10-03-11 NCGA Applauds White House for Sending FTAs, Asks Congress to Move Swiftly

The National Corn Growers Association today applauded President Obama for sending the pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress for consideration.

“NCGA strongly supports the pending FTAs with Korea, Colombia and Panama, and we are pleased to see President Obama understands the importance of expanding trade,” NCGA President Garry Niemeyer said. ”The United States is the largest producer and exporter of corn in the world, exporting over 50 million metric tons of corn worldwide in the 2009-10 marketing year.  These pacts represent significant markets for our nation’s corn and corn co-products as well as opportunities for our customers in the livestock industry.”

Korea is the United States’ third largest corn market and potentially an important market for distillers’ grains.  Colombia has traditionally been one of the top 10 export markets, but is currently importing corn from U.S. competitors because of an import duty preference. Panama is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America.  Corn exports there have dropped 20 percent from their 2008 peak.

“NCGA remains committed to the development and maintenance of free and open trade policies and we ask Congress to move swiftly on passage,” Niemeyer said.  ”As we await Congress’ action, our farmers continue to watch other nations receive preferential access to markets and receive a competitive edge.”

10-03-11 ‘Feeding Future Generations’ Forum on Tap in D.C.

The Beef Checkoff Program is pleased to announce its support for a new AtlanticLive program in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Oct.13 from 8:30 – 11:15 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Newseum. The discussion—“Feeding Future Generations: Supporting Sustainable Global Food Production”—will bring together a panel of experts for open discussion about how to raise nutritious food for a growing population with limited resources.

The event will include a keynote address by Dan Glickman, former secretary of agriculture, followed by a panel discussion with food security and environmental experts, and a cattle producer. Panelists include: Tony Hall, executive director, Alliance to End Hunger and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization; Suzy Friedman, deputy director, Working Lands, Environmental Defense Fund; and Steve Foglesong, cattle producer, Black Gold Ranch. In addition, Richard Gebhart, Oklahoma cattleman, University of Tulsa professor and vice chairman of the checkoff’s Joint Issues Management Subcommittee, will provide opening remarks about the beef industry’s commitment to raising nutritious food for a growing population.

The target audience for the panel is Millennials (born between 1980 and 2005), whom beef checkoff research shows are more concerned with many social issues involved with raising food today.

A good mix of more than 100 thought leaders and Millennials are scheduled to attend. The panel can be viewed via live-streaming on AtlanticLive’s website and ExploreBeef.org so that you can watch the discussion. We encourage you to host “viewing parties” of the discussion and/or participate remotely by “Tweeting” in your questions. You can submit questions during the conversation to the AtlanticLIVE Twitter feed, or follow the conversation on Twitter with the #AtlanticFFG hashtag.

For more information about the beef checkoff, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

10-03-11 Secretary Vilsack Announces Investments to Support Economic Development and Job Creation in Rural America…CO $149K

Colorado’s First Nations Oweesta Corporation will receive $149,998

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding awards that will support rural communities, help create jobs and build regional economies in 34 states. Vilsack made the announcement during the Rural Wealth Creation and Livelihoods Conference, sponsored by the USDA Economic Research Service and the Ford Foundation.

“The funds I am announcing today will help local business leaders, communities, and disadvantaged agricultural producers take more of a collaborative and regional approach toward jobs creation, business development and economic growth,” said Vilsack.

Projects funded as part of USDA’s regional initiative will focus on strategic planning activities to improve economic conditions in rural areas, particularly in underserved communities. The initiative will help communities to connect and cluster their economies geographically based on their self-identified strengths, so they are able to increase productivity and build more robust, sustainable economies.

The Secretary announced investments through the Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) program which supports regional planning activities to improve economic conditions in rural areas; the Small and Socially-Disadvantaged Producer Grant program, and the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, which support job creation efforts, business development and strengthens economic growth in rural communities.

10-03-11 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Submission of Korea, Colombia and Panama Trade Agreements

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the submission of the Korea, Colombia and Panama trade agreements and the benefits to the U.S. agricultural economy:

“Congress must now take action on an important part of President Obama’s jobs agenda: new trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea and trade adjustment assistance to help train workers for the 21st century economy. When approved, these agreements will clear the way for new American exports around the world, help create jobs and provide new income opportunities for our nation’s agricultural producers, small businesses, and rural communities. For American agriculture, passage of these agreements means over $2.3 billion in additional exports, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs here at home.

“Congress should work swiftly to pass these trade agreements. Currently, Korea, Columbia and Panama have approved or are negotiating trade agreements with a host of other nations. Completing our agreements will level the playing field and secure markets for America’s farmers, ranchers, growers and producers ahead of competitors in the global marketplace.

10-03-11 7th Annual Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects & Diseases October 5-6 in Boulder

7th Annual Continental Dialogue on Non-Native Forest Insects and Diseases

will be held this week in Boulder, CO on October 5-6, 2011

at the Millennium Harvest House

The Dialogue is a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, conservationists, industry, researchers, and other interested stakeholders who come together to collaboratively work on how to slow the spread and mitigate the impact of the non-native forest pests threatening our forests.

This is the first year the Dialogue is meeting in the Rocky Mountain region.

For more information on the Continental Dialogue, please visit our website http://www.continentalforestdialogue.org/, or click the poster to the right.

10-03-11 Colorado’s Crop Progress Report from the USDA/NASS

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website

Current Report

The weekly Crop Progress & Condition Report includes degree days, temperature, precipitation, crop planting progress, crop development and harvesting progress.

This report is issued weekly, Mar. 15, 2010 – Nov. 15, 2010.

Click here for the current Crop Progress & Condition Report.

Listen to Bill Meyer’s report from the USDA/NASS Field Office in Denver, CO – CLICK HERE

10-03-11 Wheat Farmers Urge Quick Approval of Free Trade Agreements

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) are pleased that the Obama Administration submitted implementing legislation for pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea on Monday.

The U.S. wheat industry strongly supports these bilateral agreements as critical steps toward competing on a level playing field in the global wheat market, and now urges Congress to pass them as quickly as possible. The Colombia agreement, in particular, is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to maintain market share in what has traditionally been the largest market for U.S. wheat in South America.

Under trade agreements with Canada and Argentina, wheat from these origins enters Colombia duty free while U.S. wheat faces a 10 percent tariff. Colombian buyers want to import U.S. wheat, but they do not want to pay the extra cost associated with the tariff. U.S. wheat sales to Colombia have dropped 20 percent since June alone, a rate of loss that is likely to grow now that an FTA between Canada and Colombia is in place. In fact, USW estimates that U.S. wheat growers could lose at least $100 million in sales in this competitive market every year.

10-03-11 NCBA Cautiously Optimistic on Movement of Pending Trade Pacts

— President Obama Sends Three Trade Agreements to Congress  

WASHINGTON (Oct. 3, 2011) – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald today, Oct. 3, 2011, welcomed news that President Obama sent the three pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to Congress. Donald said the long-awaited agreements moved from the president’s desk to Congress, which he called very encouraging but also cautioned that the agreements are far from implemented.

“Today marks the biggest leap forward we have seen in nearly five years when the trade pact with Colombia was signed,” said Donald. “Rural America is nearing a historic moment. These three agreements will create roughly 250,000 jobs right here in the United States and increase profitability for our nation’s family farmers and ranchers.”

10-03-11 CSU Researchers Find Deadly Bacteria Becoming Resistant in New Way

 

 

FORT COLLINS - A team of Colorado State University researchers has co-directed a study that found that the organism that causes melioidosis — and which is considered at top biothreat for potential use in an act of terrorism — can become resistant to the antibiotic most commonly used to treat it by mutating in a way scientists have never seen before. The study holds important clues for treating melioidosis and for future studies that may help unlock the strategies bacteria use to become resistant to antibiotics.

Melioidosis is a deadly disease if not treated quickly and with the right antibiotic, usually ceftazidime. It is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Typically, bacteria have been known to mutate or change to become resistant to antibiotics by making a small but effective change in their DNA. Researchers on this project, co-directed by Herbert Schweizer, a researcher in the university’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, discovered that the bacteria completely discarded an entire section of it is DNA to develop resistance to a key drug used to treat it. This research was prompted when doctors began to notice that a significant number of cases treated with the standard antibiotic ceftazidime did not improve.

“To see a bacterium remove large portions of its own DNA is surprising because it’s almost like bacterial suicide,” Schweizer said. “The bacteria are weakened by this change — evidenced by the fact that they grow very slowly in typical conditions. Its slow growth helped it elude proper treatment because it didn’t show up on tests which depended upon seeing bacteria multiply in the test media that Burkholderia pseudomallei typically thrives in. This new mutant form of the bacterium we looked at in this study was likely responsible for a good portion of about 11 to 17 percent of the cases of melioidosis that did not respond to ceftazidime treatment.”

10-03-11 *US Wheat Associates News* Wheat Farmers Urge Quick Approval of Free Trade Agreements

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) are pleased that the Obama Administration submitted implementing legislation for pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea on Monday.
 
The U.S. wheat industry strongly supports these bilateral agreements as critical steps toward competing on a level playing field in the global wheat market, and now urges Congress to pass them as quickly as possible. 
The Colombia agreement, in particular, is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to maintain market share in what has traditionally been the largest market for U.S. wheat in South America. 
  

10-03-11 USW Expands Website with Report on Activities

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) has added a new section to its website, www.uswheat.org, to include reports on wheat export market development activities to the wheat producers who fund the organization through 19 state wheat commissions. The “Report on Activities” (www.uswheat.org/success)  includes an annual report for marketing year 2010/11 (June – May), information about successful export promotions and the story behind the federal programs that are essential to that effort.

“This organization’s mission is to develop, maintain and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of U.S. wheat producers,” said USW Director of Communications Steve Mercer. “Some producers may not know why Nigeria buys most of its wheat from the United States or how U.S. Wheat Associates and state commissions helped expand exports from thePacific Northwest when a big portion of the Columbia-Snake River System was closed last winter. Adding this new section to the website is an efficient way to get more information to more farmers any time they want to see it.” 

The “Report on Activities” currently features four sub-sections including: 

10-03-11 Kansas City Board of Trade Closing in on Annual Trading Volume Record

Kansas City¾October 3, 2011¾ Active Kansas City Board of Trade trading volume during the month of September has put the exchange on track to break annual volume records within the next month.

Trading volume continues to post large gains over 2010 trading volume, a year in which new annual volume records were set for the exchange as a whole and the Hard Red Winter Wheat futures contract. Total exchange trading volume is running 31.5 percent ahead of last year at this time, with HRW wheat futures volume running 28.9 percent ahead and wheat options volume running 153.4 percent ahead.

Trading volume is only 223,060 contracts shy of the 2010 exchange annual volume record and 289,094 contracts shy of the 2010 Hard Red Winter wheat contract annual volume record.

A total of 418,435 HRW wheat futures contracts were traded in September, second only in that calendar month to the September 2010 volume of 453,084 contracts.

Exchange volume for September of 440,459 contracts was second only in that calendar month to September 2010 volume of 470,522 contracts.

Wheat options volume of 22,024 contracts was a gain of 50.8 percent over last month’s volume and 26.3 percent over last September.

The Kansas City Board of Trade is a for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Delaware. The KCBT, founded in 1856, is the world’s largest futures market for hard red winter wheat. Daily quotes, market commentary, historical data and charting services are available on our website at www.kcbt.com.

To view the monthly volume and open interest chart, please click here:Monthly Press Release

10-03-11 New Label Claim Acquired by Express® FP 10

Prevention of urinary shedding of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) now available with one of the most complete modified-live virus/killed bacterin vaccines on the market.

St. Joseph, Missouri, October 3, 2011 —Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. enhances a vaccine that already stepped beyond conventional reproductive protection. Express^® FP 10 currently provides one of the most complete modified-live virus/killed bacterin vaccine combinations on the market, and now it offers cross protection against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo (type hardjo-bovis) (Lepto hardjo-bovis).

Lepto hardjo-bovis is associated with early embryonic deaths, poor conception rates, weak calves, as well as other reproductive losses in cattle. Express FP 10 offers five-way viral protection and protection against Lepto hardjo-bovis in just one syringe. Lepto hardjo-bovis is the primary hardjo that is isolated in the United States; all cattle herds are at risk for infection from it. In a recent study, challenged heifers vaccinated with Express FP vaccine were 100 percent protected against urinary shedding of Lepto hardjo-bovis, while all heifers in the unvaccinated control group were positive.¹

10-03-11 NCBA, PLC Weigh in on Precedent-Setting Clean Water Act Case

—Seeking Clarification on Costly, Burdensome Uncertainties Arising from Clean Water Act

WASHINGTON (Oct. 3, 2011) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) recently filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) case, which will likely be argued in January 2012. Dustin Van Liew, PLC executive director and NCBA director of federal lands, said Sackett v. EPA could set a dangerous precedent allowing EPA and other federal agencies to make jurisdictional determinations that are not judicially or administratively reviewable.

In 2005, Chantell and Michael Sackett purchased a plot of land, less than one acre in size, to build a home. However, in 2007, after filling in half the lot with gravel in preparation for construction, EPA issued the Sacketts an “Administrative Compliance Order” (ACO), alleging the land was a wetland subject to Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction and ordered the Sacketts to restore the land to its original condition or face nearly $50,000 in fines per day. The Sackett family appealed for a hearing on their alleged violation but was denied by EPA and the federal court.

10-03-11 Syngenta Honors 90th Anniversary of Wilbur-Ellis Company with FFA Donation

·     Syngenta honors Wilbur-Ellis Company’s 90^th anniversary with FFA^® donation

·     Donation to support the 212º and 360º FFA leadership conferences

GREENSBORO, N.C., USA, Oct. 3, 2011 – Syngenta recognized Wilbur-Ellis Company for 90 years of success with a plaque and a donation to the National FFA^® Organization on Sept. 24, 2011. The presentation was made in conjunction with the CropLife America annual conference in Dana Point, Calif.

“The rich history and commitment to excellence and innovation within the agriculture industry that Wilbur-Ellis has demonstrated is admirable,” said Vern Hawkins, Syngenta region director,North America and president, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC.

As an international marketer and distributor of agricultural products, animal feed and other products, Wilbur-Ellis Company has worked with Syngenta to support farmers and help meet the growing global demand for food, feed and fuel.

“As we look to the future, developing industry leaders is critical for agriculture,” said Hawkins. “In honor of the Wilbur-Ellis milestone, we are proud to support FFA – an organization that is important to us all.”

The donation to FFA, made in the name of Wilbur-Ellis, will help support Chapter Leadership Continuum Conferences, specifically the 212º and 360º programs in Michigan and Oregon. The 212° conference is designed to take students to the “boiling point” of leadership, focusing on virtues, growth and collaboration. The 360° conference takes students “full circle” through chapter leadership development, with an emphasis on action and influence.​​

“We are grateful to Syngenta and to all of our partners, customers and employees, who have made these past 90 years so successful,” said Dan Vradenburg, president, Agribusiness Division, Wilbur-Ellis Company. “Working together, we can support the next generation of farmers in providing for an ever-expanding demand for food, biofuel stocks and other essentials – which is why we are as excited about the next 90 years as we are proud of our first 90.”

About Syngenta

10-03-11 USCA Prepares for “Increased Connections” Fall Fly-In 2011

USCA (October 3, 2011) – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) will be hosting their 2011 Fall Fly-In to Washington, D.C. this week. Ranchers from Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana will arrive in D.C. on Monday, October 3rd and will spend the following days speaking to agency officials and their respective elected representatives about issues vital to the cattle industry.

Other issues of importance that will be addressed include continued support for funding of the proposed Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Act rule, discussion on the Animal Disease Traceability proposed rule, an enhanced Beef Checkoff Program and USCA priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill, which include support for conservation and working lands-based programs and funding for the permanent livestock disaster assistance title. The USCA delegation will also visit the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in order to discuss country of origin labeling.

10-03-11 Dr. Getty’s November Teleseminar: Understanding and Avoiding Colic

CLICK HERE to listen to Dr Getty on this month's edition of the Getty Equine Nutrition Corner inside the BARN...

As your horse transitions to winter, the changing demands placed on his digestive system can lead to serious problems. Decreased water consumption can cause dehydration colic. Changing from fresh grass to hay can lead to impactions. Increased stall confinement can increase the risk for ulcer. In fact, change of any kind can lead to digestive upset. With the “season of changes” underway, Dr. Getty’s November teleseminar takes aim at the causes and prevention of colic.

·         Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011

·         Time: 8:00 pm EST (5 pm PST)

·         Cost: $15.00 (your long distance charges may apply)

·         Good news: You need not be present for the live seminar. The entire event will be recorded for future listening or download by registrants.

“Understanding and Avoiding Colic” will emphasize:

• What is colic and what types are there?
• Role of diet in avoiding colic
• Preventing your horse from “inhaling” hay
• How to make changes in the diet
• Prevent mycotoxin ingestion
• Deworming and colic prevention
• Avoiding travel stress
• Cecal impactions
• Sand colic
• Enteroliths
• If it happens — what to do while waiting for the vet to arrive

Any horse can succumb to colic. This teleseminar will help you avoid potential disaster and heartache.  Your horse would say that you can’t afford to miss it. He’s right.

Register at www.gettyequinenutrition.com . You will receive a confirming email during business hours following registration, and you will receive the phone number and conference code within one week of the event. More information about format and procedure is posted on the site.  Dr. Getty welcomes your questions about colic; seminar registrants may submit them until the morning before the seminar. All questions will be addressed within the framework of the teleseminar; there will be time at the end for questions directly from the participants.

10-03-11 *Tigges Farm News* Chile Salsa and Pumpkin Dessert Contest Results

Ann Bell - Helen Halpin, Pumpkin Winners - 2011

Rhonda Bryan - Salsa Winner - 2011

Tigges Farm, northwest of Greeley, is hosting the 3^rd Annual “Best Chile Salsa in Northern Colorado” contest on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 3pm.  Jimmy Nuanez of Windsor was the winner in 2009 and 2010.   Who out there will unseat this “king” of salsa?  On Sunday, October 2, the fun continues with a 1^st Pumpkin Dessert Contest.  We are looking for the yummiest pumpkin dessert – from pies to cookies to fudge to breads.  Both contests are a jackpot-winner-take-all event with a $10 entry fee   Entries will be take beginning at 2pm each day, respectively.  Judging will be at 3pm and results announced no later than 4pm.   Tigges Farm is located at 12404 WCR 64 ½, Greeley, CO.  Call 970-686-7225 for directions.   The public is invited to watch the judging and taste the salsas and desserts at the end of each contest.    In October, Tigges Farm features

Roasted Chilies and a Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch.  The Chilies are all grown at the farm. They range in heat from zero (a Bell Pepper) to fifty (a Ghost Pepper) that is 50 times hotter than a Habanero, with the most popular being the green Big Jim Anaheim Mix.

The Farm Equipment Museum is on the route to the Pumpkin Patch giving everyone fantastic picture places and a glimpse at the immense amount of labor it was to have been a farmer years ago.

Sorghum and Sunflower Field Days, Monday, October 3 in Walsh, CO

September 22, 2011, Fort Collins, Colo. – The Colorado Sorghum Producers (CSP), Colorado Sunflower Administrative Committee, Plainsman Research Center, and Scherler Farms are hosting Sorghum and Sunflower Field Day events Monday, October 3, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

At 9:00 a.m., producers will meet at the Scherler Farms sorghum plot for a tour of the dryland grain sorghum plot, planting and population study and sunflower plot. Coffee and refreshments will be served, sponsored by Scherler Sales.

At 1:00 p.m., producers will meet at the Plainsman Center for a complimentary lunch and then tour the sorghum research studies including dryland and irrigated grain and forage sorghum variety trails, herbicide studies including ALS and ACCase herbicide resistant sorghum, and a Huskie (broadleaf herbicide) trial, and limited irrigation sorghum and corn studies.

The sorghum variety trials are sponsored by a United Sorghum Checkoff Program Grant.

The Plainsman Research Center is located 4 miles north of Walsh on CR 43, 1.5 miles west on CR HH. The Scherler Farms sorghum plot is located 6 miles north of Brandon on CR 59, 2 miles west on CR W, then 1.25 miles south on CR 57; or 3 miles south of Scherler Headquarters, 2 miles west on CR W and 1.25 miles south on CR 57.

CSP was organized in November 2007 as a voluntary membership organization to represent sorghum producers at the state and national levels of government and is a member state organization of the National Sorghum Producers.  CSP also advances the sorghum industry through public and private research into sorghum production and works to develop, promote and improve the domestic and export markets for sorghum through the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.

Submitted to the BARN by: