10-14-11 *CO 1A HS Sports* Fleming over Briggsdale…in Volleyball & in 6Man Football…WATCH the games again on iHigh.com!

CLICK HERE to WATCH the games LIVE - Varsity Volleyball @ 5pm +- followed @ 7pm with 6Man Football...*depending on internet connection availability*

10-14-11 ASI WEEKLY NEWS FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY LEADERS

American Sheep Industry Association; 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360; Englewood, CO 80112-2692
Phone: (303) 771-3500 Fax: (303) 771-8200 Writer/Editor: Judy Malone E-mail: judym@sheepusa.org
Web sites: http://www.sheepusa.org and http://www.sheepindustrynews.org

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Drought Assistance Ad

The following posting has been added to the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) drought assistance page at www.sheepusa.org/Drought_Assistance.

• Have pasture but not able to finance a startup flock or herd of sheep or cows. Would like to trade pasture for 1,000 sheep and/or 100 cows for the offspring. Owner will ship the animals and retain ownership of the breeding livestock, and I would keep the lambs/calves. If the drought continues more than one year, something can be negotiated for future years. Kason fromWyoming – kasonwinters@hotmail.com

The ASI drought relief page is designed to assist both producers selling or moving sheep and producers with available forage to lease or wanting to buy breeding sheep. To post to this page, emailjudym@sheepusa.org.

Calling Young Sheep Entrepreneurs 

10-14-11 American Coalition for Ethanol welcomes energy policy debate and recognition that increased domestic energy production creates jobs

*CORRECTED* Sioux Falls, SD (October 14, 2011) – The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) said it welcomes debate about energy policy and job creation, and reminds the public and candidates for office that since the Renewable Fuel Standard was enacted, the ethanol industry has increased energy supplies and added more new jobs than any other domestic energy product.

ACE Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, says this is a good time for the industry to highlight the benefits that ethanol is providing in the United States.

“ACE is pleased to see the focus on improving domestic energy production on the campaign trail. We have continually reminded elected officials and candidates for office that ethanol has increased our domestic energy production and has provided new jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans. While many say they support an “All of the above” energy strategy, policy recommended and supported by some candidates often seem to be “all of the below” strategies, focusing only on more drilling in more places to try boost job numbers. We need to remember that ethanol production has already contributed to hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US, and will continue to do so as long the EPA is not prevented from allowing consumers the option of using 15% ethanol-blended fuel, and as we continue to install more blender pumps and build more flex-fuel vehicles,” Jennings said.

10-14-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper statement on Occupy Denver

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

DENVER ­— Friday, Oct. 14. 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today released this statement about the events last night inLincoln Park in downtown Denver:

“The First Amendment and the rights it guarantees for free speech and assembly are critical to our democracy. These rights are what set the United States above all other nations. We also have rules and laws that must be followed.

“Demonstrators in Lincoln Park were told every day this week they could not camp in the park. Yet each day the number of tents grew. Last night, and after multiple requests to follow the law, the Colorado State Patrol intervened. State troopers and Denver police demonstrated extreme restraint and professionalism as they encountered a very difficult situation.

“We owe the Colorado State Patrol a great deal of gratitude for their work. We also greatly appreciate the efforts by state employees from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Department of Personnel and Administration, as well as the support from the Denver Police Department and Xcel Energy.

“Some people are finding it easy today to criticize the state’s response this week to what is a national movement in many cities across the country. There were numerous jurisdictional and legal issues to work through before a clear course of action could be set. For example, the state does not have a jail nor does the state have direct prosecutorial authority for park violations. We needed the cooperation of other entities and wanted to be very deliberate and thorough in our response.

“In the end, we worked with Occupy Denver to find a resolution that included constructive communication, many people voluntarily leaving the park, no violence and minimal arrests.

“We understand the frustration voiced by demonstrators about the economy, the loss of jobs and dysfunction in Washington. That’s why we are intently focused on economic development in Colorado. Just this week the state saw two global companies make significant investments in Colorado that will add jobs and momentum to business development efforts happening throughout the state.

“This kind of economic news doesn’t solve all of the issues raised by demonstrators this week, but it does show we all want the same thing: a healthy America where everyone can prosper.”

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CO Gov Hickenlooper orders flags lowered for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on October 16th

DENVER ­— Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide on Sunday, Oct. 16, in observance of the 30^th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Flags should be lowered from sunrise to sunset.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Fire Administration will honor 72 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2010. Seventeen firefighters who died in previous years will also be honored.

Fire departments across the country will conduct simultaneous services, lower flags to half-staff and observe a moment of silent tribute.

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10-14-11 *WW Feed Supply* Steer-Aid program again offered to 4-H, FFA youth in Colorado

LA JUNTA – Steer-Aid, an educational incentive program to strengthen market beef participation, again will be offered.

Because of concern about lower entry numbers at Southeast Colorado market beef shows, WW Feed & Supply launched a program for local 4-H & FFA members. Since the inaugural year was so successful and inquiries for 2012 are already being fielded, Steer-Aid is being offered again, said Curt Russell, program coordinator.

Steer-Aid is designed to draw more youth into exhibiting market beef. WW Feed & Supply will assemble a pool of show calves and help youth with financing. The Russell family also will provide a training clinic, be available for ration consultation, advice on fitting and showing, and for one-on-one visits to the participant’s project throughout the year.

“This is a great program for anyone involved in a beef project. This was my fourth year in market beef and I learned more this year than any other. The clinic gave me confidence as well as practice to get my animal ready for show. It helped me do more of the work by myself and rely less on my parents,” wrote participant Sara Reyher. “Having the Russell’s available to answer questions throughout the season made it so much easier than just guessing and trying different things when there was a problem. I would recommend Steer Aid to beginners and those who have shown before. It makes the project so much more enjoyable.”

The youth signup deadline is Nov. 15, 2011. Steer-Aid is open to 4-H & FFA youth in Baca, Bent, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, Prowers andPueblo counties.

For details, see the youth page on wwfeed.com or call WW Feed & Supply at 719-384-4463.

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10-14-11 CO Lt Governor Garcia to launch Literacy Initiative

Weeklong statewide listening tour will spotlight focus on early childhood reading

DENVER - Friday, October 14, 2011 - Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia will launch a statewide listening tour this month to gain local insight and perspective on the critical issue of early childhood literacy in Colorado.   A host of community, foundation and education leaders will join Garcia on the Literacy Bus, which will visit 18 Colorado cities between October 17 and 21 and on November 7.  The focus of the tour will be on hearing from local education and community leaders and parents on how to support their efforts on early literacy.

“Governor Hickenlooper and I share the belief that early literacy is one of the education cornerstones to building a strong workforce for Colorado’s future,” Garcia said.  “We’re joining with communities across the state in a dialogue about what we can do to help ensure every child is a successful reader by the end of third grade.”

The tour, which kicks off October 17 in Steamboat Springs, will feature a series of community conversations with educators, leaders, teachers and parents. All of the forums are open to the public. The objective is to exchange ideas and information on ways to ensure every third-grader reaches literacy proficiency.

Mile High United Way is a lead partner with the Lieutenant Governor on the effort to strengthen early literacy in the state.  Mile High United Way CEO Christine Benero and a group of community leaders will accompany Lt. Gov. Garcia on the tour.   In addition, Serve Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver, The Pearson Foundation and Comcast are playing a prominent role in supporting the tour and working to advance literacy in the state.  Mile High United Way recently received a $3.6 million Social Innovation Fund grant to boost literacy advancement programs across the state and is inviting qualified groups to apply for shares of the Social Innovation Fund grant.

“Literacy and education are part of the core of Mile High United Way’s mission,” Benero said.  “The tour and subsequent follow-up the Lieutenant Governor is leading will add a completely new level of focus and dedication to ensuring that our children learn to read.”

The emphasis of the discussion will be on identifying and implementing programs that foster literacy from birth through age 8. Data from across the United States consistently show that literacy skills evolve from birth, and the intervention and education at the earliest stages of life are critical to literacy development.

“By engaging in this week-long dialogue, we will learn how communities foster early childhood literacy and what state leadership can do to support their efforts,” Garcia said.  “Governor Hickenlooper has proven that this kind of community engagement is the right way to build a movement of support toward a common goal.  I’m excited to get started.”

Community conversations tour itinerary (Oct. 17-21, 2011):

10-14-11 *USDA News* MyPlate Inspires Healthful Eating…Comments from USDA Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack

By Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

We know that a healthy nation starts with healthy people.  A good diet helps kids stay active and focused at school.  And staying healthy can increase your productivity on the job.

But sometimes families who want to make healthier eating choices are confused by conflicting messages, or don’t have time to do the research.

That’s why, earlier this year, I launched a new, easy to understand food icon, called MyPlate.  It’s a clear and simple visual showing what a healthy meal looks like on your plate.

And now, USDA is launching our first message to accompany MyPlate – “Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.”

Today, most Americans don’t consume the recommended amount or variety of these important foods. But by joining with partners – like grocery stores, schools and health professionals – to promote the simple MyPlate message, USDA wants to help raise a healthier generation by reminding kids and parents to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables.

And right now, you can help spread the word by entering a contest with cash prizes that we call the MyPlate Fruits and Veggies Video Challenge.  To enter, create a short, 30-second video showing how you build a healthy plate with fruits and veggies on a budget.  Share your tips, tricks, and how-tos to inspire fellow Americans to enjoy more fruits and vegetables.  Do you have a great recipe?  Do you grow your own in a garden?  Tell us about it.  We’re looking for easy, affordable and practical ideas.  For information on the challenge, go to MyPlate.gov.

And what’s more – our efforts to help folks choose healthier diets will pay dividends for American agriculture.  Sales of American-grown fruits and vegetables are worth more than $33 billion annually and support tens of thousands of jobs.

Recently, I went to California to meet with some of the folks growing those healthy foods.  I toured a facility that helps a family-owned farm ship more than 40,000 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables directly to consumers each month.  In the past year alone, this company has nearly doubled their workforce.

I know that across the country, farm operations of all sizes will benefit as Americans choose farm-grown produce and healthier lifestyles.  And by helping families grow strong by reminding them to ‘make half their plate fruits and vegetables,’ we can encourage healthy eating that is a win-win for the public and the American farmer.

10-14-11 *1867 Club Action Alert* Food Day is October 24th

There is an initiative taking place next month called “Food Day” that on the surface appears to promote healthy foods and lifestyles.  However, upon further review of the website, both the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Colorado Beef Council are concerned about the misinformation this site portrays with regard to Colorado’s farming and ranching families. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Colorado Beef Council fully agree that people need to be educated about where their food comes from, proper nutrition, and keeping children healthy. However, we prefer it to be done in an accurate, fact-based fashion; rather than being only a slightly-veiled agenda from those who oppose modern agriculture production.

As organizations that represent Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and the Colorado Beef Council created a two-part news release series that debunks the misleading and false points stated by the Food Day website (www.foodday.org). This information was sent to entities we do business with asking them to remove their support of this Food Day initiative, unless accurate information is portrayed about animal agriculture in their messaging versus the misinformation we are currently seeing.

We are sharing this information with you because we want to encourage you to support Colorado’s farming and ranching families by forwarding this email to your social and networking contacts. If you want to know more about proper nutrition and a balanced diet, please visitwww.ExploreBeef.org.

10-14-11 *The White House* Obama Administration Releases Creating Pathways to Opportunity Report Highlighting Work Done to Help Underserved Communities, Strengthen the Middle Class

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the White House released Creating Pathways to Opportunity, a report highlighting the work the Obama Administration has done to date to help Americans climb the ladder to the middle class and stay there.  The report outlines the critical investments this Administration has made to lift and keep millions of Americans out of poverty, provide critical support to families throughout the economic downturn, and invest in long-term reforms to grow the middle class.  It also outlines the direct impact that the American Jobs Act would have on underserved communities across the country.

“My administration has always been focused on helping more Americans – many of whom were struggling long before this recession hit – reach the middle class and stay there,” said President Obama. “To do that, we can’t just cut our way to prosperity.  We need to do everything we can to create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Americans.   And that’s why Congress needs to do the right thing and pass the American Jobs Act.”

View the full report, which includes success stories from around the country, HERE 

FACT SHEET: CREATING PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY

10-14-11 *US Forest Service News* New Forest Service program encourages growth of community forests and economies

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2011—The USDA Forest Service today published the implementation rules for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, which encourages the creation of community forests and fosters rural economies.

The publication of the rules in the Federal Register enables the Forest Service to proceed with the program. There is currently $1.5 million in funding available, with a request for $5 million more in the President’s 2012 budget. Grant administrators anticipate announcing a request for applications in approximately 60 days.

The intent of the Community Forest Program is to provide financial assistance grants to local governments, American Indian tribes and qualified nonprofit organizations to establish community forests. The program focuses on economic and environmental benefits, education, forest stewardship and recreation including hiking, hunting and fishing.

10-14-11 USDA Invests in America’s Specialty Crops with Research and Extension Activities in 19 States

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2011–Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan today announced 29 grants across 19 states to develop and share science-based tools to address the needs of America’s specialty crop industry. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding the grants, totaling $46 million, through its Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI).

“Over the last 60 years, agriculture, including horticulture, has become increasingly reliant on science and technology to maintain profitable production,” Merrigan said. “Specialty crop producers in the United States—as with all of American agriculture—are seeing sales surge both domestically and abroad as consumers search for high quality, ‘Grown in America’ fruits, vegetables and tree nuts. These projects will help provide specialty crop producers with the information and tools they need to successfully grow, process and market safe and high quality products, supporting jobs and opportunities for Americans working in specialty crops. From herbs to apples, from walnuts to grapes, specialty crops are central to the richness of American agriculture.”

SCRI supports the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address the needs of specific crops. Specialty crops are defined in law as “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.” Funded projects address five focus areas: 1) improve crop characteristics through plant breeding, genetics and genomics; 2) address threats from pests and diseases; 3) improve production efficiency, productivity and profitability; 4) develop new innovations and technologies and 5) develop methods to improve food safety.

10-14-11 *CDA – CSF News* Two Goats Disqualified from Junior Livestock Sale

Aug 25th thru Labor Day in Pueblo, CO

PUEBLO, Colo. – Two goats have been disqualified from the Colorado State Fair Junior Livestock Sale after testing confirmed the presence of ractopamine.  The Food and Drug Administration has not approved ractopamine for use in goats, which means that no level of concentration is acceptable in the urine of the species.

Therefore, the Grand Champion (not the Reserve Grand Champion) goat and another goat selected for the Junior Livestock Sale have been disqualified, and the funds from the Junior Livestock Sale, totaling nearly $7,000, have been forfeited.  The Grand Champion goat belonged to Margaret Weinroth of Sedalia.  The random goat was entered by a minor, whose legal guardian, Susan Weinroth, signed the competition forms with her minor child.  Until further notice, both competitors are also barred from participating in future livestock events at the Colorado State Fair.

“The Junior Livestock Sale Participation Requirements were developed to prevent tampering such as this to animals shown at the Fair,” said General Manager, Chris Wiseman.  “It is important to note that this is the first positive test in years, which is a testament to the honesty of  people involved in this event.”

This decision follows the disqualification of the Reserve Grand Champion hog during the Fair after questions arose concerning the ownership of the animal.

For more on the Colorado State Fair, visit www.coloradostatefair.com.

10-14-11 *WDA News* Western Dairy Association’s Letter on Food Day…

 Please take time to read the attached letter that was written by Cindy Haren, CEO of Western Dairy Association and Brad Pickert, Sr., Chairman of Western Dairy Association, regarding Food Day.

To preface the letter, this was written to Dr. Chris Urbina, Executive Director, Chief Medical Officer regarding World Food Day.

CLICK HERE

10-14-11 Hesston by Massey Ferguson Returns to Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with Newly Announced PRCA Sponsorship

Program includes Wrangler NFR tickets; chance to win a trip for four to the WNFR,  plus free quality-hay accessories with baler purchase

CLICK HERE for image. Purchase Hesston by Massey Ferguson hay equipment like this WR Series windrower before Oct. 31, 2011, for a chance to win a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

DULUTH, Ga. (Oct. 14, 2011) — Hesston^® by Massey Ferguson^® is going back to its roots by sponsoring theWrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in 2011 and plans to continue this sponsorship in the years to come. Hesston was a long-time supporter of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Wrangler NFR, beginning in 1974. Now Hesston by Massey Ferguson is carrying on the tradition by becoming the official farm equipment company of the PRCA with high visibility during the PRCA-sanctioned WNFR.

“We are proud to again be an official sponsor of this exciting event,” says Todd Stucke, director of hay and harvesting for Hesston by Massey Ferguson. “Just as rodeo and hay production have a shared heritage in the West, Hesston’s sponsorship of the WNFR is an important part of our heritage that we wish to continue.”

The WNFR, held in Las Vegas from Dec. 1–10, is sanctioned by the PRCA, the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world and the recognized leader in professional rodeo.

Win a trip to the WNFR 

Hesston by Massey Ferguson is celebrating its newly reinstated sponsorship of Pro Rodeo by offering hay producers a chance to win an expenses-paid trip for four to attend the WNFR. Winners will thrill to the action from coveted Gold Buckle seats (retail value $250 each) during the exciting final night.

Those who purchase Hesston by Massey Ferguson hay equipment before Oct. 31, 2011, will be entered into a drawing, with the lucky winner to be drawn on Nov. 5. Official rules can be found atwww.masseyferguson.com/rodeo. Tickets to other performances also will be available for the 20 top-performing dealers and their customers.

To qualify for the drawing, buyers can choose from the full line of hay equipment available under the Hesston by Massey Ferguson brand, including the new WR9700 Series self-propelled windrowers. The WR Series includes many industry firsts, such as the easy-to-use C1000 monitor that controls nearly every aspect of the windrower, providing exceptional operating precision and efficiency.

Free accessories ensure there’s no better time to buy a baler

10-14-11 *USDA/NASS News* WHEAT OUTLOOK: Projected 2011/12 Ending Stocks Are Raised

Projected U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2011/12 are raised 76 million bushels as lower expected domestic use and exports more than offset reduced production. Production is down 69 million bushels, mostly reflecting lower spring wheat output as estimated in the September 30

National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Small Grains report. With tighter domestic supplies and an increase in production in Canada, U.S. imports are raised 10 million bushels, 5 million bushels each for durum and hard red spring (HRS) wheat. Domestic use is lowered 84 million bushels, with seed use reduced 4 million bushels on lower planted area and feed and residual use projected 80 million bushels lower on 1st quarter feed and residual use.

All wheat food use for 2011/12 is unchanged; however, food use is lowered 15 million bushels for HRS wheat and raised an offsetting amount for hard red winter (HRW) wheat. U.S. exports for 2011/12 are projected 50 million bushels lower with HRS reduced 40 million and HRW reduced 10 million. The season-average price received by producers is projected at $7.10 to $7.90 per bushel compared with $7.35 to $8.35 last month. The higher 2011/12 wheat carryout projection and lower corn prices are both expected to limit seasonal price increases. Increased foreign production is forecast for 2011/12, as well as larger beginning stocks, boosting world wheat supplies sharply this month. With projected use down, ending stocks are projected at a 10-year high. Global wheat trade is projected higher, while U.S. wheat export prospects continue to decline. Wheat exports are projected to rise for Australia, Russia, Canada, and Kazakhstan