Region in Texas, United States
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*The Texas Panhandle is getting historical rains. *Cow herd rebuilding may be getting underway. *Heavier carcass weights are creating some unique challenges for the beef industry. *Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins shared what it will take to let Mexican feeder cattle back into the United States. *Corn prices are low right now, and the outlook isn't positive. *Grass is growing in East Texas thanks to great spring rains. *The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners has made some positive changes.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $235/cwt., which was steady with the previous day and $3 higher than last week. Elsewhere, demand with limited on [...]
Thursday was a banner day for cash fed cattle with active trade and very good demand in all major cattle feeding regions, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Compared to the previous week, FOB live prices were mostly $9 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $232/cwt., $10 higher in Kansas at $232 with some [...]
*The Texas Supreme Court recently issued an important ruling that clarifies who owns the pore space beneath land.*Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar expresses concern with reductions-in-staff at USDA and proposed SNAP cuts.*Despite tariff uncertainty, red meat exports are on-par with last year.*It was a rainy spring in the Texas Panhandle. What's the forecast for this summer?*Summer is the time to watch out for blue-green algae. *The Central Texas Sheep and Goat Conference was recently held in McGregor.
*Cattle markets have been setting new records over the past couple of weeks. *The farm bill's conservation title was the focus of a recent Senate Ag hearing. *It was a marvelously wet spring for the Texas Panhandle. *US meat exporters are taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to tariffs. *Hand walking, icing, stretches and stall rest are all important parts of the rehabilitation and recovery from a soft tissue injury for horses. *The lack of an appropriate fertility program may be the number one cause of bermudagrass decline.
*Texas pasture and range conditions are better than last year. *New tariffs on products from the European Union have been delayed. *USDA is investing $21 million to retrofit a facility in Mexico to produce sterile screwworm flies.*Analysis of last year's Texas Panhandle wildfires is continuing. *An active hurricane season is ahead of us. *USDA issued a series of proposals intended to support small farms. *There are multiple options to identify cattle.
*A bill to protect farmers from city government overreach is on the governor's desk. *The state's largest farm organization is accepting applications for the first-ever Ag Influencer of the Year contest. *There's a big variation in crop development in the Coastal Bend. *The devastating wildfires that scorched over a million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle last year continue to receive attention from researchers. *USDA has rolled out policies to support small family farms. *The sheep and goat market has fallen from the seasonal spring holiday highs. *The Make America Healthy Again Commission released its first report this week. *Managing pain in performance horses requires a diagnosis to know the source of the pain.
*There were no surprises in the latest Cattle on Feed report. *Texas farmers impacted by a lack of irrigation water in the Rio Grande Valley have more time to apply for financial help. *The CME Group has reset daily price limits for live and feeder cattle futures contracts. *Wheat streak mosaic virus showed up in the Texas Panhandle late in the season. *The “Make America Healthy Again” report is out. *A strong locking gate is important for rural landowners. *There's an annual cattle drive river crossing that has been going on for over 100 years. *Umbilical hernias are not uncommon in calves.
*Wheat disease pressure was light this year. *The Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications for general and continuous CRP. *Texas cotton gins saw a lot more business last year compared to the previous two years. *The Texas legislature is once again strengthening the right to farm and ranch. *Texas Panhandle wheat suffered from a lack of moisture early in the spring. *The Natural Resources Conservation Service wants employees out in the field. *The hot summer is near and that can affect turfgrass production. *Avian Influenza has been found in many mammal species in the Texas Panhandle.
*The U.S. Meat Export Federation is meeting in Ft. Worth. *Efforts to bring high speed internet to farmers and ranchers continue. *May is mental health awareness month. *Texas Panhandle crops are showing the benefit of early spring rains. *A report from the Make American Healthy Again commission could target pesticides. *The latest Texas Crop Progress report shows varied amounts of rainfall across the state. *There is a lot of farm machinery running across Texas right now. *It's important to be able tell the approximate age of a goat by looking at their teeth.
Negotiated cash fed cattle prices gained on Thursday with moderate trade and good demand in the Texas Panhandle, Nebraska and the western Corn Belt, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $220/cwt., $1-$4 higher in Nebraska at $229 and $1-$2 higher in the [...]
*Cotton planting is falling behind in the northern Texas Panhandle. *The economic assistance package passed by Congress in December is getting into the hands of farmers. *The condition of the Texas wheat crop is holding steady.*Recent rains on the Texas High Plains are good for sorghum producers. *The budget reconciliation process could impact the Farm Bill. *Bayer Crop Science has a new leader. *Spring planting has wrapped up in South Texas.*Biphosphates are drugs used in horses to treat bone disease.
*Wheat disease pressure was light this year. *Texas Farm Bureau is providing financial support to high school ag mechanics programs. *President Trump's nominee for USDA Undersecretary for Trade is defending the use of tariffs.*EPA administrator Lee Zeldin says he plans to address a backlog of pesticide registrations. *Texas Panhandle ranchers are enjoying the record high cattle market. *April was a month of active storms in the northern half of Texas. *Spring rains are setting up East Texas ranchers for a good year. *Colorado has created a new position in veterinary medicine, and it may soon show up in other states.
*Mexico is delivering more water to the Rio Grande Valley. *The U.S. needs to build a sterile fly production facility to fight New World screwworms.*Texas Panhandle farmers are already facing a big battle with weeds. *What do consumers think about cotton? *House Democrats are expressing concerns over USDA layoffs. *The TCU Ranch Management program has a long reputation of educating livestock producers. *Be on the lookout for strangles this spring.
Kristen Brown was born and raised in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, where her roots in agriculture—particularly the feedlot industry—run deep. Today, she still calls the Panhandle home, balancing life as a wife, mother, and freelance professional.This week, Kristen shares her inspiring career journey and the pivotal role internships played in shaping her path. Her passion for communications began early, with her own newspaper column, Kristen's Corner, during high school. We also explore her family's experience with homeschooling, offering a glimpse into how they've embraced this unique approach to education.https://www.ffcalubbock.com/iconix-learningParenting Book
*Mexico is not cooperating in the fight against screw worms. *Bayer may stop producing Roundup.*Spring planting is underway in the Texas Panhandle. *A new bill is under consideration in Congress to make it easier for ranchers to protect their livestock from black vultures. *Angus genetics make up a vast majority of the U.S. cow herd. *Chicken litter is a popular source of pasture fertilizer in Central and East Texas. *It's very important to clean feeding equipment for dairy calves.
*Feeder cattle prices are at record highs. *The trade war with China is affecting U.S. pork sales. *Five wheat farmers were reelected to the Texas Wheat Producers Board.*Texas Panhandle wheat farmers have been getting some rain to finish off the crop. *The Trump Administration will attempt to address unfairness affecting U.S. rice exports. *Recent tornadoes touched down in North Central Texas. *Spring is one of the best times to fertilize outdoor plants. *Proper sanitation of dairy calf feeding equipment can prevent the spread of diseases.
The podcast introduces three new co-hosts from the Amarillo Area Foundation - Kimberly Anderson, Kevin Friemel, and Raul Rodarte Suto - who will bring diverse perspectives to sharing stories about the Texas Panhandle. The hosts discuss the unique characteristics of their region, highlighting its pioneering spirit, philanthropic nature, innovative problem-solving, and rich community talent across various sectors including arts, agriculture, and nonprofit work. They emphasize the Panhandle's strength lies in its people's ability to come together, adapt to challenges, and support each other, while also hoping to change external perceptions about the region by showcasing its depth, creativity, and remarkable community-driven initiatives.
*A Texas Panhandle farmer is focusing less on cotton and more on cattle. *Drought continues to worsen across parts of Texas. *Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller hopes trade negotiations will get resolved quickly. *Texas High Plains ranchers are dealing with volatile markets. *The U.S. Trade Representatives office has released changes to its port service fees on ships. *The agricultural sector is seeing more influence from artificial intelligence. *The sun is shining and spring is in full swing in East Texas. *BRD is the most serious disease in calves.
*The farm labor crisis is on President Trump's radar. *Avian influenza is being detected in the Texas Panhandle. *Texas corn producers are preparing to deal with the corn leafhopper again this year.*Texas High Plains ranches are having a pretty good year so far. *OSHA will hold a virtual public hearing on its proposed heat injury rule. *The water infrastructure in our state will require a lot of money to meet the needs of a growing population. *The weather has turned warm and windy in deep South Texas. *Acupuncture can be helpful for several conditions in horses and other animals.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand in the western Corn Belt to inactive on very light demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $208-$210/cwt., $6 higher in Kansas at $210, $4-$6 [...]
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $4 higher at $208/cwt. Elsewhere, trade was limited on light-to-moderate demand with too few transactions to trend. However, private sources were reporting higher prices in the North, too. [...]
Send us a textOn this weeks episode, we take a listen to a true Texas legend, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and his 1993, Spinning Around the Sun.With his high, lonesome voice, Jimmy Dale embodies the very essence of that land from which he hails, the Texas Panhandle. Even thought he was in his forties when his first solo album was recorded, he had already made his mark on the musical landscape of the Lone Star State, having been in the legendary Flatlanders (along with Joe Ely and Butch Hancock) and the Hub City Movers (the first band to play the Armadillo World Headquarters). By the time he recorded his fourth solo outing, Spinning Around the Sun, Jimmie Dale had found his voice. Hailed as his break out LP, Jimmie Dale sings his heart out on songs he penned and a choice selections of tunes written by other notable songwriters, and features fantastic duet with Lucinda Williams. Spinning Around the Sun is a remarkable album filled with songs of beauty and heartbreak, earning him his first of three Grammy nominations. Visit us at www.tappingvinyl.com.
*Texas leads the nation in agricultural weather losses. *Texas Panhandle topsoils are getting dry. *The American Sheep Industry Association is asking the White House to include lamb imports in the food and agriculture tariff plans.*Extremely heavy rain caused catastrophic flooding in the Rio Grande Valley last week. *The quality of U.S. beef is the best it's ever been. *A group of U.S. lawmakers from Texas is asking USDA to expand its efforts to prevent screwworms from reentering the country. *The final days of March brought significant rainfall to the Coastal Bend of Texas. *Intestinal parasites are a major problem for sheep and goats due to resistance to dewormers.
*Some Texas cities are ignoring the new Right to Farm laws. *The United States denied a water request from Mexico for the first time ever. *The troubles for Bayer's Roundup herbicide continue. *Texas Panhandle farmers' planting decisions are influenced by the needs of the Panhandle livestock industry. *A Texas cattle feeder testified before Congress this week. *We're having some success controlling rangeland brush in Texas, thanks to new technologies. *Confidence is high for April rain in the Texas Rolling Plains.*There is a new product available to treat chronic wounds in horses.
*Feedlot inventories are dropping. *The number of farms in Texas is holding steady. *Cattle prices are back into record territory. *Soil moisture levels are pretty good for spring planting in the Texas Panhandle. *USDA is providing an update on its plan to combat avian influenza. *The second largest continent on Earth hold a lot of potential for U.S. red meat exports. *Farmers and ranchers received welcome news from the Environmental Protection Agency. *Strangles is a very contagious horse disease.
Send Kris and Rob a Text Message!The Mysterious Disappearance and Death of Tom Brown: A Texas Mystery that Won't Rest.Unravel the Unsolved Mystery of Tom Brown in this gripping True Crime Podcast episode. On November 23, 2016, 18-year-old Thomas Brown vanished from Canadian Texas, a quiet Texas Panhandle town in Hemphill County. His remains were later found near Lake Marvin in 2019, sparking theories of Suicide Or Murder and allegations of a cover up. Join us as we investigate the Tom Brown Case, scrutinize Sheriff Nathan Lewis, and follow private investigator Philip Klein's quest for answers. From Small Town Secrets to Teen Disappearance, this Texas Crime story leaves more questions than answers. Tune in for the latest on this haunting Cold Case and discover What Happened To Tom Brown in CanadianTX. True Crime. UnsolvedCases. and JusticeForTom.Sources used for this podcastSupport the showJOIN THE HITCHED 2 HOMICIDE IN-LAWS AND OUTLAWSSTART KRIS CALVERT'S BOOKS TODAY FOR FREEH2H WEBSITEH2H on TWITTERH2H on INSTA
*The cattle industry needs Congress to reduce burdensome regulations. *Tarleton State University is establishing a new center to focus on enhancing well being in rural and agricultural communities. *A South Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device near Brownsville.*Texas farmers and ranchers met with state lawmakers at the State Capitol last week. *How soon will Texas Panhandle grazing lands recover after last year's wildfires?*Another Texan testified before Congress about the new Farm Bill. *The nation's largest farm organization has a very positive reaction to the appointment of Texan Brooke Rollins as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. *Improving lambing efficiency is important in the commercial sheep business.
The devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire in 2024 scorched many family ranches in the Texas Panhandle, including an operation run by Jason Pelham. Despite dealing with many natural disasters, the longtime cowboy and rancher has remained devoted to the cowboy life for four decades. Pelham wasn't raised on a ranch, but he stepped into the cattle business as a young man. He worked on the famous Spade Ranches for many years, but now he runs cows with his daughter and son-in-law. Here, he discusses wildfires, freezing weather, great horses, and impressive people who have shaped his life. Special thanks to our sponsor, RA Brown Ranch and its Rancher's Rendezvous event in March. https://www.rabrownranch.com/upcoming-sale
*Cotton production is growing in Brazil. *Prairieview A&M is conducting research on organic sorghum. *Another case of New World screwworms has been found in southern Mexico.*Committees have been named by the House in the Texas Legislature. *A new bill could make it easier for students from family farms to get financial aid for college.*Silage production has taken a big jump in the Texas Panhandle, but it's not for everyone.*It got cold last week in East Texas.
In May 1870, James Webster Smith arrived in West Point, New York, in the hopes of becoming the first Black cadet to attend the U.S. Military Academy. While facing West Point's famously difficult curriculum, he was forced to endure an onslaught of racial prejudice from his white classmates.Hundreds of miles to the West, the buffalo soldiers of the 10th Cavalry struggled to keep the peace in Indian Territory, as white merchants and thieves preyed upon Indian tribes. And in the sun-drenched Staked Plains of the Texas Panhandle, a routine mission turned catastrophic.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
*Texas cotton acreage is expected to stay the same this year. *Texas goat producers saw a decrease in mohair production last year. *A Texas Panhandle ranch was recognized at the recent Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio. *It looks like Texas cotton farmers will be doing without dicamba in this upcoming growing season. *A bill that would help Texas cattle producers fight fever ticks has been reintroduced in Congress. *A new year is a good time for estate planning. *Pastures are soggy, and potatoes are going in the ground in East Texas. *BVD virus is still a concern in beef cattle.
*Brooke Rollins get the thumbs up at the Cattle Industry Convention. *The NCBA is watching the tariff situation closely.*Texas continues to lead the nation in the number of cattle. *Texas citrus growers are assessing the damage from the recent freeze.*The electric company that serves the Texas Panhandle is using AI technology to help fight wildfires. *The man nominated to be the next U.S. Trade Representative discussed agricultural trade and new markets recently. *The overall condition of the Texas winter wheat crop is declining. *Dairy cows have receptors that make then susceptible to influenza.
A conversation with Lindsay London Baker, a registered nurse and one of the founders of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance (ARFA), a local nonprofit formed, in part, to oppose the City of Amarillo's sanctuary city ordinance in 2024. When voters voted against Prop A last November, Amarillo became the first city in the United States to reject an abortion travel ban proposition. Lindsay shares about her nursing career, her early activism, and how she ended up the voice of ARFA in national news stories about Amarillo's opposition to the ordinance. She also shares with host Jason Boyett what her activism has taught her about the people of the Texas Panhandle. This episode is supported by Amarillo Habitat for Humanity and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
*Agriculture Secretary nominee Brook Rollins had her hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee. *Rollins continues to get high praise from the agriculture community.*House Agriculture Committee leaders were in Texas this week. *Cattle prices are strong and the outlook for 2025 is positive. *Texas Panhandle wheat is in good condition at the mid-point of the growing season. *The very cold temperatures experienced on the Southern Plains of Texas challenged the region's water system for agricultural producers. *Slow flow nipples are recommended for baby calves.
*Enrollment is open for the ARC and PLC programs for the 2025 crop year. *Texas soybean acreage was down last year. *The National Cotton Council is pursuing priority issues in Washington.*Two Texas lawmakers will sit on the House Agriculture Committee this session. *Urban sprawl continues to take Texas farm and pastureland. *The winter wheat crop in the Texas Panhandle is about halfway through the growing season. *The second arctic blast of the winter had Central Texas cattle producers busy keeping their livestock safe. *Vitamin E is an important vitamin for horses.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $201/cwt., steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201, unevenly steady in Nebraska at $203-$205 and $1-$3 [...]
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on light demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon with FOB live prices $1 higher at $201/cwt. in a light test, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201 on moderate trade and demand. Elsewhere, trade [...]
*Central Texas wheat producers are getting a break from the Hessian fly. *The nation's first human death due to H5N1 Avian Influenza happened in Louisiana. *Five Texans are set to serve new terms on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. *A Texas Panhandle power company is working on strategies to reduce the potential for downed power lines to ignite wildfires. *An endangered species in Texas could be downgraded to the threatened category. *Identifying customers is key for direct marketing ranch raised beef. *January means it's time for county junior livestock shows. *Feeding senior horses is different from feeding younger horses.
*There is no sign of cattle herd rebuilding. *The Texas Department of State Health Services is beginning the oral rabies vaccine air drop this week. *The American Lamb Board is hosting a sheep grazing workshop in Texas in May.*The Pioneer crop production clinics are begin held around the Texas Panhandle. *We now know more about what House and Senate leadership hope to accomplish in the new Congress. *The beef industry is working to advance sustainability in the supply chain. *With the variable weather conditions we had during hay season last year, producers should keep an eye out for nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning. * Managing insulin resistance in horses is a big challenge.
*Brown County farmers and ranchers are preparing for 2025. *The majority of farms in the U.S. are still family owned. *The Texas 4-H Foundation received its largest grant ever.*The Texas Panhandle and Southern Plains are still seeing benefits from rains over the past couple of months. *The public can now comment on a proposal to list the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species. *There are a few things rural landowners need to keep in mind at the end of the year. *Many Texas soils are acidic. *Colic surgery in horses can cause some complications.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on very light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $191-$192/cwt, steady in Kansas at $191, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $196 and $3-$4 higher in [...]
A conversation with Elizabeth Pakravan, the founder and executive director of Martha Root Community Building, a nonprofit that equips children and their parents in underserved communities. Originally from Paraguay, Pakravan spent several years in Oregon before moving to Amarillo two years ago. She is a member of the Bahá'í faith, and her work reflects the promotion of unity and betterment of society that are central to this fast-growing global religion. Pakravan tells host Jason Boyett about her work, her appreciation for Amarillo as her family's new home, and how locals respond to her religious tradition—especially given the pervasive Christian beliefs of the Texas Panhandle. This episode is supported by SKP Creative, Storybridge, and Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to inactive on very light demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. For the week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $191-$192/cwt, steady in Kansas at $191 and $4-$5 higher in Nebraska and the western [...]
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate with good demand in all regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in all regions, which was $2-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle, $3-$4 higher in Kansas, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt. [...]
The people voted on Tuesday for their choice of candidates and in many states they also voted on Ballot measures or ballot initiatives. Ballot measures offer voters a way to participate in direct democracy and can be a powerful tool for change. On this episode, we will discuss some of the ballot measures that were up for a vote in 2024 and the results. As regular listeners will know ballot measures, initiatives, propositions, or bond measures are lobbying. Although they are on the ballot, they are lobbying activity and voters are the lawmakers. Many nonprofits, both c3 public charities and c4 social welfare organizations participate in ballot measure advocacy within their lobbying limits. Today we are going to discuss what happened – what did voters decide when it came to the issues of choice, democracy, LGBTQ rights, and worker protections. We are traveling across this nation from ME to OH – to FL, then head west AZ and CA, CO, and HI, and finally NE, to learn what voters decided. Lawyers for this episode Sarah Melissa Susan Show notes LGBTQ Ballot Measures Thanks! I would like to start us off by lifting up a number of ballot measure victories in the LGBTQ space. We frequently talk about litigation as an impactful, non-lobbying, form of advocacy. In fact, we had a recent pod episode on that very topic. Well, there were several ballot measures that were introduced to get ahead of potential litigation – specifically cases that might threaten the right to marry. Here, I want to highlight how voters in CA, CO, and HI used their ballots to approve constitutional amendments that will enshrine the Freedom to Marry into their state constitutions. Although the 2015 Obergefell decision has made state laws banning same sex marriage moot, lessons learned from the Dobbs decision overturning abortion rights; the proactive, legislatively referred measures are intended to safeguard their states' freedom to marry if a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn existing protections likely that these 3 ballot measures are the first in a wave of proactive measures to fend off (or respond to) any such attacks by a conservative-majority court Reproductive Rights Ballot Measures Voters in seven states approved ballot measures to enshrine reproductive rights in their state constitutions, including in two states with abortion bans. Missouri Amendment 3 establishes a constitutional right to reproductive freedom, which is defined as "the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care,” including but not limited to childbirth, birth control, and abortion care. The amendment also provides that the state may only enact laws regulating abortion after the point of fetal viability. Similar abortion rights measures failed in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska. 57% of Floridian voters supported their state's right to abortion measure, but Florida requires at least 60% of voters to support a constitutional amendment for it to succeed, which is a uniquely high bar. Arizona Proposition 139 amends the state constitution to guarantee a right to abortion and prohibits the state from restricting this right before fetal viability. San Francisco Proposition O establishes several local requirements that help to protect access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care. Amarillo, Texas Proposition A, a so-called “abortion travel ban” initiative, was rejected by the city's voters. Local businesses, organizations, and residents formed the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance to oppose the measure and protect reproductive freedom in the Texas Panhandle. Thanks Melissa, I can. In many states there were issues on the ballot that concerned democracy and constitutional rights. First stop - Ohio, Issue 1, its aim was to create a 15 member redistricting commission, made up of citizens across the political parties and ensuring representation from different areas of the state. Unfortunately this initiative failed. There was a lot of confusion surrounding this ballot measure. Many believed that the ballot language, which the Republican controlled ballot board wrote – was misleading and biased. Conservatives in the state are opposed to redistricting reform. The campaign for Issue 1, called Citizens not Politicians, took the issue to State supreme court, which sided with the Ballot board. The actual proposal by Citizens not Politicians was to ban partisan gerrymandering - and the ballot board's language stated it would require gerrymandering. So much so that Both sides, pro and con – were using the same slogan to get out the vote. I was in Ohio, my home state, before the election and I saw yard signs that said - stop gerrymandering by voting yes and I saw signs that said - stop gerrymandering by voting no. Let's go to Arizona where voters defeated three measures that would have taken away their voice in the democratic process. One on the election of judges and two on the ballot initiative process. First, voters weighed in on Proposition 137. This Ballot measure concerned the election of state court judges, a yes vote would end term limits for judges. A judge would have a permanent appointment until age 70. judges permanent appointments. Currently, State supreme court justices are limited to six-year terms and superior court judges are subject to 4 year terms. They must run for reelection. This proposition was rejected by voters – they voted to keep term limits for their justices. So, these judges will be accountable to voters when they run for reelection. Prop 134, which would changed the signature requirement in order for a measure to qualify for the ballot. It would essentially make it more difficult. Currently, the Arizona state constitution requires 15% of the number of voters in the last election. So if 1 million people voted in the last governors race, a ballot measure would need at least 150,000 signatures in order to qualify. There is no restrictions or requirements on where in the state the signer lives. Prop 134 would made it more difficult by requiring so many signatures to come from each legislative district in the state. Prop 136 – would have allowed opponents to a ballot measure to challenge any ballot measure before it went to the voters. Opponents could have engaged in costly legal battles, perhaps killing it before voters even got a chance to decide. Fortunately, both these measures were rejected by the voters. Did you know that slavery in some form is still part of some state constitutions? Both California and Nevada proposed ballot measures to remove language in their state constitutions permitting involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. Voters in Nevada passed Question 4, joining eight other states that have passed ballot measures to abolish slavery in prisons in recent years. A similar proposal in California, Proposition 6, at the time of this recording has not yet been called. If it passes, it would prohibit prisons from punishing incarcerated people through involuntary servitude. Lastly in Maine Question 5 – asked the question should Maine change its current state flag back to an historical version known as the Pine Tree flag, a simple pine tree with one star in the corner. Voters said no. Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the ballot measure victory in Nebraska that will provide workers with paid sick leave. NE voters overwhelmingly passed Initiative 436, which will require employers to provide 1 hour of paid sick leave for every hour worked According to the initiative's campaign, over 250K Nebraskans currently lack paid sick leave. More than 1/3 full time and more than ¾ part-time employees Initiative was supported by business community – recognizing that providing paid sick leave increases productivity, recruitment and lowers turnover Example of organizations that supports workers' rights joining forces with members of the business community to effect positive policy change Important to note here that Nebraska was joined by voters in Alaska and Missouri (all traditionally solid Republican states) in passing these progressive pro-worker policies. This is proof that there are so many issues, legislative ideas and progress that can be made through initiative process, from equality to repro rights to democracy to flag choice. Reminders and Resources Ballot measure advocacy is a great way to support your organization's mission by educating the public on the issues, building coalitions with other community groups, and making change. The IRS considers supporting or opposing ballot measures a form of lobbying. Most states and some localities regulate ballot measure activities under their campaign finance law. Campaign finance rules may require registration and/or reporting if certain triggers or thresholds are met. We have several ballot measure resources you can check out at afj.org, including our full-length guide, Seize the Initiative, and a number of state-specific resources, too. We also have resources to help you navigate the laws related to other forms of advocacy, such as post-election and transition advocacy, and assess your advocacy capacity as you make your action plan for next year. Check out our recently released advocacy playbook series for more information about the many types of c3-safe advocacy and examples that are specifically tailored for different issues. Resources Seize the Initiative: A Legal Guide on Ballot Measures for Nonprofits and Foundations Episode 58: Ballot Measures Revisited The Advocacy Playbook Series Can We Say That? Post-Election Advocacy for 501(c)(3) Organizations Preparing for Change: How Nonprofits Can Shape Policy By Engaging Transition Teams The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Ballot Measure Hub
Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.Here's a summary of the latest developments affecting agriculture and commodities markets:
1. Brené and Barrett share their parenting strategy that Brené calls “the opposite of raising a child that's full of shame.” 2. The family of origin roles that Brené (the Protector) and Barrett (the Peacekeeper) had to adjust in order to work together – and the two keys to working well with family. 3. The ways in which a child who grows up living on eggshells becomes an adult who is fearful – and how that fear shows up differently for Brené, Barrett, Glennon, and Amanda. 4. The hilarious moment when each sister confesses a secret that they fear the other believes about them–and we find out whether or not it's true. 5. How Brené and Barrett are walking through the grief of their mother's sudden decline, and how they circle back when the stress of that grief makes them shitty to each other. About Brené: Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work.She has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers, and is the host of the weekly podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. Brené's books have been translated into more than 30 languages and titles include: Dare to Lead, Braving the Wilderness, Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection. Most recently Brené collaborated with Tarana Burke to co-edit You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience. In her latest #1 New York Times bestseller, ATLAS OF THE HEART, which has been adapted for television and now streaming on HBO Max, she takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. Brené lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie. TW: @BreneBrown IG: @BreneBrown About Barrett: Barrett Guillen is Chief of Staff for Brené Brown Education and Research Group. With her team, Barrett supports both Brené and the organization by helping to prioritize competing demands, managing relationships, and building connective tissue and strategy across all business initiatives. Barrett holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Kinesiology from the University of Houston. After more than a decade in education in the Texas Panhandle, Barrett and her family moved back to the Houston area to join Brene's team in making the world a braver place. Having the opportunity to work with her sisters every day has been one of the great joys of her life. Outside the office, you can find Barrett spending time with her family (immediate and extended), enjoying her daughter's games, eating her husband's famous burgers, floating in the water (any water!), or on the pickle ball court. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices