Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, NE Sept 13-15th

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September 13, 14 & 15
9000 W. Husker Highway
Wood River, NE 68883
GPS coordinates:
N 40° 53.269 W 98° 31.305

Make plans to attend.
SHOW HOURS
Tuesday & Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TICKETS
$10 per adult, per day
$5 per student (13-17), per day
Children under 12 FREE
*Note: No pets allowed except service animals, which must be leashed at all times. 

09-09-11 *Co 1A 6Man Football* Briggsdale @ Woodlin RESULTS – WATCH IT AGAIN!

Briggsdale 52 Woodlin 84...WATCH the game again - CLICK HERE

09-08-11 CSU names Jim Benemann, Fred Brown and Eight Other Journalism Leaders to the CSU Media Hall of Fame

FORT COLLINS - Colorado State University’s Department of Journalism and Technical Communication announced 10 inaugural inductees to its Media Hall of Fame on Sept. 7. The CSU journalism program, widely regarded as the top in the state and one of the best in the nation, created the Hall of Fame to recognize and honor alumni reporters, editors, publishers, owners, photographers, broadcasters and other professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the profession.

“Our Hall of Fame inductees are CSU journalism graduates who have demonstrated throughout their careers that they are professionals of the highest distinction who have not only added to the credibility of the industry but also whose contributions to journalism have resulted in a significant impact on the political, social, economic or cultural life of their communities,” said Greg Luft, chairman of the CSU Department of Journalism and Technical Communication. “We are proud to have such distinguished alumni representing CSU while making a difference in the world.”

The announcement was made last night at the opening reception of the department’s Third Annual CSU Media Festival, which concludes Friday in a day-long gathering of journalists and students on campus to discuss a variety of topics, including sports television, branding, agricultural media, advertising, environmental and health reporting, radio, photography and the evolving field of journalism. Elizabeth Spayd, the first female managing editor in the long history of the Washington Post and a 1981 CSU graduate, is the keynote speaker at the festival.

The inaugural class of the CSU Media Hall of Fame includes the following individuals:

09-09-11 Four States Ag Expo Exhibitor and Consignor Contracts Are Available Now on Website

The Four States Ag Expo is accepting reservations from exhibitors and consignors for its 30^th anniversary celebration, March 15-18, 2012 in Cortez, CO. This year the Ag Expo is offering convenient new contract forms on the website that can be completed on screen, printed and mailed with payment. They can also be downloaded and completed manually. Contract forms for Booth and Livestock Exhibitors as well as Bull & Heifer Sale Consignments are ready for download now at www.fourstatesagexpo.com – click on “Contracts.” Maps on the website show booth locations;  exhibitors are advised to call the Ag Expo office to confirm availability for their preferred locations before they send in contracts.

The non-profit Four States Ag Expo offers commercial exhibits, school programs, seminars, livestock demonstrations and sales, horse and stock dog clinics, and family entertainment, with the goal of promoting and educating on behalf of the agriculture industry; it is the largest ag show between the Great Plains and the Sierras. For more information, visit www.FourStatesAgExpo.com, email info@fourstatesagexpo.com or call (970) 247-0097.

09-09-11 October 3rd is Last Day to Register to Vote for this November’s Elections

Steve Moreno, Weld County Clerk and Recorder would like to remind voters that October 3^rd is the last day to register to vote in the November 1, 2011, Coordinated Election.  This year’s election will be a mail ballot election in Weld County. All eligible voters will be sent a mail ballot packet October 1 through October 14, 2011.

There are no vote centers or early voting sites in a mail ballot election.  Voters requiring assistance or replacement ballots may visit any of the locations listed below.

 

MAIL BALLOT REPLACEMENT

October 11 – October 31 (Monday-Friday) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

November 1 – Election Day – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Weld County Election Office 1401 North 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631

Southwest Weld Office (Del Camino) 4209 County Road 24 ½ Longmont, CO 80504

Southeast Weld Office 2950 9th Street Ft. Lupton, CO 80621

 

RETURN BALLOTS

09-09-11 Bennet Encourages Coloradans to Participate in 9/11 Moment of Remembrance

Initiative Asks Individuals, Businesses, Churches and Municipalities to Ring Bells and Sound Sirens as Reminder for All to Stop and Remember Victims

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is encouraging Coloradans to take a moment to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At 11 a.m. MT on Sunday, September 11, governments and businesses, houses of worship and railways, fire and police departments, and others across the country will cease all regular activity for one minute to honor the victims of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

Bennet cosponsored the Senate resolution, introduced by U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, encouraging all Americans to participate in the 9/11 Moment of Remembrance.

“A decade after our nation was attacked, we will honor the Coloradans and Americans who lost their lives to an unthinkable terrorist act,” Bennet said.  “We are reminded of the heroism we saw that day and since, the unconquerable American spirit, and the civic pride our nation felt—and still feels—as we strived to overcome and rebuild after these horrific attacks. I encourage all Coloradans to take part in the National Moment of Remembrance and thank Senator Lautenberg for sponsoring the measure which established it.”

09-09-11 US Representative Cory Gardner’s Remarks @ Western Caucus Press Conference Sept 8th

09-09-11 Soybean Farmers, K-State Equally Proud of New AstroTurf Surface

Most people would not consider playing football on a soybean field. The Kansas State Wildcats will be doing just that, in a manner of speaking, when they take to Wagner Field in Bill Snyder Family Stadium this fall.

K-State recently installed AstroTurf® GameDay Grass™ 3D60H in its football stadium. The new synthetic surface includes a soy-based backing that was developed with funding from the national soybean checkoff. K-State is the first Football Bowl Subdivision school to use the new backing, which replaces traditional petroleum-based polymers with bio-based ones derived from soybean oil.

“Soybean farmers are proud of K-State’s new surface with the soy-based backing,” said Bob Haselwood, a soybean farmer from Berryton who chairs both the Kansas Soybean Commission (KSC) and the new-uses program for the United Soybean Board (USB). “It is a high-profile illustration of our commitment to help develop new uses and new demand for U.S. soy through the checkoff we pay each time we sell beans.”

To celebrate the partnership among K-State, AstroTurf and the soybean checkoff, KSC and USB are co-sponsoring the Wildcats’ second home game of the season, when they will line up against Kent State. The Sept. 17 event will include a tailgate promotion and pregame ball presentation. The first 5,000 fans to visit the Kansas Soybean tent near the southwest corner of the stadium before or during the game can take home a sample of the innovative playing surface.

The new AstroTurf system provides several benefits for the Wildcat football program. Chief among them are player performance and safety. Durability is another important characteristic.

09-09-11 USDA Announces Funding to Improve 911 and Emergency Communications Services in Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 9, 2011 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced changes in federal regulations that will help rural communities obtain advanced emergency communications services, including 911 access to better respond to emergencies and disasters. These changes will help rural communities obtain next generation 911 services necessary to maintain the security and safety of rural residents and businesses.

“As we mark the 10th anniversary of an event that cost thousands of American lives, we continue to work to ensure the safety of our rural communities,” Vilsack said. “Our telecommunications networks should work best when they are needed the most, and that is in times of emergencies. This change provides rural first responders with the tools they need to maintain mission-critical voice and broadband service during times of emergency or during natural disasters.”

USDA published in the Federal Register interim telecommunications loan program eligibility requirements on financing the construction of interoperable, integrated public safety communications networks in rural areas. Funding for the program will be provided by USDA Rural Development through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS).

09-09-11 American Coalition for Ethanol statement on the President’s American Jobs Act Proposal

Sioux Falls, SD (September 9, 2011) – President Barack Obama is proposing a new jobs package bill termed the American Jobs Act before Congress. The proposed legislation is aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure by primarily focusing on funding for new jobs programs and construction projects. The bill will now be debated in Congress.

Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol, released the following statement.

“The President is precisely right that the best way to create U.S. jobs is for us to produce things at home that the world wants and needs.  We are encouraged that the President is suggesting some changes regarding taxes for companies including, Big Oil. The ethanol industry is willing to work with both the White House and Congress on sensible measures such as our effort to reform the existing Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC).”

09-09-11 CHSAA Seeking Basketball Tournament Selection Committee Members

Aurora, CO – The Colorado High School Activities Association is looking for a few good high school basketball experts. The Association is seeking new members to select, seed and place the 48 teams that will advance to the Class 4A and 5A boys’ and girls’ state basketball tournaments.

The process has received positive reviews the past several years, but now, there are openings on all committees – one for 4A Boys, one for 5A Boys, two for 4A Girls and two for 5A Girls, according to Bert Borgmann, CHSAA assistant commissioner in charge of basketball

Qualifications for interested persons include a background in high school basketball as a player, coach, adult spectator, administrator or basketball official within the past 10 years, a willingness to attend a minimum of 20 regular season games (with no reimbursement) and a willingness for working with representatives of the 4A basketball leagues across the state. Finally, there are three mandatory meetings that the selection committee must attend, including one preseason and one mid-season meeting, in addition to the selection meeting.

09-09-11 City of Fort Lupton Trapper Days celebrates “Settler’s Heritage” Sept 9th-10th

Fort Lupton is hosting a series of events the weekend after Labor Day centered on the theme “Settler’s Heritage”. The schedule of events begins on Thursday, September 8 with the Yellow Ball Golf Classic held at Coyote Creek Golf Course. The 8 am tee-off time event benefits the Kelly Martinez Cancer Fund and the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce.

Friday evening will feature the “Historic Fort Grand Opening”, celebrating 175 years as a settlement while also celebrating Weld County becoming a Colorado county 150 years ago. The evening will not only feature a taste of local history, but also a community celebration complete with a birthday cake and fireworks at dusk.

The Trapper Days action continues at the “Trapper Rendezvous” on Friday, September 9 with flint steel fire-starting, period costumes, and family fun at the reconstructed fort located at Weld County Road 14-1/2 and Highway 85. The rendezvous is open Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. From 12 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, tours will be held at the historic Donelson House and Independence Schoolhouse.

Friday night, September 9th celebration events include Family Night at the Fort Lupton Community Center from 5 pm to 8 pm. There will be food, games, and live entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Friday evening’s events will feature a Beer and Wine Garden while guests enjoy listening to “Felonious Smith”; Acoustic Roots-of-the-Blues at its finest. The Community Center is located on the east end of Fort Lupton at Rollie and First Avenue.

Saturday, September 10th will begin early with a pancake breakfast at the original fire station located at 12th and Denver where breakfast begins promptly at 7 am. The annual Trapper Days Parade begins at 10 am and follows Denver Avenue from 12th to 2nd Streets. Enjoy the talents of the Studio M dancers at 4th and Denver at 9:15 just before the parade begins.

09-09-11 *NCBA News* Public Lands Grazing, an Essential Partnership in Public Lands Management and Support of Local Economies

By U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) 

Our nation’s public lands are an important part of our American heritage and play an essential role in the livelihoods of many industries, including ranching.  This is especially true in the West where over 90 percent of our nation’s public lands are located.  The relationship between ranching and public land management is often symbiotic and as stewards of our public lands, ranchers are a cog in the wheel that helps manage the long-term health of our resources.

Those who are opposed to grazing on public lands often overlook the important role it plays in the management of our land as well as its support of our local and rural economies.  As chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees public lands, I am often amazed when critics appear before the committee to tout fuzzy statistics claiming that cattle are destroying our public lands.  Their evidence almost always contradicts the points they are trying to make, further illuminating the cost effectiveness and other benefits of having ranchers and cattle helping to maintain our public lands.

One point I often find myself making, particularly to radical special interest groups opposed to public lands grazing, is that ranchers serve as surrogates who help with fire suppression and mitigation, protection of endangered species, watershed restoration, and many other important components that keep our lands viable for years to come.  Through this continued partnership we likely save the federal government quite a substantial amount of money each year.

09-09-11 *NCBA’s Beltway Beef* EPA’s Burdensome Regulations…

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

Cattlemen aren’t alone in their concern with the crippling effects burdensome regulations have on their ability to do their jobs effectively. U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) shares their concerns and this week introduced three pieces of legislation to rein in excessive regulations. In addition to a bill to put a two year moratorium on burdensome regulations, Sen. Johanns also introduced bills to require congressional review of guidance documents and to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating farm dust. Read more about these commonsense bills in this week’s edition of Beltway Beef.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald said including the three pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea in President Obama’s jobs plan is a “sure-shot” way to jumpstart the economy and generate job growth. Check out this week’s Beltway Beef newsletter to read more about NCBA’s support of expanding export opportunities for U.S. beef.

09-09-11 The President’s Jobs Plan…remarks from USDA Ag Sec Tom Vilsack

Posted by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, on September 8, 2011 at 7:37 PM

I just went to the Capitol to hear the President address Congress about the way forward to grow the economy and create jobs.

There is no doubt that these have been tough times.  And it’s very tough for the many Americans who are looking for work.  So we’ve got to keep finding ways to help the unemployed in the short term and rebuild the middle class over the long term.

The American Jobs Act that President Obama laid out this evening will have an immediate impact.  It will create jobs now.  And it is based on bipartisan ideas that both Democrats and Republicans have supported in the past.

Americans living rural communities know well that the specific ideas in the bill work.

09-09-11 *ELPC News* Senate Appropriations Committee Slashes Funding for Farm Energy Programs

Renewable Energy Cuts Far Out of Proportion

The Senate Appropriations Committee slashed funding for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill for FY2012. The Committee reduced overall funding from $75 million in FY2011 to $38.5 million in FY2012. REAP funding was already reduced in 2011 by 25% as the program continues to bear a disproportionate share of budget cuts.

In his introductory remarks, ranking member Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) emphasized that most Farm Bill programs were reduced by only 5%. In stark contrast, The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) was reduced by nearly 50% and the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels to $75 million, a cut of nearly 30%.

REAP is a popular and oversubscribed program that has funded over 7,600 farm energy projects since 2003, directly benefitting farmers in all agricultural sectors and every state and by making renewable energy and energy efficiency projects more affordable.  Because the program provides grants to cover 25% of the cost, the $36.5 million dollars cut from REAP jeopardizes at least $146 million of overall private and public investment – and jobs — in rural America.

09-09-11 *USDA/NASS Reports* Dairy Products Prices

Dairy Products Prices

ISSN: 1949-0380

Released September 9, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

Dairy Products Prices Highlights

Butter prices received for 25 kilogram and 68 pound boxes meeting United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grade AA standards averaged $2.06 per
pound for the week ending September 3, 2011. The United States (US) price per
pound increased 0.9 cent from the previous week.

Cheddar Cheese prices received for US 40 pound blocks averaged $1.98 per
pound for the week ending September 3, 2011. The price per pound decreased
10.9 cents from the previous week. The price for US 500 pound barrels
adjusted to 38 percent moisture averaged $1.90 per pound, down 18.1 cents
from the previous week.

Dry Whey prices received for bag, tote, and tanker sales meeting USDA Extra
Grade standards averaged 58.8 cents per pound for the week ending
September 3, 2011. The US price per pound increased 0.8 cent from the
previous week.