11-13-09 *NAWG News* This Week’s Wheat Digest…

Ag Groups: Bay Bill Could Impose Excessive Regulation — Organizations representing wheat and corn growers in the Chesapeake Bay region provided input this week to leaders of a Senate Environment and Public Works subcommittee considering a bill that could drastically expand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jurisdiction over agricultural operations in that area.

Growers Urged to Contact Members on Cuba Legislation — NAWG, U.S. Wheat Associates and other agricultural organizations are urging growers to contact their Members of Congress about the importance of passing legislation to ease trade restrictions with Cuba.

Coppock Travels to Scotland to Talk Wheat Yields, Biotech — NAWG CEO Daren Coppock traveled to Glasgow, Scotland, this week to participate in the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) Congress.

SOURCE: National Association of Wheat Growers

ASI WEEKLY NOVEMBER 13, 2009…

ASI WEEKLY
NEWS FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY LEADERS

ASI Weekly Activities:

• Meeting of the ASI Executive Board Meeting
• Meeting of the Industry Re-building Committee
• Participation in the National Farm Broadcasters Meeting

11-13-09 Bentson named Certified Crop Adviser of the Year…

Bloomington, IL, (AgPR), November 13, 2009 — Doug Bentson, Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) at GRAINCO FS, Inc., Mazon, Ill., received the 2009 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year award from the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) at their 2009 annual meeting in Pittsburgh.

This annual award recognizes a CCA who delivers exceptional customer service, shows that they are leaders in their field, and contributes substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the industry. The Illinois CCA Board and the Illinois Farm Bureau nominated him for the award.

GRAINCO FS is part of the GROWMARK System of member cooperatives. GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services and grain marketing in the Midwest and Ontario, Canada. FS brand farm supplies and related services are also marketed to farmers in the northeastern United States and by GROWMARK subsidiaries. Additional information is available at www.growmark.com.

11-13-09 *CSU Ext News* Alert: Corn Should Be Checked Before Feeding Livestock…

The late harvest has had many of our corn farmers nervous, hoping that they can get the crop out before winter really sets in. It has also left many cattle producers nervous as they have wondered if they will be able to get any value out of corn stalk grazing before the next snow. However, there is another issue at stake that needs to be addressed before producers turn their cows out to stalks.

The wet, cool summer delayed corn from maturing as readily as it would in a normal year. Additionally, the early freeze caught a lot of corn before it was ready and caused the development process to stop. As a result, a lot of corn fields have maintained a high moisture content (many above 20%). This has led to the development of molds and fungi in a lot of fields. The plant pathology diagnostic lab at Colorado State University has identified several molds and fungi on recent field corn samples. Trichoderma, Nigrospora, and Fusarium have all been identified thus far and the diagnostic lab is continuing to culture samples in search of other potential problems. Livestock producers need to be aware that these fungi may be present in the 2009 corn crop; both grain in the bin and ears of corn on the ground among stalks.

*NAFB News* Lee McCoy and Evan Slack to Be Inducted into NAFB Hall of Fame…

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting will honor two of its finest at the Night of Honors Celebration Banquet, Thursday, November 12 at the Annual Convention.

Lee McCoy and Evan Slack have been voted into the NAFB Hall of Fame by the Hall of Fame Committee — a working group of five individuals composed of current Hall of Fame members and past and current Presidents.

Lee McCoy was called “The Real McCoy” by his farm broadcasting family. He had a cowboy style that allowed him to communicate with people from all regions and all walks of life. He spent 10 years with the Southeast AgNet in Alabama and Georgia. An avid bicyclist and fund-raiser, he passed away in 2008 after battling cancer for more than two years.

Evan Slack is founder and owner of the Evan Slack Network, Denver, CO. As a young farm boy, he had two dreams: to become a farm broadcaster and fly his own plane. Both of those came true for Evan, and his travels have taken him many exciting places. His rewards and recognitions are many, including NAFB’s Pioneer in Farm Broadcasting recognition for his 50 years in the Association.

These two legendary NAFB Broadcasters will be inducted at the 2009 NAFB Convention in Kansas City, MO, November 11-13th.

Story originally posted inside the BARN on 10/1/09

11-13-09 Important Reminder for Colorado Sheep & Goat Owners: Scrapie Rule Aims to Protect State Herds…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds Colorado producers to tag and identify their sheep and goats for scrapie prior to a change of ownership or going to a livestock show.

“This is the time of year when many producers will be taking their livestock to market and most sheep and goats are required to be tagged; this is an important step in protecting the industry,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.

In 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an accelerated program to eradicate scrapie in the nation’s sheep flocks and goat herds. The National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) includes participation by state governments and industry, particularly producers.

Scrapie is an infectious and fatal disease of sheep and goats, which causes production losses and a degeneration of the central nervous system resulting in a variety of behavioral and locomotive changes. Symptoms include tremors, scratching or rubbing, weakness, weight loss, biting of feet and limbs, lip smacking, lack of coordination, and gait abnormalities including high–stepping of the forelegs, hopping like a rabbit, and swaying of the back end. The scrapie agent is thought to be spread most commonly from the ewe to her offspring at lambing and through contact between infected and susceptible sheep and goats.

In 1947, the first case of scrapie was diagnosed in the U.S. in sheep originating from Britain via Canada. The presence of the infection prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and embryos to many other countries and costs the sheep industry between $20-25 million per year.

“Producers are required to tag goats due to Colorado’s loss of commercial goat status,” continued Roehr. “If Colorado is to receive that status again, we must remain vigilant in protecting our herds from this disease.”

The NSEP set tagging rules to help protect the sheet and goat industry:

Sheep required to be officially tagged:

11-13-09 COLORADO INTERNATIONAL TRADE OFFICE RECIEVES FEDERAL GRANT TO PROMOTE CLEAN-TECH EXPORTS IN CHINA AND MEXICO…

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that the Colorado International Trade Office (ITO), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (COEDIT), is one of five recipients of the Market Development Cooperators Program (MDCP) for 2009. The ITO will receive $363,135 in matching funds over the next three years to support Colorado company exports of clean and environment-related products and services to China and Mexico.

“Colorado’s Office of International Trade has developed a comprehensive export promotion program that will lead to job creation and retention in one of our leading industry sectors, clean-tech;” said Gov. Bill Ritter. “The fact that they have been selected for an MDCP award from the Department of Commerce reinforces the value of the program and provides additional financial support to make it successful.”

11-13-09 GROWMARK receives Ag eBusiness Excellence Award

Bloomington, IL, (AgPR), November 13, 2009 — GROWMARK, a regional agricultural cooperative headquartered in Bloomington, Ill., received the Ag eBusiness Excellence award at the 2009 AgGateway annual conference in New Orleans.

The award is presented annually to the AgGateway member company that best demonstrates the objectives of the organization, including implementation of eBusiness standards, use of implementation tools, industry education, and overall promotion and expansion of eBusiness in agriculture and agriculture-related business.

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services and grain marketing in the Midwest and Ontario, Canada. FS brand farm supplies and related services are also marketed to farmers in the northeastern United States and by GROWMARK subsidiaries. Additional information is available at www.growmark.com

11-13-09 Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Travel To Rome For 36th Ministerial Conference Of The FAO…

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2009-Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will lead the U.S. delegation to the 36th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations Ministerial Conference in Rome, Italy, Nov. 18-23. This will be the first time that a woman has chaired the FAO conference. The U.S. delegation will also include U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Nerissa J. Cook, among others.

“FAO is the United Nations’ organization whose mandate is to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, improve agricultural productivity, promote rural development and, ultimately, provide all people at all times with access to the food they need for an active and healthy life,” said Merrigan. “This is the first time in 20 years that the United States will chair this ministerial conference and it comes at a critical time following the World Summit on Food Security. President Obama has committed the United States to a whole-of-government approach to tackle the problem of global food security and the United States will work with more than 130 countries as we move forward with this important effort.”

11-13-09 GROWMARK’s Piper receives Ron Storms award…

Bloomington, IL, (AgPR), November 13, 2009 — Tim Piper, GROWMARK executive director of IT and chief information officer, received the Ron Storms award at the 2009 AgGateway annual conference in New Orleans.

The award recognizes individual efforts in the promotion of electronic standards and protocols in agri-business. This lifetime achievement award is given annually to a member of AgGateway who displays characteristics of the late Ron Storms, including volunteerism, integrity, reliability, selflessness, character, courage, and sincerity.

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services and grain marketing in the Midwest and Ontario, Canada. FS brand farm supplies and related services are also marketed to farmers in the northeastern United States and by GROWMARK subsidiaries. Additional information is available at www.growmark.com

11-13-09 Fed Survey Finds Farmland Values Hold Steady, Credit Conditions Deteriorate…

Third Quarter Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions Released

Despite weaker farm incomes and credit conditions, Tenth District farmland values held steady in the third quarter, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s third quarter Survey of Agricultural Credit Conditions.

Since falling in the fourth quarter of 2008, farmland values overall appear to have reached a plateau in the seven-state District. Survey respondents reported a limited number of sales during the quarter, and a majority expected farmland values to hold steady over the next three months.

11-13-09 NALF Annual Meeting to Join National Limousin Show, Sale at NWSS…

North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) members and Limousin admirers from around the world will gather at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS), Jan. 7–13, 2010, in Denver, Colo. NALF is planning several events for those attending its annual meeting and national show and sale.

The first class of animals in the juniors’ female show will enter the ring at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, for Mark Hoge of Good Hope, Ill., to judge. The action then will shift to the Doubletree Hotel Denver at 6 p.m. for the NALF member social. The annual “Genetics on Ice” auction to benefit the North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) and the All-American Limousin Futurity (AALF) will follow the social.

The NALF annual meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at the Doubletree Hotel Denver. President Bob Millerberg of Draper, Utah, will preside as members conduct the organization’s business, including the election of five directors. As part of the annual meeting, Jim McKinlay from the Haines Centre for Strategic Management will facilitate comprehensive strategic planning.

11-13-09 Mendoza receives Outstanding Junior Red Angus Award…

 

Dawn Bernhard, (left) JRA advisor, honored Marianne Mendoza as the 2009 Outstanding Junior Red Angus Member.

Marrianne Mendoza of Valley Springs, Calif., was honored as the 2009 Outstanding Junior Red Angus Member at the National Red Angus Convention in Mahnomen, Minn., Sept. 16-19.

 

Mendoza is active in the Junior Red Angus Association of American (JRA) serving as a director and, most recently, the president. She has participated in every JRA contest at least once and has benefited from the opportunities of JRA programs.

11-13-09 Eklund recognized as Red Angus Personality of the Year…

John Eklund of Van Alstyne, Texas, was recognized as the Red Angus Personality of the Year at the National Red Angus Convention in Mahnomen, Minn., Sept. 16-19. Ken Bower of Forestburg, Texas, and Alyssa Looney of Denton, Texas, presented the award.

“John is a great communicator,” said Bower. “He is a man that always chooses his words very carefully.” His personality and thoughtfulness positively affect those around him and he has a good eye for cattle. His females carry the reputation of bringing top dollar.

Eklund built his own business that he eventually sold in order to get more involved with his family and the Red Angus breed. He served on the Texas Red Angus Association (TRAA) board and was president of the TRAA in 2006 – 07. At that same time, he was elected to the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) board and served on the executive committee.

In addition to his industry involvement, Eklund is loyal to Texas A&M University. “He’s a dedicated ‘Aggie’ and attends all the football games,” said Looney.

“He is an amazing man – I often refer him as a gentle giant,” concluded Bower.

11-13-09 Schilling Limousin Donates Heifer to Corner Post Fund…

Schilling Limousin of Edson, Kan., has donated the fourth annual Corner Post Genetics Package female, which will sell during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colo.

The Corner Post Genetics Package will lead off the National Limousin Sale, which begins at 6 p.m., Jan. 11, 2010, in the Stadium auction arena. All proceeds from the package will benefit the Corner Post Fund, which will facilitate additional activities and scholarships for Limousin juniors.

Schilling’s WinningTicket, a Feb. 27 embryo-transfer (ET) daughter of AUTO Black Dakota 129J out of Schilling’s Senorita, will headline the package. To view any of those animals’ full pedigrees, expected progeny differences (EPDs) and other information, enter their names in the “Animal EPD Search” at www.nalf.org on the Web.

For more information about the Limousin Corner Post Genetics Package or how you can contribute to the Corner Post Fund, contact North American Limousin Junior Association (NALJA) advisors Bret Begert at (806) 375-2308 or Kate Maher at (303) 220-1693, Ext. 106.

The North American Limousin Foundation (www.nalf.org), headquartered in Centennial, Colo., provides programs and services – including genetic evaluation of 5,000 active sires – to more than 4,000 members and their commercial customers. The Limousin breed and its Lim-Flex® hybrid lead the beef industry in muscle-growth efficiency and ideally complement British breeds.