Colorado State Forest Service Report Highlights Need to Address Bark Beetle Aftermath on Private Land-http://wp.me/paMjb-nK2 13 hours ago
USDA Awards 23 AgrAbility Grants to Expand Access to Farming for Disabled Americans...$180K to CSU for CO AgrAbility-http://wp.me/paMjb-nJZ 13 hours ago
Colorado became a US territory less than two months before the firing on Fort Sumter signaled the official beginning of the Civil War. Colorado volunteers joined Hispanic volunteers from New Mexico to defeat Confederate forces at the Battle of Glorieta in New Mexico. Often called the “Gettysburg of the West,” this significant event thwarted the Confederacy’s designs on the West.
Sessions
Overview of Colorado’s Civil War involvement
Exploring the history of the San Luis Valley and Hispanic history in the state
Making national and state history relevant to today’s students
Embedding STEM skills into Civil War studies
Using primary sources to step into history
Discover lesson plans and teaching strategies for your classroom
Highland FFA’s Melissa Danielson to perform at National FFA convention
INDIANAPOLIS- When the lights are dimmed and a hush descends upon an audience of more than 54,000 at the nation’s largest annual student convention this Oct. 19 through Oct. 22, 2011, in Conseco Fieldhouse, Melissa Danielson will share the spotlight in a musical performance that will inspire the crowd and provide memories to last a lifetime.
Melissa Danielson of the Highland FFA Chapter has been selected to play trombone in the National FFA Band. The student submitted an audition tape and was one of 80 FFA members selected to help bring full instrumental balance to the band.
The band will perform several times at the 84th National FFA Convention, adding excitement and motivation to the session through their music/ National FFA Band members are chosen from a pool of more than 225 applications. The young musicians arrive in Indianapolis three days before the convention begins to rehearse.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 520,284 student members (and counting)- all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture- as a part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity if agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs.
CLICK HERE to listen to Dr Getty on this month's edition of the Getty Equine Nutrition Corner inside the BARN...
Adopting a wild horse from Spring Creek or elsewhere?
Guidelines on feeding the horse in transition from wild to domesticated
By Juliet Getty, Ph.D.
If there’s one thing we can say about the benefit of being wild, is that wild horses are generally far healthier than domesticated horses. Think about their diet for starters… they have so much variety – grasses, flowers, berries, leaves, seeds, fruits – providing all the nutrients their bodies need. Once they leave this natural setting, however, they typically eat only hay and it’s the same hay every day. Hay is dead grass and no longer contains the vitamins found in their previous diet. Therefore, to fill in the nutritional gaps:
· Provide a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement along with flaxseed meal for omega 3s
Horses in the wild rarely experience colic. One of the main reasons for colic in the domesticated situation is the rapid change from one feed to another, leaving the bacterial hindgut population little time to adjust. These microbes are responsible for digesting the fiber found in forage (hay and/or pasture) and need to be protected. To help your new horse’s digestive system adjust :
· Feed a potent probiotic that contains billions of colony forming units (CFUs)
Ulcers are common in domesticated horses, especially when transitioning to a new environment. Horses are trickle feeders – they need to graze continuously to keep the digestive system functioning normally. That means they should have quality hay 24/7. Horses are awake and moving most of the time and will take 15 to 20 minute naps intermittently throughout the day and night. The best way to protect your new horse against an ulcer is to:
· Feed him in sync with his natural instinct to continuously graze by giving him hay, free-choice Read the rest of this entry »
(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Monica Patterson, Senior Marketing Manager, Technology Launch is inside the BARN discussing the Pioneer Booth @ Husker Harvest Days 2011 and their new Drought tolerant Corn Hybrid called, Optimum AQUAmax.
“Optimum® AQUAmax™ hybrids from Pioneer offer growers additional choices to help minimize risk and maximize their productivity under drought stress. Developed and tested utilizing Pioneer’s extensive drought technology research and proprietary Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT™) system, Optimum AQUAmax hybrids help deliver a yield advantage in water-limited environments. Water limitations and heat stress are key factors that can impact yield in many areas of the country, especially the western Corn Belt. Pioneer has been a leader in developing corn hybrids for such water-limited areas for more than 50 years.”
Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall urged the Postal Regulatory Commission to carefully consider the effects of possible postal service closures on rural areas and small towns in Colorado and across the country.
In a letter to Ruth Goldway, chairwoman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, the Senators represented the concerns of Colorado’s rural residents and business owners. They also pushed the commission to recommend that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carefully consider several factors, including proximity to other USPS locations when making final decisions on closures.
“These Colorado residents and business owners are understandably worried that retail discontinuance of some of the post offices could negatively affect their businesses, the vitality of their respective communities and constrain their choices, causing them to embark upon costly and time-consuming commutes to distant postal facilities that are often difficult and dangerous to reach in the winter months,” the Senators wrote in the letter. “As the Commission examines the Postal Service’s request and renders its advisory opinion, we hope the Commission will carefully consider the effects this request will have on rural areas and small communities in Colorado and the rest of the country, especially during this difficult economic time.”
Bennet and Udall sent their letter as the U.S. Postal Service has begun a comment period on proposals to update its post office closing procedures. The Postal Regulatory Commission will examine USPS’s request and render an advisory opinion.
In June, Bennet and Udall sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General expressing concern over USPS location closures and consolidations that could make it more difficult for Coloradans to send letters and mail packages.
– Three Decades of Service to the US Cattle Industry
Burton Eller announces his retirement from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts commends Eller’s unwavering commitment to the U.S. cattle industry for more than 30 years.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 12, 2012) – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Senior Vice President of Member Services and Industry Affairs Burton Eller will be retiring from NCBA after more than 30 years of service to the U.S. cattle industry. NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts said Eller has been an important part of the NCBA team and an unwavering advocate of the U.S. beef cattle industry.
“Burton has a unique ability to connect with the grassroots producers and feeders in our industry. His industry experience and wisdom is something I greatly respect,” said Roberts. “His more than three decades of service to this industry has certainly made it better for cattlemen and women.”
Eller began his service to the industry in Denver, Colo., with the former American National Cattlemen’s Association. He served as vice president of government affairs for the former National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) from 1981-1991. According to Roberts, Eller’s role in Washington, D.C., also contributed to the development of the beef checkoff.
Teams Challenge Their Fans to be ‘Good Sports’ and Sober Designated Drivers!
Denver (Sept 12, 2011) The Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers have found an additional way to compete this season. To help promote a positive in-stadium experience for fans and make our roads safer, the Broncos will partner with the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition and Anheuser-Busch for the BroncosDesignated Driver Challenge.
During each team’s regular season games, adult fans are encouraged to pledge to be sober designated drivers at the Bud LightGood Sport booth located at gate 8 where Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Troopers will be stationed to assist fans wishing to make the pledge.
“This will be our second year of assisting fans at the Broncos home games to sign up as designated drivers and answer their questions about making smart driving choices,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the CSP. “The partnership with the Broncos, Anheuser-Busch, CDOT and TEAM Coalition that has been created to educate motorists about always having a designated driver when celebrating with alcohol is an outstanding team to promote responsible driving.”
The teams will earn six points (a touchdown) for every fan that registers at the stadium and earn extra points (point after) by “liking” the Broncos Designated Driver Challenge facebook page. Fans also can help the Broncos earn an extra point for their team by visiting:
The National Corn Growers Association today unveiled the Agriculture Disaster Assistance Program (ADAP), a commodity title proposal for the 2012 farm bill that will modify and replace the existing Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program and provide a more effective and responsive safety net for growers.
“Responding to a charge by our voting delegates to investigate transitioning direct payments into programs that allow producers the ability to mitigate risk, our grower-led Public Policy Action Team developed a crop-specific, revenue-based risk management tool that provides a safety net when growers are facing a loss,” NCGA President Bart Schott said. “We are focusing on simplification and faster delivery of assistance when it is needed.”
ADAP builds on the existing structure of ACRE and is designed to address the need for simplification and elimination of overlapping coverage with individual crop insurance. Changes include the use of harvest prices and crop reporting districts to set the crop revenue guarantee and would establish a guarantee based on the five-year Olympic average of revenue.
Payments would be limited to 10 percent of the guarantee, based on planted acres and adjusted to a farm’s yield. Payments would cover lost revenue between 85 to 95 percent of the guarantee. Marketing loan rates would be restored to standard levels, rather than being reduced by 30 percent in ACRE. Read the rest of this entry »
Wayne Nattress (left) retired executive director of the Iowa FFA Foundation receives “Friend of GROWMARK” award from Jim Hoyt, GROWMARK vice president, strategic planning and corporate services. Hoyt also serves on the Iowa FFA Foundation Board of Directors.
Chicago, Illinois, (AgPR) – Wayne Nattress, retired executive director, Iowa FFA Foundation, was honored with the “Friend of GROWMARK” award at the GROWMARK annual meeting in Chicago last week.
During his time with the Iowa FFA Foundation, Nattress played an instrumental role is establishing and maintaining a close relationship between GROWMARK and Iowa FFA chapters and members. He worked to create awareness of GROWMARK awards and sponsorship programs available to Iowa FFA members because he understood the importance of young leaders in agriculture.
“I’ve know Wayne for more than 40 years,” says Jim Hoyt, GROWMARK vice president of strategic planning and corporate services. “He’s dedicated his entire career to developing leadership skills of FFA members across Iowa. Wayne has a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate young people. He is very deserving of the Friend of GROWMARK award.” Hoyt served as Iowa FFA State President from 1969-70. He was a member of the La Porte City-Dysart FFA Chapter
The Friend of GROWMARK award was established in 1989 to recognize outstanding leadership and commitment to agriculture, and friendship to the GROWMARK System. Since its inception, more than 25 individuals and organizations have been honored.
GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services, as well as grain marketing in 31 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. The FS brand represents knowledgeable, experienced professionals acting with integrity and dedication to serve more than 250,000 customers. More information is available at www.growmark.com.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2011 Solar Decathlon Contest
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 is a competition that challenges collegiate students from around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive, and easy to live in. The competition shows consumers how to save money and energy with affordable clean energy products that are available today. The Solar Decathlon also provides participating students with hands-on experience and unique training that prepares them to enter our nation’s clean energy workforce.
· The Solar Decathlon challenges the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs to become pioneers in clean energy technology and efficient building design. The competition provides a unique training ground that prepares future leaders to enter our nation’s clean energy workforce.
· Solar Decathlon has provided over 15,000 collegiate students from 92 collegiate teams with unique training that has prepared them to enter our nation’s clean energy workforce and meet the challenges that lie ahead.
The Ford Research Biomaterials Group (from left): Dr. Cynthia Flanigan, Laura Beyer, Dr. Debbie Mielewski, Dr. Ellen Lee, Angela Harris.
(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) September 12th, 2011 – Angela Harris, FORD Bio Research Engineer is my guest discussing FORD’s continued use of soy in their production of head restraints…
What is Ford’s history with soy based products?
Current applications of soy in Ford vehicles today
Why is Ford interested in using soy and other natural, bio-based materials?
Learn more about the FORD Bio-Materials Team
What are the benefits of using bio-based materials?
How does this help farmers in the mid-west?
What other bio-based materials is Ford researching? Future, potential applications?
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 31, 2011 – Ford and Lear Corporation are taking another leap forward in sustainable technology with the introduction of new head restraint foam that has 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy.
Seventy-five percent of Ford’s North American vehicles feature bio-foam in the head restraints, including the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion. All Ford Motor Company vehicles built in North America use bio-foam content in the seat cushions and backs.
· Ford and Lear Corporation have introduced a new head restraint foam with 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy.
· 75 percent of Ford’s North American-built vehicles feature bio-based foam in the head restraints. Vehicles include the Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer and Fusion.
· All Ford North American-built vehicles use bio-based foam in seat cushions and backs. Ford’s use of bio-based foam has helped the company reduce its petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds annually and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds.
COLBY, Kan. – Ongoing wheat research at Kansas State University reinforces the idea that even when planting wheat later than the optimal date for any given area, yields can be recovered somewhat, but not completely, by bumping up seeding rates and ensuring the crop receives adequate moisture.
“We initiated this study because as farmers move to more intensive cropping rotations, they are harvesting crops and then planting wheat on that same field late — sometimes two to three weeks later than what we would consider is the optimum planting time for a given area,” said K-State Research and Extension agronomist Brian Olson. He and K-State agronomy colleague, Rob Aiken, wanted to determine if it is possible to receive all or most of the highest potential yields on late-planted wheat by altering seeding rates.
Wheat seeding rate is increased because wheat planted later in the year will have a shorter period to develop tillers before winter dormancy. Therefore, the increased seeding rate should “potentially” compensate for the reduction in tiller number from and individual wheat plant.
Prime wheat planting time in northwest Kansas is the end of September to first part of October, said Olson, who is based at K-State’s northwest area office in Colby, where the fourth year of the study is about to begin with the fall planting.
Part 6 – Your National Beef Checkoff Program: 25 Years and Counting
In September 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the population of the United States at about 312 million, with one birth occurring about every seven seconds, and one death occurring every 13 seconds or so. Add to that the effect of immigration, and you get a net gain of one person every 12 seconds.
Think about that: One new person added to the American roster every 12 seconds. When you start multiplying that out, it’s pretty mind-boggling – at least until you think about the world population. Currently at about 6.96 billion, the global population doubled from about 3 billion in 1959 to about 6 billion in 1999 and is projected to surpass 7 billion in 2012, just as we approach a population of about 319 million here in the United States.
And while the United States is the third most populated country behind China and India – and is expected to remain at that rank as far out as 2050, when we reach a population of more about 422.5 million – it pales in comparison to the entire world. In fact, in the big picture, the U.S. population represents just 4.5 percent of the global population. Read the rest of this entry »
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – September 12, 2011 – Today scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA), the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and the Entomological Society of America (ESA) expressed concern about the precarious state of the U.S. Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). Funding for the program has plummeted in recent years and is now in danger of evaporating completely.
As the nation’s primary pesticide applicator training and education program, PSEP is responsible for ensuring the safety of applicators, other workers and the public, for protecting the environment and for providing guidance in the proper use and security of pesticides.
“In addition to certifying applicators and delivering education on the safe use of pesticides, the program today is tasked to provide guidance on a wide range of pesticide-related topics – from avoiding spray drift and minimizing development of pest resistance to protecting endangered species,” says Lee Van Wychen, science policy director for WSSA.
Released September 12, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
Corn Production Down 3 Percent from August Forecast
Soybean Production Up 1 Percent
Cotton Production Up Fractionally
Corn production is forecast at 12.5 billion bushels, down 3 percent from the
August forecast but up fractionally from 2010. If realized, this will be the
third largest production total on record for the United States. Based on
conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 148.1 bushels
per acre, down 4.9 bushels from the August 1 forecast and down 4.7 bushels
from 2010. If realized, this will be the lowest average yield in the United
States since 2005. Read the rest of this entry »
Aero Applicators of Sterling, CO
Briggsdale Classic Open Jackpot Show
CCTA's High Plains No Till Conference
CO FFA Association
CO FFA Foundation
Colorado 4H Foundation
Colorado Association of Wheat Growers
Colorado Beef Council
Colorado Corn
Colorado Farm Show
Colorado Preps Radio
Colorado State Fair
Cowboy Bible Church of Brush, CO
High Plains Livestock Exchange, LLC.
iHigh.com
National Western Stock Show
Pletcher Enterprises LLC
Silver Spur Trailers, a division of FARMCO, Incorporated
The Fence Post
NEW DATE! 
(The 
Teams Challenge Their Fans to be ‘Good Sports’ and Sober Designated Drivers!
The National Corn Growers Association today unveiled the Agriculture Disaster Assistance Program (ADAP), a commodity title proposal for the 2012 farm bill that will modify and replace the existing Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program and provide a more effective and responsive safety net for growers.
Part 6 – Your National Beef Checkoff Program: 25 Years and Counting
