08-25-11 *NACD News* Kansas Conservationist Testifies at Senate Farm Bill Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Aug. 25, 2011—Kansas farmer and conservationist Ronald Brown testified this morning at a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee in Wichita, Kan. The hearing focused on issues surrounding the 2012 Farm Bill. A lifelong resident of Fort Scott, Brown serves as president of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Brown urged Congress to, at a minimum, maintain the mandatory conservation funding levels as agreed in the 2008 Farm Bill. He also called for full funding of technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers and landowners continue their critical role in protecting our nation’s air, water and soil.

“Partnerships on the local, state and federal level are essential for coordinating and streamlining these efforts,” said Brown. “The 2012 Farm Bill should be developed to ensure those partnerships and coordination of effort.”

08-25-11 *CSF News* Milestone Anniversary Celebrated at the Colorado State Fair…PRCA RODEO

PUEBLO, Colo. – The Colorado State Fair has been entertaining rodeo fans for 51 years, and it is only getting better with age. The 51st PRCA Ram Rodeo runs Friday, August 26 thru Tuesday, August 30 in the Budweiser Rodeo Arena on the Colorado State Fairgrounds.

This year, the first night of rodeo will celebrate the Fair’s commitment to the rodeo tradition with a tribute to the animal athletes that help make the sport of rodeo the big buckin’, wild ride that it is.

Each year, the Fair’s PRCA Dodge Rodeo attracts top cowboys and cowgirls from across the country, including local Pueblo cowboy and multiple PRCA National Finals qualifier, Josh Peek, who is set to compete in the Saturday, August 27 performance.

For the first time in over twenty years, rodeo-goers will hear a new voice commentating the event. Boyd Polhamus of Brenham, Texas, three-time announcer of the year and fifteen-time National Finals Rodeo Announcer joins the Colorado State Fair line-up.

Eight-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year, Keith Isley, also joins the show for the first time this year with funny-man acts that combine a mix of trick roping, high impact-low impact aerobic workouts, various animal routines and trick riding.

Besides five nights of rodeo, each night will also have an individualized program to make all five rodeos a unique experience.

08-25-11 *CO FFA News* National News from the Briggsdale FFA Chapter!

For the first time, the Briggsdale FFA Chapter has been selected as one of the top 30 FFA Chapters in the United States of America. They were selected as a 2011 National FFA Model Chapter of Innovation Finalist. Out of the nearly 8,000 FFA Chapters nationally, Briggsdale was one of thirty selected and will undergo an intensive interview process to determine their final placing. The interviews will take place at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this October. The Briggsdale FFA will be represented by Kayelee Fokken and Bethy Shaw, the FFA President and Vice President respectively, in the interview process. Results from the National FFA Convention may be viewed live, via RFD TV. A summary of their accomplishments will be documented and printed in a National FFA publication that is distributed throughout nation.

In addition to this distinguished honor, the Briggsdale FFA Chapter was selected as a 3-Star National FFA Chapter for the 7th consecutive year. The 3-star rating is the highest possible, and only achieved by about 5 Colorado FFA Chapters per year. Also at the National FFA Convention, Kayelee Fokken will also be recognized individually for being the Colorado FFA winner in the Ag Sales Proficiency Award Area.

We would like to take this time to again recognize the Briggsdale Community for your gracious support, enthusiasm and belief in the FFA Organization. Our community is truly what defines us as a successful FFA Chapter. Without you, none of this is even remotely possible.

Submitted to the BARN by: Jarrod Bessire, Briggsdale FFA Advisor

Governor John Hickenlooper declares August 26, 2011 Colorado Centennial Farms Day

CLICK HERE to visit the BarnMedia-History Colorado Centennial Farms Webpage...

25 years of honoring dedicated farming and ranching families at the

139th Colorado State Fair in Pueblo on Aug. 26

Pueblo, Colo.—Eighteen Colorado families who have owned and operated their farm or ranch for 100 years or more will be recognized during the 25th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration on Friday, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m., on the Pepsi Stage in Family Park at the Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, Colo. In honor of the event, Governor John Hickenlooper has proclaimed August 26 as “Colorado Centennial Farms Day.” Honorees will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and other state officials, as well as a sign to display on their property.

Ed Nichols, President and CEO of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society and John Salazar, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, will make acknowledgements and present awards to family representatives.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes families who have demonstrated stewardship of their historic agricultural sites by maintaining four or more structures on their property that have survived for 50 years with a Historic Structures Award, and 12 of the 18 families will be recognized for this distinction.

 

2011 Colorado Centennial Farm Awardees:

Logan County FFA Alumni Jackpot Roping Aug 27th…Don’t Miss it!