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Greetings!
When mayhem happens bad things occur!
Afterward is not the time to find out you are not insured properly.
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Photo taken in Hale Center
Photo taken in Dumas
These photos are in no way representative of known uninsured examples
Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. People are only able to predict about it. Various kinds of protection is needed and more and more are realizing the importance of having insurance. Having insurance provides a safety net of protection for the very unpredictable future. Contact the TACT office to review your insurance coverage or to discuss insurance needs.
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Visit us!
TACT - Dedicated Insurance Professionals
you know and trust...like Family.
Sincerely,
Stoney Jackson
Executive Director
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1. Equipment You Depend On
Motors, presses and other mechanical equipment drive your business. If your equipment breaks down, you're shut down. And, if a breakdown happens during the height of the ginning season - you'll have a real dent in your income. Not to mention, repair expenses can pile up, putting you even further in the red.
2. Equipment Breakdown Insurance Covers More Than Just Repairs
Equipment Breakdown insurance helps protect you from the costs associated with losses to your cotton ginning equipment: It pays for:
- Direct property loss - the cost to repair or replace the damaged equipment.
- Costs associated with the time and labor to repair or replace the equipment.
- Other expenses incurred to limit the loss or speed restoration of your operations.
- Business recovery expenses.
Equipment Breakdown insurance covers the physical damage - and the financial damage - stemming from insured equipment failure.
3. Protection From Damage Caused By:
- Short circuit/electrical arcing
- Power surges
- Mechanical breakdown
- Motor burnout
4. Equipment Breakdown Insurance Covers Many Types of Equipment
Mechanical Equipment Cotton gin motors are subject to breakdown due to the stressful long hours of operation. Dust build-up and lint residue can cause short circuiting or electrical arcing that can shut the motors down. And the stresses created by the cotton being pulled through the gin grates can weaken the machine's metal parts and cause cracking.
Hydraulic PressesHydraulic press parts are prone to cracking due to the repeated stresses associated with squeezing the lint into tightly compressed bales. In addition, lint dust can contaminate hydraulic and lubricating oils putting undue strain on the machinery.
Electrical Distribution Systems. Since electrical panels, circuit breakers and cables are all interconnected, a short circuit in one part can spread to other parts of the system. Given that your mechanical and hydraulic equipment are electrically powered, one seemingly isolated electrical problem can shut down your business. The cause can be as simple as a loose connection, dust or moisture. An electrical system repair can take weeks to complete and cost thousands of dollars.
Business Equipment. Equipment breakdown insurance covers more than just the cotton gin press and the associated equipment. It provides insurance for office computers, air conditioning units, telephone equipment and much more.
5. Still not convinced? Consider these losses.
The following are actual losses and the coverage provided for cotton gin businesses like yours.
- Broken bale ejector: $ 12,872
- Circuit malfunction on a press: $ 15,581
- Press ram damaged seals: $ 17,362
- Main switchboard burnout: $137,065
- Ram on press failed: $ 48,000
6. Maintenance is Key to Preventing breakdowns
Insurance can protect you from the losses associated with a breakdown. But wouldn't you rather avoid a breakdown all together? Proper maintenance is the answer. By taking some simple steps you can help lessen the likelihood of a breakdown.
Clean presses regularly. Clean and examine all major components for cracking. If you see any indications of crack formation, test the area with a dye penetrant and schedule any needed repairs immediately. Timely repair can prevent disrupted production later.
Inspect your electrical systems. Have a licensed electrician or electrical contractor inspect, clean and tighten your electrical system. Schedule inspections at regular intervals. Have any needed repairs completed immediately.
Test machinery oils. Take samples of lubricating and hydraulic oils and test for metallic contaminants. Evidence of metal in the oil may indicate that the machine is in danger of failing. If metallic contaminants are found, schedule repairs now to avoid the possibility of extended disruption later.
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Industry Insights
in agriculture |
Agronomy Bulletin
Courtesy Berkley Agribusiness Risk Specialists
Sensitive Crops Registry
Helping to minimize drift damage
With more and more sensitive crops being planted every year, new fields are springing up in areas previously free of these concerns. Vineyards, organic farms, bee keepers,
nurseries and other specialty producers are on the rise. These high value crops and pollinators are sensitive to pesticides. Specialty farms tend to be smaller and less well known to the applicators so can go undetected until there is a problem.
To help applicators become aware of and locate these fields, a number of states have sensitive crop registries. In addition, some states are using Driftwatch (TM), a program developed by Purdue University for the state of Indiana. Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin are currently using Driftwatch (TM) with Minnesota and Ohio who recently joined last spring.
Details vary by state. However all sensitive crop registries allow the producer to record the location of his sensitive fields, what the crop is and how to contact him. The
applicator can then find this information with options to filter by county or crop type in some cases.
It is important to visit these sites regularly as new information can be added at any time. In the case of Iowa's law, the producer needs to be registered by the first of each month, so the applicator needs to check the registry the first time they spray each month.
Sensitive Crop Registries:
Kansas:
Sensitive Crops Registry:
Helping to minimize drift damage
An example of a state registry
Nebraska: http://www.agr.state.ne.us/division/bpi/pes/psci.htm
Driftwatch (TM):Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ohio www.driftwatch.org
Summary:
These sites are helpful tools to be used in addition to the normal work done to identify and locate any sensitive areas around the fields to be sprayed. Continue to scout and ask the producer if he knows of any sensitive areas near his fields.
Remember:
Often times smaller areas are not included in these registries. Streams, lakes and ponds are sensitive areas but are not on these crop registries.
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farm policy News
Despite Attacks on US Farm Policy,
Public Stands By American Farmers
Posted on June 12, 2012 in Current Farm Policy
 Although extreme environmental groups and other high-powered special interests have spent millions of dollars lobbying against U.S. farm policy in the halls of Congress and in the editorial pages of major newspapers, a new poll finds that they are not getting traction with the American public.
According to the Congressional Connection Poll, conducted by Princeton University Survey Research Associates International, 76 percent of Americans polled support U.S. farm policy that helps ensure that "prices for their crops don't fall too low," with 39 percent advocating an increase in U.S. farm policy investment and 37 percent believing current investment should be maintained. Only 19 percent of Americans thought that funding for U.S. farm policy should be cut.
"God bless the American public for standing firm with U.S. farmers and ranchers," said former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX). "It has to be very embarrassing to the environmental extremists and other special interests who have spent millions of dollars trying to mislead Americans into abandoning those families who feed, clothe, and fuel this nation like no other in history. The American public's 'baloney detector' is still working."
"People like me are persuaded to subscribe to some of the environmentalist groups because they often speak in terms of protecting rural America," said Mark Andreasen, who sells crop insurance in Soda Springs, Idaho. "But I personally began to question their motives and understanding when they began to publish records of those who received any form of farm assistance without explaining what that assistance was," Andreasen added. "I am bothered by activism that seems to incite and sensationalize without drilling deep into the issue and understanding and presenting all the facts."
"I hope lawmakers in Congress and editorial page writers will consider what the American public had to say about U.S. farm policy when asked straight-up by an unassailable, independent pollster," said Rep. Combest. "Over three-fourths of all Americans told Congress: We reject the false attacks. We support our farmers and ranchers."
As for agriculture's opponents, Combest concluded, "When the public is asked to contribute to these kinds of groups, just say no. They are not leveling with you and the American people are not buying what they have to sell. In this tough economy, spend your money on better things."
This article is available on TACT's Facebook Page!
To share your thoughts on this information,
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Safety News
Texas Cotton Ginners Association announces statewide safety seminars.
TCGA Regional Gin Safety Seminars Memorandum Letter
Informational Flyer
Registration Form
Natinal Grain and Feed Association
and Grain Journal Magazine
invite all facility managers and key employees in the grain handling, processing, milling, and feed industries to a day and a half conference Aug. 1-2
Click here for information and registration details.
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Less Sleep 'Raises Risk of Stroke'
Courtesy google.com, The Press Association
Over a three year period research found that those who habitually slept for less than six hours were significantly more likely to suffer a stroke.
Lead researcher Dr. Megan Ruiter, from the University of Alabama, said: "In employed middle-aged to older adults, relatively free of major risk factors for stroke such as obesity and sleep-disordered breathing, short sleep duration may exact its own negative influence on stroke development. We speculate that short sleep duration is a precursor to other traditional stroke risk factors, and once these traditional stroke risk factors are present, then perhaps they become stronger risk factors than sleep duration alone." Click here to read more, or visit us on Facebook!
Waist Size Alone May
Predict Diabetes Risk
Courtesy WebMD
June 5, 2012 -- Waist size can predict your diabetes risk, even if you are not obese, according to a new study.
Diabetes experts have long used both body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight related to height, and waist size to predict risk.
Obese people, with a BMI of 30 or more, and non-obese individuals with large waists are considered at higher risk.
Now, the new research finds that waist size alone predicts risk of diabetes, especially in women.
Some overweight men and women with very large waists have the same risk of diabetes as obese people, says researcher Claudia Langenberg, MD, PhD, of the Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, England. In BMI terminology, "overweight" is a step below "obese."
More doctors might consider using their tape measures, she tells WebMD.
"Our results now provide clear evidence that a simple measurement of waist circumference can identify overweight individuals (BMI 25-[29.9]) with a large waist, whose risk of future diabetes is equivalent to that of obese people," Langenberg tells WebMD.
A large waist is 35 inches or more in a woman and 40 inches or more in a man.
The findings are published in PLoS Medicine. Click here to read the story in its entirety.
Eleven Sugary Beverages With More Calories Than Cola
The commentary over New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed ban of large sugary beverages in restaurants is still largely divided.
Some say cutting back on the empty calories is a smart move, while others think the plan doesn't go far enough and still others cry foul when the government aims to control what they eat and drink.
The New York City Board of Health, however, showed unanimous support Tuesday for the ban when it voted to begin a six-week public comment period, the AP reported.
The ban would apply to drinks larger than 16 ounces, hitting back hard at some of those all-too-common, outrageously large portion sizes -- but even smaller portions can carry hefty calorie counts.
Cola always seems to be the face of this sugary beverage enemy, but Coke and Pepsi are only the beginning. A 12-ounce can of Coca Cola clocks in at 140 calories, and the same size Pepsi has 150. But a can or bottle of these 11 sugary drinks has even more. Click through the slideshow below, and tell us in the comments what else should be added to the list. Click here to read more and to view a slide show.
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Stoney - Walking the Walk
Holding himself accountable by making his "walk" public to you, Stoney notes that on his June 12 weigh in, the scale read 225.6 pounds. He needs to be between 220 and 225 so you can see he has some work to do. Even with the few pounds he has gained he still has not added any inches. Stay tuned to see where he is this time next week.
Note From Stoney:
Follow Stoney's progress on Facebook!
Healthful Hints:
Eleven Habits of Fit People
Getting fit and staying slim doesn't happen by accident. Those who are able to reach their healthy weight and happily maintain it have adopted specific habits. According to Chalene Johnson, fitness, business and lifestyle coach, these skills are easily learned, and adopted if practiced.
1. Stick to the same menu - Thin people don't eat a huge variety of foods. Find choices that work, that you like and that you can look forward to.
2. Start your day with fuel - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and studies support it. People who maintain a healthy weight start off with lean protein and, often, working out to raise energy for the day.
3. Drink Water - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. There is no alternative for water. Drinking enough keeps your body functioning, your engine running and your skin glowing.
4. Eat small and eat often - You have to keep yourself fueled. Don't let hours pass before meals. Change your metabolism by eating consistently and keeping your energy level in balance.
5. Eat whole foods first - Aim for 80% of your calories to come from whole foods that are as close to nature as possible.
6. Become a food expert - Invest time to know more by reading labels and educating yourself on how your body responds to various nutritional choices.
7. Be a careful eater - Choose food carefully, not obsessively. Make room for treats by increasing exercise and planning them into your overall schedule. By eating carefully you will feel good about your process and energized from eating well instead of feeling deprived.
8. Fill your home with healthy food - If it's not in your house, you won't eat it. You can change your habits almost as easily as restocking your pantry!
9. The kitchen is closed - Set a tiime in the evening to end eating. Give your body the night to recharge and rest in lieu of digesting food.
10. Be a politely picky restaurant patron - You can adapt restaurant options to support your nutritional strategies. Be extra polite and ask for a few adaptations that will make your meal work for you.
11. Find something other than food to cope with your feelings - Learn the triggers that set you into snacking. By identifying these moments, you can find productive alternatives.
We are all works in progress and can learn from those who have had success in the areas we struggle in. Read more at www.chalenejohnson.com/blog
With temperatures beginning to reach 100 plus degrees, it's time to remember to wear suncreen!!!
http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/safety_tips.html
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Facebook Feature
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industry-related information.
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Contact Us
Texas Ag Coop Trust
1802 East 50th St., Ste. 107
Lubbock, TX 79404
806-747-7894
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Texas Ag Coop Trust
Officers, Board of Trustees
George Reed, Chairman
United Farm Industries
Plainview, TX
Gregg Allen, Secretary
Olton Grain Coop
Olton, TX
Jim Turner
Dalhart Consumers Fuel Association
Dalhart, TX
Paul Wilson
United Cotton Growers
Levelland, TX
Cary Eubanks
Slaton Coop Gin
Slaton, TX
Dean Sasser
Farmers Coop Elevator
Levelland, TX
Bret Brown
Sunray Coop
Sunray, TX
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Texas Ag Coop Trust
is endorsed by:
Texas Grain & Feed
Association
Texas Cotton Ginners Association
 Texas Coop Marketing Exchange
Texas Corn Producers |
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