Upshur Oil and Gas Report - Jan. 2008

Apache receives approval to drill the Tarter Coleman #2

Jan. 21, 2009 -- The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) received two drilling permit requestsfor Upshur County in January, both from the Apache Corporation, and both for recompletions.

On Jan. 7th, Apache filed to recomplete the W.F. Smith #3, a 12,100 foot well in the Cotton Valley Sands field. That permit was approved on Jan. 13th.

Apache also filed, on Jan. 30th, to recomplete the Hargest Gas Unit #1, a 16,000 foot well in the Cotton Valley Sand. Approval for that permit has not been issued.

The RRC also approved a permit filed last month by Maximus Operating for the Tarter Coleman #2, a new 12,500 foot well in the Cedar Springs field.

Upshur County Well Completions and Potential Testing

None in Jan. 2009

New leases Built in Upshur County:

Apache reported to the RRC on 01-02-09 that surface construction was complete at the Wright Unit #3 well.

McBee Operating Co. reported to the RRC on 01-15-09 that surface construction was complete at the Spencer Gas Unit #1 well.

XTO Energy reported to the RRC on 01-13-09 that surface construction was complete at the Will McKnight Gas Unit #1 well.

Pipeline Permitting, Construction and Operating In Upshur County:

None in Jan. 2009

Monthly Production Totals For Upshur County:

For the month of November, 2008, the RRC reports that combined production of Upshur oil and gas leases were 9,890 barrels of oil, 2,732,125 MCF of natural gas, and 27,624 barrels of condensate.

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Secretary Andrade Praises State’s Economic Development Efforts

says Texas "very business-friendly" in speech.

WESTLAKE, TX, Jan. 30, 2009 – Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade today addressed the Northeast Leadership Forum at their annual meeting and award luncheon. Andrade, an entrepreneur from San Antonio, highlighted the advantages of doing business in Texas and praised the state’s proactive efforts in economic development.

“There should be no question in our minds about how fortunate we are to call ourselves Texans,” Andrade said. “As the world’s 12th-largest economy, we added more than 152,000 new jobs last year, while the nation as a whole lost more than 2.6 million.”


Though the rate of expansion has slowed, the Texas economy is still expanding and has been recognized as the state best-suited to weather the current financial uncertainty. Texas ranks as the top relocation destination in the U.S. for the fourth year in a row and is now home to the most FORTUNE 500 corporate headquarters in the nation.

“While other states are driving businesses away through increased taxes, regulatory ‘hoops,’ and unharnessed spending, Texas welcomes them with open – and very business-friendly – arms,” Andrade continued.

Andrade reminded the audience of the profitable gains the state has seen through the Texas Enterprise Fund and the Texas Emerging Technology Fund. Since its creation in 2003, the Enterprise Fund has helped close the deal on projects generating $14 billion in capital investment and more than 53,000 new jobs for the state. Additionally, the state has invested more than $110 million in research teams, universities, and technology companies through the Emerging Technology Fund.

Andrade underscored the role state government can play in Texas economic development activities.

She said the state should, “continue cultivating a business environment which encourages entrepreneurial ideas, a competitive economy, and new opportunities for Texas and our many partners. As we move forward, let’s remain mindful of the primary principle which has brought us such great prosperity: the commitment to a limited government system that allows people to grow their businesses, invest their money, create new jobs, and fully realize the unlimited opportunities that await them in our state,” Andrade concluded.

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Sales Tax Seminar To Be Held In Tyler

Texas Comptroller’s Office Schedules February Tax Help Seminars

AUSTIN, TX, Jan. 30, 2009 -- A thriving economy, growing work force and friendly business climate attract more businesses to the Lone Star state every day. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs’ office regularly presents free taxpayer seminars throughout the state to help new and existing business owners understand their state tax responsibilities.

At the seminars, taxpayers can learn about sales tax forms, filing and paying taxes electronically, taxable goods and services, e-services to help taxpayers manage their accounts online, the Comptroller’s e-mail subscription service that alerts taxpayers when new tax information is posted online, and the array of other services and information available from the Comptroller’s office to assist taxpayers. Comptroller representatives will answer questions and provide assistance to attendees.

“A strong and diverse business community is the key to Texas’ economic strength,” Combs said. “We are committed to assisting Texas businesses by making taxes simpler, smarter, faster and, above all, transparent. We owe it to our taxpayers to provide the best customer service possible.”

Five seminars will take place throughout February at various locations across the state. For a complete list of locations, dates and times is available at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/seminars.html.

The closest scheduled seminar to Upshur County will be held in Tyler. It is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. The seminar will begin at 6:00 p.m. Interested parties can contact the Tyler Field Office at (903) 534-0333.

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TASB Report Says Industry Should Help Design High School Curriculum

Texas Association of Schoolboard's report examines the college and workforce readiness of Texas students.

AUSTIN, TX, Jan. 29, 2009 -- Legal and policy barriers to postsecondary success and workforce readiness are examined in a report recently released by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) as part of a two-year project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The report, Barriers to Implementing College and Workforce Readiness Initiatives in Texas, focuses on legal, regulatory, and practical obstacles that keep students from making a successful transition from
high school to college or the workforce.

“Local school board members, district administrators, and legislators should each consider how to address the relevant barriers in their own districts. Some will require local solutions; others must be addressed statewide,” said Jackie Lain, TASB associate executive director of Governmental Relations. “This report identifies a number of important policies designed to improve college and workforce readiness in Texas. The next steps are to assure that local school districts have appropriate resources to support their implementation.”


One of the project’s goals is to help state and district policymakers better understand the existing legal and policy framework for preparing all Texas students for college and work. “TASB has identified laws and policies that are impeding Texas public schools from successfully preparing young adults for future success,” said Catherine Clark, TASB associate executive director of Governance Services. “By studying not only the legal requirements but also how they are implemented, we have identified laws and policies that support students in making that transition successfully and those that impose unintended barriers. Understanding the challenges will help policymakers refine and calibrate those requirements to better facilitate high school graduation and post-high school success,” Clark said.

Although Texas has made great strides in improving academic preparation of students, more work must be done to achieve college and workforce readiness. Among the report’s major conclusions:
* Research consistently shows that teacher quality has the greatest impact on student learning. Therefore, the state should ensure that traditional and alternative teacher certification programs are preparing teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to help students meet the demands of higher education and the workforce.

* College and career counseling must be made more readily available to students, especially in schools with high populations of students who are historicallyunderrepresented in higher education.

* The state must invest in the creation of a longitudinal data system to help educators in public and higher education institutions understand the relationship between teaching, learning, outcomes, and postsecondary preparedness.

* Finally, labor market representatives should be involved earlier in the process of developing curricula standards for public and higher education courses, and course offerings should be aligned with workforce needs.

In coming months, TASB will share the report’s findings in presentations to statewide organizations, Texas legislative staff, school board members, district administrators, and other interested groups. “All stakeholders need to be aware of existing barriers in order to overcome them and help Texas students successfully transition from high school,” Lain said.

TASB is a nonprofit organization established in 1949 to serve local Texas school districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 4.7 million public school students.

In the United States, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is focused on increasing opportunity for all Americans by ensuring all students—regardless of race or family income—can graduate college-ready and earn a postsecondary credential with real value in the workplace.

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USDA Hay Report - Jan. 30, 2009

Prices steady to weak on active trade as drought conditions out west worsen.

AMARILLO, TX, Jan. 30, 2009 -- Compared to last week, hay prices generally steady to weak in a moderate to active trade. High quality alfalfa for horses or dairies continues to be limited and very hard to find.

The extreme drought condition in most all areas of the state is a major concern to hay producers as well as all other agriculture interests. Many counties have instituted fire bans as several acres have already been burned this year. The continuing extreme drought and stock tanks and ponds drying-up has some livestock producers moving or selling off livestock.

The decreasing milk and fed cattle prices has many dairy farms and feedlots cutting back on high quality hay requirements and forced to use other less costly roughage in order to lower ration costs.

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.

The following prices for hay and pellets quoted per ton except where noted.


Panhandle:
Alfalfa:
Small Squares: Delivered:
Premium to Supreme quality 250.00-300.00, 8.00-10.00 per bale;
Good to Premium quality 200.00-250.00, 7.00-8.00 per bale.

Large Squares: Delivered:
Supreme to Premium quality 210.00-250.00;
Good to Premium quality 190.00-220.00;
Fair to Good quality 160.00-190.00.

Chopped Alfalfa: Delivered to feedlots:
North: 180.00-190.00.
South: 185.00-190.00.

Wheat Hay: Large rounds: Delivered: 120.00-125.00
Sorghum Hay: Large rounds: Delivered: 100.00-110.00.
Bluestem grass hay: Delivered: large rounds: 120.00.
Haygrazer: Delivered: large rounds 125.00-135.00.

West Texas:
Alfalfa: Small Squares: FOB:
Premium to Supreme quality 240.00-300.00, 8.00-10.00 per bale;
Good to Premium quality 200.00-240.00; 7.00-8.00 per bale.

Large Squares: Delivered:
Premium to Supreme quality 225.00-250.00;
Good to Premium quality 190.00-225.00;
Good quality 160.00-190.00.

North, Central and East Texas:
Alfalfa: Small Squares: Delivered:
Premium to Supreme quality 250.00-300.00, 8.00-10.00 per bale;
Good to Premium quality 7.00-8.00 per bale.

FOB:
Good to Premium quality 5.00-7.00 per bale in the barn.

Large Squares: Delivered:
Premium to Supreme quality 225.00-250.00;
Good to Premium quality 190.00-225.00.

Coastal Bermuda: Small Squares: FOB:
Premium quality 6.00-7.50 per bale;
Fair to Good quality 5.00-6.00 per bale.

Large rounds: FOB:
Premium 70.00-80.00;
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:
Premium quality 70.00-85.00;
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.

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Crockett Cattle Auction - Jan. 28, 2009

Slaughter prices up slightly and feeders down on moderate trade affected by icy weather conditions.

CROCKETT, TX, Jan. 27, 2009 -- Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers 2.00-3.00 lower, with some lighter calves 6.00 lower. Slaughter cows 2.00-3.00 higher. Slaughter bulls 2.00 higher. Trade and demand moderate, however today's auction was affected by the icy weather to the north and west, hampering livestock movement. Bulk supply Medium and Large 2-3 300-600 lb feeder steers and heifers.

Slaughter cows made up 12 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 1 percent, replacement cows 2 percent, and feeders 85 percent. The feeder supply included 52 percent steers and 48 percent heifers. Near 16 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.


Cattle and Calves: 1,068
Week Ago: 1,561
Year Ago: 790

Steers:
Medium and Large 1:
300-400 lbs 102.00-112.00, few to 115.00;
400-500 lbs 93.00-103.00, few to 112.00, fleshy 84.00-85.00;
500-600 lbs 86.00-96.00, few to 102.00;
600-700 lbs 76.00-86.00, few to 93.00, calves 80.00-89.00, few to 94.00;
700-800 lbs 84.00-85.00.

Medium and Large 2:
200-300 lbs 116.00-124.00;
300-400 lbs 91.00-101.00, few to 109.00, thin 111.00-120.00;
400-500 lbs 86.00-96.00, few to 98.00, thin 101.00-108.00;
500-600 lbs 79.00-89.00, few to 96.00;
600-700 lbs 85.50-95.00.

Medium and Large 3:
200-300 lbs 103.00-110.00;
300-400 lbs 89.00-99.00, individual 102.00;
400-500 lbs 76.00-85.00, individual 89.00;
500-600 lbs 73.00-75.00.

Heifers:
Medium and Large 1:
300-400 lbs 88.00-99.00;
400-500 lbs 77.00-87.00, few to 91.00, fleshy 72.00;
500-600 lbs 75.00-85.00, individual 89.00;
600-700 lbs 73.00-79.00, calves 76.00-77.00;
700-800 lbs 69.00-76.00.

Medium and Large 2:
few 200-300 lbs 88.00-99.00;
300-400 lbs 77.00-86.00, few to 90.00, fancy 94.00-97.00;
400-500 lbs 74.00-84.00, few to 89.00, fancy 90.00-97.00;
500-600 lbs 72.00-82.00, individual 87.00;
600-700 lbs 71.00-80.00, few to 84.00, calves 75.00-76.00;
700-800 lbs 65.00-75.00.

Medium and Large 3:
300-400 lbs 72.00-82.00, individual 88.00;
400-500 lbs 70.00-80.00, few to 84.00;
500-600 lbs 65.00-75.00.

Slaughter Cows:

         % Lean     Weight     Avg. Dressing     Hi Dressing     Lo Dressing
Boners   80-85    1200-1600     45.50-49.50      51.50-54.50                
Boners   80-85    1000-1200     43.00-48.00      49.50-52.50                  
Lean     85-90    1000-1200     40.00-43.00      45.50-47.50     35.50-36.50
Lean     85-90     800-1000     32.50-37.50      38.00-44.00     30.50-31.50
Lean     85-90    under 800     31.50-33.50

Slaughter Bulls
Yield Grade 1-2 1155-1935 lbs 50.50-54.50

Replacement Cows:
Medium and Large 1-2:
young 815-940 lb cows 5-6 months bred 660.00-740.00 per head,
fancy 1050 lb cows 6 months bred 880.00 per head;
middle aged 995-1095 lb cows 5-7 months bred 680.00-770.00 per head,
fancy 1325-1460 lb cows 7-8 months bred 870.00-890.00 per head;
aged 1020-1030 lb cows 6-8 months bred 560.00-640.00 per head

Source: Texas Dept of Ag Market News-USDA Market News, Amarillo, TX

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Robroy Promotes Paul Herman To Plant Manager

Gilmer resident to take the reins at Korn's plant in Avinger.

AVINGER, TX, Jan. 29, 2009 -- ECN/KORNS announced today the promotion and return of Paul Herman to the position of Plant Manager of their manufacturing plant in Avinger.

ECN/KORNS, a Robroy company, manufactures galvanized couplings, elbows, clamps and nipples for the electrical construction industry.

Paul has been with Robroy 34 years, and started with them in Verona, PA as a production worker. In 1995, he was promoted to supervisor and moved to Gilmer.

In 2001, Paul became a Methods Analyst for the Gilmer Plant and in 2005, went to the Avinger facility as Plant Manager.

He then returned Gilmer, again as Methods Analysts/Special Projects and has been promoted back to Plant Manager in Avinger.

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U. S. Steel to Relocate Dallas Administrative Office

Lone Star plant facilities not affected

PITTSBURGH, PA., Jan. 28, 2009 -- United States Steel Corporation announced today that it plans to relocate the administrative offices of its U. S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc. subsidiary from Dallas, Texas, to the company's corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa. The relocation will take place gradually over the next several months.

"Moving our Tubular Products subsidiary's administrative functions to our corporate headquarters will allow us to realize additional synergies and reduce costs through the elimination of duplicate services," said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John H. Goodish. "Overall, this move will make us more efficient."

U. S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc. will continue to maintain a significant presence in Texas through a sales office in Houston and other operating locations.

"Our Houston office is an important location for sales and service," Goodish added. "Additional sales personnel will relocate to Houston to provide customer support."

In addition to the sales office, U. S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc. has tubular products operating facilities in Bellville (Bellville Operations Division), Houston (Tubular Processing Services Division, Tubular Threading and Inspection Services Division, and Wheeling Machine Products), Hughes Springs (Wheeling Machine Products), and Lone Star (Star Tubular Services Division and Texas Operations Division).

There are currently about 80 employees working at the Dallas administrative office, but the exact number of employees who will relocate to Pittsburgh and Houston has yet to be determined.

For more information about U. S. Steel and U. S. Steel Tubular Products, Inc., visit www.ussteel.com.

SOURCE: United States Steel Corporation

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Don Jackson Elected to Pilgrim's Pride Board of Directors

The vote follows yesterday's announcement of a ruling by the US Bankruptcy Court to allow the hiring of Jackson, a former Tyson executive, as President and CEO.

PITTSBURG, TX., Jan. 28, 2009 -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (Pink Sheets: PGPDQ) today announced that Don Jackson, president and chief executive officer, has been elected to the Company's Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Dr. Jackson joined the company on an interim basis last month and his appointment as president and CEO was approved yesterday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. 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.

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.

Additional information about the restructuring is available at the Company's website www.pilgrimspride.com or via the Company's restructuring information line at (888) 830-4659.

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Court Approves Jackson To Head Pilgrim's Pride

U.S. Bankruptcy Court approves Don Jackson as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pilgrim's Pride

PITTSBURG, TX., Jan. 27 -- Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (Pink Sheets: PGPDQ) today announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas has approved the Company's hiring of Don Jackson as president and chief executive officer.

As previously announced, Dr. Jackson had joined the company on an interim basis last month. 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.

Pilgrim's Pride 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.

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Lone Star Parent Company Calls 2008 "Outstanding"

United States Steel Corporation reports 2008 fourth quarter and full-year results.

PITTSBURG, PA, Jan. 27, 2009 -- Citing record sales and income, U.S. Steel Chairman and CEO John Surma called 2008 an outstanding year for the steel giant.

In a press release today, the company reported fourth quarter 2008 profits of $308 million, or $2.65 per diluted share, compared to third quarter 2008 net income of $919 million, or $7.79 per diluted share, and fourth quarter 2007 net income of $35 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. Fourth quarter 2008 net income was increased by $76 million, or 65 cents per diluted share.

For the full-year 2008, U. S. Steel reported a net income of $2,130 million, or $18.11 per diluted share, compared with full-year 2007 net income of $879 million, or $7.40 per diluted share.

U. S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma said, "Although the global economic situation negatively affected fourth quarter results, we had an outstanding year in 2008, with record net sales, income from operations and net income. Our strategic acquisitions positioned us to realize substantial benefits from strong global market conditions during most of 2008."

The company reported fourth quarter 2008 income from operations of $549 million, compared with income from operations of $1,327 million in the third quarter of 2008 and $116 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. For the year 2008, income from operations was $3,096 million versus income from operations of $1,213 million for the year 2007.

Read the full release at http://uss.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=551.

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New Pipeline Planned From Carthage To Delhi, La.

Energy Transfer Partners announces plans to construct Haynesville Pipeline.

DALLAS, TX., Jan. 27, 2009 —- Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.NYSE:ETP) announced it has entered into an agreement with Chesapeake Energy Marketing, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK), to construct a 178-mile 42” interstate natural gas pipeline (“Tiger Pipeline”).

The project will connect to ETP’s dual 42” pipeline system near Carthage, Texas, extend through the heart of the Haynesville Shale and end near Delhi, Louisiana, with interconnects to at least seven interstate pipelines at various points in Louisiana.

The Tiger Pipeline is anticipated to have an initial throughput capacity of at least 1.25 Bcf per day, which capacity may be increased up to 2.0 Bcf per day based on the results of an open season. The agreement with Chesapeake provides for a 15-year commitment for firm transportation capacity of approximately 1.0 Bcf per day.

The pipeline project is anticipated to cost between $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion to construct, depending upon the final throughput capacity design, with such costs to be incurred over a three-year period. Pending necessary regulatory approvals, Tiger Pipeline is expected to be in service by mid-2011.

“Energy Transfer Partners continues to implement its growth strategy of providing pipeline capacity through significant producing basins across the country. Critical infrastructure is needed to relieve growing constraints near the Carthage Hub and to provide takeaway capacity from the Haynesville Shale. The Tiger Pipeline project is another example of how our Partnership works with successful producers like Chesapeake to consummate pipeline opportunities,” said Mackie McCrea, President and Chief Operating Officer of ETP. “This project will contribute to our ability to generate sustainable long term distributions for our unitholders.”

“Chesapeake believes the Haynesville Shale has the potential to become the largest producing field in the country,” commented Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake’s Chief Executive Officer. “Significant capacity must be built to insure the deliverability of natural gas from this rapidly expanding area and we are pleased to be able to support ETP in this very important project.”

Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (NYSE:ETP) is a publicly traded partnership owning and operating a diversified portfolio of energy assets. ETP has pipeline operations in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Utah, and owns the largest intrastate pipeline system in Texas.

ETP’s natural gas operations include intrastate natural gas gathering and transportation pipelines, natural gas treating and processing assets and three natural gas storage facilities located in Texas. These assets include approximately 14,550 miles of intrastate pipeline in service, with approximately 250 miles of intrastate pipeline under construction. In addition, ETP owns 2,450 miles of interstate pipeline in service, with approximately 250 miles of interstate pipeline under construction. ETP is also one of the three largest retail marketers of propane in the United States, serving more than one million customers across the country.

Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE:ETE) is a publicly traded partnership, which owns the general partner of Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. and approximately 62.5 million ETP limited partner units.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation is the largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company's operations are focused on exploratory and developmental drilling and corporate and property acquisitions in the Barnett Shale, Haynesville Shale, Fayetteville Shale, Marcellus Shale, Anadarko Basin, Arkoma Basin, Appalachian Basin, Permian Basin, Delaware Basin, South Texas, Texas Gulf Coast and East Texas regions of the United States.

Further information is available at www.chk.com.

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Dallas Fed: Texas Manufacturing Sector "Weak"

Following a December report that showed sharp manufacturing declines, the current report indicates further softening of the sector to continue.

NEWS RELEASE, Jan. 26, 2009 -- Texas manufacturing activity remained weak in January, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey. Current activity indexes for production, capacity utilization, growth rate of orders, delivery time, volume of new orders and shipments remained at near-record lows. In addition, most indexes for future activity stayed flat, and respondents continued to report bleak six-month expectations.

After dropping to record lows in December, several indicators for current activity registered a seasonal uptick. However, seasonally adjusted data (not yet released publicly) show continued declines.

Concerns about the deepening national recession continued to depress business sentiment. Both the company outlook and general business activity indexes continued to reveal overwhelmingly downbeat sentiment, with 47 percent of respondents reporting a dismal outlook and 55 percent noting worsening market conditions.


Labor markets weakened further. The employment index fell for the sixth consecutive month, hitting an all-time low. The average workweek index improved slightly but remained negative, with 31 percent of executives reporting cutbacks in hours and only 8 percent reporting increases.

Price pressures continued to subside. Fifty-three percent of firms noted declines in input prices, and 33 percent cited lower prices for their own manufactured goods. Firms’ expectations for future price increases were subdued as well. The index for future raw material prices dropped to its lowest level since the survey began in 2004. The index for future finished goods prices was negative and virtually unchanged.

Consistent with overall weakness, the materials inventories and capital expenditures indexes slipped further into negative territory. More than 35 percent of producers reported shrinking their inventories and capital expenditure budgets in light of weak of demand.

Assessments of future activity remained generally pessimistic, suggesting that the region’s manufacturers expect their operations to contract further over the next six months. Although indexes for future production, capacity utilization, volume of new orders and shipments improved slightly, they’re still close to record lows.

The Dallas Fed conducts the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey monthly to obtain a timely assessment of the state’s factory activity. Data for the latest survey were collected Jan. 13–21, and 104 Texas manufacturers responded to the survey. Firms are asked whether output, employment, orders, prices and other indicators increased, decreased or remained unchanged over the previous month.

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Athens Cattle Auction - Jan. 26, 2009

Feeder and slaughter prices trend higher, head count was higher than last week.

ATHENS, TX., Jan. 26, 2009 -- Compared to last week: Feeder steers firm to 3.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 2.00 higher. Slaughter cows and bulls steady to 4.00 higher. Trade and demand good. Bulk supply Medium and Large 1-2 400-700 lb feeder steers and heifers.

Slaughter cows made up 8 percent of the offering, slaughter bulls 1 percent, replacement cows 10 percent, and feeders 81 percent. The feeder supply included 62 percent steers and 38 percent heifers. Near 20 percent of the run weighed over 600 lbs.


Cattle and Calves: 984
Week Ago: 682
Year Ago: N/A

Steers:
Medium and Large 1:
300-400 lbs 112.00-117.00, few to 127.50;
400-500 lbs 100.00-104.00;
500-600 lbs 93.00-97.00, few to 100.00;
600-700 lbs 85.00-89.00.

Medium and Large 2:
300-400 lbs 106.00-111.00;
400-500 lbs 93.00-100.00;
500-600 lbs 85.00-92.00;
600-700 lb calves 80.00-86.00;
700-800 lbs 75.00-78.00.

Medium and Large 3:
300-400 lbs 89.00-95.00;
400-500 lbs 87.00-90.00;
500-600 lbs 80.00-84.00.

Heifers:
Medium and Large 2:
300-400 lbs 83.00-91.00;
400-500 lbs 80.00-90.00;
500-600 lbs 75.00-80.00;
600-700 lb calves 74.00-78.00;
700-800 lb 70.00-75.00.

Medium and Large 3:
300-400 lbs 77.00-81.00;
400-500 lbs 75.00-79.00.

Slaughter Cows:

            %Lean     Weight    Avg Dressing    Hi Dressing    Lo Dressing
Breakers    75-80   1200-1600    45.00-48.50                                
Boners      80-85   1200-1600    44.50-49.50    50.00-52.50                 
Boners      80-85   1000-1200    41.50-49.00                                
Lean        85-90   1000-1200    35.00-38.00                              
Lean        85-90    800-1000    34.00-37.50                   20.00-25.50

Slaughter Bulls:
Yield Grade 1-2 1300-2100 lbs 52.00-57.00
Low Dressing 1000-1300 lbs 42.00-48.00

Replacement Cows:
Medium and Large 1-2:
young 630-1125 lb cows 4-8 months bred 52.50-60.00 CWT;
middle aged 840-1415 lb cows 4-8 months bred 48.00-67.00 CWT;
aged 800-1400 lb cows 3-8 months bred 32.00-50.00 CWT.

Cow/Calf Pairs:
Medium and Large 1-2:
aged 775-1185 lb cows w/50-200 lb calves 360.00-660.00 per pair.

Source: Texas Dept of Ag Market News-USDA Market News, Amarillo, TX

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Agrilife Conference To Focus On Small-Plot Organic Farming

Small-acreage landowners invited to organic horticulture conference Jan. 30-31.

EDINBURG, TX., Jan 23, 2009 -- As a horticulturist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Barbara Storz says she’s often approached by landowners with questions about small-scale farming.

“People with less than 10 acres of land want to know what they can do with their properties to make some money,” she said. “Fortunately, there are several ways to go, but the first step is for landowners to gather information and meet people who can help them."

To educate and network small landowners, Storz has helped organize the 8th annual Sustainable Ag and Organic Gardening Conference. The two-day program will be held Jan. 30-31 at the Echo Hotel in Edinburg. “This conference is for people who have thought of going into farming on a small scale,” Storz said. “Maybe they are backyard gardeners who want to expand, or maybe they’re interested in growing and selling organic vegetables. Or maybe they want to start a small citrus orchard or grow high-value crops like starfruit.”


Storz said the conference is an excellent opportunity for small landowners to gain knowledge from experienced producers, researchers and farm industry professionals.

“Growing organic vegetables can be very profitable,” Storz said, “but becoming certified as an organic grower is a process. We’ll have experts on hand to explain that process, as well as organic suppliers who can provide landowners or even commercial growers with the products they’ll need to go organic.”

The conference begins Friday at 8 a.m. with a tour of the City of McAllen’s composting facility, an organic citrus farm and the Borders Farm and Packing Shed in Edinburg.

After the tour, the speakers program begins at 2:30 p.m. with talks on organic pecan production, soil minerals and fertilizers.

“We’ll also present two case studies on sustainable pastures and sustainable watermelon production,” Storz said. “A trade show will be open with very informative booths by the Texas Department of Agriculture and others, followed by a buffet dinner.”

Saturday’s program begins at 8:30 a.m. with talks on tropical fruit orchard maintenance, organic nematode and disease control, high-density citrus production and how to become a certified organic producer.

Growers can receive three continuing education units to help meet pesticide license requirements, Storz said.

“This one-stop event will offer something for anyone interested in sustainable or organic farming and gardening, especially the small landowner,” she said.

The conference is sponsored by the Sustainable Agronomic Education Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, AgriLife Extension, Texas Plant and Soil Lab and Earthwise Organics.

The registration fee for both days is $80, or $40 for Saturday’s program only.

For more information, contact Storz at 956-383-1026, or email b-storz@tamu.edu.

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ERCOT Board Approves 2009 Budget

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas' 2009 revised budget is the fifth in a row to feature flat or declining fees.

PRESS RELEASE, Jan. 22, 2009 -- The Board of Directors for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), grid operator for most of the state, approved a revised 2009 budget excluding nodal activities and maintaining the current system administration fee at its Tuesday board meeting.

The base operating budget includes a $168.5 million total spending authorization, based on a system administration fee of $0.4171 per megawatt hour (assessed on wholesale energy transactions). This marks the fifth straight year that ERCOT has maintained a flat or declining fee, CEO Bob Kahn told the board.

The board had previously approved a 2009 budget in May; however, it assumed a nodal market launch in December 2008. The revised budget excludes operating cost increases necessary to operate a nodal market, given the delay in the nodal market implementation date, which is tentatively scheduled for December 2010 pending board and regulatory approval.

The budget presentation is available for download at http://www.ercot.com/content/meetings/board/keydocs/2009/0120/Item_15a_-_2009_Revised_Budget_Presentation.pdf.

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