To comply with a new law that goes into effect Jan. 1st, cigarette vendors will have to ensure they only sell Fire Standard Compliant (FSC) cigarettes.
Fires caused by unattended cigarettes cause between 700 and 900 fatalities in homes across the U.S. each year. In 2006, there were 1,880 cigarette fires in Texas, causing more than $14 million in property losses and damage. In those fires, 10 people died, and 45 were injured, counting 10 firefighters responding to the blazes.
To counter the problem, Gov. Rick Perry signed H.B. 2935, known as the FSCC law, on June 15, 2007.
The law requires that all cigarettes sold in the state be certified fire standard compliant (FSC). It goes into effect Jan. 1st of 2009, but allows a one year grace period to allow retailers and wholesalers to clear non-compliant inventory.
A fire standard compliant cigarette (FSCC) reduces the chance of starting fires because it is self-extinguishing when not being actively smoked.
Cigarette companies make FSC cigarettes by wrapping the cigarettes with two to three thin bands of less porous paper. These bands act to slow down the burning of a cigarette, causing it to self-extinguish.
Similar laws have been enacted over the last several years by other states, so most major cigarette manufacturers are already producing the safer versions of their popular product lines.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be in charge of enforcing the law.
Read More...
Summary only...
Interest rates set by the PUC for customer utility deposits and over/under billings in 2009 are substantially lower than current rates.
NEWS RELEASE, Dec. 1, 2008 -- Texas electric and telephone customers who are over billed will be paid 3.21 percent interest in 2009 under rates established Monday by the Public Utility Commission. Customers will receive 2.09 percent interest on utility deposits.
The 3.21 percent rate for over billings is based on the 90-day prime commercial paper rate over the last 12 months.
The 2.09 percent rate for deposit refunds is based on the average yield on 26-week Treasury bills during the past 12 months.
The final order is available on the PUC Web site by going to the filings interchange under control number 35141.
Editors Note: the current over-bill interest rate is 5.21%. The current utility deposit interest rate is 4.69%.
Read More...
Summary only...
What To Watch Out For To Avoid Hay Purchase Scams.
Back when hay used to be sold over a cup of coffee and a handshake, hard cash changed hands when the trailer was loaded. In the new era of email and money orders, things get a little more complicated.
In the last several years, con artists have developed some tricky schemes to separate a hay grower from his hard earned money, and in some cases, his hay as well.
The most common scams involve fraudulent checks or money orders. Some of the fakes are so good, banks have cashed them before discovering the fraud. The smart move here, though, is to hold any deliveries or pick ups until the funds have cleared the bank.
More complex schemes involve the scam artist sending money orders in amounts larger than the cost of the hay. The scammer then asks the grower to send money to a hauler who is an accomplice to the scam. The grower sends his check to the hauler, who, of course, never shows up.
The Hay Barn, is an internet classified ad site for hay, hay equipment, and haying services. It helps buyers and sellers across the globe arrange sales, and it has a page of details on current scams, and a listing of known scam artists.
The site lists several clues that you might be dealing with a scammer:
- Offering payment by cashier's check or money order only.
- Insisting on paying more than you're asking.
- Asking you to send cash on to a 3rd party, such as the hay shipper
- Poor spelling and odd word choices (not a native English speaker)
- Lack of knowledge or interest in the hay itself
- Unusual name, unusual e-mail address
- Refusing to speak by phone; insisting on corresponding by e-mail only
Treat any transactions that follow these patterns suspiciously, and insist on having money in hand before loading the trailer.
Growers who do fall victim to scammers should contact the Sheriff's Department immediately.
Read More...
Summary only...
Athens cattle prices Friday were up across the board over the previous week, while the head count was down considerably.
ATHENS,TX, 12/19/08 -- Compared to last week: Feeder steers 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 4.00 higher. Slaughter cows 2.00-4.00 higher. Slaughter bulls steady. Bulk supply Medium and Large 1-2 400-600 lb feeder steers and heifers. Slaughter cows made up 15 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 1 percent, replacement cows 7 percent, and feeders 77 percent. The feeder supply included 63 percent steers and 37 percent heifers. Near 22 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.
Cattle and Calves: 660
Week Ago: 1,060
Steers:
Medium and Large 1: 300-400 lbs 105.00-111.00, few to 127.00; 500-600
lbs 86.00-90.00; 600-700 lbs 79.00-81.00. Medium and Large 2: 300-400 lbs 90.00-100.00; 400-500 lbs 87.00-95.00, individual to 111.00; 500-600 lbs 79.00-84.00; 600-700 lb calves 72.00-78.00; 700-800 lbs 68.00-73.00. Medium and Large 3: 400-500 lbs 80.00-84.00.
Heifers:
Medium and Large 1: 300-400 lbs 87.00-89.00; 400-500 lbs 81.00-85.00. Medium and Large 2: 300-400 lbs 80.00-84.00; 400-500 lbs 75.00-80.00; 500-600 lbs 75.00-79.00; 600-700 lb calves 70.00-74.00.
Slaughter Cows:
Boners, 80-85%, 1200-1600#, Avg Dress 41.50-48.50
Boners, 80-85%, 1000-1200#, Avg Dress 40.00-47.00
Lean, 85-90%, 1000-1200#, Avg Dress 35.00-39.00
Lean, 85-90%, 800-1000#, Avg Dress 35.50-39.50
Lean, 85-90%, under 800#, Avg Dress 25.00-33.00
Slaughter Bulls:
Yield Grade 1-2 1300-2100 lbs 48.50-56.00
Low Dressing 1000-1300 lbs 45.00-47.50
Replacement Cows:
Medium and Large 1-2: young 650-920 lb cows 3-8 months bred 53.00-74.00 CWT; middle aged 860-1280 lb cows 5-8 months bred 53.00-59.00 CWT; aged 820-1295 lb cows 5-8 months bred 35.50-48.00 CWT.
Source: Texas Dept of Ag Market News-USDA Market News, Amarillo, TX
806/372-6361 - email: amarillo.lgmn@usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketNews
Read More...
Summary only...
Holiday stockpiling over the last month resulted in slower hay sales this week.
AMARILLO, Dec 24, 2008 -- Hay sales have been extremely limited during this
holiday period as most of the users have procured adequate supplies to get them
through the holidays, which is normal during this time of the year.
Prices as a whole remain mostly steady, but spot sales on small bales of high quality alfalfa have begun to climb considerable as supplies dwindle. Late cutting fine stemmed products (clippings) have particularly jumped in recent weeks, with some deliveries quoted at over 300.00 per ton on a delivered basis. Users of high quality small square bales are being forced to turn to 3x3 bales in an attempt to find suitable products.
The contracting season for corn silage is quickly approaching and it will be
interesting to see how the declining input costs as well as commodity prices
affect the number of acres of corn silage and hay in the Panhandle and North
Texas. Another item that will no doubt have some effect in the upcoming year on
hay use and on the amount of acres of hay will be the declining milk prices and
the impending culling of cows.
Many areas around the state have endured dry conditions, forcing early
supplemental feeding, and depleting hay supplies. Winter grazing of wheat, oats
and rye pastures have been limited due to dry weather in many areas of the
state. North Texas wheat pastures are in desperate need of moisture, especially
those in the Western part of the region. There already have been reports of
cattle being pulled off of wheat pastures that had looked good early in the
fall. The much needed moisture at this point would not bring much relief until
February at the soonest in the North Texas wheat fields due to cold weather, but
would help Eastern and Central rye and oat pastures immediately.
The state of Texas Department of agriculture has the Hay and Grazing Hot Line
set up for buyers and sellers, number is 1-877-429-1998. The web site for TDA
is www.tda.state.tx.us. Prices for hay and pellets quoted per ton except where
noted.
Panhandle:
Alfalfa: Small Squares: Delivered: Supreme quality 292.00-312.00; Premium to
Supreme quality 230.00-250.00, 7.00-8.50 per bale; Good to Premium quality
200.00-230.00, 6.50-7.00 per bale. Large Squares: Delivered: Supreme to Premium
quality 200.00-260.00; Good to Premium quality 175.00-200.00.
Chopped Alfalfa: Delivered to feedlots: North: 195.00-200.00. South: 200.00-
215.00.
Coastal Bermuda: Small squares: Delivered: 7.00-7.50 per bale. Large rounds:
Delivered: Premium quality: 140.00, 85.00 per roll; Good quality 125.00-135.00;
65.00 per roll.
Prairie Hay: Small squares: Delivered: 175.00-190.00; 7.00 per bale. Large
squares: Delivered: 140.00-160.000. Large rounds: Delivered: 85.00 per roll.
Sorghum-Sudan Grass: Large squares and rounds: Delivered: 100.00.
Wheat: Delivered: Small squares: 4.65 per bale. Large rounds: 130.00.
Hay Grazer: Large rounds: Delivered: 90.00-140.00.
West Texas:
Alfalfa: Small Squares: FOB: Premium to Supreme quality 230.00-280.00, 7.50-
10.00 per bale; Good to Premium quality 200.00-230.00; 7.00-7.50 per bale.
Large Squares: Delivered: Premium to Supreme quality 220.00-260.00; Good to
Premium quality 190.00-230.00; Good quality 160.00-190.00.
North, Central and East Texas:
Alfalfa: Small Squares: Delivered: Premium to Supreme quality 240.00-300.00,
7.00-10.00 per bale; Good to Premium quality 6.00-7.00 per bale. FOB: Good to
Premium quality 5.00-7.00 per bale in the barn. Large Squares: Delivered:
Premium to Supreme quality 230.00-260.00; Good to Premium quality 180.00-230.00.
Coastal Bermuda: Small Squares: FOB: Premium quality 6.00-8.50 per bale; Fair
to Good quality 5.00-6.00 per bale. Large rounds: FOB: Premium 70.00-90.00;
Good quality 50.00-70.00; Fair quality 40.00-50.00 per roll.
South Texas:
Coastal Bermuda: Small squares: FOB or delivered locally: Good quality 5.00-
7.50 per bale. Large rounds: FOB: Good quality 50.00-70.00; Poor quality 30.00-
40.00 per roll.
See the full report at http://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/am_gr310.txt
Read More...
Summary only...
Texas A&M economist see very little change for cotton prices in the coming year.
COLLEGE STATION – The current economic crisis coupled with decreased demand won’t spark any immediate rally for cotton prices heading into 2009, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service economist.
"There are a couple of things that suggest cotton prices are going to be sideways and struggle to go higher,” said Dr. John Robinson, cotton marketing economist. “Corn will likely go a bit higher since the last two years there’s been this battle for acreage. Cotton has taken a cut in acres because prices didn’t get high enough and that was predictable. Net returns suggested people were better off planting more soybeans, wheat, etc. Cotton is much worse off now.”
Just six months ago, cotton prices were at 80 cents a pound, but now have fallen in the mid 40s. And large U.S. carryover stocks continue to loom, with ending stocks for 2008-2009 increased 900,000 bales, totaling 7.1 million bales.
“U.S. new-crop cotton is currently all going into the loan program, which has also been the case in four out of the last five years,” Robinson said. “U.S. cotton sits in there, while the Chinese uses their cotton, then Indian cotton and all of these other countries that don’t have a loan program, they can get rid of it.”
When those countries do buy U.S. cotton, typically during the May-July period, traditionally it sparks a minor upward trend in price, Robinson said. He predicts it will be June before there might be some positive trends affecting cotton prices.
"We’re not really out of this financial crisis panic-mode yet,” he said. “Real estate prices are not through unwinding and we’ve got a new administration that will be settling in. It will take quite a few months for normalcy to return. Cotton is going to continue to suffer because people are watching their spending and not buying clothes and automobiles, in which cotton is used for the interiors.”
These factors will likely lead to ‘sideways prices’ and if cotton does rise in price, “it won’t rise enough to compete with corn or soybeans,” Robinson said. He also predicts a cut in Texas cotton acreage due to competing crops such as wheat, corn and soybeans receiving more favorable prices.
Input prices continue to be high due to expensive seed and chemicals. One bright spot is the recent decline in fuel prices. If fertilizer does become cheaper, Robinson predicts more farmers will increase corn plantings over cotton, particularly in the eastern cotton belt.
To beat the current market, Robinson has some advice for cotton farmers: Stick to a sound marketing plan to avoid price risk. That can include a combination of elements.
“Basic tactics like forward contracting, selling at harvest, marketing pools, or USDA loan program are things to be looking at,” he said. “Hedging with futures and options can complement or substitute for these basic tactics.”
Robinson also encourages producers to think about taking loan deficiency payments now, marketing their cotton and buying “cheap call options as insurance against missing out on higher prices in 2009.
"By selling now, collecting a loan deficiency payment and buying a call, you are only left having to watch the New York Futures Market.”
Read More...
Summary only...
EPA exempts poultry growers from "emergency release" reporting of naturally occurring releases of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association issued a joint statement welcoming the Dec 15th announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granting an exemption for poultry farms from having to report naturally occurring air releases of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide as an "emergency release" under the CERCLA and EPCRA emergency reporting framework.
The exemption affects a majority of the family farmers engaged in poultry live production that operate in the United States.
“We have always felt that reporting requirements under the CERCLA and EPCRA programs were never meant to address the release of naturally occurring substances that originate from the breakdown of animal waste,” the poultry groups said. “We believe EPA heard our concerns and has come to a reasonable compromise that addresses the needs and requirements of the regulated community, emergency responders, and the public at large. We particularly appreciate the efforts of EPA to minimize the reporting burdens on thousands of family farms related to the CERCLA and EPCRA programs.”
The three groups filed a petition in August of 2005 to exempt poultry growing operations from EPCRA and CERCLA emergency reporting requirements for ammonia emissions that originate from poultry production operations. The petition for the reporting exemption was based on the fact that ammonia emissions from poultry houses pose little or no risk to the public, and emergency reporting would be an additional burden on emergency response personnel. Furthermore, farmers have no reliable means of knowing how much, if any, ammonia their farms are emitting on a daily basis.
The reporting exemption for the EPCRA program granted today applies to poultry farmers whose operations house fewer than 125,000 broilers, 55,000 turkeys or 30,000 laying hens.
The EPA intends to provide guidance to assist facilities that house more than these numbers. The announcement today also provides poultry farms an exemption from filing emergency planning reports under the CERCLA reporting program regardless of the size of their operation.
“The EPA understands that most family farms across the country do not have the scientific data or financial means to measure or file these burdensome emission reports,” said Paul Bredwell, vice president of environmental programs for U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. “The technical data to make that determination will hopefully be available after completion of the National Air Emission Monitoring Study.”
The National Air Emission Monitoring Study (NAEMS) was established by a voluntary agreement between the EPA and the pork, dairy, egg, and broiler industries to address the lack of scientific data on air emissions form livestock.
This study is currently underway at 24 agricultural facilities across the United States, and is scheduled to be completed in mid-2009. The exemption granted today by EPA does not impact future regulation of poultry farms under the Clean Air Act, should the NAEMS demonstrate the need for such regulation.
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Tucker, Georgia, is the world’s largest poultry organization, whose membership includes producers of broilers, turkeys, ducks, eggs and breeding stock, as well as allied companies. USPOULTRY focuses on research and education, as well as communications to keep members of the poultry industry current on important issues.
The National Chicken Council, Washington, D.C., represents integrated chicken producer-processors, the companies that produce and process chickens. Member companies of NCC account for approximately 95 percent of the chicken sold in the United States.
The National Turkey Federation, Washington, D.C., is the national advocate for all segments of the turkey industry. NTF provides services and conducts activities which increase demand for its members’ products by protecting and enhancing their ability to profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious products.
Read More...
Summary only...
The Florida Times-Union is reporting that Pilgrim's Pride is planning to lay off 505 of the 1,400 employees at its Live Oak plant in Florida.
Company spokesman Ray Atkinson, in addressing the layoff, is quoted as saying "What we're doing is eliminating the second shift."
The report goes on to say that the elimination of the second shift is part of the Pilgrim's Pride bankruptcy reorganization plan.
The advocate emailed Mr. Atkinson, asking if the company will take the same approach at the plant in Mt. Pleasant. His response follows:
The action in Live Oak, Fla., is part of our continuing efforts to reduce costs and operate more efficiently. We are always looking for ways to improve our efficiencies and reduce costs, but at this point we don't have any immediate plans for additional layoffs or closures.
See the complete story from the Florida Times-Union
here.
Read More...
Summary only...
Government survey focusing on irrigation needs and development, will be mailed out to farmers and ranchers Jan 12th of next year.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2008 – Water is the source of life and the U.S. agricultural industry depends upon this precious resource to meet the world’s growing need for food, feed, fiber and fuel. U.S. agricultural producers will soon have the opportunity to speak out about their water use when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey.
“By providing a single source of comprehensive, up-to-date information on irrigation and water use across the agricultural industry, this survey will aid in efforts to promote efficient irrigation practices and ensure the long-term sustainability of our nation’s water resources,” said Carol House, deputy administrator of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
The irrigation survey, which is a supplement to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, will for the first time include a focus on nursery and horticultural operations. NASS will collect information about irrigation water use during 2008, including application methods, equipment, facilities, expenditures, crop acreage and yield.
This information is used by industry, government, and producers themselves, aiding in the development of improved technology, better equipment, more efficient water use practices, and sound programs and policies.
“The nation’s agricultural producers are the first and best stewards of our land and water resources,” House said. “This survey provides them with a voice to help shape the future of their industry and demonstrate their commitment to the conservation and efficient use of water resources.”
On Jan. 12, 2009, NASS will mail the irrigation survey to 35,000 producers nationwide. Recipients are required to complete and return their forms by Feb. 17, 2009. As is the case with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is protected by law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified.
“As we did with the Census of Agriculture, we are reminding producers that the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey is their voice, their future and their responsibility,” House said.
For more information about the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey, call (800) 727-9540 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.
Read More...
Summary only...
Pilgrim's Pride is requesting a bankruptcy judge to let it keep fighting a circuit court ruling favoring chicken suppliers that poses a "staggering" threat to the company's viability.
In 2002, A group of Texas farmers sued the company, claiming the poultry processor had too much control over their contracts for growing broiler chickens.
Pilgrim's Pride, in it's defense, denied any wrongdoing, and said the growers had the burden to prove the arrangements had unduly damaged their profitability.
In July of this year, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the growers didn't need to prove an "adverse effect on competition" to prevail in their lawsuit.
Read More...
Summary only...
Texans are working safer and staying healthier, according to a report by the Texas Department of Insurance.
AUSTIN, TX - Employers in private industry in Texas reported a total of 69,320 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving days away from work for 2007, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. This was a 4.6 percent decrease from the 72,660 cases reported in 2006.
The Survey of Occupational Injury and Illnesses for 2007 revealed that there were 94.3 injuries and illnesses per 10,000 full-time equivalent employees in Texas. This rate was 9.7 percent lower than the rate of 104.4 in 2006 and is lower than the national rate for 2007 of 122.
The median days away from work for Texas in 2007 was 9, which is higher than the 8 days for 2006 and higher than the nationally reported median days of 7.
The annual BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses is conducted in cooperation with the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC). The TDI-DWC collects survey data in order to assist employers, safety professionals, and policymakers in identifying occupational safety and health issues in the state.
This is the third release in 2008 reporting on 2007 data from the BLS workplace safety and health statistical series. The first release, in August 2008, covered work-related fatalities from the 2007 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. In October 2008, BLS reported that there were 252,784 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in Texas, in 2007. The data are based on the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses with a sample of approximately 10,000 Texas employers. This release covers the circumstances of the injuries and illnesses, as well as the characteristics, of the employees involved in the 69,320 of those cases that required days away from work.
There were a few notable shifts from 2003 to 2007 for nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses numbers and rates.
- The number of cases with days away from work for 2007 was slightly lower (.02 percent) than 2005, but reflected substantial decreases (6.4 percent) from 2004 and (15.6 percent) from 2003.
- Although Texas experienced a rate increase in 2006, the 2007 injury and illness rate for cases with days away from work has been remarkably reduced by 25 percent from 2003. The 2007 rate also shows a considerable decline of 14.3 percent from 2004 and 6.5 percent from 2005.
To see the full report, complete with data tables, go to http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/news/2008/news2008197.html
Read More...
Summary only...
The NYSE issues the notices to companies whose stock price falls below $1.00 per share. If the price is not bolstered, the company could lose it's listing on the exchange.
In the last year, Dana's stock price has tumbled from $12.00 per share, and has been trading in the 1.50 - .50 range since mid November.
A large portion of Dana's business is sales to automobile manufacturers, a troubled industry treated warily by investors of late. Coupled with that, Dana's FY-2008 Revenue Outlook fell short of analysts expectations, placing further downward pressure on the stock.
The company has been fighting to avoid bankruptcy for several years, and is in the midst of a two year reorganization. In March of 2006, Dana and 40 of its subsidiaries filed Chapter 11 reorganization petitions. Dana Holding Corporation was formed as part of the reorganization.
In response to the warning notice, the company issued the following statement today:
TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Holding Corporation announced it was notified today by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) that the company has fallen below its continued listing standards.
During a consecutive 30-day trading period - under NYSE rules - the average closing price of Dana's common stock must be a minimum of $1 per share and its market capitalization must equal or exceed $100 million.
Dana plans to notify the NYSE that it intends to resolve these matters. The company has six months to return its average share price above the required threshold, and 45 days to submit a plan demonstrating its ability to comply with the market capitalization standard. Under NYSE rules, Dana's common stock will continue to be listed on the exchange during this period, subject to ongoing monitoring and the company's compliance with other continued listing requirements.
Dana's operations, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements, credit agreements, and other debt obligations are not otherwise affected by this NYSE notification.
In November, Dana announced it had reached an agreement with its lenders to restructure 1.3 billion dollars in loans. The news caused a brief uptick in the stock price, but it hasn't afforded any real market support.
Earlier this week, Dana announced plans stop production of GM parts at it's Longview plant until February 23rd, idling about 300 workers. The company said General Motors, one of it's largest buyers, was cutting production, bringing about the layoffs.
At it's peak, the plant employed between 500 and 600 people.
Read More...
Summary only...
Official wants increased educational focus to address the growing concern over a lack of skilled workers in Texas.
AUSTIN — There is a widening gap between the demand for skilled workers in Texas and the state’s ability to supply them, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said today.
“Texas’ secondary and postsecondary education system is not meeting the demands of the current workplace,” Combs said. “Employers tell us that good paying jobs are going unfilled because they cannot find qualified workers. And we’re hearing from students about the value to them of programs at community and technical colleges. For Texas to remain an economic powerhouse, our education system needs added focus on career and technical training to fill available jobs.”
Today, Combs issued a new report, Texas Works, which examines the changing Texas job market and the growing shortage of workers with the technical skills required for many of the fastest growing jobs. The report recommends establishing a fund to help with startup costs for new technical training programs and eliminating obstacles that discourage students from pursuing career-technical education (CTE).
Texas has many community and technical colleges offering state-of-the-art training facilities and employment opportunities after just one or two years. But state funding of community and technical colleges has declined, not keeping pace with inflation and hampering schools’ ability to train the next generation of Texas workers. CTE courses can be expensive for a college, often requiring state-of-the-art technology and equipment, but the state does not provide funding for startup costs. To address this concern, Combs’ report makes two recommendations:
* Establish a $25 million Jobs and Education for Texas (JET) fund to provide support for postsecondary CTE courses, including startup funding for new programs.
* Link any incentive funding to measurable results to ensure the state receives a positive return on its investments.
Increasing state funding for community and technical colleges will not help the state achieve its goals if students don’t take advantage of these educational resources. Combs’ report says far too many Texas high school students fail to pursue postsecondary education. Texas Works has some recommendations to meet this challenge:
* Make more parents and students aware of all postsecondary educational options and the availability of financial assistance.
* As part of this effort, use data on education and employment to measure the benefits of CTE and publicize the results to make more people aware of its value.
* Ensure state graduation requirements and grade point average (GPA) calculation standards do not prevent or discourage high school students from enrolling in career and technology courses.
Combs’ report recommends greater flexibility in the state’s new “four-by-four” graduation requirements, which require all high school students take four years each of math, science, social studies and language arts. Many CTE courses do not count toward the “four-by-four” requirements, and grades in many CTE courses will not count toward students’ GPAs under a proposed uniform statewide grade point calculation system.
“Texas should ensure high school students have multiple pathways to graduation, preparing them for a variety of education and training options after high school,” Combs said. “While the state has done a good job of encouraging more students to pursue college degrees, it is critical that we do not discourage students who will not go to a four year college from attaining valuable training that will raise their standard of living and will have substantial economic benefits to Texas.”
In 2007, more than 80 percent of all Texas jobs did not require a bachelor’s degree. Neither did nearly 44 percent of the jobs paying wages above the state average. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that about 80 percent of the fastest growing occupations in the near future will require some postsecondary training, but not a bachelor’s degree.
The cost to obtain career training is relatively low. Two years of tuition and fees at a Texas community college cost an average of $3,800, compared to more than $26,000 for four years at a public university. A student who achieves an associate degree will earn an average of $340,000 more over a working lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma.
For Texas, the economic impact from the earnings of all workers with associate degrees and postsecondary technical certificates is estimated at $10.1 billion annually. Combs said the state’s economic strength depends on making the future success of every Texan a top priority.
“If we sacrifice the future productivity of a large number of our young people, we risk jeopardizing Texas’ economic future,” Combs said. “Without an adequate supply of skilled workers, Texas’ ability to attract and retain new businesses will suffer — meaning fewer companies to employ a growing population, lower economic output, lower personal income and poorer performance on other measures of economic health.”
Texas Works is available on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/workforce.
Read More...
Summary only...
Meeting consensus is that Texas is well positioned to ride out the current economic downturn.
Dec. 17 AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today met with leaders of key trade associations and labor unions to hear first-hand how the current national economic situation is impacting Texas’ industries and workers. This is the fourth meeting Gov. Perry has held with industry and state leaders to discuss the future of the Texas economy.
“Texas has created and maintained a business-friendly environment that continues to attract companies and support innovation and competitiveness,” Gov. Perry said. “As we continue to weather the turbulent national economy, maintaining our private and public collaboration is essential to ensuring future prosperity for all Texans.”
The governor was joined by representatives from several trade associations and worker’s unions, including the Texas Apartment Association, Texas Chemical Council, Texas Oil and Gas Association, Texas Travel Industry Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Associated General Contractors, and Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union.
The diversity of Texas’ economy has prepared the state to withstand the current instability in the national economy, and stronger guidelines for home equity borrowing and lending have resulted in Texas retaining some of the lowest levels of mortgage defaults among the nation’s top 10 most populous states.
Thanks to disciplined, principled policies of limited growth in spending, low taxes and a reasonable regulatory climate, Texas continues to be a leader in job creation. From October 2007 to October 2008, the U.S. lost over 1.1 million net jobs while Texas created more than a quarter of a million net new jobs. Texas’ unemployment rate is nearly a full percentage below the national average, and the Lone Star State is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than any other state in the nation.
While Texas remains in a substantially better economic position than other states in the turbulent national economy, Gov. Perry continues to work with the public and private sectors to identify opportunities to maintain and enhance Texas’ economic edge and competitive position in the global marketplace.
Read More...
Summary only...
After the resignation of Clint Rivers, the company announced Don Jackson, a longtime employee of rival Foster Farms, as River's successor.
PITTSBURG, Texas, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation today announced that its board of directors has named Don Jackson as its president and chief executive officer subject to approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
The board also appointed Lonnie Ken Pilgrim, its current chairman, as interim president until such time as Dr. Jackson's employment is approved by the bankruptcy court.
Dr. Jackson will join the company immediately on an interim basis. Prior to accepting his position with Pilgrim's Pride, he served as president of Foster Farms' poultry division, a leading poultry producer on the West Coast. He will assume the combined duties of Clint Rivers, the former president and chief executive officer, and Robert A. Wright, the former chief operating officer, both of whom resigned from the company today as part of its reorganization process under Chapter 11.
Dr. Jackson has been president of Foster Farms' poultry division, based in Livingston, California, since 2000. Prior to that, he served as executive vice president for foodservice of the former ConAgra Poultry Company in Duluth, Georgia. Before that he worked for 22 years for Seaboard Farms of Athens, Georgia, including four years as president and CEO of their poultry division. He received his bachelor of science degree from Arizona State University and his master's and Ph.D. degrees from Colorado State University.
"As Pilgrim's Pride begins the reorganization process, we believe the company and its stakeholders would be best served by a fresh perspective on the opportunities available to us through restructuring," said Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim, senior chairman of Pilgrim's Pride. "Don Jackson is a proven leader with the essential skills and industry insight to position Pilgrim's Pride to emerge from Chapter 11 as a stronger, more efficient, and more focused company."
Mr. Pilgrim added: "Clint and Bob have both made tremendous contributions throughout their careers at Pilgrim's Pride, and we are grateful for their commitment and dedicated service during a very difficult time for our company and our industry. We wish both of them continued success in their careers."
As previously announced, the Company filed voluntary Chapter 11 petitions on December 1, 2008. The Chapter 11 cases are being jointly administered under case number 08-45664. The Company's operations in Mexico and certain operations in the United States were not included in the filing and continue to operate as usual outside of the Chapter 11 process.
Read More...
Summary only...
ETMC Home Health’s west and north divisions have been named to the 2008 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home healthcare providers in the United States.
This annual review has identified ETMC Home Health West as in the Top 100 of agencies and ETMC Home Health North as in the Top 500 of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance. The data used for this analysis was compiled from publicly available information.
Independent information
“This recognition, based on independent, third-party information, is very gratifying to receive,” said Eddie Howard, ETMC’s vice president and chief operating officer for post acute services. “It demonstrates that the excellence our ETMC Home Health employees demonstrate every day in caring for their patients’ needs is exceptional and noteworthy among our peers in the home health industry.”
The 2008 HomeCare Elite rankings are the only performance recognition of their kind in the home health industry. These rankings are compiled each year by OCS, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare informatics, and DecisionHealth, publisher of …home health line, a respected home care industry newsletter.
“The 2008 HomeCare Elite winners exemplify a commitment to providing their patients with optimum care while performing at the highest level,” said Nancy Buller, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at OCS, Inc. "We congratulate ETMC Home Health West on being one of the Top 100 and ETMC Home Health North on being one of the Top 500 home care agencies in the country."
“DecisionHealth would like to congratulate the top HomeCare Elite agencies that achieved excellent clinical and financial outcomes by providing quality care to their patients,” adds Marci Heydt, Executive Editor of DecisionHealth’s Home Health Line.
The entire list of the 2008 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS web site at www.ocsys.com/HCE.
CHAP Accreditation
ETMC Home Health brings quality healthcare home to East Texans, and is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (C.H.A.P.). It is staffed by fully trained, licensed and certified professionals and certified by both Medicare and the Texas Department of Health. ETMC Home Health nurses and aides visit homes throughout the counties we serve in the East Texas region.
Any individual or family may contact ETMC Home Health to schedule an evaluation. ETMC Home Health supplies skilled nursing care in the home and private nursing care for up to 24 hours a day whenever needed. Licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists are available to assist in the recovery process. Social workers locate necessary community support services for patients and their families. And home health aides assist patients with daily activities such as grooming, bathing and other personal hygiene needs. For more information, please call 1-800-256-7091.
Read More...
Summary only...
14 Complaints of engine compartment fires spark recall notice.
The Chrysler Corporation announced on Wednesday it was recalling 108,429 Dodge Ram diesel pickup trucks. Reportedly, an engine compartment flaw in Ram pickup trucks could cause fires. The recall will begin this month.
So far there have been 14 complaints reported of Dodge Ram engine fires that may be related to the recall.
Here is the official NHTSA Recall Notice:
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DODGE / RAM 2500 2007-2008
DODGE / RAM 3500 2007-2008
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC Mfr's Report Date: DEC 04, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V641000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 108429
Summary:
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 108,429 MY 2007-2008 DODGE RAM 2500 AND 3500 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.7L DIESEL ENGINES. A SILENCER PAD CAN SAG AND CONTACT THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER. Consequence:
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL ADD A BRACKET TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SILENCER PAD ADJACENT TO THE EGR COOLER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:
CHRYSLER RECALL NO. H34. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Read More...
Summary only...
For the third month in a row, Upshur County's unemployment rate remains steady at 4.6%, bucking upward trends in both the Texas and U.S. rates.
Data released monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics continue to show the county resisting broader trends in unemployment, seen both statewide and nationally.
An informal survey of builders and realtors in the county suggest a moderate slow down of housing starts, with the residential resale market holding steady in volume, with a slight decrease in sales prices.
Read More...
Summary only...
The company released a statement today confirming reports that it's lenders had extended the temporary default waiver until Monday.
The company's stocks surged .48 cents on the news, with shares closing the day at 1.02.
Company press release follows:
PITTSBURG, Texas, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pilgrim's Pride
Corporation (NYSE: PPC) today announced that it has reached an agreement with
its lenders to extend the temporary waiver under its credit facilities through
noon (CT) on December 1, 2008. Pilgrim's Pride continues to pursue
opportunities to refinance and recapitalize its business, and to position
itself to capitalize on its strategic advantages.
Read More...
Summary only...
Local poultry producer under intense credit presure, will cut jobs as part of a restructuring effort.
KLTV is reporting that Pilgrim's Pride will lay off more than 300 workers this month, some as early as this week.
Read More...
Summary only...
The company is pulling out all the stops to keep afloat, but some Wall Street analysts think it's just a matter of time.
Research firm CreditSights says credit extensions and loan grace periods only postpone the company's collapse.
"Although the temporary waiver provides Pilgrim's Pride with another 30 days of life, it appears to be more illusionary than substantive," the report said.
The company has been trying to stave off bankruptcy, negotiating loan extensions with it's creditors.
In a statement on Sep. 25th, it points to weak market demand for breast meat and losses on hedged feed grain positions as major contributors to it's current business woes.
We spoke with Ray Atkinson, Pilgrim's Director of Corporate Communications regarding the report. He said the company is working on a plan to avoid bankruptcy:
"We continue to believe that chapter 11 is not in anyone's interest"
With facilities across the southeastern US and Mexico, the company employs around 50,000 people. Mr. Atkinson didn't know how many of those employees were at the plant in Mount Pleasant. The company's published fact sheet can be found here.
Atkinson didn't directly comment on prospects for layoffs, saying instead the company's new plan would focus on increasing liquidity.
Read More...
Summary only...
In recent remarks, the Governor acknowledges the slowdown, and urges fiscal proactivity. Remarks came ahead of a new report by the Federal Reserve Bank showing Texas manufacturing on a downward trend.
Speaking recently to the Texas Chemical Council in Houston, and the Dallas Regional Chamber, Governor Perry has acknowledged that the Texas economy is feeling the effects of the worldwide economic crunch.
Speaking to the Chemical Council on the 16th, Perry commended the sector's 16 million dollars donations to Ike recovery, and then said
"Fortunately, the things that have been attracting businesses to Texas haven’t changed, but our state is not immune to the upheaval on Wall Street. As strong as it is, the Texas economy is interconnected with the economies of other states and nations, so a ripple effect is unavoidable."
Then on the 21st to the Dallas Regional Council, Perry said
"...this financial storm has left credit very, very tight. Whether you lead a business that was ready to expand, a family that was planning to buy a new home or car, or a local government that is recovering from Ike, we are all being affected by the current financial unrest."
The Governors remark foreshadowed a report released yesterday by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, which showed Texas manufacturing indicators continuing a slide that began early this year.
The Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey is issued monthly by the Fed. Considered important because the survey focuses on Texas manufacturing, which ranks second behind California in factory production and first in the nation as an exporter of manufactured products.
Movements in this sector can be particularly useful for understanding changes in the general economy. Swings in business activity are often felt more quickly and more intensely in the manufacturing sector, which tends to be more cyclically sensitive than the total economy. The report summary states:
"Texas manufacturing activity continued to decline in October, according to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
Most indicators of current production and general business conditions remained weak. Nearly all indexes for future activity dipped considerably, and several manufacturers noted that the credit crisis had dampened their outlook."
Perry promised to keep pressure on FEMA to reimburse costs associated with Hurricane Ike, saying in Dallas:
"We won’t know Ike’s total cost for some time, but I expect it will far exceed the $11.2 billion that we requested from Congress. When you consider the resources devoted to dealing with the storm, the cost of countless lost business days, destroyed homes and shattered businesses, the price tag will be a hefty one, and that doesn’t even begin to address the tragic loss of life. To that end, we have kept steady pressure on FEMA to ensure we get reimbursements on par with those Louisiana received after Katrina."
In Houston, he also acknowledged fiscal measures the state government businesses are taking to weather the credit storm.
Read More...
Summary only...
Site clearing and grading has started on Duoline's 18 million dollar plant south of Gilmer.
"C" Construction out of Tyler has been awarded the general contract, and has started clearing and grading the site.
Jim Reyes, the site superintendent for C, says the job is scheduled to be completed in May of 2009.
Read More...
Summary only...
