Census of Ag & Saving Salmon

Census of Ag & Saving Salmon plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

Well it's about time to learn a bit more about the farm business and how it is progerssing. Some of the findings of the 2012 Census of Agriculture will be released during USDA's annual Agricultural Outlook Forum in February. Donald Buysse of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

BUYSSE: We've come out and announced we'll have a preliminary release on February 20th. The full day to release is still undetermined at this time. We want to make sure we do a thorough job of analyzing the data to make sure we are putting out the best quality product. We're looking at some state and national figures in particular some of the data items that we're looking to put out has to do with operator characteristics Some big ticket items and farm numbers information - land and farms - that's one of the core numbers that comes out from the census.

Last week the House Committee on Natural Resources approved Congressman Doc Hastings' bill H.R. 1308, the "Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act," by a bipartisan vote of 22 to 16.  This legislation is aimed at protecting endangered Columbia River salmon and other fish species from predation by California and Steller Sea Lions.  The bill only addresses sea lions that are not listed under the Endangered Species Act. In recent years, sea lions have been entering the lower 205 miles of the Columbia River around Bonneville Dam and feasting on endangered fish. 

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

The second annual National Bison Day was November 2nd. Perhaps you wanted to try bison meat for the first time, but weren't sure how to cook it or where to buy it so you didn't indulge. But you really should try bison, it's actually 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 regularly in numerous supermarket chain stores, or as a special highlighted food item once or twice a month. Bison is a healthy meat choice that is 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 meat is quite similar to beef, with maybe a little bit sweeter taste. Most recipes calling for beef will work just as well with bison, but remember not to overcook it. It's lean nature causes it to cook more quickly, so you want to be sure to cook it on medium and keep an eye on it. If for whatever reason you still can't find bison, go to bisoncentral.com where you can enter your zip code to find bison producers right in your own area.

Thanks Lacy. And that's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.