10-27-11 *CSP News* Don’t let this Halloween Turn into a Nightmare with a DUI…

Worst nightmare already comes true for 1649 arrested for DUI this fall

Denver, CO – “The Heat is On” this Halloween weekend across Colorado, with a ramped-up enforcement effort against alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 89 local law enforcement agencies will work overtime across the state in an effort to discourage potential drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel, and arresting those who do.

Halloween “Heat Is On” DUI increased enforcement begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 and continues through 3 a.m. Tuesday, Nov.1. Last year, 439 drivers were arrested for DUI during the same enforcement period.

“Halloween is a fun holiday, even for adults, but it’s no excuse to forget your responsibility to designate a sober driver if you are celebrating with alcohol.  In the past couple of years, we’ve seen DUI arrests and alcohol-related fatalities increase in the month of October,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.  “We want to encourage people to plan ahead for a safe ride home and be on the lookout for kids who are out trick-or-treating. Don’t trade your costume for a real jail jumpsuit by drinking and driving.”

In 2009, October proved to be the deadliest month for DUI crashes, with 26 people killed.  Last year, October was the fourth deadliest month with 17 people killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes, with one of those deaths occurring over Halloween weekend.

Halloween enforcement comes on the heels of the Fall Festival enforcement period that began Sept. 9 and ended Oct. 24. CSP and 59 local agencies arrested 1,649 people for DUI.

For detailed information about arrests results by agency and current enforcement plans, visit www.HeatIsOnColorado.com.

10-31-11 Senate Misses Deadline on H.R. 872 & Allows Excessive Regulation to Take Shape…

WASHINGTON – Chairman Frank Lucas issued the following statement regarding Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s failure to take action on H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act before today’s court-ordered deadline. The legislation would have ensured that businesses are not subject to a costly and duplicative pesticide permitting requirement. It passed the House with bipartisan support but stalled in the Senate. H.R. 872 is among the “forgotten 15” jobs bills that the House approved as part of House Republicans’ Plan for America’s Job Creators.

“There are no winners today. Because this is a duplicative permit, there will be no additional environmental gains. The farmers, ranchers, and business owners who will be burdened with additional costs and paperwork from this duplicative permit will have less time and money to invest in jobs. 

“This is an example of the Senate at its worst. At a time when we could be focusing on job growth and making better use of taxpayer dollars, we are instead going to place an additional burden on agricultural producers, foresters, mosquito control districts, public health agencies, the federal government, state agencies, and regular citizens. 

“We could have averted this situation had the Senate Majority acted earlier.  The House passed the bill with bipartisan support in March. Senator Reid’s failure to bring it to the Senate floor in the past six months is unacceptable. It’s time to put the focus back on American jobs by passing legislation like H.R. 872.”

10-31-11 Colorado’s Crop Progress Report

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website

Crop Progress

ISSN: 1948-3007

Released October 31, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

CLICK HERE or look below

10-31-11 *NACD News* U.N. Population Report Emphasizes Importance of Locally-Led Conservation

CLICK HERE to learn more about the NACD

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oct. 31, 2011—The United Nations’ prediction that the world population will soar to seven billion people this week emphasizes the importance of locally-led conservation.

“The U.N.’s report underscores the critical need to preserve and protect our natural-resource base for today and for future generations,” NACD President Gene Schmidt said. “Healthy land and healthy water are the foundation of a safe and secure food supply.”

America’s network of 3,000 conservation districts across the country are working on the ground each and every day with local farmers, ranchers and landowners to protect our soil, water and air for future generations. Conservation districts have been involved in delivering locally-driven conservation across America for more than 70 years. Among other things, districts help: implement farm, ranch and forestland conservation practices to protect soil productivity, water quality and quantity, air quality and wildlife habitat; conserve and restore wetlands; protect groundwater resources; assist communities and homeowners to plant trees and other vegetation; guide developers in controlling soil erosion and protecting water and air quality during construction; provide technical expertise to landowners to identify, apply for, and participate in local, state and federal conservation programs; and much more.

10-31-11 *NCBA News* NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen Live Show to Address State of Beef Cattle Industry

— Live Show to Include Membership Drive

DENVER (Oct. 31, 2011) – Drought, shrinking herd size, passage of the much anticipated free trade agreements, the outstanding proposed change to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) marketing rules and record cattle prices have taken the U.S. beef cattle industry on a wild ride in 2011. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has been fighting for U.S. cattlemen and women each step of the way. Expert panelists will address these other important issues during NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen live call-in show Nov. 1, 2011, on RFD-TV at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Viewers will be able to ask questions of the panelists by calling 1-888-824-6688 or by emailingC2C@beef.org

Among the panelists will be NCBA President and Montana rancher Bill Donald; NCBA Chief Executive Officer Forrest Roberts, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall; and CattleFax Market Analyst Kevin Good.

“There is a lot of change in the beef cattle industry this year. We’ve experienced some major challenges but we’ve also had some significant wins in Washington, D.C.,” said Donald. “This live program will give viewers a chance to understand how these developments are having a positive impact on their livelihoods now and into the future.”

10-31-11 Power Player Arrives in Colorado…CreditPoint Software Adds Crop Production Services

Software solutions for the agriculture industry

By Chris Calvert, Director of Marketing and Sales, CreditPoint Software (Owasso,OK)

International software firm CreditPoint Software has made its arrival in Colorado. Headquartered in Owasso, Okla., CreditPoint is pleased to add Crop Production Services to its expanding client base. With a list of hard-hitting clients like Chesapeake Energy, QuikTrip and Flextronics, CreditPoint Software is making strides in the business intelligence field not only in the Midwest, but all over the world.

With a home base in Loveland, Colo., Crop Production Services has had a commitment to their industry for more than 147 years. A rich agricultural heritage allows them to understand and meet the needs of today’s progressive farmers by providing diversified services. Crop Production Services not only provides products like fertilizer, seed and crop protection products, but also valuable agronomic services needed by farmers to succeed. By joining forces with CreditPoint Software, they are even more poised to meet the challenges their customers may face in the business world.

Companies all over the world, from Canada to Australia, are seeking the assistance of CreditPoint Software, which has proven to be a foremost provider of credit risk and debt collections software solutions. Clients of CreditPoint range from 20 million in sales to 300 billion in sales annually. Whether your company is located in the Americas, Europe or Asia, CreditPoint Software has the solution you need.

10-31-11 CME Group Limits MF Global Trading to Liquidation Only

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Effective immediately, and until further notice, CME’s Emergency Financial Committee, in accordance with rule 975, is limiting all trading for customers of MF Global for liquidation only.

In addition, and until further notice, CME Group will no longer recognize MF Global or any of its divisions as a guarantor for purposes of floor trading privileges.  Accordingly, floor brokers and traders guaranteed by MF Global or its divisions may not access the trading floor.  The foregoing actions have been taken based on circumstances regarding the financial condition of MF Global.

CME Clearing will process any transfers at the last settlement price at the request of customers.  Such positions will need to be re-margined at transferee firm.  Customers wishing to execute a liquidating trade should contact MF Global.

Colorado 4-H Update October 28, 2011‏

The latest 4-H Update is now available.  Please click on http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/?p=1493 to read the latest on the 4-H Blog.

Highlights include:

-          4-H Scholars Program

-          Officer Training

-          Collegiate 4-H Shadow Program

-          WRLF Update

-          National After School Science Directory

-          IFYE Application Deadline Extended to November 1, 2011

-          2012 Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Program, Hunting/Outdoor Skills Qualifier Event

-          2012 4-H Youth In Action Award

-          CYFAR SCP 2012 RFA Announcement

10-28-11 *Co Farm Bureau News* Please Participate in the Farm Bill Surveys for Colorado Agriculture…

There are two congressional surveys requesting farmer and rancher input for the 2012 Farm Bill. Senator Michael Bennet (D) and Representative Scott Tipton (R) represent Colorado agriculture by serving on the Senate and House agriculture committees in Washington, DC. Colorado Farm Bureau encourages you to take these surveys so that our member’s input for the 2012 Farm Bill is heard.

The survey can be found by following these links:

http://bennet.senate.gov/farmbill/

http://tipton.house.gov/2012-farm-bill-survey

10-28-11 Activist Anti-Farming Campaign is Uprooting Economic Recovery…Interview with Alex Avery of CGFI

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Joining me by telephone Inside the BARN is  Alex Avery is the Director of Research and Education at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Global Food Issues in Churchville, Virginia. Avery is an expert in agricultural policy from a global perspective, with reference to both economic and environmental impacts.  Mr Avery & I  will be discussing the activist anti-farming agenda and the consequences to farmers and rural economies if they continue to succeed in their efforts. CLICK THE MP3 AUDIO LINK BELOW TO LISTEN TO THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW…

102811_ActivistsHurtingAg_CGFI-AlexAvery_17m58s

 

Washington – During a summer campaign tour through rural America, President Obama proclaimed that America’s economic “comeback,” is “going to start on the ranch lands and farms of the Midwest…”

There is merit to his statement according to recent data:

Job creation in rural areas grew faster over the last two years.

Farm-sector income rose 27 percent last year and is projected to jump another 20 percent this year.

Agricultural exports increased by more than 10 percent from 2009 to 2010.

Unemployment is falling in many agriculture-intensive states.

Much of this growth is due to technological innovations and advancements in agriculture and biosciences that have made crops bountiful while minimizing environmental impact.

But these seeds of economic rebound are being uprooted by activist organizations that continually seek to disrupt and ban many elements of modern day farming and crop production. They rely on scare tactics that run contrary to scientific reality. Unfortunately, coordinated efforts of scare tactics, media hype and legal abuse trump scientific reviews.

Learn more about these groups including:

10-28-11 *The White House* Statement by the President on the Court Approval of the Settlement of the Black Farmers Lawsuit

The U.S. District Court’s approval of the settlement between the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and plaintiffs in the Pigford II class action lawsuit is another important step forward in addressing an unfortunate chapter in USDA’s civil rights history.  This agreement will provide overdue relief and justice to African American farmers, and bring us closer to the ideals of freedom and equality that this country was founded on.  I especially want to recognize the efforts of Secretary Vilsack and Attorney General Holder, without whom this settlement would not have been reached.

 

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10-28-11 KIRK HANNA CATTLEMEN’S LEADERSHIP COLLEGE KICKS OFF JANUARY 2012

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) would like to invite you to participate in theKirk Hanna Cattlemen’s Leadership College (KHCLC).  KHCLC is a program of CCA that provides professional development and leadership training to members who are interested in becoming more involved at the local and state levels. Through KHCLC, these individuals are able to engage in a variety of activities that provide them with increased knowledge and understanding of the grassroots leadership of CCA, membership programs, working relationships with industry organizations, industry issues, etc. Acquiring this information prepares them for their goal of becoming a future leader within CCA.

The KHCLC will kick off in January…look below for dates, details, agenda & registration information

10-28-11 STATEMENTS BY ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER AND AGRICULTURE SECRETARY VILSACK ON COURT APPROVAL OF PIGFORD II SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

WASHINGTON– Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statements on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia approval of the historic Pigford II settlement:

“This settlement allows the Department of Agriculture and African-American farmers to focus on the future, and brings us one step closer to giving these farmers a chance to have their claims heard,” said Attorney General Holder. “Accomplishing this settlement has been a top priority of this Administration and I am pleased that the court has approved it.”

“Since my first day at USDA, I made it a priority to treat all Americans with respect and dignity and to ensure equal access to our programs.  Court approval of the Pigford settlement is another important step to ensure some level of justice for black farmers and ranchers who faced discrimination when trying to obtain services from USDA,” said Secretary Vilsack. “President Obama, Attorney General Holder and I are thrilled by the court’s approval so we can continue turning the page on this sad chapter in USDA history. In the months and years ahead, we will not stop working to move the Department into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider for all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity or gender.”

10-28-11 *KSU News* Meat Scientists Work to Enhance Marbling in Beef Cattle…Efficiency is a Goal of Research

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Several university researchers are collaborating to find ways to increase marbling in beef cattle without adding extra days on high-concentrate diets.

“With high feed costs and the high cost of gain for cattle feeders, what if we could achieve the same degree of marbling with less days on feed?” said Texas Techmeat scientist, Brad Johnson. “We feel that that’s where the economic advantage is.”

Johnson has been working on a five-year study, along with Ki Yong Chung, also of Texas Tech, Stephen Smith and Seong Ho Choi of Texas A&M University and Matthew Doumit of the University of Idaho to better understand regulation of marbling development by fatty acids in beef cattle.
The study was funded by the Kansas Beef Council through Beef Checkoff funds.

Johnson began work on the project while at Kansas State University. He joined the Texas Tech faculty three years ago as the Gordon W. Davis Regent’s Chair in Meat and Muscle Biology. The findings of the team’s research to date were presented at the American Meat Science Association’s Reciprocal Meat Conference held inManhattan earlier this year.

“We know marbling increases the palatability of beef, the juiciness and indirectly increases tenderness,” Johnson said. “Cattle on grass tend to have lower marbling scores than corn-fed cattle. Grass is very high in a particular fatty acid – alpha Lenolenic acid, and we feel that a little of that moves through the rumen and could actually repress marbling development in beef cattle.”

10-28-11 *NCBA Op-Ed* Expanding Trade One Handshake at a Time…Kansas Governor Sam Brownback

By Kansas Governor Sam Brownback

Business is often built on relationships rather than contracts. Many deals have been made on a handshake. Realistically, in today’s world, you still need the contract to complete the deal. However, building a strong relationship and a great deal of trust must come before that contract is even a possibility.

I recently returned from a great trip to Russia and Kazakhstan with Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman and ranchers from Kansas, Colorado and Montana. While there, we toured ranches and spoke with producers and government leaders about what we can do to open up their countries to more agricultural trade from Kansas and the rest of the United States.

My goal for this trip was to begin developing these relationships. By laying the foundations for trade, we allow American farmers, ranchers and agribusiness do what they do best –– produce the superior livestock, beef and other agriculture products that other countries demand.

This trip focused on livestock genetics. Russia and Kazakhstan are oil-producing countries looking to build their agriculture sectors. Both countries have what we would consider to be small cow herds. In the last few years, they have been buying live, registered cattle as seed stock to rebuild their herds.

Russia and Kazakhstan are looking around the world for genetics, but they want the best. There’s no doubt in my mind the best livestock genetics in the world reside in the United States. This is a great opportunity for American ranches to take advantage of the multi-generation investment they have made in developing superior genetics in their cattle.

10-28-11 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding To Improve Rural Housing…$69.2K for CO

Recipients Include Public Agencies, Private Non-profit Organizations, Tribes, and Owners of Rental and Cooperative Housing

Colorado

• Habitat for Humanity of Montrose County – $32,653
• Huerfano/Las Animas Area Council of governments (dba South Central Council of Government) – $36,653

SELMA, Ala., – October 28, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today selected recipients in 50 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for grants to make critical repairs and improve housing conditions for low- and very-low-income rural residents. Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Doug O’Brien announced the recipients today on Secretary Vilsack’s behalf while attending a local Farm Bill listening session in Selma, Ala.

“Providing safe housing to rural residents is a key to maintaining stable communities and creating jobs,” Vilsack said. “Across America, USDA works in partnership with Tribes, community organizations and non-profit groups to improve living conditions for thousands of rural residents.”

The support Vilsack is announcing today is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grants program. Funds are provided to intermediaries such as town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit and faith-based and community organizations. These organizations then distribute the grants to homeowners and owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income residents.

Grants may be used to make general repairs, such as installing or improving plumbing or providing or enhancing access to people with disabilities. Funds may also be used to weatherize and make homes more energy efficient.

For example, Western Illinois Regional Council, a community action agency, will use a $75,000 Rural Development grant along with more than $476,000 in state funds to help up to 17 very-low-income households in a four-county area make repairs to reduce energy use.

A $58,582 grant to the Coquille Indian Housing Authority will help replace 54 wind- and water-damaged roofs on the homes of low-income residents in Oregon’s Coos County. The entire project, which will cost more than $860,000, leverages funding from the Coquille Indian Tribe and other agencies over the next two years.

In another effort, the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council will use a $159,185 Rural Development grant and $135,408 from other government and private sources to help up to 30 very-low-income families rehabilitate their homes in a12-county area.

The following is a complete list of recipients. Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement…

10-28-11 USDA Invests in Crop Insurance Education to Help Small and Underserved Producers in 47 States Manage Risk, Remain Productive…$293K for WY

$293,000 for Crop Insurance Education for Agricultural Producers in Wyoming…University of Wyoming  To develop and  deliver risk  management  education through onsite programs to  explain and facilitate  the effective use of  crop insurance and  risk management tools  available to operators  managing Wyoming’s  11,000 farms and  ranches

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) will support crop insurance education and outreach in 47 states to ensure that small and underserved producers get the information they need to effectively manage their risk and remain productive. Awards totaling approximately $13.6 million from two RMA programs—Targeted States and the Education and Outreach programs—will support thousands of American farmers, ranchers and producers.

“Despite hardships and setbacks due to extreme weather conditions in many parts of the country, American agriculture is experiencing its strongest year overall thanks to the dedication and resilience of our farmers and ranchers,” said Vilsack. “USDA is committed to diversity, inclusion and performance in everything we do, and we need to continue to ensure opportunities in agriculture for all Americans. Through these partnerships, traditionally underserved agricultural producers and those in targeted states will receive assistance in understanding and using risk management tools.”

The partnerships announced today will provide farmers and ranchers access to a complete set of conferences, targeted instruction, strategies, and networking opportunities at a local level.

The Risk Management Education and Outreach Agreements program is awarding $8.5 million to fund 109 agreements. Examples include:

10-28-11 NAWG Weekly Wheat Digest

In Letter to Ag Leaders, NAWG Outlines Farm Policy Priorities
NAWG President Wayne Hurst wrote leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on Tuesday to outline wheat growers’ farm policy priorities as final proposals come together for super committee consideration.
Read full article

No Fix For Pesticide Permitting Debacle as Deadline Nears
New pesticide permitting requirements are set to go into effect next week despite a lack of clarity around who really needs to obtain the permits – or if agencies charged with issuing them are ready to do so in a timely manner.
Read full article

Pasta Month Celebrations Teach About Durum, Pasta Production
As fall sets in, wheat growers and wheat lovers around the world are celebrating one of the most popular wheat-based foods: pasta.
Read full article

USGC Global Update for October 27, 2011‏

USGC Re-engages in Evolving Algerian Market - Page 1
Impact of Canal Expansion on U.S. Grain and Soybean Exports – Page 1
It’s Not Just China, Southeast Asia Posts “Eye-catching Advances” – Page 2
DDGS Sales Summary – Page 2
USDA’s Weekly Export Sales Highlights for October 14-20, 2011 – Page 3
Farewell to Joey Tatlonghari- Page 4
Second China DDGS Conference Provides Great Network Opportunity for Members – Page 4
Council Activity Calendar - Page 4
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USGC Re-engages in Evolving Algerian Market
The U.S. Grains Council is re-engaging in Algeria, where a long-established Council program was shut down in the 1990s as Algeria’s civil war put operations and staff at risk.

“Our programs continued to bear fruit after we pulled out,” said Cary Sifferath, USGC regional director. “For a number of years, Algeria maintained its position as one of the top 10 export markets for U.S. corn.”

U.S. market share has declined, however, over the past several years, in large part due to an Algerian misperception that Argentine corn produces better feed performance in poultry than U.S. corn. Algerian poultry producers currently pay a premium as high as 10 percent for Argentine origin corn even when there is no premium on the world market. Last year, U.S. corn sales to Algeria dropped to just 100,000 metric tons (3.9 million bushels) from a high of 1.3 million tons (52.9 million bushels) in 2001/2002.

“We see the poultry sector as being the demand driver in corn,” explained Sifferath. “We are working now to identify viable market development partners.”

A Council team from ONAB, Algeria’s quasi-governmental national poultry program, recently traveled to Kansas State University for a short course on buying and pricing U.S. corn and to meet with U.S. suppliers of corn and DDGS. Algeria’s government recently put ONAB in charge of 30 percent of the nation’s annual corn and soybean meal imports due to concerns about inconsistent supplies and price gouging.

“ONAB doesn’t share the misperceptions about the feed value of U.S. corn,” said Sifferath. “We expect that working directly with ONAB and providing technical training on corn use in poultry will help us increase U.S. market share and lead to greater price competition in the marketplace.”

The Council’s work with ONAB may also pay off for DDGS exports, according to Sifferath. “They have become a major supporter of efforts to lower Algeria’s 30 percent import duty and 17 percent value-added tax on DDGS imports. We hope to open the Algerian market for DDGS as we move into 2012.”

Impact of Canal Expansion on U.S. Grain and Soybean Exports

10-27-11 CHSAA Begins 91st Winter Season of High School Activities in Colorado

Winter Sports Practices Start November 11; Contests start November 30

Aurora, Colo. ‑‑ For 91 years, the Colorado High School Activities Association’s has sanctioned high school athletics and the winter sports season practices begin formally on Friday, November 11.

“The first day of practice brings out all the emotions for coaches and players alike – the excitement, the nerves and the anticipation. As the teams gather for the start of practice, the focus shifts from outdoors to indoors, but the results are the same. Our student participants are learning the life skills necessary to compete as adults,” CHSAA Commissioner Paul Angelico said.

Teams may hold their first scrimmage on November 17 and the first contests may begin on December 1. The state basketball tournament is slated for March 7-10, wrestling for February 16-18, skiing for February 16-17, ice hockey for March 3 and girls swimming for February 10-11.