08-31-11 FFA members help fight hunger with African farmers in Rwanda

INDIANAPOLIS – Seven collegiate FFA members chosen to participate in the National FFA Organization’s FFA Global Outreach: Africa (FFA GO: Africa) program recently returned from the African nation of Rwanda. The students spent two weeks helping local farmers fight hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture techniques. The group experienced firsthand the reality of food insecurity and agriculture and conservation issues in a sub-Saharan African country where the average annual income is $1,500 or less.

The goals of the FFA GO: Africa program are to engage students at a personal level in global issues and challenges of agriculture, food, hunger, poverty and human suffering; provide opportunities for service learning in developing countries; and inspire students to serve and make a positive humanitarian difference in the world through agriculture.

Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the FFA members lived and worked with the staff of Catholic Relief Services, an organization that helps impoverished and disadvantaged people throughout the world. The collaboration made a deep impression. “The experience was so directional for me,” said Washington State University student Victoria Marsh. “It gave me a clear focus on where I want to go and what I want to do. Being able to work with CRS and see the hope they fuel every day in their work pushes me even further to want to work for nonprofits in other parts of Africa.”

The students devoted themselves to several activities, from information gathering and conducting baseline farmer interviews to determining the viability of crop yields and gaining a broader understanding of the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and the environmental conflicts that arise from income- and food-insecure families.

08-31-11 The Meat Industry Hall of Fame will Induct Robert Madeira, AAMP Executive Director, into the Class fo 2011‏

Robert L. Madeira served for three decades as the Executive Director of the American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) and its predecessor organization the National Institute of Locker and Freezer Provisioners (NILFP).  He was also a director of the National Frozen Food Locker Association

Madeira worked as an airplane instrument mechanic and engineer during WWII.  After the war, he returned to his home in Elizabethtown, PA, where he took over the family frozen food locker and meat processing facility, Iceland, Inc. He was president of the Pennsylvania Frozen Food Locker Association, an organizer of the Lancaster County Frozen Food Locker Buying Cooperative, and later became the CEO of NILFP when it moved from Chicago to Elizabethtown in 1950.  He was also AAMP’s chief lobbyist until his retirement at the end of 1980 and served as Executive Director Emeritus of the Association until 1985.

Representing the small locker plant and meat processor industry, Madeira spoke nationally and internationally before many affiliated industry organizations and was honored in 1955 with the association’s Annual Achievement Award.

08-31-11 Case IH Announces Plans to Grow Advanced Farming Systems Business

Trevor Mecham Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Marketing Manager

Racine, Wis. (AgPR) – With plans in place to expand existing industry partnerships, add new personnel and augment it’s customer support system, Case IH is renewing its commitment to its precision farming business and Advanced Farming Systems (AFS).

“We are proud of our current AFS precision farming offering, with the industry’s most accurate autoguidance systems, easy-to-use machine control interfaces and accurate variable rate delivery systems,” says Trevor Mecham, Case IH AFS Marketing Manager. “And Case IH continues to expand its AFS commitment, increasing our precision farming staff and making long-term plans to evolve our current customer service model.”

The recently announced creation of a new business unit dedicated solely to precision agriculture aids that expansion: “The new Precision Agriculture business is further proof of our dedication to providing Case IH customers with cutting-edge precision solutions – and our intention to remain at the forefront of this technology,” Mecham adds.

Mecham also points to the company’s expanded strategic alliance with Trimble, a recognized leader in GPS and precision guidance technology. “This partnership will mean more joint development of innovative precision applications and services designed specifically for Case IH equipment. It will speed product development and increase our ability to have more integrated AFS product options that are factory complete to our Case IH dealers and customers,” he explains. “It will also enhance our offering for our customers who run multiple makes of equipment.”

In addition, Case IH is renewing its commitment to provide the kind of support our precision farming customers have told us they need.

“Our vision is to build a dedicated 24/7 support system that’s available 365 days a year,” he added.

AFS Updates for 2012

08-31-11 Bennet, Udall, Hickenlooper Send President Report on Job Creation Developed by Colorado Innovators, Business Leaders

Policy Recommendations and Action Items Developed in Colorado can Inform President’s Jobs Plan

‘Colorado Competes’ Report Presented to Senators, Governor in June

Denver, CO – As the Obama administration finalizes its jobs plan, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, along with Governor John Hickenlooper, today sent the president a report on innovation and job creation prepared earlier this year by Colorado leaders representing businesses and academia. The report was presented to the elected leaders by the “Coloradans for an Innovation Economy” working group in June.  It includes policy recommendations and action items on creating an environment where innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators can thrive.

“As a delegation, we are committed to working together to build the right environment in Colorado and the country for innovation to thrive,” the leaders said in a letter accompanying the report. “We believe that the Colorado Competes Report serves as a good template for a serious discussion on how we can spur innovation and put our country back to work.”

“Coloradans for an Innovation Economy” came together earlier this year at Bennet’s request to identify ways to promote economic competitiveness at the state and national levels through a greater focus on innovation and cross-sector collaboration.  The group includes leaders from business and academia and was co-chaired by Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems; Holli Riebel, President and CEO of the Colorado Bioscience Association; and Ron Sega, Vice President for Energy and Environment and Woodward Professor of Systems Engineering.

The full Colorado Competes report is available here.

The full text of the letter follows:

08-31-11 Department of Energy Announces up to $12 Million in Investments to Support Development and Production of Drop-In Biofuels

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In support of the Obama Administration’s comprehensive efforts to strengthen U.S. energy security,  U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $12 million to fund three small-scale projects in Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Carolina that aim to commercialize novel conversion technologies to accelerate the development of advanced, drop-in biofuels and other valuable bio-based chemicals. Drop-in biofuels are fuels that can serve as direct replacements or supplements to existing gasoline, diesel and jet fuels, without any changes to existing fuel distribution networks or engines – and have the potential to significantly reduce U.S. reliance on oil imports. The projects, funded through DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, seek to accelerate research and development that will lead the way toward affordable, clean alternatives to fossil fuels and diversify our nation’s energy portfolio.

“Producing advanced, drop-in biofuels in the U.S. will reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and support development of a new industry that will create jobs in rural communities across the country,” said Secretary Chu. “These investments aim to accelerate the discovery of innovative solutions that could drive down the cost of biofuels production and boost their availability in the marketplace.”

Using innovative thermochemical processes, the projects will help to improve the economics and efficiency of turning biomass into replacements for petroleum-based gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other products.  Thermochemical processes use heat and catalysts to convert biomass, in a controlled industrial environment, into liquid and gaseous intermediates – or substances formed as a necessary stage in manufacturing an end product – which can then be chemically converted into fuels and other products. The funding announced today will further diversify DOE’s research and development portfolio in a breadth of fuels and chemicals derived from domestic cellulosic biomass, such as grasses, wood, and agricultural residue.

The following projects were selected:

08-31-11 CAWG Hosts 2nd Annual Legislative Field Day

Visiting ConAgra Mill in Commerce City on the second annual CAWG Legislative Field Trip, from left to right: front row: Legislative staffer Leslie Colwell, State Rep. Beth McCann, State Rep. Cheri Gerou, State Rep. Jeanne Labuda, State Rep. Su Ryden; middle row: State Rep. Kathleen Conti, State Sen. Mary Hodge, CAWG President Randy Traxler, back row: Legislative Staffer Drew Haugen, State Sen. Mike Johnston, State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, and CAWG Past President Chris Tallman.

CAWG Past President Chris Tallman, State Sen. Mike Johnston, and his legislative staffer Drew Haugen survey Progressive Farms from the top of one of the grain bins.

August 31, 2011 - The Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG) hosted a legislative field trip August 29 to familiarize Colorado state legislators with issues facing Colorado wheat farmers and other agricultural businesses.

“This event is an opportunity for us to expose urban legislators to modern agricultural practices,” said CAWG President Randy Traxler of Otis, “It also gives us a chance to talk to them in a more relaxed, casual atmosphere than during the legislative session at the state capitol.”

Eight Colorado state legislators participated in the event: State Senator Mike Johnston (D-33), State Senator Mary Hodge (D-25), State Representative Beth McCann (D-8), State Representative Su Ryden (D-36), State Representative Brian DelGrosso (R-51), State Representative Jeanne Labuda (D-1), State Representative Kathleen Conti (R-38) and State Representative Cheri Gerou (R-25). Tim Burleigh, Director of the Markets Division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, also joined the group.

Johnston represents parts of Denver and Adams counties, Hodge represents Adams county, McCann represents Denver county, Ryden represents Arapahoe county, DelGrosso represents Larimer county, Labuda represents Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson counties, Conti represents Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, and Gerou represents Jefferson county.

The legislators toured the ConAgra flour mill at Commerce City, seeing how wheat is delivered and the processes used to make wheat into flour, and how that flour is delivered nationwide. Lunch included a brief program on CAWG, a description of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee (CWAC) and how that organization supports research at Colorado State University (CSU) and promotion of Colorado wheat for domestic and export use, and the importance of the wheat industry to Colorado’s diverse economy. The estimated value of the 2011 Colorado wheat crop is $608 million.

The group then traveled to Progressive Farms near Byers. CAWG Vice President Mark Linnebur, one of five brothers who operate Progressive Farms, described his family’s farming operation and showed the legislators some of the equipment, facilities, and storage at the farm. He emphasized the use of modern farming practices to conserve moisture, and the importance of family to his farming operation.

Representative McCann said “Although I represent central Denver which does not include any farmers, I think it is very important for legislators to learn as much as we can about all areas of the state. I have to vote on bills that affect farmers and ranchers so I try to educate myself as much as I can about the issues that affect them and their livelihoods. I find it very valuable to learn about industries that are so important to Colorado. My grandfather was a farmer in Virginia, and I have great memories of playing on the farm as a child. They are wonderful places to raise children and they are vital to Colorado’s economy.”

08-31-11 AYHC Invites Young Know-It-Alls to Compete in “Horse Smarts Round-up” at 2012 Symposium

Saddle know-how can carry a rider pretty far, but it takes applied study to become a truly informed horse-person, and young people with such depth of knowledge should be justifiably proud. The American Youth Horse Council wants to reward this kind of diligence at the 2012 AYHC Symposium (March 23-25 in Herndon, Virginia), through the newly launched “AYHC Horse Smarts Round-up” contest. The competition is open to individuals age 14-18 who are registered for the Symposium; contestants will compete for first, second and third place cash prizes ($250, $150, and $100, respectively), a year’s student AYHC membership (new or renewal) and recognition at the awards banquet and in AYHC news channels.

09-01-11 American Agri-Women’s Annual Convention, November 10-13 in Wichita, KS

08-30-11 It’s in the Cards: Western artist Rick Unger donates work to support Back Country Horsemen

The San Juan chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of America (www.sjbch.org)  wants your holiday gifts to be “in the cards”— notecards, that is, featuring vibrant and colorful Western images that award-winning artist Rick Unger created especially for the SJBCH. Unger’s work is shown in galleries across the nation and in Leanin’ Tree products; he donated the art to support the non-profit SJBCH, whose trail maintenance and advocacy benefit everyone who enjoys recreation on our public lands.

Ideal as gifts for outdoors enthusiasts of every kind, the generous  5” x7” cards come 6 per pack (3 of each image); the insides are blank and envelopes are included. Each pack sells for $10 including tax; shipping & handling are extra. (Bulk discounts are available.) To order, contact SJBCH president Beverly Warburton at (970) 731-0343 or info@sjbch.org.

Let these cards be your favorite stocking stuffer this year, but remember to buy some for yourself, too.

08-30-11 AMERICA’S FARMERS GROW RURAL EDUCATIONSM ANNOUNCES WINNERS AT FARM PROGRESS SHOW

The Monsanto Fund awards more than $266,000 to school districts in Illinois and Minnesota

DECATUR, Ill. (August 30, 2011) – Farmers have said that the most important thing we, as a nation, can grow is the next generation.  Today, the Monsanto Fund is thrilled to announce the winners of America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education^SM, a pilot program that gives farmers the opportunity to nominate their school districts to compete for grants up to $25,000. All grants are focused on enhancing education in the areas of math and/or science.

Sixteen winning school districts in Illinois and Minnesota, and the farmers who nominated the winning school districts, will be honored during a special presentation and reception at the Farm Progress Show on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

“America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education is a way to help rural school districts with some of their unmet needs.  Farmers have shared those needs with us along with their desire to improve education in their communities ,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president.  “We are proud to support our educational system and help farmers grow the next generation.”

08-30-11 *CDA News* Bovine Trichomoniasis Update: Talk to Your Veterinarian, Test Your Herd

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds cattle owners to test their herd for Bovine Trichomoniasis.

“Testing and monitoring herds for trichomoniasis is the best method of controlling this infection,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  “Cattle owners should talk to their veterinarian to determine the best management practices for their herd.”

 

·         As of August 28, 2011, there are six positive “trich” locations in Colorado.

·         So far this year, there have been positive trich cases in eight Colorado counties:  Baca, Bent, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, La Plata, Las Animas, and Otero.

·         A map detailing trichomoniasis sample submissions by county and the prevalence for trichomoniasis-positive counties can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.

“The Department has seen a decrease in the number of positive trich cases and is encouraged by these numbers; this shows that the livestock industry and the CDA mitigation efforts have been working,” continued Roehr, “but this doesn’t mean ranchers should decrease their testing rates.  It is important to remember that this infection does not respect county lines.”

08-30-11 *NCBA’s Beltway Beef* Regulations & Election Cycle…

CLICK HERE to listen to today's Beltway Beef courtesy of the NCBA...

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef weekly audio is ready. This week’s commentary features Bob McCan, chairman of NCBA’s policy division and a cattleman from Victoria, Texas. He is ready for the upcoming election cycle. As the current administration continues to propose regulation after regulation, McCan stresses the importance of electing leaders who understand and appreciate U.S. agriculture and its role in providing healthy food to a growing population.

“This administration has been particularly restrictive and more or less abusive of the authority they have within the regulatory agencies,” said McCan.

Miss the 139th CO State Fair’s Junior Livestock Sale WATCH IT AGAIN on BarnMedia.iHigh.com…Preliminary Total $415,600

Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale Honors the Hard Work of Colorado’s 4-H & FFA Youth

Bids Increase $55,000 over 2010 Total

PUEBLO, Colo. – The annual Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale at the Colorado State Fair has come to a close; the sale is instrumental in supporting the future of Colorado’s agribusiness as it demonstrates to youth the importance of raising quality livestock and the work required of those who pursue careers in agriculture.

The sale is the largest 4H and FFA event of its kind in Colorado.  According to preliminary totals, the 2011 sale accumulated approximately $415,600 from the state’s most dedicated bidders.  Last year’s sale totaled $360,300.

“The Colorado State Fair is proud to be a part of this important event.  We have generous buying groups from across the state coming together to support the hard work and dedication of our agricultural youth exhibitors.  It is always a wonderful experience,” said General Manager Chris Wiseman.

Some of today’s highlights include:

08-30-11 COLORADO FSA ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY LOAN AVAILIBILITY

On August 15, 2011, President Barack Obama declared ten counties in Nebraska primary disasters due to losses caused by a severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred June 19-21, 2010.

NEBRASKA PRIMARY DISASTER COUNTIES (10)

COLORADO CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES (2)

Yuma              Phillips

NEBRASKA CONTIGUOUS DISASTER COUNTIES (28)

KANSAS CONTIGUOUS COUNTIES (4)

08-30-11 Aiming for a $4 Billion Target: Alltech Realigns Leadership Team

[Lexington, KY] – In its quest to reach $4 billion in revenue, global animal health and nutrition company Alltech is realigning its directorship to take strategic advantage of emerging opportunities.  Dr. Mark Lyons has been named vice president of corporate affairs and Geoff Frank has been appointed to manager of North American sales.

“Alltech has experienced a remarkable growth in the past couple of years,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “The opportunities are ripe and abundant, and consequently I’ve asked several key members of our directorship to assume new areas of focus. We are moving away from ‘business as usual’ to the business of the future Alltech, an Alltech that sees $4 billion as a viable achievement within the next few years.”

Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French and German, Dr. Mark Lyons will be concentrating on key international accounts and industry groups as well as core company initiatives. Under his leadership as director of North America, Alltech expanded its presence in all agricultural sectors with the opening of new offices.

08-30-11 Colorado’s Millet Industry Holds Promise for State Economy

Denver — Colorado is the United States largest exporter of millet. In fact, more than 50 percent of all millet produced annually in the U.S. comes from Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association wants to educate others about this crop that has many possibilities for Colorado’s economy.

Worldwide millet exports grossed almost $16 million in 2008, and a little over half of exported millet came from Colorado. Compared to 2010, U.S. millet exports are already up 63 percent and Colorado exports alone have risen 87 percent.

The Federal State Marketing Improvement Program awards grants to state agricultural departments to develop innovative approaches for marketing ag products. Colorado has received $42,000 to-date to expand millet production for domestic and international markets.

“This crop could bring millions of dollars into the state’s economy every year. Plus, millet’s versatility and nutritional value make its value impossible to ignore,” said Tony Leighty, RMAA president.

08-30-11 Fendt Debuts New 900 Series Tractors at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

With Fendt® selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, the latest Fendt 900 Series tractors deliver up to 7 percent greater fuel efficiency over previous models. The Series includes five models from 200 - 300 PTO hp.

Fendt raises the bar for fuel-efficient power, versatility and comfort; delivering even more productivity-enhancing advancements

Atlanta, Ga. (Aug. 30, 2011) — Today, Fendt will introduce the new Fendt 900 Series Vario tractors during the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. With Fendt selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for Tier 4-interim compliance, the latest 900 Series tractors deliver up to 7 percent greater fuel efficiency compared to previous models*, along with the productivity and efficiency-enhancing advancements farmers have come to expect first from Fendt. Other new features for the 900 Series, which offers a reversing operator station on all models, are a standard 10.4-inch Varioterminal monitor which puts control of all tractor functions in one, touch-screen terminal; the option of fully integrated guidance; and an on-board computer that makes tracking, storing and transferring data to an office PC nearly effortless.

“For many producers and custom operators, Fendt 900 Series tractors are their first choice for the combination of speed, fuel efficiency, power and technology they must have to get the most work done each day,” says Mike Alvin, product manager for high horsepower tractors. “Plus, these tractors deliver the traditional Fendt ride-comfort and ergonomically designed control features that help reduce operator fatigue over a long day of work. Now, with even greater fuel efficiency and innovation, the Fendt 900 Series again raises the bar for high horsepower tractors.”

New engine for power and efficiency

08-29-11 *CO Dept o f Ag* Looking For Hay? Annual Directory Connects Producers and Buyers

LAKEWOOD, Colo. –The Colorado Department of Agriculture publishes the Colorado Hay Directory annually to help connect hay producers with buyers. The 2011 edition of the directory is available to the public at no cost.

“Hay continues to be a leading crop in the state, and we have requests from around the country for Colorado hay,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “The directory is a great way for producers to market their hay and it is an important resource for buyers across Colorado and the nation.”

The 25th edition of the Colorado Hay Directory features nearly 100 producers and brokers of hay as well as companies that provide hay-related products and services. Categorized by region, each listing includes the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status and identifies organic hay.

08-29-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper Seeks Additional Federal Drought Assistance

DENVER ­— Monday, Aug. 29, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper sent a letter today to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting drought assistance for two additional counties.

“Colorado has experienced significant drought condition in the southern part of the state, and the conditions have now spread north,” the governor’s letter said.

Elbert and Douglas counties asked Hickenlooper to seek the federal assistance and be declared primary drought disaster areas. The declaration, if approved, would allow farmers and ranchers to apply for emergency loans if they are unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

08-29-11 *CSF News* Grand & Reserve Champion Rabbit Meat Pen Exhibitors Best Friends too…

(The BARN @ 139th CO State Fair in Pueblo, CO) Sydney Baty of Loveland, CO and Elizabeth Edie of Ault, CO stopped by to visit about their recent victories @ the 2011 CO State Fair in Pueblo, where they wer named Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion Rabbit Meat Pens respectively. Both are qualified for the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale which takes place on Tuesday, August 30th @ 3pm. Listen to the interview and you can tell both young ladies are excited and the best of friends and isn’t that what makes the 4H & FFA program so great…082911_RabbitMeat Pen_Edie-Baty_4m35s