CFRA 032009a Clips

12
- UNIVERSAL 1 Information Serv~ces lnc* DAILY NEWS EVENING DAILY NORFOLK, NE Circulation = 17282 03/19/2009 HAPPENINGS 1 What's happening I . out in the field I Value-added grants BASSET1 - The Center for Rural Affairs - in part- -- _ nership with USDA Rural Development and the North Central RC&D -will host an . - informatior) meeting here on ;i the Value-Added Producer - Grant program on Tuesday, '- March 24, from 7 to 8:30 - p.m. Site is the RC&D office. .- Joan Scheel, USDA Rural -- Development business pro- : gram specialist, will present ; information on the purpose - - of the grant program, how to ' ;I apply and tips for completing - the application. 'The session will include discussion with input from attendees on ideas for I value-added projects. I '._

description

CFRA 032009a Clips

Transcript of CFRA 032009a Clips

Page 1: CFRA 032009a Clips

-

UNIVERSAL 1 Information Serv~ces lnc*

DAILY NEWS EVENING DAILY NORFOLK, NE Circulation = 17282

03/19/2009

HAPPENINGS 1 What's happening I

. out in the field I

Value-added grants BASSET1 - The Center

for Rural Affairs - in part- -- _ nership with USDA Rural

Development and the North Central RC&D -will host an

. - informatior) meeting here on ;i the Value-Added Producer - Grant program on Tuesday, '- March 24, from 7 to 8:30

- p.m. Site is the RC&D office.

.- Joan Scheel, USDA Rural -- Development business pro- : gram specialist, will present ; information on the purpose -

- of the grant program, how to ' ;I apply and tips for completing - the application.

'The session will include discussion with input from attendees on ideas for

I value-added projects. I '._

Page 2: CFRA 032009a Clips

I u NIVERSAL lnformatlon Setvlces, lnctr

(402) 342-31 78

TELEGR4PH MORNING DAILY NORTH PLATTE, NE 8 Clrculat~fron = 13339

Center for Rural Affairs impressed with city

The Center for Rural Affairs would like to thank thepeople of North Platte and the surrounding communities for being so wonderful and making the Center for Rural Af- fairs' third annual entrepreneurship conference - Marketplace - a re- sounding success. We had a very im- pressive turnout, and none of it would have been possible without the cooperation and support that the community of North Platte demon- strated.

North Platte was a great location as over 500 people attended. The as- sistance we received from the Cham- ber, Mid Plains Community College and others was fabulous.

Of co.urse the success of Market- Place wouldn't be possible without sponsors including many local spon-

I sors such as; Idea Logic, Q Country ._. 107.3 FM -North Platte, Mid Nebras-

ka Community Foundation, The UPS Store, Consolidated Telephone, Ne- braskaLand National Bank, Wells Fargo, Adams Bank & Trust, Equi- - table Bank, Nebraska Rural Electric Association, North Platte Chamber & Development, North Platte Con- vention & Visitors Bureau, State Farm Insurance, and Nebraska De- partment of Economic Development just to name a few. For afull listpof MarketPlace%@iR~CiEs visit2 =- - - :Q

http://www.cfra.org/files/Sponsors & ~xhibitors.pdf.

7

. Whether looking to improve your farm or ranch operation, interested in expanding a home based business, or communitv development, Market- -- ..--

Place had something for everyone. More than 100 youths in attendance added to the energy and excitement in North Platte.

Elisha Greeley Smith Lyons -

Page 3: CFRA 032009a Clips

I I UNIVERSALL~ Information Serv~ces, I n c 5

"

NEWS-TIMES MORNING DAILY YORK, NE Circulabon = 4196

0311 912009

Guest Opinion 1 Out of crisis comes great things

I ~ ' y Elisha Greeley Smith CENTER FOR RURAL AFFAIRS

With times of economic crisis come great opportuni- ties for entrepreneurs, if we are willing to invest in microenterprise develop- ment.

I A recent Center for Rur- al Affairs' report found that investing in entrepreneurial development paid big divi- dends during the last recent recession (2000-2003). and continuing such investment could help Nebraska weath- er this current econon~ic recession. Employment in

a--

Nebraska attributable to - microenterprises (business-

es with 5 or fewer employ- ees) actually grew by nearly five percent while all other

private, non-farm employ- ment fell by nearly one per- cent during that last reces- sion.

According to the report, Economic Outcomes of State Investment In the Nebraska Microenterprise Development Act, a $1.5 n~illion annual appropriation to the Nebraska Microenter- prise Development Act would potentially result in 184 to 198 microenterprise businesses created or expanded with assistance from the program, creation of 294 to 3 17 jobs across the state, creation of $5.6 mil- lion to $8.6 million in addi- tional income in Nebraska households (business own- ers and employees), creation of over $1.1 million in household asset growth in

its first year, economic out- comes in Nebraska of over $6 million to nearly $10.5 million in one year, and potential economic out- comes in Nebraska of $25 million to $41 million after five years.

The Governor's budget recommendation released in January 2009 recommended cutting funds for the Act.

Nebraska Legislators should not turn their backs on rural main streets at the precise time when investing in entrepreneurial develop- ment can help revitalize rural communities and rein- vigorate Nebraska's econo- my.

For a full copy of the report: http:llwww.cfra.orglnodei17 59

Page 4: CFRA 032009a Clips

. RECORD WEDNESDAY 'IFrEEKLY CHADRON, NE Circulabon = 2673

0311 112009

1 'Choosing change for health care By John Crabtree [email protected] Lenter for Rural Affairs

If the Obama White House and Congress hope to fulfill their promises to reform the health care systeol for all Americans, they must address

I the fundamental health care inequities that have arisen in 1 mr;ll America.

In particular, they should address the physical plant and technology needs of rural health care facil~ties, provide adequate resources to cover unserved or underserved rural areas, and fix insurance oroblems that cause

1 , financial siress for rural hmi - !- lies and rural health care b m=-

providers al~ke. increasing financial stress for Rural America's financiallv rural families and rural health

stressed health care systeln is an care providers. All of these expression o r public pol~cy issues conspire against rural choices. Medicare and America's web of small hosvi- Med~caid p~ovide about 60 per- tals, clinics and nursing homes, cent of rural hospital revenues. bringing many close to the brink But Mcdicaid and Medicare of closure. Thin financial mar- reimburse~nent rates remain gins also prevent rural facilities generally below actual costs of fro111 making crucial invest- services pro\.ided. These policy ments in technology and physi- choices werc made by people - cal plant upgrades. Presidents, Governors, Changing these circum- Senators, Reprcsentatives ... and stances is essential if the prom- the people in thosc posittons can ise of health care reform is to be choose a diffe~ent path. fulfilled.

Moreover, by Illany estimates, For more information: nearly half of the under-insured http://www.cfra.org are facing collection or legal action over medical debts,

Page 5: CFRA 032009a Clips

TIMES-TRIBUNE THURSDAY WEEKLY BEAVER CITY, NE Circulati~n = 873

0311 212009

Health Insurer Expands Grant Program --

= for Greater Nebraska Communities (Omaha, NE) -- Blue cross and community residents outside of the

Blue Shield of is Omaha/Lincoln metropolitan areas.

to announce the 2009 Blue Health A and stunning report from

A~~~~~~~~ G ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ , ~h~ the Center for Rural Affairs in Ly-

program was launched in 2008 to ons, Nebraska demonstrates the

support health and wellness pro- facing Nebraska.

grams across the state, especially in Before 19807 rural Americans were

Greater Nebraska. In 2009, the generally fit than their urban BHA Wellness Grants will provide counterparts. that has a total of $100,000 to be shared by changed, with the rural residents

as many as ten different non-profit with higher rates . The organizations. The grants, of up to Center recommends the creation of

$20,000 each, will be awarded this community-based nutrition and ex-

summer to those projects ,which ercise programs address L show the for bet- h e - says Joe B S ~ ~ Y of the Center -

tering the health and well-being of continued on Page 8 1- -.-* - L

- ---- Continued From Page 6

a for Rural Affairs: "We applaud ! Blue Cross for making this corn- mitment to weliness in Greater Ne-

I braska. We know it can make a - difference."

I In the first year of the program, ; ,Blue-Cross received riiore than - I sixty excellent proposals. Of those, '

nine stood out for their innovation, community focus, and potential impact. Among the winners: the "Fit Farmers" program in Holdrege, walking trails designed for all ages in Chadron, and two school-based programs focused on preventing childhood obesity. Over the summer, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska team trav- eled to each con~mun~ty to award the checks, as well as to draw at- tention to the excellent work being done to improve the health of Ne- braskans. A similar media tour is planned for the 2009 winners.

Proposals for the 2009 grants are currently being accepted. Those applications must be re- -

-- ceived at Blue Cross and Blue Shield no later than April 1, 2009. The complete Request for Proposal (RFP) and full application details can be found under "Features" or "Who We Are-Community Rela- tions" at www.bcbsne.com. For a hard-copy of the RFP, please con- tact Carol Vidlak at carol.vidlak@ bcbsne.com or (402) 398-3734.

-.-- a _ I__ -___

Page 6: CFRA 032009a Clips

j j. U NIVERSAL lnformatlon Services, Incz

1 TIMES-TRIBUNE THURSDAY WEEKLY 1 BEAVER CITY, NE

I Clrculabon = 873

SpriRg Meetings By Rosie Stockton

On March 19. 2009, at 6:00 ~ - p.m., The FURNASIHARLAN

PARTNERSHIP A N N U A L MEETING will be held at the Holbrook Community Building, Central Ave. Holbrook, Ne- braska. This meeting is open to the public. The special speaker will be: Dr. Randy Cantrell, a Center for Applied Rural Innova- tion (CARI) senior fellow and a development specialist with NU Rural Initiative and Extension

. . Professor with the University of Nebraska. Call Rosie Stockton at 308-962-7894, Or email: direc- torafurnas-harlan-partnership.org to make reservations for the meeting and meal no later than March 13, 2009, Cost $10.00 per person.

PK Innovators & Entrepreneurs Club Meeting - March 16, "Will My Idea Work-For Me?' Is the

- . topic for the Innovator's -~ -- ~ -. & Entre- -- -

p r e G r ' s (I & E) Club meeting slated for 6:00 p.m., at the Minden Fire Hall located at 325 N Colo- rado just off the southwest corner of the downtown square in Min- den. Engaging speakers Dena Beck and Sharon Hueftle will pre- sent information on blending per- sonal and business goals. Beck, a Rural Enterprise Assistance Pro- ject (REAP) Business Specialist, helps small businesses and busi- ness start-ups with planning, funding and training. Hueftle is di- rector of South Central Economic Development District, an organi- zation promoting economic devel- opment in all forms.

March 23, Business Succession Workshop 6:00 p.m. PK Partner- ship will host a workshop starting at 6:00 on Monday, March 23rd Planning for the Succession of your Business in Holdrege at the Holdrege Country Club,3 14 West 18th Street. Preregistration is re- quested by March 20th and may be made by contacting the Holdrege Area Chamber of Com- merce at 308-995-4444 cham- [email protected] or the Minden Chamber of Commerce at 308-

- - 332-1 81 1 m i n d e t i . c ~ a ! i ~ g t ! i l ~ . ..+ %

-

net . The cost for the evening is $ 1 5.00 per person. Mark Scott, President of Outright Solutions will have the program. Encour- aged to attend include existing businesses and the people that serve them including bankers, ac- countants, attorneys, etc.

SAVE ?7-IE DATE - APRIL, 14, 2009 The 75th Anniversary of the South Platte Chambers of Com- merce Oxford, Nebraska, Special Speaker Gov. Dave Heirieman

For more information on any of these activities contact: Rosie Stockton FurnasIMarlan Partner- ship, 308-962-7894, email: ~ ~ t c ~ ~ : ( ~ ~ f ~ ~ r ~ ! . ~ s - ~ h _ i ~ r l ~ i n p a ~ - t n l r s h i p .org or w M. L L ~ ~ I 1:t1 as - tl-ar l.ai1 I

~tn~i:st i ip.n:g

Page 7: CFRA 032009a Clips

UNIVERSALI Information Services. Inc

HUB EVENING DAILY KEARNEY, NE circulation = 12743

0311 712009

, .

When More is Bad A Wayne State study shows rural Americans are becoming more obese, but nutritionists, towns, YMCAs and more are taking the fight to the fat

By SARA GIBONEY Hub Staff Writer

REARNEY - More rural Americans are becoming over- weight, according to a recently released report by the Lyons- based Center for Rural Affairs, "Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity in Rural America,"

Obesity raises the risks of developing cardiovascular dis- eases and diabetes, said Deb Lundeen, a registered dietician and licensed medical nutrition therapist who is wellness director at Kearney Orthopedic and Frac- ture Clinic.

People who carry excess weight or are considered obese often suffer from joint problen~s, especially in knees, hips and shoulders. "I think what people don't think about is their ioints," Lundeen said. "We see a lot of knee and hip problems related to weight."

Overweight people also have a greater risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, she said.

"There are many explanations for why problems with nutrition, activity and weight are so promi- nent in rural America," Joe Bla- nenau, professor of politics at Wayne State College, wrote in

COMBATING OBESITY -.

Steps rural communities can nutr~tion and exercise programs. take to combat obesity W Promote and enhance

Take responsibility for your pedestrian walking and biking health and the health ot your tra~ls. community through educat~on Make nutrition program- and ar ,on. ming an integral part of the

srk within your social net- school'environment. work: .o change patterns of W Support business initiatives behavbr about eating and activity. that address nutrition, activity

Take responsibility for and obesity. healthy living and attitudes in Work to make your food your family. Promote healthy eat- system healthier. In its Food and ing. Shut off the television, com- Fitness Initiative, the Kellogg puter and video game systems. Foundation advocates policies Exercise and play outdoors and decisions that focus on pro- together. duc~ng and consuming "good

Make walking and biking to food." It's defined as food that is school access~ble and safe. local (community-supported agri- Grant funding is available culture), healthy (not processed), through the Safe Routes to fair (making sure producers are School Program from the U.S. adequately rewarded) and green Department of Transportation. (grown with limited chemicals). Communities can create a walk- W Promote and enhance inq school bus that allows oar- health, wellness and phvsical erGs to share the responsib~lity of walking or biking groups of students tc school.

W Create community-based

the report. He said some of the most widely discussed factors concern "the mi lie^^ of modern rural living."

Researchers at the St. Louis University School of Public Health found that the distance

activity in health care' legislation. Solirce: Nutrlt~on, "Physical Act~vity

and Obesity in Rural America" by Joe Blankenau

from recreational facilities, stores, churches and schools is linked to obesity.

"I don't think accessibility to a fitness center is much of an excuse for living in a rural area," Lundeen said. "Most of us

have roads we can walk on, driveways that can be walked up and down. There are all kinds of ways to exercise in the home."

She suggests buying hand weights, walking stairs or doing daily activities such as yard work. "Any way to get in some activity is a good thing," she said.

Lundeen also recommends wearing a pedometer to help focus on being active. She said people should aim to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Lundeen and her husband, Brad, a farmer, purchased an elliptical trainer. Brad works out for 10 minutes, three times a day - in the morning before going to work, at lunch time and in the evening.

"In a rural area, you do have to sav. 'OK. what's mv choice , , here?' You have a choice to sit around and get fat or ... a choice to do something about it," Lun- deen said.

Some rural communities have implemented innovative activi- ties, such as the two-year-old Fit Farmers program at Holdrege's YMCA of the Prairie.

"We were just talking about how so many of our farmers around here, how we could get

Brad Nofloa. Kearney Hub

OBESITY IS MORE prevalent among rural residents than urban dwellers, according to a recent report. Lack of resources in rural a reas may be one cause, but there are s teps rural communities can take to help their residents live healthy lifestyles.

them involved in thc. Yh,lCA." said Health and M.'cllnrss Manag- er Reve Quinn. "So we thought maybe a group for them :vo~~ld make them feel more comfort- able."

About 15 farmers meet twice a week, froin the end of harvest in the fall to the start of sprins planting season. Quinn said they learn how to use weights and do cardiovascular workouts, and

they participate in fitness classes. This year, they split into teams

that earned points for the num- ber of times members exercised each week. Points also were earned for eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and drinking enouph water.

"It's just as important for them as anybody, working on things like lowering blood pres- sure and cholesterol ... that so many of 11s deal with," Quinn said.

Page 8: CFRA 032009a Clips

U NIVERSAL Information Services. In(

HUB EVENING DAILY KEARNEY, NE Circulation =; 12743

0311 712009

Hllll Ill llllllllllll llllllllllll I Ill *+ - r . 4 - - - - - E

, Farmers work long hours, she said, but they may not get enough physical activity.

"Farming isn't as physically demanding as it once was. We have new technology, so they don't have to lift as many things or be as physically active," Quinn said.

It's important that farmers come to the YMCA or find othcr ways to replicate the level of physical activity they used to get from their work, she said.

The Fit Farmers program is -

supported through a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska grant.

Blanenau's report says farmers still get inore physical activity than non-farmers, but fewer people fartn today. " . ,. -b

"Another important change regirding en~ployn~ent is that in the last few decades, the percent- age of multiple incoine families has grown," the report says. "In a

'

focus group consisting of day care providers in rural northeast Nebraska, the providers dis- cussed how families have 'too much going on' with their jobs, along with school and communi- ty activities.

"Consequently, people in rural arcas struggle with finding the time to exercise and to prepare nutritious meals."

The report says options for healthy choices have diminished in conln~u~~i t ies that now rely on a convenience store, not a gro- cery, for their food.

"Everything that I would need for a healthy diet I can find at my local (grocery) store in Axtell," Lundeen said. "There's plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads,lean meats, , +

low-fat dairy products. "It's just a matter of what you

want to spend your money on. Do you want to spend your money on processed high-fat foods and chips or something that is low fat and healthy?"

Lundeen said people who live in rural communities without grocery stores must plan ahead.

"You're going to have to plan your menus," she said. "Make the long trip a couple of times a month to the nearest grocery store. Really, there's just not much at a convenience store to choose from."

She also suggested planting a garden.

The Center for Rural Affairs report talks about a lack of health and nutrition information in rural areas. "Sonle studies have f o ~ ~ n d rhat rural residents have less understanding of how to prepare nutritious meals and a shortage of nutritionists in rural areas likely exacerbates the prob- lem. Unfortunately, rural schools often do not have the funding available for nutrition pro- grams," it says.

Lundeen argues that everyone has more access to information than ever.

"It comes down to personal choice and motivation," she said, because people concerned about their weight can talk to physi- cians, certified dieticians, nurses and certified personal trainers, o r they can find information on the Internet. e-,nail to: sara,gihon~:~~@/~~~arr~eyhub.com

i,

Page 9: CFRA 032009a Clips

/ NEMAHA CO. HERALD FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE Circulation= 2628

0311 212009

Ill1 Ill1 llllllllllllllllllHll Ill1 Ill . .

- ~.

Center for Rural ~ffairs' ~ e p o r t Highlights BeneTits o r Microenterprise Development to Nebraska's Economy ; f . ...

A Center for Rural Affairs re- creation of $5.6 million to $8.6 lion per year. In the 2009 session, the port released March 3 finds that million in additional income in Ne- Legislature is tasked with develop- investment in microenterprise and braska households (business owners ing a new state budget for the next entrepreneurial development paid and employees), biennium. The Governor's budget big dividends during the last reces- creation of over $ 1.1 million recommendation released in January sion, and continued investment in in household asset growth in its 2009 recommended maintaining the microenterprise development would first year, general fund appropriation, but rec- help Nebraska weather the current economic outcomes in Nebraska ommended terminating the annual. economic recession. During the last of over $ 6 million to nearly $10.5 cash fund appropriation. recession (2000-2003), employment million in one year. "The Governor's proposed dispro- in Nebraska attributable to microen- The report also finds that a $1.5 portionate cuts to Nebraska Micro- terprises (small businesses with 5 or million one year investment in the enterprise Development Act funding fewer employees) actually grew by Nebraska Microenterprise Develop- are ill-advised. Nebraska Legisla- nearly five percent while all other ment Act would result in potential tors should not turn their backs on private, non-farm employment fell economic outcomes in Nebraska rural mainstreets, especially at the by nearly one percent. of $25 million to $41 million after precise time we should be investing

"We are again in a period of reces- five years. in entrepreneurial development and sion. It is a critical time to invest in "Microenterprise development other proven strategies that can help job creation and economic recovery is especially critical in light of the revitalize rural communities and by supporting microenterprise de- deepening recession. Investing in reinvigorate Nebraska's economy," velopment," said Jon Bailey, Rural initiatives such as the Nebraska Mi- added Bailey. Research and Analysis Director for croenterprise Development Act has The report employed previously the Center for Rural Affairs. - great potential to spur innovation published research and data to

According to the Center's report, and job creation in rural communi- examine the potential economic entitled Economic Outcomes of ties and urban neighborhoods alike," outcomes of maintaining the $1.5 State Investment In the Nebraska said Bailey. million annual appropriation for the

>.Microenterprise Development Act, In the 2007 session of the Ne- NebraskaMicroenterprise Develop- a $1.5 million annual appropriation braska Legislature, funding for the ment Act, including the potential to the Nebraska Microenterprise Nebraska Microenterprise Develop- job creation and effects on income Developnlent Act would potentially ment Act was increased significantly and assets for business owners for result in: to $1.5 million annually in the bien- one year and five year periods. For

184 to 198 microenterprise busi- nium budget for the 2007-2008 and more information about the report or nesses created or expanded with 2008-2009 fiscal years. This funding to obt4n a full copy of the report go assistance from the program, contained an annual general fund to http://www.cfra.org/node/1759 or

creation of 294 to 317 jobs appropriation of $500,000 and a call (402) 687-2100. j across the state, . .. newly created cash fund of $1 mil-

'. .

Page 10: CFRA 032009a Clips

DAILY NEWS EVENING DAILY ' NORFOLK, NE ! Clrculabon= 17282

i 0311 812009

Network meetings set - : - for small businesses

i " Specmto the Dally News -

LYONS - The Center for Rural Affairs, in part- nership with the Northeast Nebraska Econo~nic Devel- opment District, will hold several small business net-

- work meetings in Northeast , Nebraska.

The meetings will dis- cuss a new project that ties rural small businesses to larger urban businesses.

The project intends to identify larger urban busi- nesses that have needs for goods and services that could possibly be "rural sourced" to a network of small rural businesses. This is an opportunity to en- hance existing businesses . or create new businesses. . At the meetings, Center

- . for Rural Affairs staff will - share information about the -project and ask for input on how to make the idea work better. Community lead- ers, economic developers and small business owners or potential small business owners are all invited.

"This is an exciting op- portunity to potentially expand your existing busi- -'.

ness or to jump-start a business plan you have been putting together," said Stephanie Fritz, Center for Rural Affairs. "Individuals who have attended previ- ous small business network meetings have opened up networking opportunities that may enhance the out- come of the small business partnerships as a result of this grant."

The meetings will be conducted at the following places and times:

Bloomfield Community Center, Tuesday. March 24. 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., lunch provided; Corner- stone Bank, Albion, Wednesday. March 25. 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., lunch provided; Wayne State College student center Elkhorn Room, Tuesday. April 7, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.. lunch provided; Neligh Public Library, Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., lunch provided; City Council Chambers. South Sioux City, Tuesday, April 14, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.. lunch provided; Pizza Ranch. West Point, Monday, April 20, 11 a.m. until I p.m., lunch provided.

Those interested can re- serve a seat-by calling 687- 2100, Ext. 1021. For more information, contact Kathie Starkweather at kathies@ cfra.org or 438-8496.

-

Page 11: CFRA 032009a Clips

CHIEFTAIN Date. Thursday, February 26,2009 - Frequency: WEEKLY

TECUMSEH, Nebraska Circulation: 1824

Clip Size: 16.29 sq inches Ad Rate. $6 9 Page/Sectlon. 4

E Copyn&ZWP\AII Rl&s Remcd --.- --

Davids defeated a real Goliath By John.Cmbtree Center for Rural Affairs

JBS the Brazilian meatpacker that has quickly become a domi- nate player in the U.S. beef sector, announced that the company will cease efforts to acquire National Beef. In March of 2008, JBS an- nounced its intention to acquire National Beef.

Thousands of family farmers, ranchers and other cancerned citizens signed the ~.er...for,..Rsl.mlIAffaks petition against the JBS mergers and reached out to the Justice Depart: ment to urge them to challenge the JBS mergers. Justice responded by filing suit in federal court in atober, 2008, challenging the JBS -National &ef merger in court on grounds that the merger reduced competition in cattle markets.

The C.enterfsrr_.Rural..~A.ffairs is proud of our efforts and of all our

friends that stood with us on this. Many people have told us numer- ous times that nothing can be done about these mergers. Well, they were wrong. Family farmers, ranch- ers and rural communities won ... JBS lost.

And all those Davids defeated a real Goliath. JBS is the world's largest beef producer and packer with a daily slaughter capacity of 65,000 head of cattle. They are the largest global exporter of processed beef. Their operations include 22 plants in nine Brazilian states, six plants in Argentina, nine plants in Australia, and 10 plants in Italy. In the U.S. they boast a daily beef slaughter capacity of 28.1 00 cattle, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, and a lamb slaughter plant along with three pork packing plants with a daily slaughter capacity of 47,900 hogs.

Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 1 1 1 Profile: 111 - Center for Rural ARairs Recipient: John Crabtree

Page 12: CFRA 032009a Clips

STAR- JOURNAL

AINSWORTH, Nebraska

Date: Wednesday, March 18,2009 Frequency: WEEKLY Circulation: 2500 Clip Size: 10.54 sq. inches Ad Rate: $3.1 5 Pagelsection: 6

Value added producer grant informational mtg. The Centerfor Rural Affairs in partnership with USDA Rural De- velopment and the North Central RC&D will be hosting an informa- tion meeting on the Value Added Producer Grant program on March 24th in Bassett. Joan Scheel, USDA Rural Develop- ment Business Program Specialist, will present information on the purpose of the grant program, how to apply and tips for completing the application. The sessions will include discussion with input from attendees on ideas for value added projects. "There is so much interest in this program from Nebraska's farmers and ranchers who are developing businesses that grow their income and bring much needed jobs to their communities. We are so glad to be able to partner with USDA Rural Development in order to present information on this upcom- ing opportunity." Please come and join us March 24 in Bassett at the North Centrai Nebraska RC&D Office, 308 East Highway 20,7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.111.

Universal Information Services , lnc. http:Nnews.universal-info.com Page: 1 I 1 Profile: 1 11 - Center for Rural Affairs Recipient: John Crabtree

2 Y