10-25-11 Center for Rural Affairs applauds Beginning Farmer and Rancher Bill

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act introduced Today

Lyons, NE - The Center for Rural Affairs praised the introduction today of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011, a cross-cutting initiative aimed at helping the next generation of farmers and ranchers enter into agriculture and take advantage of emerging markets.  The bill is sponsored by Representative Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Representative Tim Walz (D-MN). Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and other members of the Senate Agriculture Committee will introduce a companion bill in the Senate when next in session.

“This legislation is smart, cost-effective public policy that will create jobs and invest in the future of rural America,” said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director for Rural Policy of the Center for Rural Affairs. “It addresses obstacles that often prevent beginning farmers and ranchers from getting their operation started.”

“As the average age of the American farmer continues to increase, it is critical for the well-being of rural America that young people engage in farming and agricultural entrepreneurship. This legislation provides common-sense incentives to young farmers and ranchers, helping overcome the initial challenges facing those who wish to establish their careers in agriculture and raise families on the farm,” said Representative Jeff Fortenberry who represents Nebraska’s first Congressional district and is a co-sponsor of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act.

The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act contains several key elements, including:

10-25-11 NCBA Stays Firm on Farm Dust

— NCBA Past President Testifies to Stop EPA from Regulating Dust Permanently

WASHINGTON (Oct. 25, 2011) – Although rumors are circulating that refer to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to regulate farm dust as a myth, a hearing hosted by Chairman Ed Whitfield (R-KY) of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power cleared up what many call profound misconceptions. Testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was Steve Foglesong, immediate past president of the organization and a rancher from Astoria, Ill. Foglesong said ranchers are pleased EPA has decided not to propose to lower the standard for coarse particulate matter (dust) this year but the issue is far from resolved.

He said EPA does not have a consistent track record of doing what it proposes. In fact, in 1996 EPA proposed to remove the dust standard altogether, only to bring it back in the final rule. In 2006, EPA proposed to exempt farm dust. That exemption also disappeared in the final rule. Foglesong said even if EPA retains the current dust standard, the opportunity remains for the agency to tighten it in the future. Unless Congress passes the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, he said that threat remains. Chairman Whitfield said family farmers and ranchers need flexible, science-based regulations, rather than an EPA guessing game.

“EPA’s unprecedented wave of stringent and inflexible regulations pose a serious threat to the economy,” said Whitfield. “Now, this overly aggressive EPA has discussed focusing their efforts on family farms under the guise of revising the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter.  With record high unemployment and deficits, it is beyond understanding as to why EPA would even think about regulating farm dust.”

10-25-11 *Growth Energy News* USDA: Ethanol Creates both Feed and Fuel

  October 25, 2011 - Washington, D.C. – Nearly 40 percent of the corn used for ethanol goes directly back into the feed supply as a high-protein animal feed, according to a recently released report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. Growth Energy, the nation’s leading voice for ethanol, noted that the feed from ethanol production saves money for animal producers because it averages 25 percent cheaper than corn used as feed and can displace a greater amount of corn because of its nutritional value.

According to the report, “Findings demonstrate that, in aggregate (including major types of livestock/poultry), a metric ton of DDGS can replace, on average, 1.22 metric tons of feed consisting of corn and soybean meal in the United States.” You can read the full ERS report here.

“This report reiterates what we have been saying for years: ethanol produces both fuel and food, in the form of high protein animal feed known as distillers grains. The data proves that food-versus-fuel is a myth. This valuable feed displaces a greater volume of field corn and soybeans, is less expensive to the producer and is much more nutritious for the animal,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.

“Distillers grains are not just a byproduct, they are a co-product. This report should persuade our critics to stop scapegoating ethanol and take a hard look at the true value of our product as a competitive fuel and feed source.”

10-25-11 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding To Create Jobs in Rural Communities in 26 States…$225k for RMFU in CO, NM & WY

WASHINGTON, October 26, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 36 organizations in 26 states and the District of Columbia for grants to help rural cooperatives and small businesses expand, create jobs and strengthen their capacity to serve rural citizens and communities.

“These grants help cooperatives support local projects and initiatives that create jobs and improve rural economic conditions,” Vilsack said. “As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, USDA is proud to continue its support of local and regional efforts to bolster these cooperatives and help them bring increased value and economic opportunity to rural residents.”

 The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program. Under this program, grants of up to $225,000 may be awarded to colleges, universities and non-profit groups to create and operate centers that help individuals or groups establish, expand or operate rural businesses, especially cooperatives and mutually-owned businesses. Grants may be used to conduct feasibility studies, create and implement business plans, and help businesses develop new markets for their products and services. Rural Housing Service Administrator Tammye Treviño announced the recipients on behalf of Secretary Vilsack.

In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation was awarded a $225,000 grant to fund activities that focus on improving economic opportunities of rural communities in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. The grant will help with the development of the Rocky Mountain Center-to-Center and other organizational cooperation needed to facilitate renewable energy cooperatives, provide outreach, education, and technical assistance.  It will also improve capacity and sustainability of the Rocky Mountain Center.

“Cooperatives play a vital role and are a key source of jobs as our nation strives to reduce high levels of unemployment by providing good jobs for tens of thousands of people in the farm sector alone. This partnership with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and our RCDG program will help create opportunities and jobs for rural Colorado,” said Jim Isgar, Colorado Rural Development State Director

10-25-11 *CO Corn Monthly* CEO Sponsler Discusses Corn Harvest – “Lend A Hand” Program – EPA Dust Regulations & MORE

CLICK HERE to visit the BARN's CO Corn Monthly Webpage for ARCHIVED EDITIONS

Mark Sponsler, CEO Colorado Corn...To learn more about Colorado Corn - CLICK HERE

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Mark Sponsler, Chief Executive Officer with Colorado Corn within his monthly BARN interview discussed several topics pertinent to Colorado’s Corn Farmers, including:

*2011 Colorado Corn Harvest UPDATE
*CO Corn / Salvation Army “Lend-A-Hand” Grain Donation Program going on NOW thru Thanksgiving – UPDATE
*NCGA internship program in Washington DC  Congratulations Dakin Bushner o Yuma – CLICK HERE to read the NCGA’s Press Releaase
*EPA Particulate Matter Letter on “Dust Regulations” – READ THE LETTER from EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to US Senator Amy Klobuchar
*2011 Ag Water Summit Dec 1 in Loveland, CO
*Colorado Ag Classic Dec 7-8 in Loveland, CO

TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW, CLICK THE MP3 AUDIO LINK…102511_CoCornMonthly_MarkSponsler_15m27s

10-24-11 *CO 1A 6Man Football* Briggsdale over Prairie…NON-LEAGUE..WATCH IT AGAIN on iHigh.com!

FINAL SCORE

Prairie 36

Briggsdale 39

CLICK HERE to view TONIGHT'S GAME or the archived games of the Briggsdale Falcons Football Team & their opponents from week to week.

10-24-11 *USDA News* Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill

–Remarks As Delivered–

ANKENY, Iowa, Oct. 24, 2011 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke at the John Deere Des Moines Works on USDA priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill. Below are the Secretary’s remarks as delivered:

“I appreciate the opportunity to be here at John Deere to talk about a subject which I think is a very, very important; and that is about the priorities for the upcoming legislation, often called the Farm Bill.

“Now, this legislation and the bills that Congress will pass is really about keeping pace with the changing needs of agriculture and the challenges which face rural America. It’s about providing an adequate food supply for our nation and the world. And the choices that these lawmakers will make will help shape agricultural, food, and rural development policy and will help determine what our farms and our rural communities look like.

“It’s also going to determine where our energy supply comes from and if we all eat. So we need to think bigger than the words “Farm Bill” suggest. After all, for decades this bill has been about a whole lot more than just farming. It’s been about energy, it’s been about nutrition, it’s been about jobs. Now, some may keep calling it the Farm Bill out of convenience, or maybe even out of tradition; but I think we’re doing it a disservice.

“If we want this legislation to have the support of the other 98 percent of Americans who don’t farm, we’ve got to remind those Americans why this legislation matters to them and to their families.

“Now, first of all, I want to acknowledge that there are considerable external pressures that will affect this effort. Fiscal and political realities about the size of our debt and the deficit have inspired a very tight budget environment.

10-24-11 USDA Announces Disaster Assistance Sign up for 2010 Crop Losses

Denver, Colorado, October 24, 2011—Trudy Kareus, State Executive Director of the Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA), today announced that the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program enrollment for 2010 crop year losses begins November 14, 2011.

“Producers across the state experienced several natural disasters during the 2010 crop year that caused hardship and financial losses to many agricultural operations,” said SED, Kareus. “The SURE program provides assistance to producers when disaster strikes, so I strongly encourage producers with 2010 crop losses to contact their local County FSA office to learn more about the program,” she said.

To qualify for a SURE payment, the producer’s operation must be located in a county that was declared a disaster for 2010 and have at least a 10 percent production loss that affects one crop of economic significance. Producers with agricultural operations located outside a disaster county are eligible for SURE benefits if they had a production loss greater or equal to 50 percent of the normal production on the farm.

The following counties received a disaster designation during 2010:  Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Crowley, Custer, Delta, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Gunnison, Jackson, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Las Animas, Logan, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Otero, Ouray, Park, Phillips, Pitkin, Prowers, Pueblo, Routt, Saguache, San Miguel, Sedgwick, Teller, Washington, Weld and Yuma.

To meet program eligibility requirements, producers must have obtained a policy or plan of insurance for all insurable crops through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and obtained Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on non-insurable crops, if available, from FSA. Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of a socially disadvantaged, limited resource or beginning farmer or rancher do not have to meet this requirement. Forage crops intended for grazing are not eligible for SURE benefits.

For more information on SURE program eligibility requirements contact your local County FSA office or visit the website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/sure.

10-24-11 *CAWG Recipe* Fall is here along with National Pasta Month!

October 24, 2011, Fort Collins, Colo. – Fall is a time of the year when everyone loves to have a warm dish that is easy to prepare, which is why October is such a great time to celebrate National Pasta Month. This month we bring you an easy-to-prepare pasta dish called Green Garden Penne Pasta.  This dish will warm you up on those chilly fall evenings and will be something the whole family can enjoy. Additionally, Green Garden Penne Pasta will also add 2 servings of whole grains to your day. The Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee and Wheat Foods Council remind you to try and make at least half of your grains whole! Whole wheat pasta is the perfect way to help you reach this goal, with this delicious dish to celebrate National Pasta Month! For additional recipes, please visit www.wheatfoods.org.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 cup fat free, low sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound fresh spinach, stemmed and coarsely chopped
• Salt and pepper (to taste, if desired)
• 1 pound whole wheat penne rigate
• 2 cups Broccolini or broccoli, separated into florets
• 2 cups bell peppers , sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

10-24-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper Releases Updated Economic Development Plan

DENVER ­— Monday, Oct. 24, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today released an updated version of the statewide economic development plan created earlier this year to spur Colorado’s economy, help businesses grow and attract new jobs to the state.

“Colorado is already seeing the benefits of taking a bottom-up, collaborative approach to economic development,” Hickenlooper said. “Earlier this month Arrow Electronics announced it will locate its global headquarters in Colorado and GE committed to building the largest solar manufacturing facility in the country here. We want to thank the thousands of Coloradans who continue to contribute to the bottom-up economic development plan. We know that through a comprehensive and collaborative approach to economic development our state will reap the benefits of new jobs and a strong recovery.”

“The Colorado Blueprint: A bottom-up approach to economic development” was released for public comment at the end of the summer after an unprecedented effort that engaged every county in Colorado on how best to improve the state’s economy.

The newest version of the plan includes more explicit details, clarified leadership roles and accountability, tighter timelines and more specific measureable outcomes on the 24 tactics outlined in the document. One notable change is the identification of a three-dimensional strategy which will align resources and strategies on a state, regional and industry cluster level. Specifically, changes include:

·         Increased engagement of the business and economic development communities to develop a comprehensive statewide industry cluster strategy in the next three months, rather than the next nine months (Section II.C.)

·         Increased focus on local and regional infrastructure development that aligns with regional economic development priorities (Section II.D.)

·         A structure for engaging industry partners in promoting the Colorado brand through the International Trade and Tourism Ambassador Program (Section IV.C.)

“The revised plan improves our comprehensive statewide economic development strategy,” said Ken Lund, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. “The plan coordinates state government resources, facilitates more robust regional strategic plans and creates industry cluster workgroups to better focus efforts on growing jobs in Colorado. We will continue to proactively engage individuals and businesses to grow the economy across the state.”

The Colorado Blueprint maintains its focus on six core objectives:

10-24-11 CME Group Congratulates New CFTC Commissioner Wetjen

CHICAGO, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — CME Group, the world’s leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, today released the following statement on the confirmation of Mark P. Wetjen to serve as a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) commissioner:

“We congratulate Mr. Wetjen on his appointment to CFTC commissioner. Mr. Wetjen’s depth of experience and knowledge make him well qualified to serve the Commission. We look forward to working with Mr. Wetjen at this critical time for the U.S. futures and options markets to ensure they remain at the forefront of our industry and continue to provide low transaction costs for market users, superior technology solutions, leading customer protection programs, and safety and soundness in the clearing and settlement of transactions. We further anticipate working with Mr. Wetjen to ensure the Commission’s work to implement Dodd-Frank promotes the safety and soundness of U.S. financial markets, as well as their ability to compete in the global marketplace.

We also commend Commissioner Michael Dunn for his leadership, both as acting chairman of the Commission in 2009, and as the chairman of the CFTC’s Agricultural Advisory Committee. Throughout his tenure at the CFTC, Commissioner Dunn has worked closely with the industry, providing measured and balanced leadership on complex regulatory measures impacting the U.S. futures and options markets.”

12-23-11 *Tigges Farm News* Pumpkins for Cattle Feed…University of Nebraska

Although pumpkins are mainly grown in the area for either human consumption or for holiday fun and decorative purposes, they are highly digestible with low to moderate protein content and can be included in beef cattle diets according to the University of Nebraska in their Fact Sheet on “Feed Value of Alternative Crops for Beef Cattle.”

Some producers graze pumpkin fields in conjunction with cornstalk fields.  When analyzing the nutritive value of pumpkins, the University of Nebraska found the dry matter (DM) digestibility and crude protein to be high  (61-71% and 14.3% DM, respectively) and fiber to be moderate (25-38% DM).   Carving pumpkins tended to be lower in dry matter and acid detergent fiber, and have greater digestibility than pie pumpkins.  The crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were similar for both types of pumpkins.  These data suggest pumpkins are a good source of energy and adequate in protein for beef cattle.

Residents in Weld County have also used pumpkins for feed for goats and donkeys.   

Tigges Farm, located at 12404 WCR 64.5, Greeley, CO will have pumpkins available for livestock feed November 1-7 only.   Call 970-576-8970 (Kathy) for more information, cost per pickup load and directions to the farm.

10-22-11 Wisconsin student named FFA Star in Agriscience

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – As a freshman in high school, Keith Bollinger, from Buffalo City, Wis., enrolled in a natural resources class. It was a prudent decision, as Bollinger today is a wildlife ecology major at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also volunteers and is employed with two government services helping to restore Wisconsin prairies and control invasive plants. These decisions have now won him top honors.

The National FFA Organization has named the 21-year-old the 2011 American Star in Agriscience, one of the organization’s highest honors. He competed with three other finalists at the 84th National FFA Convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis.

Each year at convention, 16 national finalists — four in each category — vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their supervised agricultural experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements.

Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who ultimately named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners-up also received plaques and $2,000 each.

10-22-11 California student named FFA National Agriscience Student of the Year

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – Mary Steves of Escalon, Calif., a senior at Escalon High School in Escalon and member of the Escalon FFA Chapter, conducted research comparing the immune responses of Barbados Blackbelly hair sheep and Suffolk crossbred sheep to gastrointestinal nematodes. Her study concluded that hair sheep produce a greater immune response. Now this research has also won her top honors.

Steves was named Agriscience Student of the Year Friday at the 84^th National FFA Convention during an onstage ceremony and was presented with a scholarship.

“Knowing there is a difference in resistance, future studies may include performing the same research on offspring from a cross of hair sheep with typical wool-type sheep breeds European in origin, such as the Suffolk, which would hopefully generate data that might be useful for sheep producers looking to increase parasite resistance and decrease losses from parasite infections by a more practical and more economical means through crossbreeding,” she said.

Steves is currently serving as the 2011-12 California Association FFA state secretary and after high school plans to attend California State University at Chico and major in animal science. She is the daughter of Lisa and Rob Steves, and her FFA advisors are Jennifer Terpstra, Stacy Ingalls and Bruce Campbell.

10-22-11 FFA names Kentucky student national Star in Agribusiness

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – Farming has always played a role in Alexander Meredith’s life. A resident of Glendale, Ky., his interest in horticulture began at an early age, and as a young entrepreneur he began delving into horticulture sales. His initiative has now won him top honors.

The 21-year old, a graduate of Central Hardin High School in Cecilia, Ky., and member of the Central Hardin FFA chapter, competed against three other finalists to win the honor of being named Star in Agribusiness at the 84th National FFA Convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis.

Each year at convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards – the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. Four finalists compete in each category. The Star awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies, demonstrated high management skills, earned an American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment – and met a host of other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements.

Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges that ultimately named the winner of each Star award. Winners were revealed during the eighth general session of the national FFA convention on Saturday, Oct. 22, where  they received recognition and an educational award of $4,000. Runners-up received $2,000 each.

10-22-11 North Dakota student receives Star Farmer award at 2011 National FFA Convention

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – What began as a two-acre onion crop in 2005 has since expanded to a 640-acre diversified crop farm for Cole Vculek. It could be just the beginning, as he hopes to farm up to 5,000 acres by the time he turns 30. This entrepreneurial spirit has now earned the 21-year-old Crete, N.D., resident the title of 2011 American Star Farmer from the National FFA Organization. American Star Farmer is one of the organization’s highest honors. He competed with three other finalists at the 84th National FFA Convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis.

Each year at the national FFA convention, 16 national finalists — four in each category — vie for the organization’s top awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. These awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their supervised agricultural experience (SAE); demonstrated outstanding management skills; earned the American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment; and met other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements. Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges, who ultimately named the top candidate in each area. The winner was announced in an onstage convention ceremony and received a plaque and an award of $4,000. The runners-up also received plaques and $2,000 each.

10-22-11 SIX elected National FFA officers for 2011-12 at close of 2011 National FFA Convention

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH ONE OF THE NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL FFA OFFICERS CLICK HERE

FFA members from New Mexico, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin, Georgia, Idaho to help lead organization, set policies, promote agricultural literacy

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – Six students from throughout the country were elected National FFA officers for 2011-12, an announcement made to a packed and excited house of FFA members at Conseco Fieldhouse today to officially close the 84th National FFA Convention.

Ryan W. Best of New Mexico, Jason Troendle of Minnesota, Kenneth D. Quick Jr. of New York, Alicia Hodnik of Wisconsin, Cain Thurmond of Georgia and Seth Pratt of Idaho have been elected National FFA officers for 2011-12.

Best, of Portales, N.M, will serve as National FFA president. He is a junior at New Mexico State University majoring in agricultural and extension education. Best is a member of the Elida High School FFA Chapter in Elida, N.M., led by advisor Rodney Savage. He is the son of Kent and Sherri Best.

Troendle, of Charles, Minn., has been elected National FFA secretary. He is a freshman at Bethel University majoring in economics and environmental studies. The son of Fred and Sandra Troendle, he is a member of the St. Charles High School FFA Chapter in St. Charles, Minn., led by advisors Craig Will and Willie Lubahn.

Quick Jr., of Granville, N.Y., will serve as National FFA Eastern Region vice president. The son of Michael and Connie Yopp, he is a freshman at Cornell University majoring in international agricultural and rural development and applied economics and management. Quick is a member of the Triton High School FFA Chapter in Erwin, N.C., led by John Hardee, Allen West, Andy Nelson and Andy Cole. He is the son of Michael and Connie Yopp.

Hodnik, of Walworth, Wis., has been elected National FFA Central Region vice president. She is a sophomore at University of Wisconsin at River Falls, majoring in agricultural education with an emphasis on biotechnology. Hodnik is a member of the Big Foot Union High School FFA Chapter in Walworth, Wis., led by advisors Rick Henningfeld and Lisa Konkel. She is the daughter of Fred and Debra Hodnik and Donald Weber and Sharon Montgomery.

Thurmond, of Jefferson, Ga., will serve as National FFA Southern Region vice president. The son of Phil and Susie Thurmond, he is a freshman at University of Georgia majoring in agricultural and applied economics. Thurmond is a member of the Jefferson High School FFA chapter in Jefferson, Ga., led by Ken Bray, David Calloway and Cliff Tippens. He is the son of Phil and Susie Thurmond.

Pratt, of Blackfoot, Idaho, will serve as National FFA Western Region vice president. He is freshman at the University of Idaho majoring in agricultural science, communications and leadership. Pratt, the son of Mark and Wendy Pratt, is a member of the Blackfoot High School FFA Chapter in Blackfoot, led by advisor Travis Henderson.

10-22-11 National FFA names Kansas student national Star in Agricultural Placement

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

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011/National FFA Organization) – While working with his father on his commercial cow and crop production operation, Alex Goeckel of Washington, Kan., became interested in the livestock industry. This interest continued to grow and now has won him top honors.

Goeckel, 21, a graduate of Washington High School in Washington and a member of the Washington FFA Chapter, competed against three other finalists to be named the Star of Agricultural Placement competition at the 84th National FFA Convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis.

Each year at convention, 16 national finalists vie for the organization’s top awards – the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. Four finalists compete in each category. The Star awards honor students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies, demonstrated high management skills, earned an American FFA Degree – the organization’s highest level of accomplishment and met a host of other agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements.

Each finalist was interviewed by a panel of judges that ultimately named the winner of each Star award. Winners were revealed during the eighth general session at the national FFA convention on Saturday, Oct. 22, where they received recognition and an educational award of $4,000. Runners-up received $2,000 each.

Goeckel grew up on a swine farm. In high school, he worked for two large swine production operations and his experiences helped him as a student at Kansas State University land a position with the university’s Swine Research Unit.

10-22-11 *USDA/NASS* Cattle on Feed Report – United States Cattle on Feed Up 5 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head
totaled 11.3 million head on October 1, 2011. The inventory was 5 percent above October 1, 2010. This is the second
highest October 1 inventory since the series began in 1996. The inventory included 6.95 million steers and steer calves, up
5 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 61 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves
accounted for 4.32 million head, up 5 percent from 2010.

Placements in feedlots during September totaled 2.47 million, slightly above 2010. Net placements were 2.40 million
head. During September, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 685,000, 600-699 pounds
were 415,000, 700-799 pounds were 504,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 865,000.
Marketings of fed cattle during September totaled 1.81 million, 1 percent above 2010.
Other disappearance totaled 74,000 during September, 37 percent above 2010.

10-22-11 Cowboy Poet Shares a Lifetime of Memories from Her Home Range…Helene Landenberger of NW KS

New poetry collection announces poet’s love of life in the West

SAINT FRANCIS, Kan. – Generally focusing on Western themes, cowboy poetry is an increasingly popular genre, spawning its own gatherings and festivals throughout the American West. Nostalgic, humorous and celebratory of cowboys and their way of life, values and hard work, cowboy poets such as Helene Landenberger and her new book of poetry Bloomin’ Prairie Poetry (published by AuthorHouse) have brought a new voice into the world of poetry.

Sticking with the thematic mainstays of cowboy poetry, Landenberger writes of her memories of her life, family, friends and – as a cowboy would be remiss in neglecting – her horses.

Cowboy Dan