10-04-11 Access Control Plan for US 34 Business Route…Project Kickoff Meeting Set for October 5, 2011

  Fort Collins, Colorado—The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) is pleased to announce the project initiation of the US 34 Business Route Access Control Plan (ACP). The plan will cover the stretch of US 34 Business between State Highway 257 and 35th Avenue in Greeley.   (The Business Route is also known as 10th Street.)  The NFRMPO will partner with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the City of Greeley, and Weld County to prepare this plan.

    The goals are to enhance safety on US 34 Business for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, to keep traffic flowing freely as volumes increase, to accommodate transit stops and circulation, and to provide the appropriate level of access to the properties adjacent to the highway.

10-04-11 McDonald’s Lead Contributor to Dr. Temple Grandin Scholarship in Animal Behavior and Welfare at CSU

FORT COLLINS - During a celebration of world-renowned animal scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin, Colorado State University on Tuesday announced the endowment of a scholarship fund to support the professor’s graduate students.

McDonald’s Corp. contributed $100,000 to the Dr. Temple Grandin Scholarship in Animal Behavior and Welfare.

Other contributors are: Colorado Beef Council, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Dairy Farmers, Colorado Livestock Association, JBS, Leprino Foods, and the National Western Stock Show.

“This fund will allow Dr. Grandin to continue her remarkable work teaching our students about and researching livestock behavior and humane handling practices for farm animals,” said Craig Beyrouty, dean of CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “We greatly appreciate the gifts from McDonald’s and other contributors, which highlight the revolutionary influence Dr. Grandin has had in animal welfare and our global food system.”

10-04-11 Small-Scale Livestock Workshop Oct 15th in Longmont…GET REGISTERED TODAY!

CLICK HERE for more information

Please join us on Oct. 15, 2011 for the Small-Scale Livestock Workshop at Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont. Beginner and experienced livestock owners are invited. Valuable hands-on presentations will focus on health, production, nutrition, housing, and know-how. Break-out sessions include Chickens, Beef and Dairy Cattle, Goats and Sheep, Pigs, Llamas and Alpacas, and Pasture and Manure Management.

CLICK HERE to download the flyer

Registration and more information can be found at <http://www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/livestock>

10-04-11 *NRCS-CO Monthly* Meet NRCS-CO’s New State Conservationist Phyllis Philipps

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

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) October 4th, 2011 -The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado recently named Phyllis Philipps as its new State Conservationist. She will officially report to duty in mid-September 2011. In this selection, Mrs. Philipps continues her distinguished 30-year career with NRCS, which started in Washington, DC working for the Agency’s Land Use Division. After that, her career took her to Montana where she served for more than 25 years in various capacities including Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, Natural Resource Team Leader, and Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations. She also worked in Washington, DC serving on a detail to the White House Council on Environmental Quality as the Deputy Associate Director for Private Lands and Agriculture. Learn more about Philips and her…

• Vision for NRCS in Colorado
• Priorities for the State’s natural resources and NRCS,
•  Potential impacts and changes as a result of the new Farm Bill that is currently being written

CLICK the mp3 link to listen to the interview…

100411_NRCS-CO_StateConservationist_PhyllisPhilipps_8m36s

10-04-11 CALFRAC WELL SERVICES CORP. DONATES $3,000 TO SUPPORT CHILD FEEDING PROGRAMS AT WELD FOOD BANK

GREELEY, Oct. 4^th, 2011 – Weld Food Bank announces it will now be able to provide hungry children in Platteville food through their Backpack Program thanks to a $3,000 donation from Calfrac.  There are many children who rely on free and reduced school breakfast and lunch to meet their nutritional and caloric needs.  These children are often vulnerable to hunger over the weekends when school feeding programs are unavailable.

Weld Food Bank addresses this need through the Backpack Program.  The food bank works closely with school districts to identify hungry children.  Then, volunteers at the food bank assemble child friendly food packages that will be distributed to the previously identified children on Friday afternoons.

10-04-11 China Corn Tour Leaves Grains Council With Expectation of Record Crop

(The BARN – NAFB News Service) October 4th, 2011 - For the seventh year in a row - the U.S. Grains Council projects Chinese corn production will fall short of anticipated demand - making imports necessary. The Council’s assessment is based on a just-completed sampling of 300 fields ini the seven major corn growing areas of China – as well as conversations with local growers and provincial leaders. U.S. Grains Council Advisory Team Member Kevin Rempp participated in the tour…100411_BAN_USGCChinaCornReport_2m17s

10-04-11 Progressive 15 Provides a Resolution in Support as CLUB 20 Files Brief and Proposes Map in Colorado Congressional Redistricting Case

Fort Morgan, CO -  Progressive 15 has approved a resolution in support of the brief and map that CLUB 20, through its attorneys, Marcus Lock and Kendall Burgemeister of Bratton Hill Wilderson & Lock, LLC, has filed an Amicus Curiae or Friend of the Court Brief with the Denver District Court in the Colorado Congressional Redistricting case. Along with the brief, CLUB 20 filed its own version of a proposed redistricting map, which would return Grand County, Colorado to the Third Congressional District.

Progressive 15 has long supported the concept of keeping rural counties intact to the maximum extent possible.

“The CLUB 20 map demonstrates that redistricting criteria can be met with minimal disruption to Colorado communities, said Catherine Shull, Executive Director of Progressive 15. Rural residents and communities in Eastern Plains, Western Colorado, and the San Luis Valley have a right to congressional representation focused on their unique issues and concerns. Rural issues can often be in contradict with urban concerns which make it very difficult for a congressional member to represent both sides of one issue should rural communities of interest be divided and added to urban communities.”

10-04-11 *NCBA News* Beltway Beef…FTA’s and the Next Steps

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

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef weekly audio is ready. NCBA welcomes news that President Obama sent the three pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to Congress. The long-awaited agreements move from the president’s desk to Congress is encouraging but NCBA Manager of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus says more needs to be done.

“Farmers and ranchers need these agreements. Our economy needs these agreements,” says Bacus. “We need Congress to pass these job-generating trade pacts as soon as possible.”

The U.S. House of Representatives will consider the Generalized System of Preferences, which includes Trade Adjustment Assistance, alongside the trade agreements. Bacus is hopeful that the “tremendous bipartisan support” of all three FTAs in the House and Senate will push the pacts to final passage very soon. However, Bacus said he will make no assumptions about a timeline.

This weekly commentary features NCBA members, leaders, staff and more week after week. Click here to download this week’s segment of Beltway Beef. Click here for all previous clips.

Be sure to read about this and more on NCBA’s blog, Beltway Beef. Follow Beltway Beef on Twitter, like us on Facebook,watch video on YouTube and download pictures from Flickr.

10-04-11 USGC Projects China Bumper Crop…Corn Imports Expected to Continue to Meet Surging Demand

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 4, 2011 – The U.S. Grains Council today released estimates of a bumper corn crop in China of 167 million metric tons (6.6 billion bushels), an increase of approximately 9 million tons (3.54 million bushels) over last year. The estimate was developed by the USGC’s China Corn Harvest Tour, which concluded its annual survey last week. Given the projected corn harvest area of 30.9 million hectares (76.35 million acres), this implies a yield of 5.39 tons per hectare or 85.9 bushels per acre.

“As a farmer, I’m always happy to see strong harvests, and today’s figures are good news,” said Dr. Wendell Shauman, USGC chairman. “Demand for high quality protein continues to grow, thanks to the surging growth of the global middle class. As a result, world corn prices this summer and fall reached record highs. Strong harvests will help moderate prices and keep our international growth markets on track. In the long run, that’s good for both producers and consumers all around the world.”

The Council has conducted an annual China Corn Harvest Tour since 1996, at a time when it was the only independent, non-governmental crop information collected on China. The Tour consists of detailed field surveys in China’s major corn production regions conducted by teams of highly experienced private sector analysts with long experience in the China grain market.

Over the past seven years, the cumulative difference between the Council’s crop production estimate and the official Chinese government estimate is approximately 97 million tons (3.8 billion bushels). Private sector analysts generally believe China’s corn reserves, figures for which are not officially released, have been drawn down during this period. In addition, domestic corn prices are high, and in the last two years China has reemerged as a major corn importer.

“All around, government, private analysts and the Council say this is a good crop. However, the Council’s estimate indicates China’s production will be insufficient to meet anticipated domestic demand. In addition, China has drawn down its stocks below its comfort level, which is roughly 25 percent. The Council believes the 2011 production will provide for 14-16 percent ending stocks. Therefore, China will need to import to fully satisfy domestic demand and rebuild those stocks,” said Don Hutchens, Nebraska Corn Board executive director who participated in the Tour.

10-04-11 EPA Administrator Jackson’s Statement on Trade Agreements

WASHINGTON - EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson issued the following statement on the trade agreements submitted to Congress yesterday by the President:

“These agreements serve President Obama’s top priority of creating jobs across the US and contain an equal commitment to enforcing environmental standards. The health and environmental commitments will continue to foster opportunities for America’s leading environmental technology industry, which exports innovative pollution control technology to countries around the world. These trade agreements will make it easier for American inventors and innovative manufacturers to sell their ‘Made in the USA’ products in the global marketplace while holding all parties to the same level of accountability for meeting environmental commitments as for the other commitments.”

10-04-11 Vilsack Announces Community Facilities Investments to Create Jobs and Boost Economic Development in Rural Communities…Burlington, CO $7500 Grant

Funding to Support, Repair or Build Community Centers, Health Care Facilities, and Bring Public Safety Vehicles to Rural Areas including:

 

Burlington Fire Protection District – To purchase new fire rescue equipment; $7,500 grant

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2011 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced investments in 33 states and one territory that will create jobs and improve the quality of life in rural communities across the nation.

“These projects not only provide needed infrastructure in rural communities, they contribute to the Obama administration’s continued efforts to create quality jobs and improve the nation’s economy,” Vilsack said. “The projects announced today will help strengthen facilities and amenities in rural towns and small cities.”

For example, the city of Blockton, Iowa, was selected to receive a $50,000 grant that will be used to purchase a fire truck. Currently, the fire department has just one pumper truck to cover a 70 square mile area. Also in Iowa, the city of Akron was selected to receive a $4 million direct loan that will be used to help build a 45-bed nursing home. In addition to the jobs created as a result of the construction, the project will save 60 existing, permanent jobs.

10-04-11 Siemens Awards $44.5 Million in In-Kind Software to CSU for Use in Groundbreaking Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Design

FORT COLLINS - Siemens AG has awarded Colorado State University $44.5 million worth of in-kind software designed to teach students to manage large, complex projects – the largest in-kind software grant in university history. Colorado State received 40 Siemens PLM Software licenses for its participation in an exclusive national hybrid/electric vehicle design competition called EcoCAR2. Thomas Bradley, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is leading one of only 16 university teams around the nation that are working to build a hybrid electric Chevrolet Malibu made by General Motors. Siemens PLM Software is a national sponsor of EcoCAR2, which is run by the U.S. Department of Energy and GM. The software grant to Colorado State has a commercial value of $44.5 million.

“With this very generous grant, Siemens has given Colorado State University the ability to provide extraordinary learning opportunities for our students from engineering and other disciplines,” said President Tony Frank. “In turn, this helps us provide Siemens and other companies with a well-trained workforce that is knowledgeable about state-of-the-art technology used in the field. This is a win-win for everyone.”

Siemens’ software grant represents the largest in-kind software grant ever to Colorado State University, which is significant to the university’s first comprehensive campaign, the Campaign for Colorado State University, said Brett Anderson, vice president for University Advancement. For more information about the campaign, go to www.campaign.colostate.edu.

“Siemens has been very gracious with this in-kind gesture to provide world-class software to our flagship university,” Anderson said. “We are grateful that they are interested in improving our student curriculum and faculty potential, particularly with our leading-edge hybrid/electric vehicle research.”

10-04-11 Marketing Veteran Becki Rhoades to Join Staff at the NAFB

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting has selected marketing veteran Becki Rhoades to serve as Director of Marketing and Communications for the association.  NAFB Executive Director Tom Brand says Rhoades’ extensive experience in marketing, working with clients across the nation, wealth of experience in communications, background in agriculture and working knowledge of farm broadcasting will be beneficial as the association continues to promote farm broadcasting as a key part of communicating with producers.

“Becki has worked for over ten years with the KansasDepartment of Commerce coordinating marketing activities.  She specialized in working with businesses to promote their products and services.  I know those she  interacts with on the job will instantly be able to see the enthusiasm she has for agriculture,” said Brand.  “She understands first-hand the importance of farm broadcasting and has a passion for working with people and helping them make sound decisions.  She is an ideal fit for our NAFB members.”

Rhoades grew up on a row crop farm in Northwest Missouri where she was active in her local FFA chapter. During college she interned as a farm broadcaster and received a scholarship from the NAFB Foundation in 1999.  Becki graduated from the University of Missouriwith a degree in Agricultural Journalism.

After college, she was a communications manager at the National FFA Headquarters in Indianapolis, where she managed the news desk at the National FFA Convention. She then moved to Topeka to work for the Kansas Livestock Association as assistant editor for the Kansas Stockman Magazine and the KLA Newsletter.

Her varied background then took her to the Kansas Department of Commerce Rural Development Division in 2001 as the Team Leader for Ag Marketing.  As part of Governor Sam Brownback’s reorganization plan, Becki joined the Kansas Deptartment of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism as Agritourism Manager in July 2011providing business coaching, marketing advice, networking and strategic product placement knowledge to entrepreneurs and coordinating all agritourism business development activities.

“I am excited to return to an industry that I love; and it’s rewarding to think of the possibilities ahead,” Rhoades said.  “With so many avenues for farm broadcasters to connect with their listeners, I am looking forward to helping NAFB and the members forge ahead with new technologies and marketing strategies”

In her free time, Becki enjoys trapshooting, pheasant hunting, volleyball and spending time with her nieces.  She begins her duties on October 17th at NAFB; welcome her at becki@nafb.com.

About the National Association of Farm Broadcasting

The National Association of Farm Broadcasting is a 501(c)(6) professional organization whose mission is to lead, promote, and support growth in agricultural and rural broadcasting for the benefit of our members, audience, and industry.   If you share our interest and purpose, we welcome your application for membership

10-04-11 *CDA News* Pleasingly Plump Pumpkins Are Decorative And Nutritious

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Each month, the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown, raised or processed in the state. This month, Colorado pumpkins are featured in our Pumpkin Zucchini Walnut Bread recipe.

Available Now…Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving, they are tasty too! When selecting that festive gourd, choose clean, well-shaped pumpkins with no cracks in the rind. Also avoid pumpkins with soft spots or decay. More than just a beautiful decoration, pumpkins are nutritious. They are fat free, sodium free, a good source of Vitamin C and an excellent source of Vitamin A. Look for fresh Colorado pumpkins at your local grocery store, farmers’ market or at pumpkin patches across the state.

 

Pumpkin Zucchini Walnut Bread

Recipe courtesy of: Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., Douglas County School District

10-04-11 A Celebration of Dr. Temple Grandin at CSU-Ft Collins October 4th…TODAY!

Photo courtesy of the BARN

FORT COLLINS - Colorado State University on Tuesday evening will celebrate the accomplishments of Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal scientist and autism advocate, following a year of remarkable attention for the CSU professor. A Celebration of Dr. Temple Grandin will include the announcement of a new scholarship fund that will support Grandin’s teaching and research at CSU by assisting her graduate students. McDonald’s Corp. has provided the lead gift to establish the fully endowed fund, called the Dr. Temple Grandin Scholarship in Animal Behavior and Welfare. Other contributors are: Colorado Beef Council, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado DairyFarmers, Colorado Livestock Association, JBS, Leprino Foods, and the National Western Stock Show.

“Dr. Grandin has brought a sea change to how animals are treated in our industry. It’s awesome,” said Bob Langert, vice president for corporate social responsibility at McDonald’s Corp. “She’s put animal welfare on the map at a much higher level.”

Langert will be among the speakers at A Celebration of Dr. Temple Grandin, which is meant for CSU students, faculty, staff, and invited guests. Hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences, the campus celebration will include displays, a tribute video, and a question-and-answer session with Grandin. The evening will highlight the influence Grandin has through her teaching at CSU; three of her protégées will speak. Grandin has built her stellar career over more than 20 years teaching and conducting research in CSU’s Department of Animal Sciences. Yet the past year has been remarkable, Craig Beyrouty, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, noted. In 2010, HBO released a biographical feature film called “Temple Grandin” based on the CSU professor’s early life; the movie won seven Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award. Also last year, Grandin earned a spot on TIME magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

These developments have helped catapult Grandin to widespread fame. Grandin, who has autism, is an eminent animal scientist who specializes in livestock behavior and has pioneered the field of farm-animal welfare. Her innovations in humane handling equipment and auditing systems have changed the livestock industry, both improving producer profitability and assuring consumers about the integrity of the food system.

“Today humane animal welfare is standard operating procedure for all of our suppliers around the world,” Langert, of McDonald’s, said. “Can you imagine one person, by herself, having that kind of impact?” Likewise, JBS, the world’s leading food-animal processor, has worked closely with Grandin to design livestock handling facilities and to monitor humane handling practices at its plants, including its large and well-known facility in Greeley.

“I don’t think anyone in the industry would consider a major design change or improvement without consulting with Temple,” said Leonard Huskey, director of animal welfare and handling for JBS.

Through the course of her career, Grandin also has been heralded as a champion for people with autism and their families. She is a hero to many in the autism community.

SOURCE

10-04-11 Pioneer Hi-Bred Releases New Silage BMR Hybrid

Pioneer experts say strong plant genetics paired with BMR gene offer premium silage

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 4, 2011 – Growers now have access to a brown midrib (BMR) trait in elite genetics from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, providing hybrids with increased fiber digestibility for dairy cattle. The company is releasing Pioneer^® hybrid P1376XR, a 113-day BMR hybrid, in limited quantities to growers primarily across the northeastern United States for the 2012 planting season.
“Through the industry-leading silage genetics research program, Pioneer plant scientists discovered a BMR gene in elite Pioneer germplasm,” says Kyle Whitaker, Pioneer senior sales and marketing manager – global forages. “The new Pioneer BMR hybrid is unlike any BMR on the market today because of its outstanding agronomic performance. P1376XR combines the digestibility you expect from a BMR with tremendous yields, high starch, strong drought tolerance, and a robust disease and pest package.”
This hybrid contains Herculex^® XTRA insect protection for above- and below-ground protection, as well as the Roundup Ready^® Corn 2 trait and the LibertyLink^® gene.

10-04-11 USGC Pleased with Administration’s Submission of Trade Agreements

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 4, 2011 – The U.S. Grains Council applauds the U.S. Administration in its renewed push for the passage of three pending bilateral trade agreements, including Colombia, Korea and Panama.

“We are encouraged by the Administration’s submission of the long-standing free trade agreements (FTAs) for ratification by Congress,” said Dr. Wendell Shauman, USGC chairman and Illinois corn farmer. “Passage of these agreements will help to immediately level the playing field and allow organizations like the Council to aggressively re-engage with our international partners and win back lost market share.”

According to government and industry estimates, the three FTAs will result in an additional $2.5 billion in additional sales and lead to the creation of over 20,000 jobs, which are critical to creating economic growth and employment for U.S. citizens. Lack of ratification has led to loss of U.S. exports and market share, as a number of foreign competitors have aggressively pursued favorable trade deals that place U.S. exporters at a competitive disadvantage.