ROMINGER TO VISIT NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA

                                              Release No. 0021.97


MEDIA ADVISORY 


                                   Johna Pierce  (202) 720-4623
                                   Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623

ROMINGER TO VISIT NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA TO ASSESS TOLL CAUSED BY SEVERE   
  WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY

     WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman asked
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger to visit North and South Dakota
on Friday, Jan. 31, to assess the toll on local livestock producers and their
stock, caused by the severe winter weather. Rominger and Farm Services Agency
Administrator Grant Buntrock will meet with state officials and local
livestock producers to assess the current situation and will discuss USDA
efforts to assist producers in the affected areas. 

     The schedule will include:

9:40 - 10:40 a.m.        Tour of George Leingang's ranch and meeting with
                         ranchers
                         St. Anthony, North Dakota

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon  Press Conference -- Findings from tour and
                         discussionExecutive Air Taxi, Bismarck Airport
                         Conference Room
                         Bismarck, North Dakota

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.        Producer/Farmer meeting
                         McLaughlin Sale Barn
                         McLaughlin, South Dakota

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.         Ground Tour
                         McLaughlin, South Dakota

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.         Press Conference/Ground Tour
                         Aberdeen, South Dakota

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.         Producer/Farmer meeting
                         Aberdeen Livestock
                         Aberdeen, South Dakota
                    

     These events are open to media.

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