01/09/07 Ethanol Growth & Power Troubles

Ethanol Growing Too Fast and Power Problems for Midwest Cattle. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. The president of an environmental group believes the ethanol industry is growing too quickly. So - he is calling for a federal moratorium on the licensing of new distilleries. He said - we need a time out - a chance to catch our breath - and decide how much corn can be used for ethanol without raising food prices. Lester Brown of the Earth Policy institute released a study that shows the number of ethanol plants coming on line has been underreported by more than 25 percent - by both the Agriculture Department - and the Renewable Fuels Association. The report projected 2008 demand for corn at 139 - million tons - over half of the projected harvest - thus clouding the debate over the priorities of allocating corn for food and fuel. Weather related problems for farmers and ranchers in the high plains will remain for two to three weeks. That's according to Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius  who toured western Kansas during the week. The Governor says electrical service is a big problem. SEBELIUS: The companies are working as fast as they can to restore power and people are coming back up one at a time. That's till going to take as long as 2 to 3 weeks in the more remote parts of the counties to get those lines restored because there are over 9000 utilities poles that went down and the wires go with them and that just takes an extraordinary amount of time. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Susan Allen. With all the emphasis on genetic advancements like cloning I find it completely refreshing that there are those among us that still believe in the livestock that helped make our country great, the heritage breeds. Tunis sheep, for example were nearly wiped out during the Civil War being coveted for meat. In fact in the early 1800's Tunis lambs were highly prized for their delicate flavor. Today the sheep known by their distinctive red heads have rebounded from a threatened to watch status from 605 registered sheep in 1990 to over 1250 being registered last year. Tunis sheep have made various appearances at sheep shows and fairs throughout the nation and Tunis breeders will soon be offering others a chance to own this remarkable breed, (a breed valued for it's ability to supply hot house lambs throughout the year thanks to an extended breeding season) at the Tunis Summer Spectacular sale June 16-17 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For more information visit bannersheepmagazine.com. Next time you see a sheep with a Red Head think "Blue Blood", Tunis have been in the US since 1799. Thanks Susan. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.