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About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 23, 2015)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 Business & Ag Cattlemen gather at Sunridge Continued from Page 1 Bingham began with an announcement about East- ern Oregon Agricultural Research’s 11th Annual Cattleman’s Workshop, an event scheduled to be held in La Grande on Saturday, January 24, at the Blue Mountain Conference Cen- ter in La Grande. He said that no pre-registration is required for this free event, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and lunch is provided. The theme this year is “Achiev- ing Sustainable Beef Cow/ Calf Production.” February is Beef Month, and Bingham talked about this with the group, explaining that the BCLA will be offering assistance to the Baker County Cat- tlewomen’s Association, with events and activities during this period. At the next BCLA meeting in February, there will be a local veterinarian present to discuss calving issues, he said. Bingham discussed Intermountain Livestock’s calf sales, in January and September of 2014. The contribution to the As- sociation from each head of yearlings was $1.50, he said. Copies of the book, “The Real Wolf,” by Ted B. Lyon and Will N. Graves, were available for pur- chase at the meeting, and Bingham briefly mentioned that the book is a balanced, comprehensive look at the situation with wolves in Oregon. The group discussed pos- sible fundraisers for 2015, and on the list of ideas is an ATV. This idea and oth- ers are expected to be more thoroughly discussed at future meetings. The 2014-2015 budget was approved, which includes the following: $6,548 in total revenue, which is broken down as $2,000 from dues, $1,250 from the annual meeting, $2,400 from special sales, and $898 from miscel- laneous. Expenses are listed as $6,548 also for the 2014-2015 budget. Cal and Vickie Foster were present to discuss the status of their cattle theft case, concerning a female calf first discovered to be missing in the fall of 2010. A Sumpter couple, Richard Phillip Newman, 75, and Lynette Bullington, 63, were charged a year ago by Baker County District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff with two counts of Theft in the First Degree, Class C felonies, and three counts of Unauthorized Use of a Livestock Animal, Class A misdemeanors. Since then, one more count of Theft in the First Degree and Unauthorized Use of a Livestock Animal has been added. Two separate trials are scheduled, the first of which is set for February 10-12. The Fosters said that Shirtcliff, area law enforce- ment, and the community have been very supportive in their case, and in general efforts to minimize the theft of cattle. OCA has a reward fund available for information relating to cattle theft. A motion to draft a letter to show support for the Fosters was approved. Bingham asked the group about possible area representatives for Beef for Schools, a program initi- ated by the BCLA in 2010, to provide donated cows which are processed into hamburger for local school lunch programs. Since then, between 90 and 100 head have been used for this program, he said. Bill Moore, former OCA President, and Bob Skin- ner, former OCA President and current Secretary of Treasury for the National Public Lands Council , were present to discuss efforts in the Oregon State Legislature to assist producers affected by the possible listing of the sage grouse as an endangered species. This discussion involved the Canada Conservation Agreement (CCA), and Canada Con- servation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA), both legal agreements which can assist landowners in protecting their land, by allowing them to retain ownership of the property. At the same time, the land- owner commits to conserve the natural integrity of the site, limiting the type and amount of developing, while haying and graz- ing are still allowed. A CCAA has the additional protection against lawsuits concerning private land. Moore said obtaining a CCA or CCAA is a long process, and contacting the Bureau of Land Manage- ment (BLM) would be a recommended first step. He said that the Baker County Soil and Water District could assist with speeding up that process. Moore commented that the listing of the spotted owl is an indication of how the result of the listing of the sage-grouse could go, and Skinner added that the economic impact would be devastating. Moore said the date set for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make the decision whether to list the sage-grouse or not is September 15, and while a CCA or CCAA is no guar- antee the listing wouldn‘t occur, it’s potential protec- tion for landowners. Skinner discussed a salt tax proposed by OCA, a concept at the moment, to be considered by members statewide, as a potential means of revenue towards conservation, in order to delay or avoid possible listing of the sage-grouse. According to Skinner, this process began with the National Audubon Soci- ety’s discussion with State Representative Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) about the So- ciety pledging $1.2 million from bird seed tax revenue, along with the estimated revenue from the salt tax of $400-$475,000, toward conservation, possibly de- laying the listing. Skinner said this wouldn’t guaran- tee any result concerning the listing. He also said he doesn’t support this type of tax, as he sees too many issues with the implemen- tation of it, a sentiment echoed by the group. Skinner said if Oregon cattlemen and cattlewomen don’t support the tax, most likely, it won’t be imple- mented. The next regular BCLA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2015, at the Best Western Sunridge Inn, in Baker City. The group normally gathers for dinner around 6 p.m., and the meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Chamber of Commerce awards THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS — 3 — Weekly Hay Report — Friday, January 16, 2015 — Eastern Oregon Prices trended steady to lower compared to the same quality last week. Trade activity was very light compared to last week. Several producers have sold all that they plan to sell for this season. No new eastern Oregon sales reported. USDA Market News Service—AMS.USDA.gov — Sheep Report — Friday, January 16, 2015 — Western U.S. No trades reported. The southern part of California has received some much needed rains recently. This has relieved the pressure to move lambs out early. There continues to be a weaker undertone in the slaughter lamb market. The mid-west has an adequate supply of lambs while Colorado is fairly current. With that said weights are beginning to creep up in spots. At this point it is not a concern but something to watch very closely going forward. Feeder lamb sales FOB with overnight stand or equivalent 3-4 percent shrink unless otherwise noted. USDA Market News Service—AMS.USDA.gov — Cattle Market Report — Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Vale, Oregon Cattle sold through the auction: 1,956 Steer Calves 300-400# Bulk 331.00 - 368.00 Top 379.00 400-500# Bulk 309.00 - 364.00 Top 377.00 500-600# Bulk 245.00 - 292.00 Top 305.00 Heifer Calves 300-400# Bulk 286.00 - 312.00 Top 322.00 400-500# Bulk 250.00 - 306.00 Top 322.50 500-600# Bulk 225.00 - 256.00 Top 258.00 Yearling Steers 600-700# Bulk 219.00 - 245.50 Top 246.50 700-800# Bulk 207.00 - 220.00 Top 221.25 800-900# Bulk 186.00 - 197.00 Top 199.00 900-1,000# Bulk 177.00 - 188.00 Top 191.00 Yearling Heifers 600-700# Bulk 204.00 - 232.00 Top 238.50 700-800# Bulk 176.00 - 203.00 Top 208.50 800-900# Bulk N/A Top N/A 900-1,000# Bulk N/A Top N/A Thin Shelly Cows 78.00 - 89.00 Butcher Cows 94.00 - 105.00 Butcher Bulls 97.00 - 115.00 Stock Cows 1600.00 - 1900.00 ProducersLivestock.com — Log Price Report — Price per 1,000 board feet: Northeast Oregon Delivered to Elgin Doug Fir / Larch 6”+ $370/m White Fir/Sp 6”+ $380/m LPP 6”+ $350/m Delivered to La Grande P. Pine 6-11” $290/m 12-17” $340/m 18-23” $390/m 24’+ $420/m Todd Arriola / The Baker County Press Roughly 100 attended a full evening at the Chamber of Commerce Awards banquet this year. Continued from Page 1 This year’s theme was “Back to the Future,” in recognition of the com- munity’s involvement with helping younger individu- als to have the drive and tools necessary to suc- ceed with future business endeavors in the area. There was a no-host social hour beginning at 5 p.m., when the crowd start- ed to form, and many silent auction bid items, provided by local businesses, as well as 14 tables, sponsored and decorated also by lo- cal businesses. The silent auction’s proceeds allow the purchase of local, qual- ity award trophies for the winners. A bar area in the next room was tended by Chris- ty Baird and Chris Taylor, and catering was provided by Kurt Miller (2013 Man of the Year) and crew from Baker City Truck Corral. The meal included a Cae- sar salad, barbequed beef brisket, marinated chicken skewers, roasted heirloom potatoes, green beans with sautéed mushrooms, and warm apple bread pudding with ice cream. Debi Bainter, in her eighth year as Baker County Chamber of Com- merce Executive Director, welcomed the attendees, and shortly thereafter handed the microphone to Jeff Nelson, Chamber Board Director, to lead the group with the invocation. He also led the group with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bainter introduced Ed Huggins, Chamber Presi- dent, who welcomed and thanked the crowd. Bainter introduced Cheryl Martin, Chamber Board Direc- tor, and Jerry Peacock, Chamber Board Director. Bainter also introduced Cassie Petrucci, Baker County Visitor Bureau Manager, and volunteers Leita Seiber-Barr (2012 Woman of the Year), and Teresa Schwab. In keeping with the banquet’s theme, Bryan Dalke, former Burnt River High School attendee and Baker High School gradu- ate, who’s heavily involved with volunteering in the community, was chosen to be the emcee, and intro- duced by Bainter. Dalke spoke for a bit about his personal life and family, and provided en- tertainment for the crowd with jokes and stories in between announcements of the award winners. The winners were: Rose- mary Abell, Woman of the Year, nominated by Kurt Miller; Blake Marlia, Man of the Year, nominated by Dr. Jon Schott and several others; Baker City Lions Club, Non-Profit Service Organization of the Year, nominated by Debby Ray; Ann Mehaffy, Legacy Woman of the Year, nomi- nated by Andrew Bryan; Doyle Perry, Posthumous Legacy Man of the Year, nominated by Roberta Mc- Call; Ralph Smead, Legacy Man of the Year, nominat- ed by Sheryl Blankenship; Ralph and Myrna Morgan, Excellence in Agriculture, nominated by Chamber Board Director Cheryl Martin; The Baker City Herald, Business of the Year, nominated by Greg Smith of Baker County Economic Development, Roberta McCall and Dotty Miles; and Travis Cook, Up and Coming/Young Leader of the Year, nomi- nated by Patti Pickard and Leita Seiber. Delivered to Pilot Rock 12-17” $390/m 18-23” $440/m 24’+ $480/m Delivered pulp $28/ton to Elgin $28/ton to La Grande Courtesy of Arvid Andersen, Andersen Forestry Consulting — Precious Metals Report — Price per ounce, USD Gold: $1,295.00 Silver: $18.00 Platinum: $1,284.50 Palladium: $776.53 Bloomberg.com — Ag Commodities — Corn: $390.25/bu/USD Wheat: $537.00/bu/USD Soybeans: $982.25/bu/USD Oats: $290.25/bu/USD Rough Rice: $11.27/cwt/USD Canola: $455.70 CAD/mwt Live Cattle: $151.10/lb./USD Feeder Cattle: $202.65/lb./USD Lean Hogs: $74.68/lb./USD Bloomberg.com