12 January 2006

Ensuring safety of Kansas livestock industry is board’s priority
Governor appoints two new members to the Kansas Animal Health Board

Farm receipts for livestock production exceed $5 billion annually and account for more than 60 percent of the state’s total farm receipts each year. That’s why Governor Kathleen Sebelius says the safety of Kansas livestock is vital to the state’s economy.

To continue ensuring the health of the Kansas agricultural economy, Governor Sebelius has appointed two new members to the Kansas Animal Health Board, both of whom have experience in the cattle industry.

“With Japan reopening its borders to Kansas beef, the safety of our meat and all Kansas livestock production is important,” Governor Sebelius said. “This board is a key part of that effort.”

The Kansas Animal Health Board acts as an advisory board to the Kansas Livestock Commission. Lonnie Busch and Steve Estes will each serve a three-year term on the board as new appointments. Additionally, Heather Donley, Ellsworth, was reappointed to a three-year term.

Busch, Leoti, is the feedlot general manager for Cargill Cattle Feeders. Since 1993, he has managed a 100,000 head capacity feed yard, a feed department and mill. Between 1990 and 1993, Busch was the gin manager at Anderson Clayton Company, managing three cotton gins in central Arizona. Currently, he is a member of the Wichita County Economic Development Board and Wichita County Local Emergency Preparedness and Disaster and Foreign Animal Disease committee.

Estes, Atchison, is a part owner and operator of Estes Cattle Inc., an order buying and cattle operation. He has been the county director of the Kansas Livestock Association, state president of the Kansas Livestock Marketing Association, and president and board member of the Atchison County Farm Bureau. Estes has also served has president and board member of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.