Week three of this session begins with a full slate of committee meetings, briefings by supporters and opponents of proposed Legislation and the flow of information is unbelievable and I want to give you some examples.
There are two types of dairies, dry lot and free stall. A dry lot dairy is built much like a traditional beef feedlot. During milking operations, cows go to a central milking parlor, returning to the lot to drink and eat until the next milking time.
Dry lot construction costs are approximately $3,900 per cow and the cows typically average 60 pounds of milk a day. Dr. John Smith, Kansas State University Dairy Extension Specialists believes that dry lot dairies may not be an option for dairy farmers in the Northern climates because of weather concerns. Western Kansas climate is an advantage for dry lot dairies.
A free stall dairy houses cows in a free stall barns, typically with open sides for air movement throughout. The barns are swept by machine or flushed with water on a regular basis. The construction costs per cow for free stall facilities is $4,700 per cow and average 80 pounds of milk per day. The tradeoff of the additional facility investment and greater cow care helps the cow produce more milk.
A 2,500-cow dairy could generate $13,000,000 for the local economy annually. From 1999 to 2004 Kansas had the largest percentage of increased milk production in the country at 57.7%.
During 2002 Kansas production ranked 8th in the nation with 19,515 pounds of milk per cow. Production statistics continue to increase and is an indication of the efficiencies gained.
Kansas had over 110,000 dairy cows by the end of 2004, up from 88,000 in 1997. Many of the components needed for the beef industry are also necessary for dairies. Feed, grains, water, space, labor, and a pro-agriculture community. The elements that support beef operations are also vital to the success of dairy operations.
As production agriculture continues to evolve and adopt new technologies, Kansas must work harder to develop new market opportunities for the use of Kansas agricultural products, which will benefit existing producers and provide job growth opportunities and markets for Kansas commodities.
The Kansas Economic Growth Act has invested in the Biosciences by creating the Bioscience Authority and Emerging Industry Investment Fund, which shows the commitment to initiatives in the research of new opportunities in the Farmaceutical industry. No that is not a misspelling.
The advancement in grain products for the production of medicines is very exciting. Medicines for newborn and small children made from rice by products is very similar to mothers milk.
Floor action although light did include action on SB 30 School Finance. The bill sets aside in the “Keeping Education Promises Trust Fund, $271.7 Million in FY 2007 for the 07 & 08 school finance increase amounts as approved by the 2006 Legislature and transfers $76.6 million from the State General Fund (SGF) in the current year to a new fund entitled “The Regents Crumbling Classroom Debt Payment Fund”. After several members attempted amendments, the measure passed 105-17. I voted yes.
Breast cancer ranks second only to lung cancer in deaths for women, and the American cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
Since 1990, death rates from breast cancer have declined by an average of 2.3% a year with larger decreases in women under 50. This decline is credited to an increase in mammography screening combined with improved treatment.
Breast cancers detected early before they spread to other parts of the body are highly treatable. Never hesitate to encourage women 40 and older to get an annual mammogram. Women with family histories and prior cancers may need to screen at earlier age.
Smoke-free laws are on the rise. There are more than 2,300 city ordinances in the united states that restrict public smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of illness and death. Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and lung disease are related to smoking.
The level of nicotine found in U.S. cigarettes has risen about 10% in the past 6 years, making it harder to quit and easier to get hooked, according to a report released by the Massachusetts Department of Health.
We are starting to pick up the pace and all committees are very busy. I will keep you posted on our issues. If you want an update on anything specific let know.
Call Topeka office, 785-296-7655, email grange@house.state.ks.us,. Thanks and as always, let me know what you think. Rep. Grange.
Back to Updates
