10-10-11 Briggsdale Volleyball Team Schedules “Pink Out” Night October 13th for Sandy Carpio of Galeton…RESULTS Prairie in Three…

RESULTS

Prairie in Three

25-19     25-18     25-16

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO)Like so many high schools across the region & the nation October not only means volleyball season is well underway but that its time once again to step up and help those that are battling all types of cancer, especially breast cancer. This Thursday evening, October 13th when the Briggsdale Lady Falcons host the Prairie Mustangs in a North Central League matchup the serves, digs & spikes will mean much more than just points for one team or the other…listen to the interview with Briggsdale Lady Falcons Head Coach Suzanne Shaw about the event and about the person they selected to help this year…

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LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH SANDY CARPIO

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CLICK HERE to WATCH the game AGAIN or any ARCHIVE

CLICK HERE to WATCH THE VARSITY GAMES LIVE on iHigh.com

If you would like to make a donation to the Briggsdale Lady Falcons “Pink Out” Night to benefit

Sandy Carpio please call Suzanne Shaw @ 970–454-1496

USGC Global Update for October 13, 2011‏

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2011 US Corn Harvest on Schedule, Reports of Excellent Quality; Sorghum Harvest Bleak – Page 1
Japanese Corn Industry Convinced of US Stable, Quality Corn Supply - Page 1
USGC Congratulates Congress for Passage of FTAs; Now the Work Begins  – Page 2
Council Works to Re-open the Door for U.S. Barley Exports to Japan- Page 2
Council Activity Calendar - Page 3
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2011 US Corn Harvest on Schedule, Reports of Excellent Quality; Sorghum Harvest Bleak
Thirty-three percent of the U.S. corn crop has been harvested so far this year, compared to a five-year average of 32 percent, according to USDA’s Crop Progress Report, indicating the harvest is right on schedule. Corn condition for the 18 states surveyed, representing 94 percent of the U.S. corn crop, is reported at 53 percent in the good to excellent range.

Nebraska reported 19 percent harvested compared to the 20 percent five-year average. This trend is also seen in other states including Illinois, with 49 percent harvested compared to the 46 percent five-year average, and South Dakota, with 18 percent harvested compared to just 14 percent harvested five-year average.

According to U.S. Grains Council At-Large Director Alan Tiemann, a corn farmer in Seward, Neb., “The crop in Nebraska is looking good. A rainy past few days has slowed progress a bit but overall yields are good and moisture is about where you want it to be, around 15 percent. Quality is looking good and I’m anxious to get back out as soon as the field dries.”

News is bleak for Texas sorghum farmers in the panhandle, however, with only 50 percent of planted acres deemed worthy of harvest.

10-13-11 MADD Colorado Announces Organization’s National and Local Partnerships to Combat Drugged Driving

– MADD providing support services for victims of drugged driving and recognition for law enforcement’s anti-drugged driving efforts –

Denver – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado has partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) in raising awareness of the dangers of drugged driving, as well as the local services available to victims.  A national partnership was also announced today in Washington D.C. by MADD and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

According to a new ONDCP analysis of 2009 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) census, roughly one in four (23 percent) of fatally injured drivers who tested positive for drugs were under the age of 25. Additionally, based on data from 2005 to 2009, almost half (42 percent) of fatally injured drivers who tested positive for marijuana were under the age of 25.

The results of this analysis provide a deeper look at previously released information from NHTSA’s FARS census of fatal motor vehicle crashes, which showed that one in three motor vehicle driver fatalities (33 percent) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009. FARS data also showed the involvement of drugs in fatal crashes has increased by five percent over the past five years, even as the overall number of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States has declined.

“In recognition of the growing problems of poly-abuse and drugged driving on America’s roads, MADD Colorado is proud to honor MADD and ONDCP’s national partnership by providing support to drugged driving victims and recognizing law enforcement’s anti-drugged driving efforts in Colorado,” said Emily Tompkins, MADD Colorado State Executive Director. “Just as MADD has done – and continues to do – with drunk driving, we are hoping to put a face on the issues of poly-abuse and drugged driving in order to raise public awareness about the dangers.”

10-13-11 NCBA to Join Congressional Leaders to Commend Successful Passage of Trade Pacts

WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2011) – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Bill Donald will join with U.S. Senator Max Baucus, Finance Committee Chairman, and U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-Texas), the Deputy Whip and Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, for a news teleconference tomorrow, Oct. 14, 2011, to discuss the successful passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea in both the House and the Senate on Oct. 12.

When:  Oct. 14, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

Where: 1-800-695-8859  (no code needed)

Participants:
U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.);
U.S. Representative Kevin Brady (R-Texas); and
Bill Donald, NCBA President 

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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA ormembership@beef.org.

10-13-11 NAWG Weekly Wheat Digest

Five Years in the Making, Three FTAs Approved by Congress
Congress approved this week free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, nearly five years after the agreements were first negotiated.
Read full article

First Super Committee Deadline Nears; Ag Leaders Prepping Ideas
The deadline by which Congressional authorizing committees must submit budget cutting ideas and priorities to the debt-deficit super committee is Friday.
Read full article
Groups Urge FCC to Consider Effects of GPS Problems on Ag NAWG and a dozen other major agricultural groups wrotethe Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week urging continued testing of new broadband technology to ensure it does not interfere with existing GPS systems used by farmers.

Read full article

10-13-11 North American Limousin Foundation Hires Bennett as Director of Communications

Denver-(October 13, 2011)- The North American Limousin Foundation (NALF), is pleased to announce Brooke Bennett has been hired as the director of communications.

As the director of communications, Bennett will serve as the organization’s communication, marketing and advertising specialist. She will also oversee the development and distribution of all communications to the NALF membership and commercial breeders.

“We are fortunate to have Brooke join our staff,” said Mark Anderson, executive director for NALF. “She brings with her a breadth of beef industry experience and knowledge. With her cattle background, she will make a positive, immediate impact on our association. I am confident that she will assist us in successfully executing our communication plans to our members.”

10-13-11 *US Wheat Associates News* Wheat Letter

October 13, 2011

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is the industry’s market development organization working in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of U.S. wheat producers.” The activities of USW are made possible by producer checkoff dollars managed by 19 state wheat commissions and through cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. For more information, visit www.uswheat.org or contact your state wheat commission. Original articles from Wheat Lettermay be reprinted without permission; source attribution is requested.

In This Issue:
1. USDA Increases World Wheat Production, But Decreases U.S. Estimates
2. Wheat Farmers Gratified to See Congressional Approval of FTAs
3. Finding Food Security: USW Addresses Regional IAOM Conference
4. Save the Date for World Pasta Day
5. Study Examines Yield Effects of Precipitation, Temperature and Timing 
6. Wheat Industry News

10-13-11 USDA Reminds Producers of the Noinsurable Crop Application Deadline Date for 2012 Crops

Denver, Colorado, October 13, 2011—Trudy Kareus, State Executive Director of the Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA), urges producers who want to purchase coverage through the Noninsurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) to do so before the sales closing date as listed.

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.

“Purchasing a crop insurance policy is an easy way for producers to practice risk management,” said SED Kareus. “This year alone has proved that natural disasters can directly affect the profitability and recovery of agricultural operations,” she said.

The following crops have a NAP application closing date of:

10-13-11 US Representative Gardner (R-CO) Welcomes GE Solar Plant to Colorado

COLORADO – Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) applauded the news that GE is set to announce construction of a $300 million solar panel plant in Colorado, bringing an estimated 350 jobs to the state.

“Colorado is a proven leader when it comes to clean energy research, and there is no better place to locate such a facility.  Thanks to our commitment to innovation and manufacturing several other solar companies have already found a home here,” Gardner said.

In April, Gardner encouraged GE to locate its new factory in Colorado, writing them a letter that was also signed by the Colorado delegation, Gov. John Hickenlooper and university leaders.

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Congressman Gardner is a freshman member in the U.S. House of Representatives for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, the Subcommittee on Environment and Economy and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

10-13-11 Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Promotes Job Creation Partnerships With Rural Business Leaders in Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan., Oct. 13, 2011 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today joined farmers, ranchers, and area business leaders in a Winning the Future Roundtable with American Business discussion at Kansas State University.  The purpose of the discussion is to get feedback on how the administration can work together to strengthen the economy in rural America and spur job creation. The meeting is part of a series of roundtables that are being held across the country this fall with senior Obama administration officials on behalf of the White House Rural Council.

“The American Jobs Act provides common-sense steps we can take right now to put more people back to work and put more money in the pockets of working Americans, without adding a dime to the deficit,” said Merrigan. “In Kansas, this Act will provide a tax cut for over 60,000 businesses, support the jobs of 4,300 teachers and first responders and immediately provide 4,700 construction workers a job improving highways and other critical infrastructure. Kansas families will receive a tax cut of around $1,400.”

Deputy Secretary Merrigan stressed the connection between the president’s plan to get American’s back to work and the opportunities to develop and expand regional food systems that keep wealth and jobs in rural communities. The American Jobs Act was sent to Capitol Hill and the Obama administration will work to make sure that the individual proposals in this jobs bill get a vote as soon as possible.

10-13-11 *DoW-CO News* PWC HONORS FETCHER’S CONSERVATION LEGACY…Rancher John Fletcher of Steamboat Springs

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. - The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission honored the legacy of local rancher John Fetcher, a water visionary who was instrumental in the creation of Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir State Parks, during its monthly meeting Thursday in Steamboat Springs.

Fetcher’s son, Jay, was presented with a partnership award from Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Rick Cables while a number of family friends and local dignitaries observed from the audience.

“As you all know, Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir State Parks play a vital role in the quality of life in the Yampa Valley,” said Cables. “We are very proud to manage these properties and the many others that benefit this part of the state.”

John Fetcher, who also helped develop the Yamcola Reservoir on the Yampa headwaters in the late 1970s, served as the manager of the Upper Yampa Valley Water Conservancy District from its formation in 1966 to his death at age 97 in 2009.

In the early 1960s, Fetcher was approached by Colorado Game Fish and Parks, who asked him to consider building a lake in the Hahn’s Peak Basin. Steamboat Lake, which inundated 70 percent of the cattle ranch that Fetcher and his brother purchased in 1949, filled during its first snowmelt season. Fetcher paddled across the new lake on a surfboard to attend the dedication.

10-13-11 CORRECTED: CO Gov Hickenlooper receives names of finalists forColorado Supreme Court Justice

DENVER ­— Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today received the names of three finalists to choose from to fill the vacancy on the Colorado Supreme Court. The Supreme Court Nominating Commission selected the candidates for a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Alex J. Martinez.

The nominees are Brian D. Boatright of Arvada, Frederick T. Martinez of Castle Pines and Patrick T. O’Rourke of Highlands Ranch.

Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor now has 15 days (until Oct. 28) to appoint one of the nominees as a justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. The governor will interview each candidate on Friday, Oct. 21, and Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia will interview each candidate on Monday, Oct. 24.

In the weeks leading up to receiving the nominees today, Hickenlooper has met with each sitting Supreme Court Justice to discuss qualifications to look for in a new justice. Hickenlooper also met with representatives from the following business groups: Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry; Colorado Civil Justice League; Colorado Concern; Colorado Medical Society; COPIC; Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce; and the National Federation of Independent Business.

10-13-11 *USDA/FSIS News* Colorado Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken and Steak Fajita Products Due to Misbranding

WASHINGTON, Oct 13, 2011 - Phil’s Fresh Foods, Inc., a Boulder, Colo., establishment is recalling approximately 15,760 pounds of frozen chicken and steak fajita products due to misbranding, as the chicken fajita packages may contain steak, and the steak fajita packages may contain chicken, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.The products subject to recall includes [View Label]:

• 7-oz. cartons of “EVOL. BURRITOS FIRE GRILLED CHICKEN FAJITA.”
• 7-oz. cartons of “EVOL. BURRITOS FIRE GRILLED STEAK FAJITA.”

10-13-11 Grant Award helps Veterans return Home to Farm and Ranch

“Swords into Plowshares and Spears into Pruning Hooks…”

Lyons, NE - While some veterans returning home have jobs waiting for them, many do not and are returning to rural areas where jobs can be scarce. The USDA Risk Management Agency has awarded the Center for Rural Affairs, Farmer-Veteran Coalition, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and eight additional partner organizations with funding intended to introduce new veteran farmers and ranchers to various areas of agriculture, and thereby find solutions to the employment and economic challenges facing so many rural veterans.

“The long-term goal for this project is to help new veteran farmers and ranchers successfully establish farms and ranches in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico” said Kathie Starkweather with the Center for Rural Affairs.

“Farmers Union is thrilled to be able to offer assistance to returning veterans. No one is more deserving of spending a rewarding life on the land than those who have willingly helped to defend the United States of America,” said Richard Oswald, President of Missouri Farmers Union. “We will do our best to repay them.”

According to Starkweather, the project will allow veterans to learn strategies and implement plans for farm/ranch start-up, including financing, land access, and business development. Veterans will also learn to access the resources available to them for technical assistance, production and marketing information, and mentoring.

 For more information on beginning farmer and rancher programs and for future developments of this project, see [http://www.cfra.org/renewrural/farm]. The organizations partnering in this project are the Center for Rural Affairs, Farmer-Veteran Coalition, Swords to Plowshares, Kansas Farmers Union, Missouri Farmers Union, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Kansas AgrAbility Project, Nebraska AgrAbility Project, and Missouri AgrAbility Project.

10-13-11 USDA Supports Diverse Food Access Through Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 – Nearly 150 farm-to-consumer marketing projects received funding today under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), marking a $9.2 million investment to support direct marketing and to increase consumer access to healthy food, much of it in food deserts and other low-income areas. This year’s awards–149 in total, distributed across 42 states and the District of Columbia–showed a rise in urban projects and increased diversity in the types of projects funded.

“Earlier this year, we reported that more than 1,000 new farmers markets have been recorded across the United States, totaling 7,175 markets,” said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. “Through programs like FMPP, we believe that USDA’s contributions to direct farm-to-consumer marketing are providing alternative economic opportunities for our nation’s agricultural producers.”

10-13-11 USDA Reminds Native American Farmers and Ranchers that Keepseagle Settlement Claims Filing Period Open Through December 27

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 – Janie Hipp, Senior Adviser to Secretary Vilsack for Tribal Relations today reminded Native American farmers and ranchers that the period to file a claim in the Keepseagle class action settlement remains open through December 27, 2011.

“Native American farmers and ranchers who believe they are entitled to funds under the Keepseagle settlement must file a claim on or before December 27 in order to file a claim,” said Ms. Hipp. “Tribal leaders should consider advising Tribal members of the requirement to obtain and submit a completed claims package if they wish to participate in the Keepseagle claims process. Claims meetings are still occurring and individuals can also call the toll-free number and get assistance with filing.”

Keepseagle v. Vilsack was a lawsuit alleging that USDA discriminated against Native American farmers and ranchers in the way it operated its farm loan program. The lawsuit was settled late last year and the settlement has been approved by the court.

The filing period opened June 29, 2011 and continues for 180 days.

10-13-11 History Colorado Centennial Farms Interviews Underway…Meet Spomer Farms

Spomer Farm, Milliken, Weld County (established in 1911) - In the picture with Van & Ella Marie Hayes is CO Ag Commissioner John Salazar & Special Policy Advisor on Water to the Governor's Office John Stulp & Ed Nichols – President of History Colorado.CLICK the picture to listen to the interview

CLICK HERE to visit the BARN’s EXCLUSIVE WEBPAGE History Colorado Centennial Farms Interviews

CLICK HERE to visit History Colorado’s Centennial Farms Webpage to learn more about this program

More interviews to follow in the days & weeks ahead…

10-13-11 Mix 30 Beef Nutrition Session a Success in LaJunta, CO

Chad Horsley and John Jacobs, both of Agridyne, visits with Lyle Davis of rural Ordway and Curt Russell of WW Feed & Supply, about the liquid feed option, with Kevin Karney and Warren Davis seen visiting in the background after the Oct. 12 beef nutrition session.

From left, Kevin Karney, Steve Ptolemy, Lyle Davis, Russell Karney, Warren Davis and Curt Russell compare moisture and pasture condition reports after a beef nutrition session on Oct. 12 in La Junta.

LA JUNTA - Ranchers discussed beef nutrition options Wednesday night Oct. 12 here. Due to rising commodity prices and lack of forage in much of southeast Colorado, the recommended option in the Oct. 12 session held at Boss Hogg’s Restaurant, was to look at liquid feed.

“One of the main questions that cattlemen should be asking is how to provide supplemental protein and energy most economically and conveniently,” states Curt Russell, owner of WW Feed & Supply, which coordinated the evening’s nutrition outreach session. “Tubs, cubes and hay have all escalated in cost. This year, it looks like liquid feed is the high-energy, economic and cost-effective alternative to satisfy your cows’ needs.”

Participants watched a video segment from “The Cattle Show,” which originally aired on RFD-TV and featured a liquid feed called Mix 30, manufactured by Agridyne. Representatives from Mix 30 and WW Feed & Supply, which has carried the liquid feed since 2002, then fielded questions from local feedlot and cow/calf operators.

John Jacobs, from Mix 30’s Illinois office, stressed the product is natural. Participant Steve Ptolemy, who has used it at his feedlot, echoed that he likes that there is no urea in the mix of corn and soy ingredients. Jacobs also said that while the feed is palatable, its pH and energy levels help control intake. Participant Sam Turner agreed with the 2-4 pound per head per day consumption rate for his cattle.

Chad Horsley, also from Mix 30, encouraged participants to do the economic math. Look at the cost per pound of protein from potential supplements, and compare energy levels as well. He encouraged producers with further questions to contact Russell at WW Feed & Supply.

10-13-11 *NCGA News* Now Accepting Applications for the 2013 Corn Board

The NCGA Nominating Committee is now accepting applications from members for the 2013 Corn Board. Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization’s leadership. Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines.

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways. They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.

10-13-11 USGC Congratulates Congress for Passage of FTAs; Now the Work Begins

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 13, 2011 – The U.S. Grains Council salutes Congress on final passage of the long-stalled free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia and South Korea. These agreements provide significant benefits for U.S. agricultural trade and the U.S. economy by leveling the playing field in markets where U.S. producers have been laboring under an unfair competitive disadvantage. Ratification of the agreements provides for immediate duty-free access for most U.S. goods, creating opportunities for increases in U.S. agricultural exports which will generate economic growth and U.S. jobs. The agreements are expected to generate roughly $13 billion in additional export revenue, with approximately $11 billion of the total flowing to South Korea.

“This is great news,” said USGC Chairman Dr. Wendell Shauman. “Our farmer leaders have been working hard with Congressional members to demonstrate the benefits of U.S. agricultural trade. Their hard work has paid off.”