Total red meat production for the United States totaled 52.1 billion pounds in 2017, 3 percent higher than the previous year. Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton. Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 52.0 billion pounds. On-farm slaughter totaled 87.6 million pounds.

Beef production totaled 26.3 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Veal production totaled 80.2 million pounds, down 1 percent from last year. Pork production, at 25.6 billion pounds, was 3 percent above the previous year.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper Has ordered flags lowered to half-staff on all public buildings until sunset, on the day of interment, to honor the late Barbara Bush, and as proclaimed by President Donald Trump.

The full text of the president’s proclamation:

Editor’s note: this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Colorado. Each day, KiowaCountyPress.net is bringing you information from the National Weather Service about spring weather dangers. Wednesday’s article can be found here.

During this Severe Weather Awareness Week in Colorado, remember that threats from thunderstorms include tornadoes, straight line winds, hail, flooding, and lightning. 

Dear Dietitian,

I had a heart attack three months ago and since then have been more conscientious about my diet. I’ve been eating more fish and a friend was telling me about fish oil supplements. Are these helpful in heart patients? --Jerry

Dear Jerry,

Editor’s note: this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Colorado. Each day, KiowaCountyPress.net is bringing you information from the National Weather Service about spring weather dangers. Tuesday’s article can be found here.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Makes: 6 Servings

Add Asian flavors to a traditional chicken soup using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

A late week blizzard blanketed northeastern Colorado and stalled fieldwork, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Other localities across the state received isolated precipitation and high winds, with the majority of areas remaining dry and in need of moisture.

Connie Weber spent a few days with her dad, Denis while her mom, Theresa was in Denver with Jerry. Keep Jerry in your prayers as he struggles to get well.