p.m., City Hall at City Limits, 1907 E. Washington, and Stephenville. Scott Darby and Becky Farrar will moderate the event. The public is invited to attend. The Erath County Democratic Party will have a “meet and greet the candidates” Fri., Feb. 5, at City Bank, Stephenville.
Of special interest in this year’s primary
race are the eight Republican candidates vying for Erath County
Commissioner in Pct. 2 and Pct. 4. In Pct. 2, the race is between
Republican candidates Herbert Brown, Ben Kirklen and Danny Crouch. The
winner will run against incumbent commissioner Lynn Tidwell (D), in the
fall general election. Incumbent Erath County Judge Tab Thompson (R), who presides over commissioner’s court, is unopposed and has served in his present position for 16 years. Although the county judge is not required to be an attorney, the Texas Constitution stipulates the county judge shall be “well informed in the law of the state.” Guided by the Texas Constitution and Texas laws, four commissioners are elected in each county from individual precincts and serve four-year “staggered” terms. Every two years at the general election, two commissioners are elected for four-year terms and work under the guidance of the county judge. “The job of county commissioner is more detailed than what many folks may envision and it calls for hands-on-duties as well as policy-making budget decisions,” Thompson said. Aside from overseeing county roads and bridges, commissioners vote with the county judge to set the budget for all county departments and to adopt a county tax rate. In addition, commissioners set employment level and benefit policies, appoint non-elected department heads and standing committees, supervise and control the county courthouse and other county facilities and establish plans for open space, land use, financial and law enforcement/jail needs and plans. They have exclusive authority to authorize contracts in the name of the county and oversee many other responsibilities. Thompson said he has a good working relationship with the commissioners and is proud of the many improvements to the county during his tenure. Besides commissioner’s court, Thompson presides over the constitutional county court. He said actual judicial responsibilities of county judges vary because statutory county courts at law were created several years ago with overlapping jurisdictions. The Erath County Court at Law Judge is required to be an attorney. The current judge is Bart McDougal (R), who has held his position for the past 17 years. Thompson said, generally, county courts have jurisdiction in civil cases when the amount in controversy is at least $500 but not over $5,000. “The court also has jurisdiction in probate matters, appellate from J.P. courts, Class C misdemeanors and original jurisdiction in Class A & B misdemeanors (except official misconduct) where the fine imposed is not over $3, 000.” County judges may handle probate matters, including mental illness and guardianships, and sometimes act as juvenile judge, serve on the county juvenile board, and conduct marriages and act as a coroner. Erath County Court at Law Judge incumbent Bart McDougal (R) is challenged in the primary for the Republican nomination by attorney Heath Allen (R). The winner of that race will run against attorney Bill Oxford (D), in the fall general election. Unopposed local incumbents on the Mar. 2, primary ballot are: District Judge Don Jones (D); County Clerk Gwinda Jones (R); District Clerk Wanda Pringle (R), and County Treasurer, Donna Kelly (D). Justice of the Peace, Pcts. 1, 3, 4, incumbent Shawnee Bass (R), is opposed by Jeff “Chili” Alexander (R) and Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2, incumbent Latrelle Cain (D), is opposed by Bart Greenway, (R). |
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High Ground of Texas to host marketing events at the 2010 World Ag Expo |
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As in past years, the High Ground of Texas will be sending a team of more than 100 community members and regional Tailgate Party Sponsors to the 2010 World Ag Expo on Feb. 9-11, 2010. Contacts made from this show will continue to add to the successful recruitment and expansion of the agriculture industry into the West Texas region. The World Ag Expo is held each year at the International Agri-Center in Tulare, California. Based on the show’s current growth and momentum in the agriculture and dairy industry, this internationally recognized event will attract 1,600 exhibitors and 150,000 visitors from 50 states and more than 52 foreign countries. In addition to over 2.6 million square feet of exhibits, the show also offers over 100 seminars on a variety of ag-related topics and hosts the Hi-Tech Heritage Complex, The Farm Equipment Museum, and the Agriculture Learning Center. The High Ground of Texas will be hosting its famous 8th Annual High Ground of Texas Tailgate Party on Wed., Feb. 10, from 3 – 5 p.m. in the VIP tent on the show grounds. The High Ground will also be sponsoring their Ribs & Tunes at the RV event on Tues., Feb. 9, from 4-7 p.m. for prospects, sponsors, vendors and regional allies. Back by popular demand, the entertainment for the events will be provided by Texas Crossroads from Shamrock and catering provided by Lynn Allen of Stratford and the High Ground Cooking Crew. This highly successful annual Tailgate Party serves over 600 VIP clients each year resulting in over 150 annual visits to the region regarding business opportunities. Inquiries from prospective new clients have also been made following the event by numerous ag-related businesses soliciting information about possible expansion projects. Major sponsors for the 2010 Texas Tailgate Party included Capital Farm Credit, Enviro-Ag Engineering, Hilmar Cheese Company, DairyMax, Western Builders, Lone Star Milk, Inc., and Dairy Farmers of America. Brown, Graham & Company sponsors the entertainment, Dumas EDC serves as the Refreshment Sponsor and DeLaval, Inc. sponsors the catering. Seventy-five Regional Partners continue to help host and sponsor this exciting marketing event. The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation is, once again, generously sponsoring the High Ground Hospitality RV to be located in the parking lot of the World Ag Expo for the pleasure of all prospects, regional producers, sponsors and guests of the High Ground. High Ground Representatives from Perryton, Dalhart, Stratford, Hereford, Tulia, Friona, Dumas, Muleshoe, Aspermont, Pampa, Borger, Spearman, Amarillo, Brownfield, Andrews, Odessa and Shamrock have made their plans to attend the 2010 World Ag Expo. In addition, representatives from the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, Bailey County Electric Cooperative, Swisher County Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy will be joining the High Ground Team. In addition to the High Ground regular marketing activities, Janet Claborn, director of the Muleshoe Economic Development Corporation and Lorie Vincent, executive director of the High Ground of Texas will receive the 2010 Outstanding Dairy Industry Development Award at the 2010 World Ag Expo. This honor is selected and presented each year by Dairy Business Magazine and the World Ag Expo. The High Ground of Texas is a regional economic development marketing coalition that represents the northern 66 counties in West Texas. The High Ground targets several industries in their annual diversified marketing plan including manufacturing, distribution, food processing, alternative & renewable energy, plastics & packaging, petroleum, corporate headquarters, value-added agriculture, fabricating, bio-technology, and more. The High Ground coordinates various marketing events for the region, including trade shows, recruiting trips, direct mail projects, advertising, industry events, hospitality events, and web based marketing projects. All community High Ground Members receive the prospect leads generated in these marketing activities. For more information about the 2010 World Ag Expo marketing initiatives or sponsorship opportunities, contact the High Ground of Texas office at (806)366-7510, higround@xit.net, or at www.highground.org. For more information on the World Ag Expo go to www.worldagexpo.com. The High Ground continues more than a decade of marketing efforts at the 2010 World Ag Expo by participating in show activities promoting economic opportunities in West Texas and in support of Agriculture in the Global economy. The High Ground also serves as a major sponsor of the World Ag Expo and West Coast Nationals events. Various ag-based industries will be targeted during the show, including Heifer Replacement Companies, Veterinary Services, Dairy Processing Plants, Manufacturing Companies of Ag Equipment, Implement Companies, Livestock Transportation Companies, Distribution Centers, Ag-Service Suppliers, and more. Since 1999, the marketing efforts of the High Ground of Texas at the World Ag Expo have resulted in over $250 million dollars of new investment and hundreds of new jobs in the region. |
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Sherwyn & Angela: A marriage made in Heaven that was bound to include cows |
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When Angela Browning met Sherwyn Wood, she had no idea what kind of work he did. All she knew is he sat at the back of the room in her chemistry class at Tarleton State University (TSU) and she sat at the front. One day after class, he asked her for a date and they ended up going to the movies. While there, a friend spotted Sherwyn and asked him, “Did you get those cows milked last night?” Angela was stunned to learn Sherwyn was a dairyman---which meant cows---the very thing she had tried to escape from at home on her father’s dairy. ”I was raised on a dairy at Buffalo Springs and had been milking cows all my life and even when I was going to college at Midwestern. I transferred to Tarleton to get away from the cows,” she said.
It wasn’t but a short time later, Angela figured if she and Sherwyn were to have a marriage made in Heaven, it would somehow include cows. “I tried to get away from it and turned right back around and married into it,” she laughed. Twenty seven years later, Angela and her husband Sherwyn Wood are still milking cows, but together, on their own dairy. Sherwyn, like Angela, was brought up in the dairy business. His father, Garvin Wood, started dairying in 1943 at the small community of Selden, located outside Stephenville. In 1955, he moved his dairy across the pasture to its present location where Sherwyn and Angela now dairy. “This is probably the oldest continually existing dairy in Erath County,” Angela said. “In fact, we’re milking the offspring right now.” Garvin has quite a history of dairying behind him. At 93, he lives in Glen Rose, but his family members learned a lot about dairying from him. “He was one of the first dairyman in the area to sign up with DHIA and start using AI breeding back in the 50s,” Angela said. Sherwyn and his brother, Kelvin, partnered with their father on the dairy called Open Spaces until Feb. 12, 1995, when Sherwyn bought them out and it became the Sherwyn Wood dairy. The Woods’ admit it was pretty scary for them both when they got out on their own. “But, you surround yourself with good people,” Angela said. “You learn from them and try to do what they advise. We’ve had great help from our veterinarians, Duane Hutchins and Jeff Gaiser, our nutritionist Mike Conner and our CPA, Russ Lasater. “Duane Hutchins got us started on doing vet checks and that has helped with our herd a lot. Also, we saw a great improvement when we started feeding outside the barn and Mike got our cows on a balanced TMR.” Angela said talking to neighbors and other dairymen is also a big plus. “You learn how they handle the same problems you’re having.” Located on 400 acres in the small community of Selden, The Woods’ do their own farming where they plant oats, coastal and sorghum for silage. “Depending on how the silage turns out, we either cut, bale or graze,” Angela said. The dairy has a total of 370 head and currently milks 320. They milk 2X per day in a double 7 barn with standard equipment and automated detachers. They get about a 70 lb. average per cow. In 2002, the Woods’ built a free stall barn to help them better manage their herd. The free stall holds 325 head and has sand bedding. They are in the process of building a new 20-acre foot lagoon as required under the new Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permit. “It’s pretty expensive to build but we’re fortunate to receive some help from the state through grant money,” Sherwyn said. Sherwyn has been in the dairy business his entire life but the past 18 months has been the worst he has encountered. “Whether you’re a big dairy or small, you’re all going through the same thing. I don’t want assistance if I can keep from it, but this past year or so has been rough.” He said dairy farmers have to depend on good management and their equity to survive. “Everyone is living off their land, cattle and equipment equity to get by and it’ll take years to re-coop.” As a hands-on kind of family operation, the Woods’ do a lot of their own work. Their son, Wesley, graduated from TSU in May 2008. He works on the dairy alongside his parents and with a few part-time helpers. “When not on the dairy, he’s off calf-roping,” Angela said. Their daughter, Whitney, is married and attends TSU. With Angela and Sherwyn working on the dairy every day, one may assume they see each other all the time. But, Angela said that is not necessarily true. “He’s off doing his thing, and I’m doing mine,” she laughed. Sherwyn is on the Southwest Council of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). |
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Bramlett looks back at transformation of Erath County |
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“At 19 years old, I thought I knew it all,” said Donnie Bramlett while casually sitting back in a chair looking out over his newly renovated John Deere dealership. “But, I’ve found out, the older I get, the more I don’t know,” he laughed. Bramlett is part of a four-generation family business, Bramlett Implement, started by his grandfather D. R. Barbee in 1937. In 1944, his father Don, bought into the business, followed by Donnie in 1964 and Donnie’s son, Todd, in 1992. “For many years, there were small implement stores in every little town. My dad wanted to consolidate the John Deere dealerships in Hico, Dublin and Stephenville. He gave me a choice. I could either go back to college or go to work so, I went to work. I was pretty young, but, it was the right thing to do. I bought half the business in 1964.” Since then, Bramlett has successfully catered to area farming customers, providing the newest technologically advanced equipment from tractors to lawnmowers and power tools. “I just added a full line of Stihl power equipment tools,” he said. In the past year, he remodeled the Bramlett Implement building, located on Hwy. 377 in Stephenville. The 6,000 square foot building exhibits a retail show room, outdone in John Deere green paraphernalia and equipment, pleasing to customers who want to browse and shop. The floor houses a variety of John Deere mowers, gators, wagons, bicycles, T-shirts, caps and cups. The store also displays additional lawn and garden equipment and the far west wall is lined with an assortment of John Deere toys and replica collector items. Located in the back of the store is a full service desk available to customers who want to order merchandise or parts. “We can get any part for any John Deere tractor, no matter what model, make or how old,” he said. Thinking how the business has grown since his grandfather’s day, Bramlett said it is amazing how much has changed over the years. Starting out as a young owner, Bramlett said he’s experienced many bumps in the road but, overall, the ride has been good. “In 1983, when the savings and loans crashed, that was a terrible business year and so was 1999,” he said. “But, we managed and both of those years were worse than this past year even with the economy so bad.” Bramlett recalls the many transformations Erath County has undergone over the years. He’s seen it go from a prosperous and lucrative peanut farming community in the 60s and 70s to a dairy haven in the mid 80s that became the hot spot in the nation for a good 20 years and still remains the number one milk producing county in Texas. In the 50s, Texas was ranked 2nd in peanut production and Erath County was ranked as one of the top 10 peanut producing counties in Texas. But, the 50s also brought a severe drought and it was pretty tough between 1950-1957. Texas literally baked under the most severe drought in recorded history. The total rainfall was off by 40%. “Because there was no rain, no one could raise crops, but they could milk cows and that was the only way of making a living,” Bramlett said. “The drought is what got the dairies started around here. The dairy would pay for the farmer’s everyday living and the peanuts would pay cash. Some of those families who started dairying about then were the Parks, Packs, and Salyers. Jack Beyer owned the biggest dairy at that time.” The peanut industry stayed lucrative all the way through 1991 when the U.S. government put an end to peanut farmer allotments. Meanwhile, the western dairies had take up the slack in Erath County, bringing new ideas and technology, such as the Total Mixed Ration (TMR), to the native dairies. Bramlett said it was almost like it happened overnight. “Dairymen began to come in here from the west in the mid 80s, mostly from California and Arizona, and carried with them the money they had gotten from selling their quotas. In Texas, they weren’t required to have a quota and they could get cheap land and had a great milk market in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Ft. Worth. Also, we got the Dutch, straight over from Holland. This place was booming.” The dairy explosion was good for Bramlett’s business as well as for the many other dairy related businesses that dotted the roadside along Hwy. 377 between Stephenville and Dublin. But, the dairy boom, much like the peanut industry, began to vanish as quickly as it had come. The dairies began to take up residence further to the west and by around 2000, the biggest part of the boom was over. “A lot of the first dairies that came here, did just that. They came and went. But, other dairy families established themselves—like the Luecks, the Schoutens, DeJongs and many more.” Bramlett said he’s glad to see the dust has settled and those families are here to stay. “It’s the John Deere rural way of life around here. The people that are here---choose to be here---and that’s what makes it a great community.” Bramlett is a native of Erath County and jokingly said he does not go out of it anymore than necessary. “This is the best place in the world to live. You have a beautiful rural setting only 60 miles from the metroplex. What more can you ask for?” Bramlett is especially proud his three children, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, all live within 12 miles of him. “That’s the best thing there is. I get to see some of my grandchildren nearly every day. They have a little path they take through the pasture and here they come, most every day. That’s what life is all about, right there,” he said. |
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CWT members react to recent $100,000 Haiti donation |
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No doubt, dairy producers can compassionately understand the overwhelming destruction of Haiti after an earthquake of devastating proportions hit the small country last month. More than anyone, dairy producers fully understand the need for help after struggling themselves through one of the worst years in history. But, some CWT producers are disgruntled by the recent $100,000 contribution to the Red Cross for Haitian relief by Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) in conjunction with National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). CWT is a program designed exclusively by dairy farmers for the benefit of dairy farmers. It is a multi-dimensional, voluntary, producer-funded national program managed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) to strengthen and stabilize milk prices by balancing supply with demand. One dairy farmer said it wasn’t too long ago when CWT borrowed a significant amount of money to keep the program going. He said members were asked to sign a two-year agreement at 10¢ per hundredweight that would carry the program through Dec. 2010. He feels the recent Haitian donation adds an additional and unnecessary expense to the CWT that members are paying for. He and others also wondered why the donation was not in the form of dried milk or cheese, instead of money. However, NMPF answered that in a recent new release. “Haiti is one of dozens of countries that has, in the past, been a commercial market for U.S. dairy products sold through CWT’s Export Assistance program,” NMPF said. “They just took it upon themselves to give our money as a donation without authority from its contributing dairy farmers,” said E.E. Norwood, owner of dairies in Star and Pecos, Texas. “We weren’t asked about it and a lot of members did not even know about it.” |
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State Representative Miller moves forward for re-election in Mar. 2, primary |
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State Rep. Sid Miller is in his fifth term in the Texas House of Representatives where he puts his real life experience as a small businessman, community leader, agriculturist, and educator to work on behalf of the families of six District 59 counties he represents. These counties are Comanche, Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, Somervell and Mills. Running for re-election in the Mar., 2, 2010 primary, Miller was raised to believe in honesty, integrity and faith. He believes these virtues are the foundation for strong families, a strong state and nation and the very values that guide him in his service in the Texas Legislature. “This year, the Legislature will be focused on the state budget that is short because of 2009’s bad economy and the tax revenue is off,” Miller said. “Also, 2010 marks the year for redistricting. The Senate and the House will both be very busy on adding four new congressional districts.” During his years in Austin, Miler has authored several pieces of legislation including the Texas CARES Program that provides free or reduced-cost prescription drugs to uninsured or underinsured Texans at no cost to taxpayers. He has won numerous prestigious awards and is especially noted for his pro business voting record in the Texas House, his taxpayer reform and free enterprise and education efforts. He has also been named the 2nd Most Conservative voter. Miller is a member of many associations and has served on numerous committees where he plays an active role. Because of his extensive work in agriculture, he works directly with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) commissioner on the Agriculture Policy Board. Miller was appointed by Speaker of the House Joe Strauss, III, to serve on the National Energy Council and to work closely with the American Legislative Exchange Council to better serve the people of Texas. During his service to the people of Dist. 59, Miller has ensured the continued success of Tarleton State University (TSU), a member of the Texas A&M University system, in Stephenville. Since his initial election, Miller exerted efforts to work with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and US Army to establish Texas A&M Central campus in Killeen. Miller fought to provide TSU with resources to construct a new $11 million state-of-the-art dairy center that provides more space for teaching, research, extension and public education on dairy production. He additionally helped to secure resources for a new TSU nursing center of which the program has doubled in size in the last several years. Miller believes in the value of a hometown university dedicated to the individual education and personal growth TSU seeks to provide its student family. Miller was selected by the Speaker to serve on the House Committee on Corrections and the House Committee on Business and Industry. A graduate of De Leon High School, Miller earned an associate degree from Cisco Jr. College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from TSU in 1978. He and his wife Debra live in Stephenville and have two sons. They are members of Erath County Cowboy Church where Miller serves as elder. |
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Candidate for state representative’s position aims at health care reform |
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Dr. Jesse D. Sheffield, a Republican candidate from Gatesville, is on a mission in his quest to become the next state representative for District 59 that includes Comanche, Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, Somervell and Mills Counties. Among other current issues, Sheffield has resolved to provide a voice for health care reform at the state level. “First, I want to make it perfectly clear I am opposed to government healthcare and any kind of socialized medicine. Health care is a state issue, not a federal one,” he said. “We can make changes in Austin through legislation that will make an impact,” he added. “Medical insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, corporate hospitals and large doctor groups are not concerned with giving financial relief to patients or small companies that are stressed by rising health care costs,” Sheffield said. A native Texan, Sheffield explained the major problem with healthcare is the “in and out-of- network” policy patients must deal with. “Why can’t there be a policy that will be accepted by any doctor?” he asked. The “in and out-of-network” that most group insurance policies prescribe to is frustrating and aggravating to patients. In many cases, a patient who has been paying an insurance premium for years may find their doctor of choice no longer accepts the policies of the patient’s insurance company. “This is because it’s a large group of doctors versus a small group and the large group, as in most things, always wins. If they decide your insurance company isn’t paying them enough money for their services, then your insurance group is out and your insurance is no longer accepted. ” Sheffield believes people who have experienced the inadequacies of health care can now clearly see the urgent need for health care change. “We can make changes at the state level starting with the medical insurance industry to bring costs under control and make sure the patient’s rights to quality health care are guaranteed,” Sheffield said. “The corporate medicine climate in place now is concerned primarily with profits----not patients---and I want to change that. Born and raised in Loraine, Texas, Sheffield has been a family practice physician in Gatesville since 1993. His undergraduate education began at Western Texas College in Snyder and he graduated CUM LAUDE from Howard Payne University in Brownwood. Sheffield completed medical school at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Worth followed by a Family Practice Internship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and Family Practice Residency at Southern Colorado Family Practice in Pueblo. For the next eleven-and-one-half years, Sheffield worked at Scott and White Clinic in Gatesville. For the past five years, he has been with Hillcrest/Coryell Family Medicine Clinic, Gatesville. |
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Candidate for Court at Law Judge wants to be fair and impartial if elected |
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“Each person deserves a fair and reasonable decision, based on the individual facts and evidence,” said William H. (Bill) Oxford, a Democrat running for Erath County Court at Law Judge. Oxford said after practicing law in Erath County for more than 30 years---five of which were in the capacity of Erath County Attorney----he has the experience, wisdom and the expertise to serve as judge of the Erath County Court At Law. “Nothing is just black and white when it comes to judging people,” he said. “If I’m elected, I will study each case and consider all the facts in my efforts to make the right decision. I will try to sit on the bench with a firm yet pleasant demeanor. I don’t believe in just throwing the book at someone.” Oxford’s lifetime dream is to follow in the prestigious footsteps of his father and grandfather who were both district judges in Erath County in 1900 to 1916, and 1952 through 1968. “I’ve been thinking about it for 30 years,” Oxford said. “The last of my four children will graduate from college this May and now I think I can do the job.” The County Court at Law Judge handles misdemeanors up to $100,000. “Each case stands on its own merits and will be heard by the judge or jury. But, most cases are heard by the judge,” he said. “As a sixth generation resident, I know what the citizens of Erath County expect from the county court at law judge. It takes many years experience to understand the duties and obligations to serve as a fair and impartial judge,” Oxford said. He pointed out he was advised by folks that if he expected to win an office in Erath County, he should run as a Republican. “But, I have chosen to run on the Democratic ticket as I am, in fact, a Democrat.” Oxford was Democratic chairman of Erath County for eight years and he believes in the Democratic Party platform. “It is my hope Erath County voters will look closely at the candidates for judge when casting their ballots and select the one who is best qualified to serve, regardless of party preference.” Oxford was born in Stephenville on Sept. 25, 1946 to Judge W. J. Oxford and Ann. He graduated from TSU in 1971 and managed King Abstract Co. until entering law school in 1976. He was admitted to the Texas State Bar on May 28, 1979 and opened a law office in Stephenville as a sole practitioner in June of 1979. He has operated a law office in Stephenville since that date. He served as Erath County Attorney from 1995 to 2000. He has served on many local boards and is a member of First Methodist Church where he and his family have attended for more than 100 years. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge. Oxford is married to Carol and he is the father of four children: Bill, Julie Oxford Moeller, Lori Oxford, and Kathleen Oxford Whitecotton. |
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McDougal seeks re-election for county court at law judge |
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Erath County Court at Law Judge Bart McDougal has kept the bench warm for more than 16 years. He is the first elected County Court at Law Judge in Erath County and asks voters to support his re-election in the upcoming Mar., 2, 2010 primary. McDougal is a native of Comanche, Texas, and grew up working for his family’s livestock auction and also while attending Tarleton State University (TSU) in Stephenville where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981. He graduated from Texas Tech Law School in 1983 and practiced in Erath and Hamilton counties up to 1992 when he was elected Erath County Court at Law Judge. McDougal’s work experience and law practice in a rural setting has provided him with a comprehensive view of the development and overall environment of Stephenville and the surrounding rural communities. He has resided in Stephenville since he was elected to the position of Erath County Court at Law Judge. “The population of Erath County and the complexity of county government had grown so much by the early 1990's that local office holders and community leaders asked the Legislature to create the county court at law,” McDougal said. Previous to that, the county judge who governs commissioner’s court, ruled on Class A and B misdemeanors, probates of estates, juvenile proceedings, some civil cases and appeals from the justice courts. In addition, he was responsible for all administration of county government business such as budgets, contracts and tax rates. Many noticeable changes occurred when the County Court at Law was created. Most importantly, the judge is required to be an attorney and was given the responsibility to handle all the litigation formerly heard by the county judge. In addition, some responsibilities overlap with the District Court, such as cases that involve up to $100,000 in controversy, Child Protective Services, eminent domain and worker's compensation. McDougal explained the County Court at Law Judge also issues warrants, sets bail and has administrative duties such as serving on the Bail Bond Board and Juvenile Board. “Evidentiary search warrants, such as drawing blood for driving while intoxicated (DWI) suspects, may only be issued by a court of record. The County Court at Law and District court are the only courts available for such warrants in Erath County.” McDougal and his wife, Rebecca, attend Faith Lutheran Church where they appreciate the teachings and friendship of Pastor Tom Konz and many friends. Their four grandchildren attend church there, also. |
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Candidate for Erath County Commissioner feels way to be involved in community is to play an active role |
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Ben Kirklen, a Republican candidate running for Erath County Commissioner in Pct. 2, was brought up with strict family values and deep-seeded roots that carried him back to Dublin, Texas, from Hereford after he graduated from high school. “My dad is a Lutheran minister originally from Dublin and I’ve always thought of this as home,” Kirklen said. Although he and his family left Dublin when Kirklen was 9 years old, he returned to become an Erath County resident in 1994. Kirklen said his ambition to someday become a county commissioner actually began when he was six years old. “When a maintainer would come down the county road, it would roll rocks into my grandmother’s yard and it was my job to pick them up,” he said. “I guess that’s when I decided I wanted to be on the other side of that.”, he laughed. As an adult living in Dublin, Kirklen said he began to take a good look at the surrounding community and developed an interest in how the county functions. “But, the only way to become involved was to play an active role,” he said. Kirklen served as a Dublin volunteer fireman for 10 years and also volunteered his time on a Habitat for Humanity project in Dublin. Kirklen’s work experience ranges from implement companies in Hereford and Stephenville to the Erath County Sherriff’s Department where he started as a dispatcher and later became a jail sergeant. Kirklen has also worked in construction for several years and started his own business in 2007 as Kirklen Construction, Inc. “There’s a lot more to being a commissioner than road maintenance even though that’s what most people notice,” Kirklen said.”There are a lot of administrative duties, also. I want to know where our tax dollars are going and if they are being spent as conservatively as possible. “I would like to see the roads better taken care of concerning road hazards such as trash and debris. I think commissioners need to budget their time so they can address these problems. Also, I would like to see a program started that would utilize community service workers to help with this.” Kirklen is married to Donna (Morrison) and is a proud father of 13 month old Christopher. The Kirklens reside in Dublin. “Everything changes when you become a father,” Kirklen said. “But, that’s what makes me want to get up in the mornings and go to work. I moved around a lot as a kid and I don’t want that for my child. I want him to be able to start and finish school in the same district. “When you have children, you look at the world and your own community so much differently and you want to be involved and make it the best it can be,” he said. |
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