OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD, AND FORESTRY
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105

May 8, 2008

ODAFF TO CREATE CUSTOM HARVESTER DIRECTORY

For More Information Contact: Jack Carson (405) 522-4575

Oklahoma City—The state agriculture department is asking custom grain harvesters planning or willing to cut wheat in Oklahoma to be included in an online directory. Wheat harvest is expected in about two weeks and the agency hopes to help farmers locate harvest crews.

“Several producers have expressed concerns that they are having trouble getting commitments from custom harvesters this year,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Terry Peach. “This is due to a variety of factors including some harvesters leaving the business, high fuel prices and increasingly hard to find labor.”

Custom harvesters are encouraged to contact Glen Schickedanz at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry at 1-800-580-6543 or by email at glen.schickedanz@oda.state.ok.us. The mailing address is Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, attn. Glen Schickedanz, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

The directory will be available online as soon as the agency begins receiving information. The web address is www.oda.state.ok.us. Produces who do not have online capability may call the toll free number for information business days 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Information listed will include the custom harvesters’ contact information and number of combines available. Harvesters will automatically be removed from the list after 60 days. They can also ask to be deleted from the list at any time.

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2008 Convention Pictures

URGENT
In response to a request to the FMCSA, they have agreed to extend the comment period to May 23, 2008. We have got to make this a priority and get as many comments from as many people as possible. This proposed rule has got to be STOPPED!

We need your help with an issue that will change the process of receiving a CDL for EVERYONE. The FMCSA has proposed a rule that will require 76 hours of classroom instruction and 44 hours of behind-the-wheel training for a total of 120 hours - before receiving a "Class A" CDL. For a "Class B" and "Class C", it would require a minimum of 58 hours of classroom instruction and 32 hours of behind-the-wheel training for a total of 90 hours. This will affect ALL CDL applicants - not just the custom harvester.

The cost and time will be prohibited for our industry. This is why we need your help NOW! As stated in the summary, the FMCSA will accept comments from the public until May 23, 2008. The letter can be printed and then used to fax to your State Representatives, State Senators, Senate Ag Committee (202/224-1725) and the House Ag Committee (202/225-8510 and 202/225-0917). The number to fax it to the U.S. Department of Transportation is on the letter (202/493-2251).

Click to view a copy of the summary from the FMCSA and the letter that needs to be printed and faxed by you. Sign your name and include only your city/state as this will be published online by the Department of Transportation. If you need fax numbers for your government officials, please give the office a call at 620/664-6297.

ATTENTION MEMBERS
(and prospective new members):

Harvester Membership - $150
Non-US Harvester - $200
Associate Membership - $100
Lifetime Membership - $1,400

For your convenience, you can complete your
membership application online. If you have any
questions, please call the office and talk to Pam.

Looking for a Custom Harvester?
Call us today at 620-664-6297 for the name
of your local USCHI Harvester Member!

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