READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for May 23rd…

CLICK HERE to listen to TODAY’s BARN Morning Ag News with Brian Allmer…

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Immigration Reform Bill Gets Senate Judiciary Nod”

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Border, Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act Tuesday on a bipartisan 13 to 5 vote. More than 200 amendments were considered – and 141 adopted – during the committee’s five markup sessions to consider the bipartisan legislation. President Obama said the legislation is largely consistent with the principles of commonsense reform he has proposed – and meets the challenge of fixing the nation’s broken immigration system. But he also urged the Senate to improve it further on the Senate floor. The New York Times reported that some high-profile and conservation leaders and activists went even further – publishing an open letter that denounced the bill and said the Senate would do better to start from scratch. They compared it to the President’s health care bill – calling it bloated and unwieldy.

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“Farm Bureau Calls Immigration Measure Balanced”

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation – the immigration reform bill approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee is balanced and includes a fair and workable farm labor provision. Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman says the time is long overdue for the nation to have a comprehensive agricultural labor plan that works for all sectors or agriculture across all regions of the country. He says the success of American agriculture depends on the workers who show up every day and work in partnership with the nation’s farm and ranch families to tend crops and livestock. Stallman says Farm Bureau believes the bill approved by the Judiciary Committee will help ensure an adequate supply of farm labor and provide an increased level of surveillance of high-risk areas along our borders.

Today’s BARN Morning Ag News…

LISTEN to the BARN’s Morning Ag News

with NAFB Broadcaster Brian Allmer

*As heard on participating BARN Affiliate Radio Stations*

CLICK HERE

 

05-22-13 *CO-OEDIT News* Colorado Small Business Development Centers offering business training scholarships…

 

DENVER – Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) and Kimco Realty Corporation are partnering to provide business training scholarships to first-time business owners in Colorado.

Recently, Kimco launched the KEYS program (Kimco’s Entrepreneurs Year Start) – an incubator program for entrepreneurs seeking to launch their first retail venture, service operation or restaurant in Colorado. Participants of the KEYS program are then placed into Kimco shopping centers with one year of free rent and additional benefits. Part of the criteria to apply for KEYS is a completed business plan and a graduation certificate from the Colorado SBDC’s Leading Edge program – a 12-15 week business planning course held statewide.

Interested participants can apply for a 75% tuition reimbursement on their Leading Edge fees by applying for a KEYS scholarship. To be eligible, participants must be willing to open their venture in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Englewood or Lakewood, where Kimco currently has available shopping center space.

For more information and to find information on how to apply, visit http://www.coloradosbdc.org/training/leading-edge-business-training-programs/keys-program.

About Colorado Small Business Development Centers

05-22-13 CO Governor Hickenlooper grants temporary reprieve of death sentence…

DENVER — Wednesday, May 22, 2013 — Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an Executive Order today that grants Nathan J. Dunlap, also known as Offender No. 89148, a temporary reprieve from his death sentence.

The Colorado Constitution provides for one final review by the governor before the State executes another human being. This check is one that, from its Common Law origins, embeds in the governor the authority to grant a reprieve. Not taking action in this case was not an option.

“I have taken this responsibility seriously,” Hickenlooper says in the Executive Order. “As Governor, I must either direct state employees to execute a human being, or I must exercise my constitutional authority to stop an execution. Both paths require an affirmative decision by me, and the prospect of either decision has been daunting. It has forced me to think of the issue in a personal way because it is on my conscience the decision will weigh. I am confident that most Coloradans – no matter what their views on the death penalty may be – will respect and understand the unique burden of this decision.”

The governor met in recent weeks with prosecutors, clergy, victims and their families, law enforcement, defense attorneys, and countless other people to discuss this case and the death penalty. In granting the reprieve, the governor used the Executive Order to explain a number of issues, including:

Colorado’s imperfect capital punishment system

05-22-13 RMFU Expresses Opposition to Tying Conservation to Crop Insurance…

In a letter to our six senators representing Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, RMFU expressed strong opposition to a portion of the Senate draft of the farm bill that makes crop insurance dependent on complying with conservation requirements.

“This provision makes no sense,” said RMFU President Kent Peppler, a Mead, Colo., farmer. “It jeopardizes the farmer’s most valuable risk management tool. A farmer dealing with drought could suddenly find that his entire wheat crop is ruled uninsurable. That’s unfair and unreasonable. It ties two regulatory agencies together, both of them understaffed and underfunded. It’s such a burden that it’s likely to be selectively enforceable.”

05-22-13 Brush FFA and Student Council Organizes Moore, OK Tornado Donation Drive May 23rd…

Great Opportunity for Brush FFA members and families to help the survivors of the Oklahoma Tornado! TOMORROW (5/23) BHS Student Council will be collecting items to donate directly to the many Oklahomans that were hit hard by the EF 5 tornado on Monday. Please bring donations either to the Ag Shop or to the donation box located in BHS between Mrs. Bolinger’s and Ms. Snoeck’s rooms by tomorrow afternoon! It is short notice but the truck taking items is leaving early Friday Morning!

If you can donate any of the following items it would be great:

Toothbrushes/tooth paste
Diapers/Wipes
Teddy Bears
Pet Food
Blankets/Pillows
Camping Gear
Clothes (New or Like new, Must be clean!!)
Flashlights/Batteries
Powered Drink Mix
Canned food/can openers
Non-perishable foods
Cash Donations accepted too!!

Please find the time and resources to help!!!

For more information, visit the Brush FFA’s Facebook page – CLICK HERE

05-22-13 US Dept of Interior Awards Grants in 11 Western States to Improve Water Management, Supplies…CO’s Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Assn $38k+…

$20.8 million awarded to 44 projects that will conserve water for more than 400,000 people, enough energy equivalent for nearly 1,000 households

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor today announced 44 projects in 11 states that will receive $20.8 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants from Reclamation. The complete list of projects is available at www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART/weeg.

“Throughout the West, we’re seeing that drought, growing populations, energy demands and basic environmental needs are stressing our finite water and energy supplies,” Secretary Jewell said.  “These WaterSMART grants will help stretch water supplies and improve water and energy efficiencies in communities throughout the West to support sustainable uses of our limited resources.”

Reclamation estimates that together the 44 projects could save more than 100,000 acre-feet of water annually – enough for more than 400,000 people. Through reduced pumping and the addition of more efficient equipment, these projects are anticipated to save 10.8 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough energy to power nearly 1,000 households.

“Water is a precious resource, and using it more efficiently is important to ensure a sustainable supply for agricultural, municipal and industrial use, recreation and for the environment,” Commissioner Connor said. “Through collaborative programs such as WaterSMART, the federal government works with state and local entities to update infrastructure and improve operations to help meet water and energy demands now and in the future.”

Any entity receiving funding must provide at least a 50-percent match to the Reclamation funding.  Entities that are eligible for funding include states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts or other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the 17 western states, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands.

Examples of funding recipients include:

• Colorado’s Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, Headgate Automation, Remote Monitoring & Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions System = Reclamation Funding: $38,758      Total Project Cost: $86,128 The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association in Montrose, Colorado will install new automatic headgate controls and a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions system on the M&D and Ironstone Canals to better manage water supplies throughout the delivery system. By completing these improvements, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association is directly addressing the Conveyance System Efficiency Improvements adaptation strategy identified in Technical Report F of the 2012 WaterSMART Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study. The project is expected to result in the better management of approximately 309,704 acre-feet of water annually.

05-22-13 CO Sec of State Gessler offers tips for charitable efforts after OK tornado…

Denver – Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler today urged Coloradans to ensure they donate wisely, so their contributions go to legitimate charities that will meaningfully help victims, families, and Oklahoma residents recover from this disaster. Gessler offered guidance to help Coloradans avoid scams and efficiently direct money to those in need.

“Tragedy like this moves people to help,” Gessler said. “Unfortunately, we often see scams pop up in these situations. I want to make sure all the resources Coloradans donate to the recovery effort are getting to the right place.”

Making a Donation

Existing charities are more likely to have the sound management and experience to quickly respond to a disaster situation, and it will have a track record that you can review. If a charity is new, you may want to do further investigating.

You can start atwww.checkthecharity.com.

If you are solicited for a donation, call the charity to see if it is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. Verify with local charities any claims that the soliciting charity will support local organizations.

If you are solicited for a donation over the phone, consider visiting the charities website and donating online through a secured transaction. When donating online, be sure you are visiting the official website of the charity you wish to support. Do not click on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in texts or emails. These may take you to a lookalike website where you will be asked to provide personal financial information or to click on something that downloads harmful malware into your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook, blogs or other social media have already been vetted.

05-20-13 *US Senator Bennet* American Red Cross taking Donations for Moore, OK Tornado Victims…

US Senator Michael Bennet (CO)

Earlier today, a major tornado passed through Moore, Oklahoma leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Early reports indicate the tornado struck the densely populated area, destroying homes and two schools.Please keep this community in your thoughts and consider a donation to the Red Cross to help the citizens recover.

The quickest way to lend a hand to victims of the tornado is to text REDCROSS to 90999 which will dontate $10 to the response effort. You can also visit their website at redcross.org.

If you can’t afford a donation, please consider sharing this information on your facebook and twitter feeds. You can also help get the word out that the Red Cross has a website where people can list themselves as safe and allow family members to search for loved ones.

The website is https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

Thank you for your generosity in this time of need for one of Colorado’s neighbors.

Sincerely,

Michael Bennet

RELATED PRESS RELEASE from the American Red Cross…

05-20-13 The 2013 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Information Update…

Submitted to BARN Media by:  John Deering, Peaks & Plains Regional Extension Agricultural Economist

The ACRE program hasn’t received much signup interest in Colorado thus far, but it might be worth a good look for Colorado corn and wheat producers this year due to falling crop prices and condition of the state wheat crop.  The attached information sheet “2013 Colorado ACRE Information.pdf” has the marketing year average price estimates from the most recent May 10th, 2013 USDA-WASDE report and shows the result of various outcomes of market prices and state average yields, the two major factors in payment calculations.  The cost of the ACRE program is a 20% reduction in direct payments and a 30% reduction in marketing assistance loan rates.  If interested in signing up for the ACRE program, producers should contact their local FSA offices or visit the following links for more information.

For questions on the mechanics of the ACRE program please call John Deering @ 970-345-2287 orJohn.Deering@Colostate.edu<mailto:John.Deering@Colostate.edu>.

CLICK HERE to view and update sheet on the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, a revenue protection program approved in the 2008 farm bill and renewed early this year for the 2013 crop year with a signup deadline of June 3rd, 2013.

05-20-13 *CDOT News* Colorado Ramps Up Enforcement for Click It or Ticket, May 20th – June 2nd…

STATEWIDE – The Colorado State Patrol and 63 law enforcement agencies across Colorado are joining the nationwide Click It or Ticket campaign by increasing enforcement of seat belt and child passenger safety laws.  The ramped up enforcement takes place Monday, May 20 through Sunday, June 2. The goal is to get more Coloradans to buckle up and ultimately save lives across the state.

In 2012, 159 people who weren’t buckled up lost their lives in traffic crashes on Colorado roadways, which is down from 185 unrestrained fatalities in 2011. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is focusing its public awareness campaign on male pickup truck drivers between the ages of 18 and 34 as they have the highest propensity for not wearing their seat belts. Sixty-one men between the ages of 18-34 who died in a crash were not wearing a seatbelt. And pickup trucks have a seat belt usage rate of 72%, which is 10% less than the state average usage rate.

“We’ve made progress over the past year in reducing the number of people killed on Colorado roadways, but still far too many motorists aren’t buckling up,” said Darrell Lingk, CDOT’s Director of Highway Safety. “The Click It or Ticket campaign gives us an opportunity to remind everyone that seat belts save lives, and that there are serious risks when people don’t buckle up.”

High-visibility enforcement such as the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increase seat belt use in Colorado. Since Click It or Ticket started in 2002, seat belt use has increased from 72% to 82% in 2012. There has also been a 58% decline in unrestrained deaths—380 in 2002 and 159 in 2012. During the Click It or Ticket enforcement, the Colorado State Patrol also will be asking motorists to buckle up with radio messages as part of its commercial vehicle summer-long safety campaign which reminds motorists to give trucks more room on our roadways.

“Troopers at the Colorado State Patrol are reminded nearly every day of the needless deaths that occur when someone neglects to wear a seat belt.  And we are relieved when we respond to a crash where everyone survives because they took two seconds to buckle up,” said Colonel Scott Hernandez, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “We would much rather write a seat belt citation than a fatal crash report.  That means no excuses and no warnings if you’re not buckled up.”

Last year during the May Click It or Ticket enforcement period, 8,803 seat belt violations were issued.

Colorado’s Seat Belt Laws

05-20-13 *CSU Ext – SeCO News* Ag Leasing Workshops in Cheyenne Wells an Las Animas on May 29th…

Is Agriculture Leasing an Option for You? 

Regardless if you are an owner or an operator, is leasing land, equipment, livestock, etc. and option to consider?  What is the difference, if any, between what is fair and what is equitable?

These will be the topics of discussion at two workshops on May 29^th.  The first workshop will be in Cheyenne Wells at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds meeting room from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  The second workshop will be in Las Animas at the Bent County Fairgrounds from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Producers interested in attending either workshop are asked to RSVP to the Kiowa County Extension Office at 719-438-5321.  Refreshments will be served.

CSU Peaks to Plains Regional Specialists Jeff Tranel, Agriculture and Business Management Economist in Pueblo, and John Deering, Agriculture and Business Management Specialist in Northeast Colorado, will discuss crop share leases, cash leases, flexible leases, and livestock leases.

If you have a disability for which you seek an accommodation, please notify the sponsoring county Extension office at least 10 working days prior to the event.  Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.  Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

 Submitted by:

05-20-13 Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Awards Scholarships to Nine Outstanding Applicants…

Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Awards Scholarships to Nine Outstanding Applicants

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation today announced the recipients of nine scholarships. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, FUSA Insurance Agency, and memorials to historic members of Farmers Union. They are given to students with outstanding scholastic achievements and community service, to recognize their gifts and assist them in pursuing their education.

“These recipients are bright young people who are the future leaders of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is proud to present scholarships to nine outstanding young leaders, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

HPLE-CBC-SSTF Update…

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Join Tim Stutzman inside the BARN each week, usually on Mondays with a look back at last week’s sales & a look ahead at the upcoming sales & events @ High Plains 

HPLE AUCTION SCHEDULE

SUMMER SALE SCHEDULE UNDERWAY – ALL CLASSES OF CATTLE SELL ON THURSDAYS 

Thursday, May 23rd

Thursday, May 16th @ 9am – Regular WEIGH COWS/BULLS followed by STOCKER/FEEDERS

Saturday, June 15th @ 10am – MONTHLY HAY AUCTION

052013_hple-cbc-sstf_7m3s.mp3

HPLE/CBC/FARMCO ARCHIVE

PRIOR REPORT - 051313_hple-cbc-sstf_7m11s.mp3

 

05-17-13 Federation of State Beef Councils to Salute 50th Anniversary at 2013 Cattle Industry Summer Conference…

Former and current staffs, volunteers and state executives invited to

help celebrate milestone at day-long event in Denver

Denver, Colo. (May 17, 2013) – A major milestone in grassroots beef promotion will be recognized Thursday, Aug. 8, as the Federation of State Beef Councils celebrates its 50th anniversary. The day-long celebration will be held as part of the 2013 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver Aug. 7-10.

The Federation of State Beef Councils is a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Prior to a 1996 merger between the National Cattlemen’s Association and National Live Stock and Meat Board, the Federation was housed at the Beef Industry Council (BIC) of the Meat Board. The BIC was created by the Meat Board in 1963 to give particular focus to the promotion of beef in the consumer marketplace.

05-16-13 Inside Colorado’s Water Plan with Special Policy Advisor to the CO Governor Dr John Stulp…

Dr John Stulp, DVM
Special Policy Advisor to Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper & Chairman of the Interbasin Compact Committee

(BARN Media – Briggsdale, CO) May 16th, 2013 - Joining the Colorado Ag News Network inside the BARN is Dr. John Stulp, Special Policy Advisor to the Governor on Water and the Chairman of the Interbasin Compact Committee. Dr Stulp discusses several topics regarding CO Governor John Hickenlooper directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board, or CWCB, to begin their work on a draft of the Colorado Water Plan, which will support agriculture in rural Colorado and align state policy to the state’s water values….

 - History of the CWCB and the IBBC
 - Intent of the Colorado Water Plan
 - & MUCH MORE

To listen to the entire interview with Dr. John Stulp, click on the audio mp3 link below…

051613_cowaterplandrjohnstulp_20m55s.mp3

To view a signed copy of the complete Executive Order signed by Governor Hickenlooper – CLICK HERE

To learn more about Colorado’s Water Plan – CLICK HERE

To learn more about the Colorado Water Conservation Board – CLICK HERE

Check out the new CWCB Drought Response Website – CLICK HERE

To learn more about the Interbasin Compact Committee – CLICK HERE

05-16-13 US Congressman Cory Gardner Wheat Tour Scheduled for May 31st…

Congressman Cory Gardner (R.-4th) visits the Randy Wilks farm near Burlington on the 2012 Wheat Tour. Front row, left to right, CWAC Secretary/Treasurer Randy Wilks, Burlington, Congressman Gardner, CAWG Past President Randy Traxler, Otis, and CAWG Director Chris Tallman, Brandon; back row: CWAC Vice President Steve Beedy, Genoa, and CAWG President Mark Linnebur, Byers.

May 16, 2013, Fort Collins, Colo. - The Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG) and the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee (CWAC) will host the third annual Gardner Wheat Tour on Friday, May 31, 2013.  The wheat tour will include events in Baca and Prowers counties, and is an opportunity for wheat farmers to meet and talk with U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner (R-4th).

Gardner’s large Fourth Congressional District includes 17 major winter wheat producing counties on the Eastern Plains. In 2012, the district accounted for 97.1 percent of Colorado’s total wheat production, valued at an estimated $584.4 million.

“It is especially important for Congressman Gardner to visit the southern counties of his district this year, as they are still in a severe drought situation. Areas north of I-70 have received some moisture, but the southern part of our state is really hurting,” said CAWG President Mark Linnebur, “This will be a great opportunity for those producers who won’t actually harvest any wheat this year because of the drought to discuss the situation with the Congressman.”

“Congress is beginning to consider the farm bill again this month, so it is a key time for the Congressman to see what is happening in Colorado,” Linnebur said, “We will be emphasizing the need for a strong safety net for wheat farmers through the crop insurance program.”

Colorado wheat producers are invited to attend and participate in the following events scheduled on Friday, May 31:

A lunch program with Prowers County area wheat farmers will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the Steve Shelton farm located 9 miles south of Lamar on Highway 287 and ½ mile west on CR X. Please RSVP by calling the wheat office at 1-800-WHEAT-10 or 970-449-6994.

A dinner program with Baca County area wheat producers will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Baca Crop Care (26322 U.S. Highway 160 in Springfield). Please RSVP by calling Baca Crop Care at (719) 523-1951.

05-15-13 CO Governor Hickenlooper orders work to begin on Colorado Water Plan…

DENVER — Wednesday, May 15, 2013 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today directed the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to begin work on a draft Colorado Water Plan that will support agriculture in rural Colorado and align state policy to the state’s water values.

“Colorado deserves a plan for its water future use that aligns the state’s many and varied water efforts and streamlines the regulatory processes,” Hickenlooper said. “We started this effort more than two years ago and are pleased to see another major step forward. We look forward to continuing to tap Colorado’s collaborative and innovative spirit to address our water challenges.”

An executive order signed by Hickenlooper directs the CWCB to utilize the work of the state’s grassroots water process, the Basin Roundtables and Interbasin Compact Committee, in developing a draft report by December 2014. A final report should be completed one year later.

The Colorado Water Plan is necessary to address a variety of issues, including:

05-14-13 USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Sign-Up…

Landowners and Producers Can Now Enroll in Continuous CRP with General Sign-Up to Follow

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2013— Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up beginning May 20 and ending on June 14. Vilsack also announced the restart of sign-up for continuous CRP, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative, the Highly Erodible Land Initiative, the Grassland Restoration Initiative, the Pollinator Habitat Initiative and other related initiatives. Sign-up for continuous CRP began on May 13 and will continue through Sept. 30, 2013.

“As always, we expect strong competition to enroll acres into CRP, and we urge interested producers to maximize their environmental benefits and to make cost-effective offers,” said Vilsack. “CRP is an important program for protecting environmentally sensitive lands from erosion and sedimentation, and for ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. Through the voluntary participation of our farmers and ranchers, CRP helps us to protect our natural resources, preserve wildlife habitat and bring good paying jobs to rural America related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Vilsack encouraged producers to look into CRP’s other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, sign-up basis.

05-14-13 Farm Service Agency Accepts Continuous CRP Offers…

Beginning May 13, 2013, County Offices are authorized to begin accepting new offers under all CRP Continuous, CREP, FWP, and SAFE signup types.  County Committees may approve new contracts according to 2-CRP. The authority for accepting Signup 44 offers expires September 30, 2013.

The Colorado Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse SAFE area is located in northeastern Weld, northwestern Logan and northern Morgan Counties.  The area is limited to land located within the SAFE areaboundary.

The goal of the Colorado Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse SAFE project is to improve nesting and brood rearing cover for plains sharp-tailed grouse populations in northern Colorado through the re-enrollment and enhancement of existing grassland habitat in CRP that serve as critical habitat for the bird’s population in the state.

Even though the continuous signup continues until September 30, producers must understand that there are a limited number of acres available for acceptance into the Colorado Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse SAFE area and as contracts are approved the availability diminishes.  In a sense it is a first come, first served, based on contract approval.

The Sharp-tailed Grouse SAFE area signup is only offered for existing grass covers or expired CRP that is located in the designated SAFE area.  There are over 12,000 acres of expiring CRP contracts located within the area.  Schedule an appointment after May 13th to complete your SAFE area offer. Keep in mind that the competitive general signup for all other eligible land begins May 20 and ends June 14.  To schedule an appointment call (970) 356-8097.

A fact sheet with additional information about the Colorado Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse and information about other programs offered by the Farm Service Agency can be viewed online.

---

Questions?
Please contact Jeff Wilson, County Executive Director, at (970) 356-8097, jeff.wilson@co.usda.gov OR contact your local FSA Office.

05-14-13 *CSU Ext News* 2013 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program Update…

CLCIK HERE for even more information…

In a nutshell, 2013 crop prices are down considerably from recent highs.  For Colorado corn farmers especially, the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program could be worth a look this year before the signup deadline on June 3, 2013.

If you haven’t signed up for the ACRE program since its start with the 2009 crop year, you’re in good company as only 2.28% of all Colorado farms enrolled in the ACRE Program for the 2012 crop year.  In many ways, this has been for good reason as crop prices have largely been on the rise since program inception in 2009.  The ACRE program is a revenue protection program that kicks in when a combination of falling yields and prices leads to revenue shortfalls.  Marketing year price estimates from the USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates released on May 10^th, 2013 give us some numbers to look at the potential for the program in the 2013 crop year.  Before reading further, it is important to remember that ACRE payments cannot be assured for any given year.  The risk management opportunities that the program offers should be weighed against the costs of enrolling.

ACRE Program

In January of 2013, Congress extended the 2008 Farm Bill to cover production in 2013.  This extension will require producers to choose either the traditional DCP program or the ACRE program.  The 2008 Farm Bill (Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008) authorized a revenue based payment program called Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE).  After electing & enrolling in the ACRE program, producers are eligible for revenue based payments as an alternative to the price based counter-cyclical (CC) payments.  Farms are eligible for the ACRE program if they have base acres for covered commodity crops including the following crops in Colorado:  Wheat, Barley, Canola, Corn, Oats, Grain Sorghum, Soybeans and Sunflowers.

ACRE Election and Enrollment

05-14-13 *CSU Ext – SECO News* Financial Emergency Preparedness…

Have you ever thought of financial emergency preparedness?

We are often told to be prepared for a storm or an electrical outage, but finances are not mentioned.

What happens if there is a fire, a theft or maybe a death?

In a natural disaster your important documents could be totally destroyed. Sales receipts and contracts should be filed for easy access if an insurance claim is necessary. The originals should be kept in a safe place with a copy filed elsewhere for the best protection. Take an inventory of your belongings, or better yet video tape your household items. If you need to file a report with the insurance company one does not remember the items you owned until you go to use it and it is gone. The video will show the items you own so that a full report can be made to the insurance company.

Theft can occur in an instant. Do you have a list of credit and debit card numbers, copies of recent statements, and company contact information? This information is necessary so you can quickly report stolen cards before they are used unlawfully. For easy access to this information photocopy the front and back of each credit and debit card. You will also want to have a recent property inventory completed with serial numbers to help in getting stolen property returned. This would include electronic items and firearms.

Does your spouse and adult children or any others who would need to handle you financial affairs know the location of all papers, contracts, documents, policies, and other needed information? It is recommended that you buy a portable fireproof box if you do not have one. Keep important papers in the box so that you can grab it at a moment’s notice if you must evacuate. Tell others where the box is located so that in the event of a death these importantn papers can be easily located.

For more information on suggested items you should keep contact your local Extension office or go to www.ext.colostate.edu and download Financial Emergency Preparedness fact sheet No. 9.156.

###

Submitted By:

Jennifer Wells

Southeast Area Family and Consumer Science Agent

Phone: (719) 254-7608

Jennifer.Wells@colostate.edu

05-13-13 *USDA-Rural Development News* Colorado StrikeForce Meeting Draws a Crowd…

StrikeForce Roundtable: (Seated, far left) USDA’s StrikeForce Coordinator, Max Finberg, USDA Natural Resource and Environment Deputy Under Secretary, Butch Blazer, and (standing) White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, Jodi Gillette. USDA Photo.

May 2^nd dawned a majestic spring day in the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Colorado as rural and tribal stakeholders from the Four Corners region descended upon the San Juan National ForestHeadquarters to learn more about USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative. Participants traveled from New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and the east coast to discuss strategies to help USDA deliver its programs more successfully in persistently poor rural areas.

The StrikeForce Roundtable began with welcoming remarks from USDA’s StrikeForce Coordinator, Max Finberg, USDA Natural Resource and Environment Deputy Under Secretary, Butch Blazer, andWhite House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, Jodi Gillette.  The audience then heard overviews of programs and current priorities from four USDA agencies: the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, Rural Development and the Food and Nutrition Service.

After hearing from farmers, ranchers, lenders and community based organizations that have accessed USDA’s programs to fund projects, conserve resources and foster community and economic development, the floor was opened to the audience, to hear their concerns and recommendations.  The large conference room was full and participants eagerly shared their experiences, what has worked well, and where improvements could be made.

In a stroke of good fortune and opportune timing, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s Farm and Ranch Enterprise received word that they had been selected for a Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) the day prior to the round table event.  The Tribe’s chairman, the Tribe’s executive director and two Farm and Ranch Enterprise managers were on hand at the event and graciously shared a few words about the Tribe and what they plan to do with the grant funds.  We all look forward to seeing theTribe’s cornmeal product in increased markets!

Two other Tribes received VAPG awards through the same announcement, the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe in central South Dakota.  The three Tribal awards were a marked increase for awards to Tribes in this program, and the awards this year were directly related to Tribal Consultation efforts facilitated by USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations a few years ago, which led to an internal education process that illustrated how Tribes and Tribal entities may be considered producers for the purposes of eligibility in the Value Added Producer Grant program.

Since the goal of the StrikeForce roundtable event was to ensure that farmers, ranchers, producers and communities in persistent poverty counties know how to access USDA programs, it was particularly gratifying to help the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s Farm and Ranch celebrate the recent VAPG award.  I look forward to seeing other similar investments throughout StrikeForce counties around the Country in the months and years ahead!

To find out more about how USDA is reaching out to Tribes, click here.  To learn more about StrikeForce click here.

SOURCE

04-02-13 Inside the BARN with Michelle Staley, Founder & CEO of Busy Breathers LLC and Clever Girls Retreats…

Busy Breathers, LLC Founder & CEO Michelle Staley who is also the co-founder of Clver Girls

(Barn Media & the CoAgNews Network – Briggsdale, CO) April 2nd, 2013 - Joining the Colorado Ag News Network inside the BARN is  Michelle Staley, founder and CEO of Busy Breathers LLC, a heavy-duty oxygen carrying backpack for all ages…men, women & even children too. PLUS Staley is also the co-founder of Clever Girls Retreat, where ladies can GROW your business and Ggt entrepreneurial guidance to help support your business and personal goals. Topics discussed within the interview include:

• Michelle Staley background- native of Lindon, CO and a graduate of Woodlin High School as well as a former CO FFA State Officer (1992-93)
• Busy Breathers, LLC History
• Clever Girls History

To listen to the entire interview with Michelle Staley, click the audio mp3 link below

040213_BusyBreathers-MichelleStahley_10m

To learn more about Clever Girls Biz Advisors- CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE for an agenda an for registration information…

To learn more about Busy Breathers, LLC and the heavy-duty oxygen backpacks - CLICK HERE

05-22-13 USCA: Groups Urge FCC to Consider Rural Communities in Spectrum Auction…

May 22, 2013 (USCA) – The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA), along with additional agriculture and conservation-based organizations, submitted a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today urging they address an issue of importance to rural America in the upcoming spectrum incentive auction. The auction, as currently structured, has the potential to negatively impact large swaths of rural counties in terms of continued access and availability of television translator service and low power television.

As directed by Congress in 2012, the FCC was authorized to proceed in a series of spectrum incentive auctions.  The auctions essentially allow stations to give up their channels in exchange for a portion of the proceeds of the sales that are eventually secured through the wireless companies.  An issue that has come to the attention of those within those stations serving more remote and rural areas however centers on the issue that only full-power television broadcasters are eligible to participate and thus receive any compensation through the auction.  This leaves out low-powered stations that make-up a majority of the viewing available to rural communities across the country, who will potentially be forced out of their current broadcast services while also receiving no compensation.

The focus of the auction is to bring needed relief to the spectrum crunch currently affecting urban centers where populations continually stress available broadcast services.  While this struggle is real and acknowledged by USCA, the impact felt within our rural communities must not be overlooked.  USCA joined with additional groups in sending a letter to the FCC urging for an increased scrutiny and review of how the spectrum auction will impact the communities across the country who currently are not serviced by a national or full-powered service.  As the auction currently stands, many stations across rural America will effectively be shut-down without compensation or any supplemental coverage made available to those viewers once serviced.  It should be noted that across the U.S. there are 1,984 low-power television stations and 4,171 television translators, with the majority located in Utah and Montana where 1,100 translators reside.

05-22-13 *NCGA News* E15 Now Available in Six States…

As public awareness of the many economic and energy security benefits ethanol offers continues to grow, demand for higher blends of ethanol is also on the rise. This month, Wisconsin became the sixth state to offer E15 as a fuel option for consumers. With E15 already available in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota, American drivers now have more choices at the fuel pump across a greater portion of the country.

“Decisions by the EPA opened the door for broader E15 availability, and fuel station operators in many areas see how much sense E15 makes for both many drivers and our country as a whole,” said NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Chad Willis, a farmer from Minnesota. “E15 has undergone some of the most extensive testing ever performed and proven that it offers a reliable, green option. Whether on the track at NASCAR races or on the road in America’s cars, E15 helps reduce pollution and our dependence of foreign fuels.”

E15, which is a fuel blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, is a new, higher octane fuel. E15 was approved for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-duty passenger vehicles and all flex-fuel vehicles by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a second partial waiver in January 2011.

More than 62 percent of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today are approved to use E15 and that number continues to grow every day. Already, these vehicles consume more than 80 percent of all unleaded fuel sold in the United States. Thus, there is an incredible opportunity to grow the use of this more sustainable, domestically produced biofuel and thus reap a more substantial benefit to our economy and environment.

To learn more about E15, click here.

The Denver Cash Grain Bids for May 22nd…

GL_GR110
Greeley, CO    Wed May 22, 2013    USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News

Daily Grain Bids for Denver and Surrounding Areas

Spot bids to producers for grain delivered to terminal and country
elevators.  Bids dollar/bu. except for Barley which is dollar/cwt.
Bids are as of 3:00 PM MST.
Bids        Change (cents)
US 1 Hard Red Winter Wheat      7.18-7.48    4 higher
Up to 12 percent protein

US 2 Yellow Corn                6.89-7.19    19 higher

US 2 Barley                          13.00    steady

Source:  USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO

05-22-13 *ASA Sugar Beat News* Sugar Farmers Remind Lawmakers of WWII Rationing…

WASHINGTON—Every Capitol Hill office recently received a personalized replica of a 1940s-era sugar rationing coupon, compliments of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA).  The delivery, which comes in the middle of Farm Bill deliberations, is intended to remind lawmakers about the consequences of again becoming dependent on foreign sugar supplies. 

 

“Dependence on foreign sugar led to rationing during World War II. Don’t make the same mistake again by outsourcing our sugar production,” warned the mailer.

 

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for May 22nd…

CLICK HERE to listen to TODAY’s BARN Morning Ag News with Brian Allmer…

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Senate Deals with SNAP Amendments”

The Senate has rejected an effort to increase the cut in food stamps in the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 from four-billion dollars to 31-billion.  The vote was 40 to 58. Kansas Senator Pat Roberts offered the amendment that would have ended the use of energy assistance as a basis for food stamp eligibility and eliminated categorical eligibility, a training program and grants to the states for good performance in managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. According to Roberts – the amendment would have helped rein in the largest expenditure in the USDA budget. Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow strongly opposed the amendment. The Senate then moved to an amendment on the opposite end of the spectrum – as New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand tried to eliminate the SNAP cut in the bill altogether by cutting crop insurance. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 26 to 70. In brief remarks on the Senate floor Tuesday evening – Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow thanked Senators for their help in bringing amendments to the farm bill to a vote and said she hopes to finish the bill by the end of the week.

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“Ag Chair Notes High Praise for Farm Bill from Both Sides of the Aisle”

As the Senate debates the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 – Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow is noting the strong bipartisan vote for the measure in committee and the strong praise coming from both sides of the aisle. Georgia Republican Saxby Chambliss commended the committee for doing the needed work to find needed savings. Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar said she was pleased with the bipartisan work of the committee and that they found a way to put a bill together while still reducing the debt. North Dakota Republican John Hoeven said he appreciates the spirit in which the committee leaders approached the farm bill. According to Max Baucus – Montana Democrat – there are a lot of reasons the bill is good legislation. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said it was remarkable and encouraging to see how well Stabenow and Ranking Member Thad Cochran worked together to bring the farm bill to the floor. He called their work exemplary.

05-22-13 Fifty Years of World Livestock Auctioneer Championships Celebrated June 14-15 in Montgomery, AL…

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 21, 2013) - For half a century, the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has showcased the industry’s most talented livestock auctioneers and honored local livestock auction markets annually through its World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). On June 14-15 in Montgomery, Ala., LMA will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of this prestigious event when 31 semi-finalists gather at the Montgomery Stockyards to compete for the 2013 title.

This year’s World Livestock Auctioneer Championship qualifying and semi-final events highlight the professional auctioneering skills and livestock marketing knowledge of hundreds of auctioneers who competed. The WLAC contest is produced by LMA, the leading trade association serving livestock auction markets, during its annual convention as a way to promote the profession and the auction method of marketing livestock.

During this year’s annual convention, which will be held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel just prior to the WLAC contest, the livestock marketing industry will learn the latest updates on animal handling, animal disease traceability and other government and industry issues. In addition, a number of educational workshops will be held to help auction market owners and employees deal with animal rights groups, adapt new technologies and improve their business communications, all to add greater value to the farmers and ranchers they serve.

Last June, Bailey Ballou of Elgin, Okla., was selected the 2012 champion at the WLAC held in Turlock, Calif. During the past year, Ballou has toured North America’s livestock auctions serving as a spokesperson for the industry. Because of this important, high-profile role, each WLAC semi-finalist must establish their knowledge of the livestock marketing business, and demonstrate their ability to express that knowledge with clarity, in an interview competition held on Friday, June 14, at the hotel. The interview competition can be viewed live on www.LMAAuctions.comstarting at 2 p.m. Central.

05-21-13 CWT Assists with Three Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales…

ARLINGTON, VA – Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted nine requests for export assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 3.016 million pounds (1,338 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered May through September 2013.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 56.826 million pounds of cheese, 51.727 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 31 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 1.653 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. That is more than USDA’s projected increase in milk marketings for all of 2013.

05-21-13 Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Bipartisan Immigration Bill…

Bill Heads to Senate Floor for Consideration as Early as Next Month

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today hailed committee passage of the bipartisan immigration bill he introduced with the ‘Group of 8.’ The Senate Judiciary Committee voted in a bipartisan 13-5 to report the bill to the full Senate, which is expected to debate the bill and consider amendments next month.

“This transparent, constructive, and deliberate process is how the Senate is supposed to work,” Bennet said. “The Judiciary Committee considered hundreds of amendments in a good faith effort that resulted in a stronger bill. It adopted dozens of amendments to improve the legislation while maintaining the balance and compromise that had already drawn a wide array of support across the political spectrum. Much of that support comes from Colorado, which in many ways is the epicenter of the immigration debate. Across the state, Coloradans don’t see this as a partisan issue. They’ve told us they just want an immigration system that works for our families, businesses and economy. We’ll continue to listen to ideas and work to improve this bill on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.”

Bennet and the Group of 8 introduced the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 in April following several months of discussions and negotiations with a diverse group of stakeholders. The bill secures our borders, includes a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, makes reforms to an outdated visa system to ensure businesses have access to a workforce that has the skills they need, and includes important worker protections.

The Group of 8 announced its plans to work on immigration reform in January when it unveiled the framework for a bipartisan bill to fix our broken immigration system. That framework included bipartisan agreements on border security, visa reform, law enforcement, and a tough but fair path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States.

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05-21-13 *CDA ALERT* Swine Virus Investigation in Colorado…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – On May 16, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea in Iowa. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED) is a virus disease associated with outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting in swine. PED is not a zoonotic disease, does not affect people, and is not a food safety concern.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office is investigating possible cases of PED in the state.

“Further testing and epidemiologic investigation will be available later in the week and may reveal a deeper understanding and background of the disease outbreak,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  “I encourage swine owners to contact their local veterinarian if they observe clinical signs of the virus in their herd.”

The clinical signs of PED include severe gastroenteritis, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, and death in young pigs. In pigs less than seven days of age, mortality can reach 100 percent. Older pigs may only show vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.

05-21-13 *CDA News* CDA Explores Small Hydropower Opportunities…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Through the “Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy” (ACRE) program, the Colorado Department of Agriculture hopes to create a small hydropower road map for Colorado agriculture.

In 2012, the Colorado General Assembly reauthorized funding over five years for CDA’s ACRE program. The program’s purpose is to promote the feasibility and development of agricultural energy-related projects. In past years, ACRE has funded a broad array of research, feasibility, and implementation projects in agricultural applications of many types of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies.

“In 2013, CDA will focus ACRE resources in just a few energy themes, including small hydropower applications,” said Eric Lane, CDA’s Conservation Services division director.  “We continue to explore new opportunities in renewable energy and energy efficiency within our agricultural community that will, in turn, help producers, the environment and the state as a whole.”

05-21-13 World Dairy Expo Announces Magnochi as Dairy Cattle Show Manager…

MADISON, WIS. – World Dairy Expo has announced Ann Marie Magnochi as the new Dairy Cattle Show Manager. Ann Marie will join the Expo staff based in Madison, Wis., beginning June 10.

Ann Marie grew up on her family’s purebred dairy cattle operation in Carnation, Washington. She has been active in Two Sisters’ Dairy, which is home to Magnaville Holstein and Buttercrest Brown Swiss prefixes, as well as her sister’s prefixes, Amber Rose Jerseys & Guernseys. She has been active in the dairy industry her entire life. She was honored as a Distinguished Junior Member of the National Junior Holstein Association. Ann Marie earned a B.A. in Communications from Washington State University. Most recently, she has served as Field Reporter for Holstein World. Ann Marie has also been working as Youth Advisor for the Washington Junior Holstein Association, aiding in the development of junior member programs, services and activities. Prior to that, she served as a Resource Planner for Small Farm and Dairy Planning at the King Conservation District.

Ann Marie has valuable experience in the dairy cattle show realm. She has been the Chair of Washington Junior Black and White Show for 9 years. Ann Marie was an officer and lead member of the Enumclaw Junior Dairy Show Committee for 7 years. She is a Class VI Young Dairy Leader Institute graduate. She has also been active showing her own dairy cattle, exhibiting the 1999 Grand Champion of the Western national Brown Swiss Show and five National Bell Ringers.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for May 21st…

CLICK HERE to listen to TODAY’s BARN Morning Ag News with Brian Allmer…

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Food, Ag Coalition Urges Comprehensive FTA Negotiation with EU”

Forty-seven food and agricultural organizations – led by the National Pork Producers Council – sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative nominee Mike Froman yesterday (Monday) expressing concern with a resolution approved by the European Parliament last month – that in negotiating the TTIP with the U.S. – the EU should maintain the precautionary principle for sanitary-phytosanitary barriers to trade. The coalition says precaution in the EU has become a pretext for import protectionism under the pretense of consumer safety – and such non-science-based measures have become the most challenging barrier to U.S. food and ag exports to the EU. The coalition says SPS issues must be addressed during the negotiations and provisions negotiated under the TTIP must be enforceable.

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“Avoid Heat Stress in Cattle This Summer”

As summer begins and temperatures increase – Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist Brian Freking says it’s important for cattle producers to understand and avoid heat stress in cattle. Cattle have an upper critical temperature approximately 20-degrees cooler than humans. They can be in the danger zone for extreme heat stress at 80 or 90-degrees. Humidity also is a stress that intensifies ambient temperature problems by making body heat dissipation more difficult. Freking says cattle sweat very little – so the primary mechanism they have to remove internal heat is by breathing the warm air out of their body – which is easier to do in lower humidity.