Wildlife Interaction & Fighting Rezoning
Wildlife Interaction & Fighting Rezoning plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.
The recent wolf attacks have prompted some response by USDA. Julie Young of USDA's National Wildlife Research Center explains study of predator species like coyotes and wolves and how the conflict has been nationwide.
YOUNG: Both species are coming into conflict out east with the midwest there’s the wolf there and then eastern coyotes for instance. So we’re doing a little bit more work with wolves. In fact we have a project going on right now that’s looking at different breeds of livestock protection dogs that are more effective for wolves and even grizzly bears because for the past few decades ranchers haven’t really had conflict with those species. It’s mainly been coyotes, black bears and mountain lions.
A group of ag-businesses and associations is asking a judge to not rezone land designated for agriculture. The Coalition for Agriculture’s Future based in Meridian, Idaho is concerned that a plan to expand Canyon County and contend the county did not follow state law for adopting its updated comprehensive plan and including a future land use map. The main concern is that agricultural lands will be lost due to expansion through the rezoning process.
Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.
The latest USDA report on food price inflation says that “although beef prices won’t be increasing as much as expected, beef will remain expensive this year”. But that doesn’t mean you and your family have to eliminate beef from your grocery list - you just have to learn how to shop on a budget and know what to look for in the meat case. Many consumers maybe aren’t aware that beef is also a seasonal commodity. In the summer, when everyone is barbecuing, the focus is on steaks and ground beef and the price reflects that. Same story in the winter when roasts are the top sellers. So, buy your beef in the “off season”. When it’s hot enough outside to fry eggs on the side walk most people aren’t thinking about firing up the oven to cook a roast, but beef producers still have to sell them, so they lower the price. Now is the time to buy your roasts, take them home and wrap them for the freezer. Then, when the weather cools down, you and your family will be enjoying that tri-tip, rump, or top loin roast. Just don’t forget when the weather does cool down that’s the time to be buying your favorite steak cuts. With the right combination of seasonal shopping, watching ads and comparing prices you and your family will continue to enjoy all the foods you love.
Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.
