House Democratic budget impact on conservation

Washington Ag Today April 7, 2011 The biennial budget proposed by House Democrats this week would have a substantial impact on Conservation Districts in the state if approved as is. Ron Schultz of the State Conservation Commission described the impact of the proposed spending reductions to the Senate Agriculture Committee yesterday.

Schultz: “We would estimate that approximately ten to twelve of the 47 Conservation Districts would close their doors or reduce to part-time staff. Most of those districts are going to be in rural communities and districts that don‘t have assessments or other sources.”

Schultz said there would also be rural district staff reductions which would mean cutting technical expertise, something difficult to build back into the system. He also expressed concern about the proposed capital budget’s impact on local animal nutrient projects.

Now this from Stockland Livestock.

This is Jack McQuinness with Stockland Livestock here in Davenport. 12-hundred cattle on our market here on Monday. Good strong sale. Cows and bulls stronger again, back up into the mid-80s on the better end of the weigh up cows. Bulls topped at a dollar two and half, that might be some sort of a record for prices on these heavyweight bulls. Feeder cattle steady maybe a little stronger on the lightweight grass type cattle. Had some 740 pound steers get up to $1.40 here on Monday. Pairs topped at 1560. Older bred cows calving into May trading up to 1250. Good sale. We are looking for another one next Monday. That’s at Stockland Livestock here in Davenport. Thanks for listening.

Thanks Jack.

I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on Northwest Aginfo Net.

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