The purpose of my travel was to

SUPPORT SERVICES
The purpose of my travel was to:
1 3 DEC 2005
`wQUSC OF ASSEMBLY
Visit the Kansas Legislature in Topeka, the Nebraska Legislature in Lincoln,
attend the Husker Harvest Field Days in Nebraska which are operated by Rural
Press. At the Legislatures discuss growing GM crops, tattooing and body
piercing industries, education support for rural families and their legislative
committees .
Mondav, 5 September 2005
Fly Adelaide, Melbourne, Los Angeles, Denver, Kansas City. Private vehicle to
Topeka. I am very grateful to Mr Gerry Bretz who collected me in Topeka and
drove me around the USA.
Tuesday, 6 September 2005
Appointments at Topeka with:
"
Ms Kim Ribelin, Secretary of State's Office (I am very grateful for Kim's
assistance in organising many of my appointments)
"
Senate President Steve Morris
"
Mary Mulryan and David Lake, Board of Emergency Medical Services
"
Lunch with Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh
"
Secretary Adrian Pokansky, Department of Agriculture
"
Representative Tom Sloan, visit to his farm
Wednesdav, 7 September 2005
Appointments at Topeka with:
"
Col . William Seck, Kansas Highway Patrol
"
State Capitol Tour
"
Lunch with Greg Foley, Conservation Commission
"
Speaker of the House, Doug Mays
"
Mary Lou Davis, Kansas Board of Cosmetology
"
Assistant Commissioner Dale Dennis, Kansas Department of Education.
Wednesday afternoon travelled to Avaleen .
Thursday, 8 September 2005
Thursday morning visited the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Travelled onto Lincoln, the capitol of Nebraska.
Friday, 9September 2005
Friday had appointments at the Nebraska Legislature :
"
Rick Leonard, Legal Counsel to Senator Bob Kremer & Agriculture
Committee
"
Tammy Barry, Legal Counsel to Senator Ron Raikes & Education
Committee
Monday, 12 September 2005
Monday morning first appointment was Fairbanks Carney Dealership with
Warren Fairbanks .
Visited Senator Chuck Hagel's office, and met Mary Bargman Crawford, State
Agriculture Director, who supplies the money to the American Farm Bill which is
important to farmers .
Then we went to an ethanol plant and had a briefing .
In the afternoon I visited Senator Ed Schrock and visited his farm where I saw
the results of efficient irrigation, what can be grown and the latest farming
techniques .
Tuesday, 13 September 2005
Attended the Husker Harvest Field Days .
Wednesdav, 14 September 2005
On the Wednesday at 1 pm I visited the Case/New Holland header (combine
harvester) factory and they produce about 17 new headers a day.
In the evening I went with Senator Ed Schrock to a meeting regarding
legislation dealing with irrigation and aspects of water management in Nebraska
- I was given the opportunity to address the meeting.
Thursday, 15 Septemb er 2005
On Thursday morning we went to the Husker Harvest Field Days where I
attended a briefing with the Secretary of State for Agriculture in the USA.
The Husker Harvest Field Days are owned and operated by Rural Press South
Australia.
Fridav, 16 September 2005
Proceeded to Omaha where I met Mr Mike Walter from ConAgra Foods .
Then in the afternoon departed Omaha, Chicago, Los Angeles, Melbourne,
Adelaide .
Sunday, 18 September 2005
Arrived in Adelaide
I have again found the ability to visit the USA as a MP one of the most
productive and educational experiences. The information I received was most
helpful and will be put to good use.
One of the first things that strikes you is the massive agricultural potential of the
USA and its industrial capacity. I happened to be there when the typhoon hit
New Orleans.
The other most interesting aspect of the USA is the patriotism of people with the
flag flying with great pride .
Petrol was selling up to $2 .90 a gallon and people were complaining . On their
highways as well as having a maximum speed limit they also have a minimum
speed limit which I believe is important in traffic management .
In my discussions in Kansas I was very keen to examine and understand their
view in relation to genetically modified crops, bearing in mind soya beans and
corn in the majority are modified, now release GM alph alpha (Lucerne) which is
anticipated about 75000 acres planted this year.
I had the chance to speak at length with the Secretary of State for Agriculture
who is a wheat grower and had detailed discussions on what he believes was
the future for GM crops. He is a strong supporter of GM crops and his concern
was that people don't understand the technology involved and the benefits
which can flow particularly in relation to increased production and other side
benefits such as production of products which will help people with diseases .
He is keen to see the grain growing country such as Australia cooperate in an
education program because it would be fair assessment of the views he put
across that the continued development of GM crops will be ongoing and
inevitable that it will be the acceptance by the market place - which it currently
doesn't.
I also had a discussion with the President's staff in the Upper House in the
Kansas City Legislature and in their legislature like a number of other states in
USA the committee system is very powerful and all legislation has to go to a
committee before it can be considered by the House . The committee has the
power to kill legislation and it would appear to me there are some benefits in
this system where more detailed and thorough debate and consideration,
particularly major issues, takes place.
I also had the opportunity of speaking with the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of
the Lower House, the actual capitol building is a most impressive building .
I was very grateful for the assistance of the Secretary of State and his staff.
They were very helpful in organising my appointments.
My discussions on the last Friday with Mike Walter from ConAgra Foods related
to his views on where we were going with GM crops . Whether ~t was necessary
to continue with research and the campaign launched b~ Peter which is the
group that has campaigned vigorously against mulesing sheep. During this
discussion Mr Walter provided me with information concerning the activities of
Peter in the treatment of pests they had collected.
It is clear from my discussions with ConAgra Foods that there will be ongoing
development in the field of GM crops, the technology needs to be clearly
explained to the community so they can make informed decisions .
Unlike Australia, in the USA it is clear there is a general acceptance of GM
crops eg. Soya beans, canola, round up ready Lucerne . It is clear that if we are
going to have round-up ready wheat then there needs to be a clear market
acceptance and before that happens there needs to be a clear explanation and
acceptance .
My discussions with the Director of Education in Kansas indicated to me that
our one educational system across South Australia is highly beneficial and in
my view leads to better educational outcomes. One of the interesting points he
made was they don't have a system where school uniforms are worn . He
indicated to me that we should never give up the right because once given up
you will never get it back and it has proved to give them some difficulties .
The second issue was that in Kansas and Nebraska in rural areas they have a
system of driving licences which allows students under the normal age
permission to drive to school with a special permit . I am not advocating this but
it was an interesting point and maybe something worth looking at for the very
isolated and difficult circumstances where people are having difficulties getting
school buses.
There is no doubt the ethanol industry in the United States is not only
expanding but is encouraged to do so by government. It is estimated that there
is well in excess of 300 jobs being created with the construction of each plant
and estimated, because of the guarantees in place, that some extra 50,000
permanent jobs created, and a large amount of indirect jobs.
One of the strong arguments used is that ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions quite considerably. The American Liner Association has indicated
that diesel and petrol contributes considerably to pollution .
It does have advantages that is why I am firmly of the view we should be
positively supporting the establishment of ethanol plants in this State and Nation
as one way to conserve fuel.
One of the interesting aspects of my trip was the continual and rapid
development of technology in agriculture and the range of satellite guidance
systems that are available to farmers in the USA.
Another highlight was to visit the Husker Harvest Field Days. It is clear that
satellite guidance systems are going to play a very significant role in cost
reductions and efficiency in the future. From what I heard in the USA and what
I know takes place in Australia hopefully the competition which is available in
the USA will drive down the price and hopefully help farmers in Australia.
More information about my trip to the USA can be obtained by contacting the
Stuart Electorate Office at Parliament House . I am happy to have constructive
discussions with anyone about my trip as I believe the opportunity for Members
to look at new technologies and discuss with Legislatures in other parts of the
World is invaluable and should be encouraged and not hindered . My visit to the
USA again strengthened my opposition to citizens initiated referendum which
has been an issue of discussion in South Australia.
My discussion relating to body piercing and tattooing were invaluable to me as a
Member of the South Australia Select Committee on Body Piercing and
Tattooing which has just handed down its report to the Parliament.
on Graham Gunh MP
MEMBER FOR STUART
S 'i D'-Y-' 'T'- 0
att
t
PORT
~~
SPEAKER
FIOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
2005
Nebraska AgRelations Council
Relations Dinner and Special Program
Senator Ed Schrock
Presentation
"Nebraska Water Issues"
MidTown Holiday Inn, Grand Island
September 14 " During Husker Harvest Days
Reception - 5:30 p.m. " Dinner - 6:30 p .m.
LEAD Alumni Association Cooperating
Special Program
NAC President Craig Buescher - Master of Ceremonies
Presentation - "Nebraska Water Issues," Senator Ed Schrock
NAC is focusing this year on Nebraska water issues and this represents our beginning
on the topic. A full days' program November 3, 2005 for Ag at the Crossroads will be
presented . Look for the announcement .
Buffet Dinner Menu : Wide selection of relishes and salads, plus mashed potatoes and
gravy, and a combination of 3 meat entrees. Choice of coffee, tea, dinner rolls and dessert.
SENATOR ED SCHROCK
EXPERIENCE
District No . 38
Legislative Address
State Capitol
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
Office: (402) 471-2732
Home Address
R.R . 1, Box 57
Elm Creek, Nebraska 68836
(308) 995-4665 (Holdrege)
SENATOR TOM BAKER
Nebraska Legislature
44`u District
w AIFcO%
REPUBLICA111
[email protected] .ne .u s
A
IF
U.S. CONGRESS
www. hansonforcongress . com
Paid for by the Hanson for Congress Commiffee.
State Capitol
PO Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509-4604
(402) 471-2805
FAX (402) 479-0944
HC 2, Box 140
Trenton, NE 69044
(308) 334-5403
VALUES
oNi
Ri
JoanAdrian :com
-
Adrian Smith
Republican Candidate-Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District
3321 Avenue 1, Suite 6
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 220-3211 (phone)
(308) 635-7412 (fax)
[email protected]
www joinadrian .co m
SENATOR ADRIAN M . SMITH
Nebraska Legislature
48 111 District
State Capitol,
Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509-4604
(402) 471-2802
Fax: (402) 479-0948
3321 Avenue 1, Suite 6
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 635-7542
Fax: (308) 635-7412
[email protected] .ne .u s
SENATOR RONALD E . RAIKES
Nebraska Legislature
25TH District
MARY BARGMAN CRAWFORD
State Agriculture Director
Senator Chuck Hagel
Nebraska
115 Railway Street, Suite C102
Washington, DC 20510-2705
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(202)2244224
(308) 632-6032
(202) 228-0436 (Fax)
(308) 632-6295 (Fax)
E-mail : mar
ycmwford@hegel .senate.gov
USDA
State Capitol
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2731
3221 South 76th
Lincoln, Nebraska 68506
E-MAIL
[email protected] .u s
Larry V. Cundiff, PhD.
Research Leader, Genetics& Breeding
United States Department of Agriculture .
Agricultural Research .Service
U .S . Meat Animal Research Center''- - . ,
P .O. Box 166 . - Clay Center, Nebraska 68333-0166
Voice: 402;'62-4171 " FAX: 402/762-4-i
Email : [email protected] .usda .gov
JILL BECKER
TODD WILTGEN
LEGAL COUNSEL
TRANSPORTATION AND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE
Constituent Services Representative
294 Federal Building
Senator Chuck Hagel
Nebraska
100 Centennial Mall North
Lincoln, NE 68508
Washington, DC 20510-2705
(402) 476-1400
(202) 22.4-42291
(402) 476-0605 (Fax)
(202) 228-5213 (Fax)
E-mail : todd_wiltgen@hagel .senate.gov
7-
Office of Senator Tom Baker, Chair
State Capitol, Room 1101
f?0 . Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509-4604
(402) 471-2805
(402) 479-0944
jbecker@unicam .state .ne .us
www.unicam.state .ne .us
FAX
PHONE : 308/324-2371
FAX : 308/324-5786
CELLULAR : 308/325-0789
www .krvn .co m
E-Mail : jgittins@unicam .state .ne .us
Jody Gittins
Legal Counsel Natural Resources Committee
State Capitol Room 1210
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone : (402) 471-2732
Fax : (402) 479-0938
04.1 p
see AIN2
RURAL RADIO
MIKE LEPORTE
farm service director
P.O . Box 880
1007 Plum Creek Parkway
Lexington, NE 68850-0880
e-mail : mleporte@krvn .co m
11NE
Nebraska LEAD PrO9ram
ALLEN G . BLEZEK
O
,
COMPANY
S 222A5 LARE~DO TRAIL
50003
1-800-362-2510
515-677-2605
Fax: 515-677-2716
ORIN BORCHERS
Director
District Manager
Telephone :
(402) 472-6810
FAX : (402) 472-6799
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Internet: ablezeki @ unl .ed u
318 BioChem
Telex : 484340
Lincoln, NE USA 68583-0763
www .ianr.uni .edu/lead/
Home: 308-995-2049
Mobile : 308-991-8151
E-mail : orinb@nebi .com
603 Tibbals
Holdrege, Nebraska 68949
State of Nebraska
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR CROPS, INC.
Nebrasltra Wheat
B®c7rd
Donna Sturdy
Assistant Director
Member NICCA/NAICC
Board Certified Independent Crop Con Itant
Bus . 9:80EY79Gg8_0°
Res . (402) 652-3675
44 4(re
-e-ma tpmg@j2ZMWnet
P.O. Box 94912
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509 USA
www.nebraskawheat .co m
Phone (402) 471-2358
Fax (402) 471-3446
Cell (402) 560-3055
Email: [email protected]
Tom Murphy
Power
Generation
710 E . 25th
Ponderosa Mall
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 237-0506
lacki Refior Owner
Generator Sales
Engineer
Cummins Central Power, LLC
5515 Center Street
P.O. Box 6068
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 951-2770
Fax : (402) 551-5352
Kearney, NE (308) 234-1994
Cell : (402) 680-3098
[email protected] m
Terry Butzirus
Advertising Sales Representative
BONNIE L POPPERT
County Executive Director
Phone: (308) 237-3118 Ext2
Buffalo County FSA Office
Fax: (308) 236-5624
PO Box 2105
Kearney, NE 68848-2105
www fsa. usda .gov
Farm Progress Companies .
5625 "O" Street Suite 5
Lincoln, NE 68510-2133
(402)489-9331 Fax (402)489-9335
tbutzirus @ tarmprogress .co m
A RURAL PRESS LIMITED COMPANY
Victor Bohuslavsky
3815 Touzalin Avenue
Suite 101
Lincoln, NE 68507
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Office : (402) 441-3240
800-852-BEAN (2326) -
Fax: (402) 441-3238
Cell: (402)432-5720
Email : soybeanl @alltel.net
Rick Sorensen
Commodity Manager
rsorensen@kaapaethanol .com
P. O. Box 238
8450 KAAPA Lane
Minden, NE 68959
Richard R. Landell
Tel: 308-743-2217 ext. 223
Sales Manager
Fax: 308-743-2274
LANDELL-THELEN INC.
323 East Hwy. 30
Shelton, Nebraska 68876
308-647-6811 or 800-694-5674
Fax: 308-647-9100
Email: rich@landell-thelen .co m
url : www.landell-thelen .com
O STINE SEED COMPANY
2225 LAREDO TRAIL
ADEL, IA 50003
STEVEN C. FAXON
District Manager
Toll Free: 1-800-362-2510
Office : 515-677-2605
Fax: 515-677-2716
Business: (402) 223-3612
Fax: (402) 223-3612
E-mail : stevef 152@hotmail .co m
27255 S .W. 61st Road
Beatrice, NE 68310
Peter Morgan
Manager
NEW HOLLAND
FAIRBANKS GRAND ISLAND
Service is
the foundation of our business.
3700 W. 2nd St.
Grand Island, NE 68803
Website : www-fairbanksintl .com
Email :grisales@fairbanksintl .co m
w
Toll Free :
Bus :
Fax :
Res :
Cell :
(800)
(308)
(308)
(308)
(308)
422-8285
382-4781
382-1101
384-7150
390-6154
tti
Neal, Deb, Tracy & Ed Weidig
83080 553 1/2 Ave. - Madison, NE 68748
Phone : (402) 454-2900
Ernail :- [email protected]
LEAD XXIII
RON THORNBURGH, Kansas Secretary of State
STATE OF KANSAS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TOM SLOAN
KIM A. RIBELIN
REPRESENTATIVE, 45TH DISTRICT
DOUGLAS COUNTY
Executive Assistant
STATE CAPITOL-446-N
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor, 120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1594
TOPEKA, KS
772 HWY 40
(785) 296-4575 FAX: (7S5) 368-8033 kimrQkssos .org www.kssos .org
O FFICE (785)6 296-7670
LAWRENCE,
74
KS 66049-4174
1-800-432-3924
(785) 841-1526
The least complicated, most accessible agency in state govemmeht.
sloan@house .state .ks.u s
STATE OF KANSAS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONGRESSMAN JIM RYUN
2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
KANSAS
DOUG MAYS
KEVIN GREGG
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
PHONE: 785-296-2302
FAX: 785-368-7074
E-MAIL: mays@house .state .ks.us
STATE CAPITOL
ROOM 380-W
TOPEKA, KANSAS 66612
CONSTITUENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
!
_
800 SW JACKSON
SUITE 100
TOPEKA, KS 66612
OFFICE: (785) 232-4500
FAX: (785) 232-4512
EMAIL: [email protected] .GOV
STATE OF KANSAS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
RAY MERRICK
SPEAKER PRO TEM
STATE CAPITOL, RM . 330-N
TOPEKA, KANSAS 66612
PHONE: (785) 291-3500
FAX: (785) 2913888
6874 WEST 164TH TERR .
STILWELL, KANSAS 66085
(913) 897-4014
9i.1le line Uattoo, One.
STATE OF KANSAS
SENATE CHAMBER
8 Todg
nl
iefeing
STEPHEN MORRIS
SENATOR, 39TH DISTRICT
SENATE PRESIDENT
STATE CAPITOL-359-E
TOPEKA, KANSAS 66612-1504
600 TRINDLE ST.
(785) 296-2419
HUGOTON, KANSAS 67951
1-800-432-3924
(620) 544-2084
Email: [email protected] .ks.u s
One Of Kansas' Oldest & Experienced Studios .
Family Owned and Operated
With A Talented and Knowledgeable Staff
FINE LINE TATTOO INC .
Care And Warranty Card
Must Be Presented For Service
Sue Krische
Chief of Staff
to the Kansas Senate President
State Capitol, Rm . 361-E
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-2419
FAX (785) 296-6718
414 Westchester Road
Topeka, Ks 66606
(785) 272-8546
Tattoo
Placement
Topeka
Date
L ist
www .finelinetattooinc .co m
1915 S .W. Gage
(785)233-8288
Manhattan
622 N. Manhattan
(785)537-0964
°
Junction City
1028 W. 6th
(785)238-8238
KAN SAS
David Lake
www.hoovertarpsales .co m
Board of Emergency
Mc~li~- :Il Services
Administrator
®V
Landon 8t :ltc ()like IlmldI116
900 S'E1' .laclcsl~ll, Itll~~n) 11131
"DONT GO TARPLESS"
Board of Emergency
Medical Services
Public Service Administrator
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Room 1031
Topeka, KS 66612-1228
www.ksbems.org
Fax
E5PRESSO BAR
785-296-6212
[email protected]
Jody Gittins
Legal Counsel Natural Resources Committee
Phone: (402) 471-2732
Fax: (402) 479-0938
KANSAS
HIGHWAY PATROL
,WILLIAM R. SECK
COLONEL
SUPERINTENDENT
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE : (785) 296-6800
122 SW 7TH STREET
FAX: (785) 296-3049
TOPEKA, KS 66603-3847
E-MAIL : WSECK@MAIL .KHP.STATE .KS.US
GIFT SHOP
205 N.E . Third St . & Kirby Lane
Abilene, KS 67410
Tel 785-263-7336 " Fax 785-263-1885
wwwkirby-hOUSe .COr11
E-Mail : [email protected] .ne .us
State Capitol Room 1210
Lincoln, NE 68509
s.4
KANSAS
Mary Mulryan
785-296-6237
hTARp
BELOW FACTORY DIRECT PRICES
Mon . - Sat.
Steve Hoover
7 :00 A.M . TO 7:00 RM .
785-598-2347
2976 Hwy. 15
FAX 785-598-2282
Abilene, Ks . 67410-6038
1-800-536-2348
"I'~Ihcka . k5 60612
785-296-7296
Ila\ 7')3-290-62i2
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cl!sdl!~uinl : .cn
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