10-18-11 Bushner receives Washington D. C. Internship Award from Colorado Corn Growers Association

October 18, 2011 - Greeley, Colorado —The Colorado Corn Growers Association announces Dakin Bushner of Yuma, Colorado as the recipient of the 2012 Public Policy Internship Program and stipend. The program is designed to give the participant an opportunity to learn about and be involved in the legislative process by experiencing it firsthand.

Dakin will spend his spring semester in D.C. under the direction of the National Corn Growers Association’s staff. His involvement in the program will enhance his knowledge of bills and policies important to agriculture, the importance of grower membership lobbying efforts, agricultural industry relationships, and the process of policy development. He will also have the opportunity to experience Capitol Hill lobbying, as well as interact with NCGA leadership.

Bushner is currently a junior at Colorado State University and is majoring in Agricultural Business. He plans to pursue a law degree and hopes to one day practice water law, or work with policy makers within agriculture. Dakin is the son of Trent and Vicki Bushner, and the fifth generation farmer on their 4,000 acre family farm where they raise corn, wheat, and sugar beets.

For more information about the Colorado Corn Growers Association, please call 970.351.8201 or visit www.coloradocorn.com.

10-18-11 National FFA Secretary Landon Schaffert Looks Back and Looks Ahead…

2010-11 National FFA Secretary Landan Schaffert

CLICK HERE to watch on RFD-TV or OnLine on iHigh.com

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) National FFA Secretary Landan Schaffert takes a look at his past year in office and a look ahead @ the 84th National FFA Convention which runs October 19th – 22nd in Indianapolis, IN…

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Learn more about National FFA Secretary Landan Schaffert – CLICK HERE

Congratulations to the American Degree Receipients  CLICK HERE 

 Proficiency Award Winners are from Colorado & the US – CLICK HERE 

National FFA Chapter Award Finalists Are – CLICK HERE

2011 National Chapter Award Models Of Innovation & Outstanding Middle School Finalists – CLICK HERE

To learn more about the National FFA – CLICK HERE

To leasrn more about Connect FFA – CLICK HERE

10-18-11 US Wheat Associates Brings Chinese Wheat Buyers to the United States

A team of executives from Guangzhou Huaren Grain Trading Co., Ltd., in the People’s Republic of China will visit the United States Oct. 19 to 28, 2011, to gain an understanding of the U.S. wheat handling and export system. The team is sponsored by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and will meet with the Oregon Wheat Commission, the Wheat Marketing Center, theWashington Grain Commission, the Nebraska Wheat Board, the Chicago Board of Trade and U.S. grain trading companies during its visit.

“This organization holds import/export rights for cereal and feed grains,” said USW People’s Republic of China/Hong Kong Regional Vice President Matt Weimer, who will lead the team. “It is a purchasing agent for several Chinese flour millers that currently need imported, high-quality wheat to blend with domestic wheat to help meet increasing demand for more premium wheat food products.” 

Weimar said to continue positioning U.S. wheat as the most valuable choice to meet that need, the team’s visit will help demonstrate U.S. wheat crop quality and how the U.S. wheat supply system works to ensure specifications are met. 

10-18-11 *CSU – CO 4H News* Timnath, CO Resident Raleigh Brooks Inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame

FORT COLLINS - Raleigh Brooks of Timnath, Colo., was recently inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. Honored by the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), he was one of 15 people inducted during the ceremony held earlier this month at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md.

Brooks has been actively involved with youth and agriculture in Colorado since his academic days at Colorado State University. He graduated from CSU in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry. Brooks later returned to CSU for coursework on artificial insemination to use on the ranch for herd improvement. He managed an 18,000 acre ranch/irrigated farm with 500 Black Angus cattle, raising his own feed and operating his own feed lot. Brooks showed many of these cattle at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, one of the largest stock shows in the nation.

In 1956, Brooks became the agricultural and 4-H agent in Pueblo County, a position he held until 1961, when he was asked to serve as assistant state 4-H leader on campus. This required a move to Fort Collins and later to the nearby rural community of Timnath where he still lives today. Brooks earned a master of science in Education in 1968, with his thesis titled, “Learning Climate For 4-H.” He was appointed State 4-H Leader in 1980 and served in that position until his retirement in 1988.

“The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) is proud to acknowledge the outstanding 2011 National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees for the passion, dedication, vision and leadership they’ve shown toward our young people during their many years of service to 4-H,” said Lori Purcell-Bledsoe, president of NAE4-HA.

NACD 2012 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, NV Jan 29-Feb 1…GET REGISTERED TODAY!

GET REGISTERED TODAY - Click Here for more information

NACD’s 2012 Annual Meeting will be held at the beautiful Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 29 – February 1.

Based on theme, “Conservation: We’re All In!” the 66th Annual Meeting will showcase a variety of partners in conservation and projects on the ground, demonstrating that we can do more for conservation when we all work together. The conference will offer a wide range of informative sessions and networking opportunities, in addition to a Conservation Expo showcasing the latest products and technologies in conservation from partners across the country.

The NACD Board of Directors will meet before and during the conference, setting association policy. Individuals and districts also will receive national recognition at the conference for their outstanding efforts in their respective communities. Information about national award winners can be found on theAwards page.

Over the course of the meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to attend partner meetings, visit with NACD’s Conservation Expo exhibitors, participate in another record-setting Live Auction and see Nevada’s natural resource challenges through great conservation-focused tours. Be sure to keep checking back. Additional resources will be added as they become available.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, one of the newest locations on the strip, offers a fun and unique setting for this premier event. Because NACD contracted this hotel prior to its opening, it is an especially good bargain this year. We hope to see you in Vegas!

10-18-11 US Representative Gardner (R-CO) Swings Through Southeast Colorado to Talk Jobs & Post Office Closures

COLORADO – Rep. Cory Gardner made a swing through southeast Colorado this week to meet with constituents inBaca, Bent, Otero, Crowley, Kiowa, Cheyenne and Powers Counties.

“I’d like to thank everyone that was able to make it out to our town hall meetings. We had some great conversations about jobs, federal regulations and post office closures,” Gardner said.

At Gardner’s town hall meetings, he shared the work he has been doing to promote job creation. In June, Gardner passed the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act, a bill that would streamline drilling permits off the Alaskan coast and create 54,000 jobs. Gardner also started a One More Job Initiative, which seeks advice from employers across the 4th Congressional District on what it would take for them to hire an additional person.

10-18-11 CCA Welcomes EPA Decision to Retain Current Dust Standard

ARVADA, Colo. October 18, 2011 – The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) views the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to retain current dust standards as a huge victory for agriculture. Numerous agriculture organizations have been working persistently to combat this proposed dust regulation for several years.

“This is great news for farmers and ranchers everywhere. Had this regulation passed, many farmers and ranchers would have been forced into nonattainment, resulting in massive fines that could have put those farmers and ranchers out of business,” said David Mendenhall, CCA’s president. “Even with this victory we still must be diligent to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again. This is why we are in support of the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act.”

CCA will continue to work with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and other agriculture organizations to ensure farmers and ranchers aren’t burdened with more government regulations.

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is the state’s only nonprofit trade organization exclusively representing Colorado’s cattle producers.  Founded in 1867, CCA is the nation’s oldest state cattlemen’s association.

10-18-11 Colorado Governor Hickenlooper announces several Board and Commission appointments

DENVER ­— Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced appointments to several Boards and Commissions. The appointments were made to the Cherry Creek Basin Authority, the Colorado Health Facilities Authority, the Colorado Conservation Easement Oversight Authority and the Fire and Police Pension Association Board of Directors.

The Cherry Creek Basin Authority works to develop and implement plans for water quality controls for the reservoir and surrounding waters to achieve and maintain water quality standards. The Authority shall submit a plan within two years to the Water Quality Control Commission to make Cherry Creek Reservoir meet state water quality standards. The members appointed for terms expiring Aug. 1, 2015:

·      Roger Kilgore of Denver, to serve as a member with background and professional training in water quality issues.

·      Michael R. Dannecker, to serve as a sportsperson or representative of a recreational organization with members who use the reservoir.

·      Myrna Poticha of Denver, to serve as a citizen or representative of an environmental organization interested in preserving water quality with members who use the reservoir or live within Cherry Creek Basin.

The Colorado Health Facilities Authority enables health institutions in the state to refund or refinance outstanding indebtedness and to provide additional facilities and structures which are needed to promote the health and welfare of the people of the state. The appointments must be confirmed by the Colorado Senate. The members appointed:

10-18-11 *CFB News* Statement by CFB President Don Shawcroft on EPA Decision to Abandon Changes to Dust Regulations

Colorado Farm Bureau President Don Shawcroft

Denver, CO, October 18, 2011 – “Colorado Farm Bureau, the state’s largest organization of farmers and ranchers, would like to thank EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] Administrator Lisa Jackson for her common sense decision to retain the current standards for dust regulation under the Clean Air Act. By announcing her decision after more than a year of dithering, agricultural producers and rural municipalities can breathe easy knowing that they will not be held to a standard for air quality that they can never meet.

“No one likes to be regulated over something they cannot control. The proposed dust standards would have insured that thousands of farmers and ranchers, as well as rural communities, would have been targeted by the EPA for non-compliance. Farmers and ranchers across the country have been vocal in their opposition to the EPA’s proposal and can celebrate the victory of common sense over needless regulation.

10-18-11 *NAWG Monthly* A Closer Look @ the Three FTA’s Congress Passed and What’s Next…with NAWG’s Ben Bell

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) In to discuss the now passed Free Trade Agreements between the United States and Panama, Columbia & South Korea…and what happens next is Ben Bell National Association of Wheat Growers Director of Government Affairs for Farm Policy…

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To learn more about NAWG’s Ben Bell…look below

10-18-11 USCA Wraps-Up Fourth Successful Fly-In to Washington, D.C. of 2011

October 18, 2011 (USCA) – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) held its fourth Washington, D.C. fly-in of 2011 last week with an 18-member delegation from across the Midwest participating in a diverse array of events and meetings during three days in the nation’s capital. USCA members represented five states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Texas and Indiana.

The delegation spent their time working with Congressional members and staff on a multitude of key issues currently under consideration by Congress and the Obama Administration. The 18-member team comprising USCA’s fly-in ranged in diversity from young producers still establishing their operations to ranchers from Texas currently undergoing the most extreme drought conditions in the region in decades.  The array of personal anecdotes and regional perspectives allowed for meaningful and substantial conversations throughout the week.

While in Washington, D.C., USCA members participated in a joint effort led by a number of national organizations that focuses on supporting efforts to increase broadband internet access throughout rural America.  The delegation related personal stories about how their businesses have been hampered by the lack of reliable or competitive wireless options.  USCA member Chuck Kiker noted his experience with internet in his home state of Texas saying, “Ranchers run their business from a multitude of locations that include their truck, on their horse and in the pasture.  If we aren’t able to receive real-time information on market price fluctuations or policy changes in D.C. we aren’t able to market our products competitively against those producers who have real-time access to auction yards and market reporting websites. Our members were in D.C. at another pivotal time in the legislative calendar; in addition to rural broadband access the delegation focused on the pending free trade agreements, conservation and livestock policies within the upcoming Farm Bill as well as a recently introduced legislative bill targeting increased agricultural research opportunities through expansion of the tax code.”

10-18-11 US Senator Bennet (D-CO) Accepting Applications for Internships in Washington and Colorado Offices

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is accepting internship applications from undergraduate students and recent graduates for his Washington and Colorado offices. In addition to his Washington office, internships are available year round in the following Colorado locations: Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Washington Interns attend hearings and briefings, research legislative issues, meet with Congressional officials and staff, conduct U.S. Capitol tours and draft correspondence.

Colorado Interns assist Constituent Advocates as they meet with and assist Coloradans who need help navigating the federal government, represent Senator Bennet at local meetings and events, research legislative issues and draft correspondence.

“Interns are an integral part of my office, providing important support to me and my staff as we work to serve Coloradans,” said Bennet. “Our Colorado and Washington internship programs provide great opportunities for young Coloradans to learn more about how government works and the significant issues facing Coloradans and all Americans and to gain hands-on experience serving their communities. An internship in one of my offices provides a good foundation of experience for any young person who will soon enter the job market, especially those who might be interested in a career in public service. I encourage anyone who is interested in helping me fix a broken Washington to apply.”

Internships are available on either a full-time or part-time basis. This is an unpaid position.

10-18-11 *USDA-NASS News*…Learn More About Colorado’s Field Office & Director Bill Meyer

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website

Bill Meyer, USDA-NASS CO Field Office Director

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) The United State Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service has 46 state Field Offices and there is one in Lakewood, CO. Joining me by telephone to discuss the role his office plays in providing information about Colorado’s crops & livestock industries is Bill Meyer, Director of Colorado’s Field Office for the USDA’s NASS…

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Check out this week’s Crop Progress Report from the Colorado Field Office of the USDA’s NASS in Lakewood, CO – CLICK HERE

10-18-11 Colorado Awards Export Development Grants to 26 Small Businesses

DENVER ­— Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 — The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today it has selected 26 small businesses from throughout the state to receive Colorado Export Development Grants (CEDG).

With the help of the grant funding and supplementary export counseling provided by the OEDIT staff, grant recipients will be able to expand their product and service exports to new global markets. During the three years it has been offered, the CEDG has helped Colorado companies sustain and expand their businesses through exporting. The CEDG is funded in part this year through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration and awarded a total of $52,750.

To qualify for the CEDG, applicants were required to demonstrate their readiness to export, present a clear and attainable project aimed at achieving sales in a new market, and show how the use of funds would ultimately lead to the retention and/or creation of jobs in Colorado. A record number of companies applied for the grants this year from a variety of industries and locations.

The following companies were selected as grant recipients:

10-18-11 *The White House* FRIDAY: President Obama to Sign Korea, Panama, Colombia Free Trade Agreements and Trade Adjustment Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, October 21^st, President Obama will sign the Korea, Panama and Colombia Free Trade Agreements and the renewal of Trade Adjustment Assistance for workers in the Oval Office before making remarks in the Rose Garden.  In his remarks, President Obama will underscore that these trade agreements will significantly boost American exports, support tens of thousands of American jobs and protect labor rights, the environment and intellectual property.  President Obama will be joined in the Rose Garden by business and labor leaders as well as workers who will benefit from these bills.

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