Ernie Goss Affecting Quotations

The rate at which our Asian trading partners open their borders to U.S. beef will be an important factor affecting growth for the state in 2006.

The construction industry and transportation sector in Kansas have pushed 2005 growth into the very strong range. However, higher interest rates will slow growth for both industries in the first half of 2006. The rate at which our Asian trading partners open their borders to U.S. beef will be an important factor affecting growth for the state in 2006.