Studded Tires & Candidates On Domestic Fuels

Studded Tires & Candidates On Domestic Fuels plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

Less than a week before election day and the candidates have been pulling out all the stops. One issue has had a lot of people buzzing and that is domestic fuels. You hear both candidates say a lot about petroleum and coal but very little regarding ethanol. The President talked about the last 4 years.

OBAMA: So here’s what I’ve done since I’ve been President. We have increased oil production to the highest levels in 16 years. Natural gas production is the highest it’s been in decades. We have seen increases in coal production and coal employment. But what I’ve also said is we can’t just produce traditional sources of energy, we’ve also got to look to the future.

Romney countered.

ROMNEY: Let’s look at the President’s policies alright as opposed to the rhetoric because we’ve had 4 years of policies being played out and the President’s right in terms of the additional oil production but none of it came on federal land.

It is a sure sign that winter is approaching in the northwest when you start to hear the unique sound of studded tires on the pavement. Both Oregon and Washington residents can now install studded tires on their vehicles. Idaho residents began back in October. Idaho’s studded snow tire season continues through April 30 while in both Washington and Oregon tires must be removed as of March 31st. the DOT reminds drivers of big trucks they need to carry chains in case they need to chain up to cross mountain passes.

Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.

Since National Bison Day was November 1st some of you may be thinking about trying bison meat for the first time, but might not be sure where you can buy it and how you should cook it. No worries, bison is more easily available now than it ever has been before, thanks in part to the upsurge in popularity of natural food stores. Bison can also be found in several of the regular supermarket chain stores, either on a regular basis, or as a special highlighted food item once or twice a month. Bison is a healthy meat choice that is quite lean, high in iron and protein, and very nutritious. If you have preconceived notions that bison is a tough textured or gamey tasting meat, guess again. According to the National Bison Association, bison is a meat that is very similar to beef, with maybe a little bit sweeter taste. Most recipes that call for beef will work just as well with bison, but the NBA reminds people not to overcook it. It’s lean nature will cause it to cook more quickly, so you want to be sure to cook it on medium and keep an eye on it. If you still can’t find bison, go to bisoncentral.com where you can enter your zip code to find bison producers right in your area.

Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.