08-24-11 *Syngenta News* Fall Management Tips to Protect Your Alfalfa from Winter Injury…

Fall Management Tips to Protect Your Alfalfa from Winter Injury

·         Avoid late cuttings so plant keeps energy stored

·         Manage winter damage risk by selecting winter tolerant varieties

MINNETONKA, Minn. – August 24, 2011 – As the hot days of summer give way to cool fall temperatures, alfalfa growers are encouraged to consider winter injury risk when thinking about fall cutting.

“Growers really need to assess the risk versus the gain when it comes to fall cutting of alfalfa,” said Charles Scovill, Syngenta field agronomist. “While it may be tempting to take a final cutting late in the fall, you could be ultimately risking winter stand injury.”

To increase their potential for winter survival, alfalfa plants should get five to six weeks of growth to accumulate root carbohydrates and proteins before going dormant for the winter. A killing freeze, or the temperature that will stop further top growth for the season, normally occurs between September 1 and October 15 in northern states, later in southern states. Therefore, it is important to manage fall harvests to give the plants the best chance for strong winter survival.

When considering fall cutting, Scovill suggests the following management tips:

*Weld County FSA News* Debbie Peonio’s Retirement Announcement‏…Aug 24th

08-23-11 *NCGA News of the Day* Biotech Acres Continue to Grow Globally…

As demand for corn and other crops continues to grow, farmers are meeting the challenge through the use of biotech crop varieties. Producing higher yields and alleviating stressors, the scientifically designed crops are growing in popularity the world over as farmers see firsthand their many advantages.

“Biotechnology has helped me produce more corn more consistently,” said South Dakota farmer Chad Blindauer, chair of the National Corn Growers Association’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. “It has helped me become a better farmer, a more efficient farmer, and I believe that is why we’ve seen biotech crops adopted at such a rapid rate not only here in the United States, but in a couple dozen countries around the world.”

In 2010, just 15 years after the first biotech crops were commercialized, farmers in 29 countries planted and produced biotech crops on 366 million acres, according to a report published earlier this year by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications.

08-23-11 PREPARE FINANCIALLY FOR NATURAL DISASTER

Tips for Financially Weathering the Unexpected Storms

DENVER—Amid the aftershocks of today’s earthquakes in Virginia and Colorado and with Hurricane Irene expected to hit the southeastern U.S. in the coming days, many Americans are focusing on preparing for the uncertainty that comes with a natural disaster. “Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike quickly and with little warning,” says Ted Beck, president and CEO of the Denver-based National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®). “Your safety and the safety of your family is the top priority. But it’s also important to protect your home, your assets and your financial security.”

NEFE offers the following tips to ensure that you and your family are financially prepared for a disaster.

Protect Your Health and Life

08-23-11 *NCBA’s Beltway Beef* Public Lands Issue…

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

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef Commentary is ready. With Congress not in session and President Obama away on a cozy vacation, we took some time to talk to someone who really matters – a cattleman. We caught up with Charles Lyons, a public lands rancher from a little place called Mountain Home, Idaho. According to Lyons, an active member of NCBA and the Public Lands Council (PLC), the majority of his focus when it comes to decisions made in Washington, D.C., is on public lands issues. That makes sense considering 65 percent of the cattle pasture in Idaho is owned by the federal government. Whether it’s burdensome, scientifically unfounded regulations imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency or environmental extremists hijacking the Endangered Species Act in a shameful attempt to remove cattle grazing from public lands, Lyons points to a whole host of issues that he relies on NCBA and PLC to monitor and act on when necessary.

08-23-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper announces Social Innovation Fund Grant to Mile High United Way for Childhood Literacy

DENVER ­— Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper and Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia announced today that Mile High United Way has received a two-year $3.6 million grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service under its Social Innovation Fund. The announcement is a significant development in the state’s collaboration with Mile High United Way, Serve Colorado (formerly the Governor’s Commission on Community Service) and the Colorado Department of Education to improve early childhood literacy rates in rural and urban communities across the state of Colorado.

“Colorado’s prosperity and quality of its future workforce are dependent upon every child receiving a top-notch education,” Hickenlooper said. “The Social Innovation Fund will support the state’s early childhood literacy initiative and augment the many literacy programs and efforts happening in Colorado’s schools. This grant will also support recruitment and training of community volunteer mentors and tutors to help ensure all children are reading at grade level or beyond by the end of third grade.”

Earlier this year, the Hickenlooper Administration identified early childhood literacy as one of three education priorities for the state. Working closely with Mile High United Way and a broad coalition of early childhood experts, the literacy initiative will begin at a grassroots level with community outreach and conversations across the state. The partnering organizations will help build an infrastructure to mobilize volunteers, donors, businesses and other community groups to support existing early learning and elementary school literacy programs. The community conversations and more robust civic engagement efforts will inform possible future policy action.

“Children who can’t read face significant barriers in school and life,” Garcia said. “This grant empowers communities to improve school readiness, promote reading opportunities outside of the classroom, and utilize evidence-based programs to improve early literacy proficiency rates. We look forward to working in close partnership with principals, teachers and community leaders to integrate these resources in a way that supports students and classrooms across the state.”

08-23-11 *NRCS-CO Monthly* Archaeologist Bill Volf details the Cultural Resources Management Program…

CLICK HERE for more NRCS-CO Monthly Archived Audio Reports...

NRCS-CO Archaelogist William "Bill" Volf of Cortez, CO

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) August 23rd, 2011 –  William (Bill) Volf, Archeaologist with NRCS-CO is my guest this month discussing the Cultural Resources Management Program.

• What are cultural resources? And what is Cultural Resources Management?
• What is the goal of the NRCS Cultural Resources Management program?
• How does Cultural Resources Management affect Colorado landowners?
• What are the benefits of Cultural Resources Management?
• Is there anything else you would like to mention about Cultural Resources/Cultural Resources Management?

082311_NRCS-CoMonthly_CRM-BillVolf_11m5s

08-23-11 *CO Corn Monthly* CEO Mark Sponsler on Issues Facing Colorado’s Corn Farmers…

CLICK HERE to visit the BARN's CO Corn Monthly Webpage for ARCHIVED EDITIONS

mark Sponsler, CEO Colorado Corn

August 23rd – Mark Sponsler, CEO of Colorado Corn is my guest again this month discussing several issues effecting Colorado’s Corn Producers including:

• NCGA’s Agri Council Meetings in Tucson, AZ last week
• CME Raising the Daily Limit on Corn this week to 40 cents/bushel vs 30 cents/bushel
• CO Corn Board Meetings This Week…special guest NCGA President Bart Schott & Agenda
• CO Corn/Salvation Army Grain Donation Project Update
• Upcoming Colorado Ag Classic Dec 7-8 @ Embasssy Suites in Loveland, CO
• 139th CO State Fair & CO Corn’s Booth in the Ag Pavillion Aug 25th – Sept 5th
• & MUCH MORE

Listen to the interview with Mark Sponsler, CEO of Colorado Corn…

082311_CoCornMonthly_MarkSponsler_16m55s 

08-23-11 *CO 4H News* State 4H Fashion Revue Winners Named @ CO State Fair in Pueblo Aug 20th

CLICK HERE to view a schedule for the 2011 Morgan County Fair

Maggie Christensen of Brush (right) was named Reserve Grand Champion in the Clothing Construction Division of the 2011 State 4-H Fashion Revue. Grand Champion went to Eric Gauck of El Paso County pictured on the left.

Maggie Christensen of Brush was named Reserve Grand Champion of Clothing Construction at the State 4-H Fashion Revue held in Pueblo August 20.

Maggie modeled a gray and white pinstripe romper constructed from a vintage pattern which she adapted to include current fashion trends.  She selected the fabric for her outfit while on the 4-H Exchange trip to New York in July.  Maggie selected black accessories for the finished look.

Maggie was named Construction Grand Champion at the Morgan County Fashion Revue held the end of July in conjunction with the Morgan County Fair.   She is the daughter of Brian and Deanna Christensen of Fort Morgan.

Also participating from Morgan County in the State Fashion Revue was Megan McMinn, daughter of Cary and Shari McMinn of Fort Morgan.  Megan modeled in the artistic clothing division.  Her original creation floor-length gown was decorated with hand-sewn beaded appliqués and tulle.

08-22-11 *NCGA News of the Day* NCGA Agri-Industry Council Meets in Tucson

National Corn Growers Association officers and senior staff recently gathered with representatives of 12 leading agribusinesses for the biannual NCGA Agri-Industry Council meeting to discuss vital issues facing agriculture, share information on their companies and sectors, hear from recognized speakers and learn from NCGA about its current initiatives. The Agri-Industry Council was established in 2007 to facilitate dialogue between agribusinesses and NCGA to collectively address issues of mutual concern.

“From improved seeds to modern machinery, U.S. agri-business works hard to improve farming,” said NCGA President Bart Schott. “These meetings bring key leaders from across the industry together so that we move forward with a better understanding of the big picture and can coordinate to build a brighter future.”

Over the course of the meeting, attendees heard from government relations professionals and NCGA’s Washington staff on the current legislative environment and how it will impact farmers. NCGA officers, staff and consultants provided updates on the organization’s involvement in the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and the crop outlook.

08-22-11 COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL 4A & 5A CHAMPIONSHIPS RETURN TO ROOT SPORTS

Network to showcase 4A & 5A Colorado Football and Basketball Title Games

ROOT SPORTS™ will be the destination for Colorado’s marquee high school sports showdowns in 2011 and beyond; it was announced today by Tim Griggs, ROOT SPORTS Senior Vice President/General Manager, CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico, and When We Were Young/PlayOn! Sports (CHSAA.tv) President Tim Eichorst.

“ROOT SPORTS is proud to again be the home for Colorado high school football and basketball,” said Griggs. “Our passion and commitment to providing our fans with the best viewing experience in the region match the competitiveness and quality of the high-caliber players on the field again this fall.”

ROOT SPORTS (formerly FSN Rocky Mountain) was the exclusive home of CHSAA 4A and 5A football and basketball championships from 2006 to 2008.

“This agreement is a major step in the broadcast plans for the Association. The advent of CHSAA.tv last year and the return to live television broadcasts for some of our most popular events allows us to showcase the talents of the young people in our state,” Angelico said. “The more recognition we can provide our participants, the greater impact these activities have in a young person’s life.”

139th Colorado State Fair…The Summer’s Best Entertainment Value…Aug 25th – Sept 5th in Pueblo, CO

Event Schedule Deals & Discounts Entertainment Series Free Attractions Rodeo Fiesta Day Livestock Junior Livestock Sale Horse Show Small Animals General Entry Fine Arts Exhibition 4H Parades Silver Queen Map & Directions Accomodations Shuttle

Thank you to our sponsors!

08-22-11 *BASF News* Sharpen® herbicide approved as harvest aid/dry bean desiccant

Provides time management and harvest efficiencies for growers

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, August 18, 2011 – Edible bean growers can now experience fast, complete desiccation and improved harvest efficiency withSharpen^® herbicide, powered by Kixor^® herbicide technology. The product’s recent label expansion allows growers to use Sharpen as a desiccant in dry edible beans to aid drydown and accelerate overall harvest times.

“The excellent leaf, pod and stem desiccation provided by Sharpen helps growers better manage operations during the often time-pressed harvest and can help reduce harvest issues like loss and bean quality,” said Bryan Perry, Kixor Marketing Manager with BASF. “That means a more timely, efficient harvest for growers.”

According to Perry, Sharpen further enables ease of harvest by providing fast, effective broadleaf burndown, which is important in a year like 2011 where fields have experienced challenging weather.

“With the innovative Kixor technology powering Sharpen, growers can help ensure timely, effective harvest of their dry bean crop,” said Perry.

Sharpen features ease of use, storage and transport due to its low use rate (2 fl oz/A).

08-22-11 American Coalition for Ethanol Elects New Representatives to Board

Register today for ACE's 2011 Ethanol Conference at ethanol.org.

Sioux Falls, SD (August 22, 2011) – The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) has elected three new members to its Board of Directors that will expand grassroots, independent and next generation ethanol representation of the national advocacy association.

Bob Sather has joined the ACE board representing Ace Ethanol, a 43 million-gallon-per-year (mgy) ethanol producer in Stanley, WI. Sather is the Director of Public Affairs for ACE Ethanol. “I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the ACE board. ACE has always had a reputation for working to represent the grassroots of the industry and I’m looking forward to continuing that effort both on a state and national level,” Sather said.

Ron Wetherell, Chairman of Little Sioux Corn Processors, a 108 mgy locally-owned ethanol plant in Marcus, IA, was also elected to the ACE board. “I’m honored to be elected to the ACE board. The organization and Little Sioux Corn Processors share the same grassroots values and the opportunity to work together to promote ethanol’s positive message and develop long term policies for the industry will support all independently owned producers,” Wetherell said.

Kevin Dailey, President and CEO of North American Bioproducts Corporation (NABC), has been elected to the ACE board. NABC is considered a market leader in product supply and fermentation technology to the ethanol industry.  “Serving on the ACE board is a great opportunity to help promote ethanol and the industry’s interests not just in Midwest communities but in metropolitan areas across the country.  I feel my reason for involvement with ACE is to help educate and support local and national lawmakers on the significance and success story of fuel ethanol in the United States. Our legislative leaders need to fully understand the value of fuel ethanol as a vital component to our comprehensive energy policy,” Dailey said.

“ACE is thrilled to have these new members on our board. We will continue to promote a diverse vision for the ethanol industry, while staying true to our grassroots beginnings and interests. These members will bring a strong voice to our board and we are looking forward to working with them,” said Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of ACE.

In addition, five current Board members were nominated and accepted for re-election:

08-22-11 *CAWG/CWAC/CWRF News* 2011 Wheat Field Days Yield Contest Names Ten Winners

August 22, 2011, Fort Collins, Colo. – New at the 2011 Wheat Field Days was a yield contest.  All in attendance were given the chance to pick the variety they believed would yield highest at that plot location. The person guessing the top variety, or the variety closest to the top, won a $25 Visa gift card. The tie breaker was the yield, so the winner was the participant who guessed closest to the actual yield.

08-22-11 Syngenta Petitions Court to Protect Growers’ Unrestricted Access to Grain Outlets for New Technology

MINNETONKA, Minn. – August 22, 2011 – Syngenta in North America today filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa against Bunge North America (“Bunge”) for having violated a number of Federal and State laws.  Syngenta alleges Bunge is attempting to block the legal merchandising of the Agrisure Viptera™trait which was launched in compliance with all U.S. regulatory requirements as well as industry guidelines for commercialization.

“We are taking this action to remove the illegal impediment Bunge imposed on growers when they announced mid-season that they would not accept grain enhanced by the Agrisure Viptera™ trait,” said David Morgan, President, Syngenta Seeds, Inc. “When a product has been legally approved, growers should be able to use that technology without subsequently being subjected to arbitrary actions.”

“Our first priority is growers,” said Morgan.  “Growers inherently face a myriad of risks and Bunge’s decision to change grain specifications when farmers had already planted their corn is unacceptable.   We are working with farmers who are impacted by this decision to help them find alternatives for delivering their grain.”

08-22-11 *CSF News* Colorado State Fair Kicks Off with “98.9 Magic FM Sneak Peek” Thursday, August 25th

Aug 25th - Sept 5th in Pueblo, CO - GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

PUEBLO, Colo. – The 2011 Colorado State Fair will open its gates to celebrate the 139th year as Colorado’s most popular summer attraction on Friday, August 26th, but those who enjoy thrills and great deals have an opportunity to enjoy a Sneak Peek before opening day.

“The Sneak Peek has always been a big hit with families.  It is just one more way we strive to provide a fun, family event at an affordable price,” said Chris Wiseman, Colorado State Fair general manager.

In their fifth year at the Colorado State Fair, Crabtree Amusements will feature approximately 50 rides that spin, rock, and whirl fairgoers. Gate admission is free for the Carnival Sneak Peek and unlimited ride bands will be available for only $10.

08-22-11 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Projects to Provide Broadband to Rural Communities…$11.39M for WY

Tornado-Damaged Oklahoma Town To Receive Funding;

Dubois, Wyoming Project To Create Up To 100 Jobs $11,391,000 in funding

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 22, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that 18 recipients will receive more than $103 million in funding for 23 projects to provide broadband services to unserved and underserved rural communities. Residents and businesses that will benefit from this funding include those in an Oklahoma community damaged by a tornado earlier this year.

“Without broadband, rural communities, agricultural producers and business owners face a substantial challenge,” Vilsack said. “These loans and grants will bring the benefits of broadband, including new educational, business and public health and safety opportunities, to residents living in some of the most remote parts of our Nation.”

One of the successful applications is from Wichita Online, Inc., which will use a USDA Rural Development Community Connect program grant to provide broadband to the rural community of Tushka Town, Okla.  The community was hit by a tornado on April 14, 2011, that killed two people and destroyed or damaged a number of buildings in the community. Rural Development’s $480,000 grant to Wichita Online, Inc. will provide residents with broadband service and new opportunities for economic development.