Miss Session VI from the 2012 CO Water Congress? Watch the Webcast Archive "What is CO's Water Plan & Panel Discussion- http://t.co/oadjSyIk15 hours ago
A multi-agency investigation into animal neglect resulted in 130 charges filed against two Conejos County residents. Kristina Kremer, 34, of Sanford, and William Barter, 53, of Conejos, appeared as defendants in Conejos County court yesterday to hear charges including criminal mischief, a class-four felony, and animal cruelty, a class-one misdemeanor. Kremer and Barter each face 65 charges related to an investigation that began in early summer.
In June 2011, Colorado State Patrol Trooper Kelly Rippe began investigating complaints of several horses illegally grazing and destroying crops on private property. Trooper Rippe determined that Kremer owned the animals, while Barter acted as caretaker of the animals and of Kremer’s property. Further investigation also identified signs of animal neglect, with many of the animals in visibly poor health.
During the following months, several federal, state and local agencies participated in the investigation. The Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection, the Colorado State Patrol, and the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office collaborated to determine the nature and extent of any criminal violations.
On November 4, officials seized 32 horses that wandered onto a neighboring ranch. The impounded horses will be moved to the Colorado Humane League in Franktown; after examination and treatment, qualifying horses will be placed for adoption or with a reputable animal rescue facility. The investigation also led to the execution of a search warrant on Kremer’s property. As a result, four horses, a bull, a cow and a calf were seized. Additional charges are possible.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Protection (BAP) played an important role in furthering the investigation. Each year, the BAP investigates more than 12,000 reports of animal cruelty and neglect in Colorado; horses are the second most investigated species, including approximately 1,300 investigations in fiscal year 2009-2010. Citizens with concerns for animal care and welfare are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or BAP. For more information or to file a cruelty/neglect report, visitwww.colorado.gov/ag/animals and click on “Bureau of Animal Protection.”
USCA (November 30, 2011) – Members of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) will gather on Friday, December 2, at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada for the organization’s annual membership meeting. The day-long agenda includes legislative updates from Washington, DC officials and congressional staff, in addition to policy review and adoption as well as board of directors and officer nominations. Topics for the meeting include the 2012 Farm Bill, pending Environmental Protection Agency regulations, the proposed Animal Identification Traceability rule, beef checkoff reform and prioritizing USCA’s 2012 legislative goals.
“We are expecting a great turnout,” said Jon Wooster, USCA President. “USCA is a member-driven organization and we always look forward to this annual gathering of the membership. A highly informative agenda is in place. We look forward to building on the great year USCA had in 2011 and preparing the organization for an even more successful year in 2012.”
The AYHC Horse Industry Handbook is widely recognized as the gold standard resource for reliable information on equine care and management. Called “encyclopedic” by many of its satisfied users, the book’s value is further enhanced by a regular update process that keeps the content current and meaningful. Ongoing reviews are by experts who volunteer their expertise to replace out-dated information, fill information gaps, and ensure that the reference provides the most recent information.
The 2011 update has just been released. It specifically addresses chapters on managing equine health, equine nutrition and feeding, and horse businesses. There are 41 updated or new articles in the 235 page update.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) voted to advance a bill, H.R. 1633, to the House floor that will prevent the regulation of farm dust.
“The EPA is notorious for trying to implement regulations through the back door, and that is exactly what is happening with regard to farm dust,” Gardner said. “Despite denials from agency officials saying they don’t regulate farm dust, the Energy and Commerce Committee has demonstrated that these denials are nothing more than semantics.”
During an October hearing on H.R. 1633, the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act”, a top EPA official acknowledged that the EPA does regulate “course particles in the air”, which includes farm dust. Therefore, Gardner pointed out during the hearing, the EPA is in fact regulating farm dust. Click below to watch a video of the exchange:
Today marked the conclusion of multiple Energy and Commerce hearings on the “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act”, and the measure was approved by the full committee 33 to 16. The bill now advances to the House floor for consideration.
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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.
Rose Parade®finale a tribute to the “King of the Cowboys” features Trigger and Bullet and will be led by 100 Golden Palominos
OMAHA, NEB. (November 29, 2011) – RFD-TV will honor Roy Rogers with a spectacular 75’ float entitled “Happy Trails” in the 2012 Tournament of Roses® Parade. Roy’s faithful companions, Trigger “The Golden Palomino” and Bullet “The Wonder Dog” stand at the entrance of the float, while Roy Rogers, Jr. along with his son Dustin Rogers, serenade the crowd with the “Happy Trails” theme song. The RFD-TV float is scheduled to be part of the grand finale in the 123rd Tournament of Roses® Parade and will be symbolically led by riders on 100 Golden Palominos carrying American flags. The parade takes place on January 2, 2012 in Pasadena, Calif.
WASHINGTON, November 30, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the ranking dates for the On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and Air Quality conservation initiatives. All four initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
“Producers tell us they want to apply for these initiatives, but many want more time to make sure they choose the one that’s right for their operation,” Vilsack said. “Moving to multiple ranking dates for each initiative is going to make it easier for more producers to apply and help them get started with implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations.”
NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year. There will be three ranking periods for the Organic, On-Farm Energy and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives, all ending on February 3, March 30 and June 1, 2012. Ranking periods for the Air Quality Initiative end February 3 and March 30, 2012. At the end of a ranking period, NRCS ranks all submitted proposals for funding consideration. NRCS will notify all applicants of the results of the rankings and begin developing contracts with selected applicants.
The On-Farm Energy, Organic and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives are available in all 50 states, the Caribbean Area and the Pacific Basin. The Air Quality Initiative is available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. Air Quality funding is limited to counties within these nine States that have serious air quality resource concerns related to non-attainment for Ozone and Particulate Matter.
(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) November 30th, 2011 - Joining me inside the BARN is Erin Van Peer, Adams County Extension Livestock Agent and the coordinator of the 2012 National Western Stock Show Catch-it-Calf Program celebrating it’s 77th year…113011_NWSSCatch-A-Calf_ErinVanPeer_8m53s
REGISTRATION EXTENDED BUT WILL END SOON – DON’T WAIT REGISTER TODAY!
They come from Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming to compete in National Western Stock Show’s longest running program of practical beef cattle management. In just over 70 years, the Catch-A-Calf Contest has awarded nearly 3,000 steers to 4-H members hailing from the western United States.
The program began in 1935 when 10 boys caught 10 sponsored calves. The contest quickly caught on, and the program grew to include 52 calves by 1942. Soon after World War II, the program settled at 40 calves per year, which is where the number continues to stand today.
The program is designed so successful participants catch a calf, feed it, and return with the animal one year later as a market steer. The market animals are judged on rate of gain, quality of fitting, and carcass quality. The exhibitor is judged on showmanship, their record book, and a personal interview.
The 2012 Catch-A-Calf schedule includes the placing of the 2011 calves in the Stadium Arena on January 8, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Catch-A-Calf contests in the Coliseum are held Saturday January 14, 2012 during the morning and matinee rodeo performances and Sunday, January 15 during the matinee and evening rodeo performances.
Genuity SmartStax products are the central component to Monsanto’s best management practices in areas faced with high rootworm pressure
ST. LOUIS (Nov. 30, 2011) – Recognizing that pyramided, dual mode-of-action technologies are the most effective means to maintain the long-term durability of corn trait technologies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the registrations of two corn trait products, Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete™ and Genuity® SmartStax®. The EPA granted the initial registration of Genuity SmartStax in 2009.
“The registration extensions of Genuity SmartStax RIB Complete and Genuity SmartStax by the EPA reinforce the value of these dual mode-of-action products and the reduced refuge approaches that they make possible for U.S. corn farmers,” said Ty Vaughn, corn product lead at Monsanto.
“Monsanto is committed to the success of our farmer customers as well as working with them to support the durability and stewardship of our trait technologies,” Vaughn said. “These two corn technologies are a living example of our commitment to help farmers manage the challenges they face on farm and protect on-farm yields.”
DENVER (Nov. 29, 2011) — State beef councils are joining with the national Beef Checkoff Program in support of a new retail beef marketing program that has the potential to significantly increase U.S. beef sales. The checkoff-funded program, called Beef Alternative Marketing (BAM), has identified innovative cutting techniques and marketing strategies for securing beef purchases from shoppers who previously looked elsewhere for nutritious, high-quality, size-appropriate proteins.
BAM creates smaller filets and roasts out of beef ribeyes, top loins and top sirloins. These new cuts are thicker than many being sold by retailers, which have been sliced thinner because of larger beef carcass sizes and a retail desire to control package weights. By increasing cut thickness, final product quality is protected. At the same time, smaller portions give consumers the sizes and nutritional profiles they seek.
Many retailers are embracing the program because it capitalizes on the popularity and profitability of middle meats. BAM includes a complete cutting and marketing program, including retailer training materials, point-of-sale materials, recipes, cooking instructions, charts, photos and instructional cutting posters.
According to Jim Henger, executive director of channel marketing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a checkoff contractor, BAM is a perfect product for the times because it allows retailers to offer a product that has a new nutritional selling point, is sized to increase sales and retains the cooking quality of larger steaks. Furthermore, focus groups have shown that consumers not only like the new shapes and thicknesses of the cuts, they are not concerned about higher per-pound costs because there is a lower price per package.
Also important for the beef industry is that research shows new sales of BAM cuts take nothing away from the sales of larger beef items. That’s because many consumers who might have shied away from larger cuts, such as women purchasing meat for themselves or their children, appreciate the new sizes and nutritional profiles, and recognized the usefulness of the cuts for both weekdays and weekends.
Soybean Farmers’ No.1 Customers See Strong Growth in Last Decade
ST. LOUIS (November 29, 2011) – The soybean checkoff talks a lot about U.S. soybean farmers’ No. 1 customers – poultry and livestock farmers. But these sectors impact more than just a soybean farmer’s profit potential. According to a recent soybean-checkoff-funded study, poultry and livestock supported 1.8 million U.S. jobs and added $19 billion in tax revenue annually to the U.S. economy.
“It’s important that we maintain and expand animal agriculture in the United States,” says Laura Foell, a soybean farmer from Schaller, Iowa, and a farmer-leader for the United Soybean Board (USB). “It helps grow our U.S. soybean industry but is also a way we can keep jobs here and know we are producing safe and reliable food.”
That economic impact appears to be more than just a fad. In fact, the poultry and livestock sectors increased household incomes by more than $4 billion during the last decade alone. Nearly 70 percent of that growth occurred west of the Mississippi River or right on its borders, but trends show growth occurring more evenly throughout the country.
“This study shows the importance of animal agriculture not only to soybean farmers, but also to our local, state and national economies,” adds Foell. “And animal agriculture helps local businesses by purchasing goods in local stores and creating local jobs.”
AgriCharts Mobile improves the efficiency for accessing quotes, news and weather
CHICAGO, IL, (AgPR), NOVEMBER 29, 2011 - AgriCharts, the agricultural division of Barchart.com, Inc., which provides market data, agribusiness website hosting and technology solutions to the agricultural industry, announces the release of a new AgriCharts mobile application available at www.agricharts.com/mobile. The revamped mobile app offers a real-time or delayed platform for viewing quotes, charts and analysis for grains, livestock and other commodity markets. The new mobile service features a new design and user interface that focuses on enhanced touch-screen navigation used by iPhone, Android and other smartphone owners. AgriCharts Mobile also features comprehensive weather conditions, forecasts and radar maps, as well as the latest commodity-related news, keeping agribusiness and producers well-informed wherever they are. In addition, the new mobile service can be white-labeled by third-parties and can integrate third-party content, providing firms with a complete mobile solution.
Borlaug Institute to assist South Sudan through agricultural support Institute will collaborate with Garang University on research, teaching, more
Nov. 29, 2011 - BOR, South Sudan — From the freshly paved roads of Juba to muddy rural paths clogged with bighorn cattle, the people of South Sudan are busy building a new country with help from a new agricultural development partnership.
Through a recent agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture, part of the Texas A&M University System, is helping the world’s newest nation develop its agriculture in collaboration with the John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor.
“Through a recent USAID-funded agreement, we will be working with Garang University to help develop its agricultural research, teaching, and extension curriculum and skills,” said Joey King, associate director for the Borlaug Institute in College Station, Tex. “The Borlaug Institute also will work with its counterparts at Garang University on related issues such as youth development, gender equity and conflict resolution.”
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on USDA’s 2011 Farm Income Forecast, which forecast net farm income at $100.9 billion for 2011, up $21.8 billion or 28 percent from 2010.
“Today’s farm income forecast shows that the American brand of agriculture continues to be a bright spot in our nation’s economy. Following on a strong 2010, all three measures of farm sector earnings again experienced strong growth in 2011.According to today’s numbers, farmers are earning 28 percent more for their products than they made last year. And it is making a real difference for America’s farm families, whose household income was up 3.1 percent in 2010 and is forecasted to increase 1.2 percent in 2011. This is good news for rural America and for our national economy.
“A combination of factors has made these numbers possible including growth in cash receipts, off-farm employment, and a record high of $137.4 billion in FY 2011 farm exports—which continues U.S. agriculture’s year over year trade surplus.
“A strong U.S. agricultural economy means more opportunities for small businesses owners and jobs for folks who package, ship, and market agricultural products. Our farmers and ranchers have worked hard to keep their debt low and to capitalize on a broader economic recovery. Their willingness to adapt, innovate and embrace new research and technologies has ensured their success and can be a blueprint for the rest ofthe country’s economic recovery.
“The Obama Administration will continue to maintain a strong safety net, expand bio-based product opportunities and local and regional food systems, and promote greater export opportunities for U.S. agriculture, all designed to increase incomes for America’s farm families.”
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(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Joining me inside the BARN from the National Association of Conservation Districts is Earl Garber, NACD 1st Vice-President to discuss quite a few topics, including:
Earl Garber, First Vice President, is a licensed crop consultant and rice, soybean and hay producer from Louisiana. He started his involvement in conservation as a Soil Scientist, Soil Conservationist and District Conservationist with the USDA. He has been active on the Acadia Soil and Water Conservation District board of supervisors, in Southwestern Louisiana, since 1981. Garber recently served as the President of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts. He also held the position of Louisiana Board Member for the National Association of Conservation Districts before being newly elected to the Second Vice President Executive position.Garber has his own farming operation which includes 550 acres of rice, soybeans, grain sorghum, timber and commercial hay production. Earl also provides daily service to area producers as a Louisiana licensed crop consultant and product support specialist for G&H Seed Co. Garber and his wife, Janis Landry, live and farm in the Northwestern portion of Acadia parish, Louisiana.
DENVER — Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation will lead an economic development trip to California on Thursday and Friday (Dec. 1-2) to help grow and retain Colorado businesses.
The goals of the trip are to strengthen existing business relationships, increase companies’ commitment to Colorado and encourage business executives to look at Colorado when there are opportunities for growth and expansion. The delegation from Colorado will meet with venture capitalists and business, academic and community members to discuss job creation, innovation and economic development.
“There are companies in California that have a strong presence in Colorado and we want to grow these relationships,” Hickenlooper said. “Additionally, we’re looking at how to connect California’s innovation technologies and venture capital with Colorado. We all know that Colorado is a great place to work, live and play and this trip will help us to spread the word and grow our state’s economy.”
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 29, 2011 — The U.S. Grains Councilannounced that registration is now open for its 9th International Marketing Conference and 52nd Annual Membership Meeting to be held Feb. 13-15 in Panama City, Panama.
Registration and additional details are available at www.grains.org by clicking on the meeting link on the right hand side of the page. Online registration is available through February 3, and please note that a valid passport is required for entry into Panama. Reservations for the Hotel Rui Plaza Panama, the conference hotel, can also be made online by downloading and completing the reservation form found under hotel information.
“World trade brings significant value to the current and future profitability of U.S. farmers, agriculture and the nation as a whole,” said Wendell Shauman, Chairman of the U.S. Grains Council. “What better place to review and discuss the dynamics of trade and chart a course for the Council than at the literal crossroads of world trade, the Panama Canal.”
The Council’s theme for the meeting and year is “Your Highway to the World: New Capacities, New Markets.” In Panama City in February, Council members and conference attendees will examine these elements by focusing on the Council’s strategic direction for upcoming years through the Council Advisory Teams.
“We’ll also get an insider’s look at the changing flow of world trade that will come with the renovation and expansion of the Panama Canal,” Shauman said. Attendees will appreciate an up-close look at the canal and construction progress, as well as plans for the future presented by representatives from the Panama Canal Authority.
In addition to registration and hotel information, the full agenda and details on optional tours are available on the meeting page at www.grains.org. Read the rest of this entry »
The United States Department of Labor is currently accepting comments on their rule that will impact how kids work on farms and ranches. The current deadline for comments is December 1st, make your comments heard today! By going to this link, http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=WHD-2011-0001-0001 you can submit your comments.
The comments in the previous email were presenting a problem to the U.S. government website that accepts comments. Please feel free to copy and paste the below updated comments into the comment box that you will find at the above link.
— Scholarships Available for Students Pursuing Careers in the Beef Industry
WASHINGTON (Nov. 29, 2011) – The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is announcing an ongoing initiative to strengthen the future of the beef industry. Together with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association(NCBA) and the CME Group, ten $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who are pursuing careers in the beef industry. The 2012-2013 Beef Industry Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors or full-time undergraduate students enrolled at two-year or four-year institutions for the 2012-2013 school year.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to a career in the beef industry through classes, internships or life experiences. Fields of study for potential scholarship recipients may include education, communications, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry. Interim Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Cattlemen’s Foundation John Lacey said the scholarship program is aimed at helping future industry leaders.
“The Beef Industry Scholarships will help ensure a bright future for deserving students and for the beef industry in the United States,” Lacey said. “Investing in future industry leaders through contributions toward their continuing education is an important way to develop our industry and our young people.”
All submissions for the 2012-2013 Beef Industry Scholarship must be postmarked or received via email or fax by December 9, 2011. To download the scholarship application online visitwww.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. To have an application sent to you or for more information contact Barb Wilkinson at bwilkinson@beef.org or ncf@beef.org.
State Launches DUI Holiday Campaign as Heat Is On crackdown continues
Denver, CO – The holiday rush is upon us, full of shopping and holiday parties at offices and homes across the state. If you plan on drinking alcohol, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and law enforcement agencies statewide want to remind everyone to plan ahead this holiday season with a sober designated driver. A holiday Heat Is On DUI crackdown continues across the state with increased patrols through New Year’s Day.
Preliminary reports show there were five fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend; four of the five fatalities resulted from suspected alcohol/drug crashes. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s last year in Colorado, 48 people were killed in traffic crashes. More than half of those killed were not wearing seatbelts; 18 died in alcohol-related crashes. More than 1,556 people were arrested for DUI during last year’s winter holiday enforcement periods.
“The holiday season is a time for celebrating with co-workers, friends and families. Don’t make the poor decision to drive after drinking alcohol,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “That bad choice can wipe out your holiday shopping budget and could put your life and the lives of others at risk. If you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested.”
Agricultural Summary: Most of Colorado experienced below average precipitation with above average temperatures. The southern region of the State had above average precipitation for this time of year. Windy and dry conditions were reported in the eastern regions of the State. Farmers were allowed 5.8 days in the field for operations last week.
Small Grains: Winter wheat was 99 percent emerged and in mostly good to fair condition by the end of last week.
Row Crops:Corn harvest progressed to 97 percent harvested while sorghum was 90 percent harvested. Sunflower harvest progressed rapidly to 96 percent harvested at the end of last week.
Pasture and Range: Pasture and range feed conditions varied across the state from very poor to good condition.
Livestock: Death losses for cattle and sheep were rated average for the State. Stored feed supplies were also rated average for this time of year. Inventories of hay continue to be reported as limited in the southern regions of the State.
Aero Applicators of Sterling, CO
Briggsdale Classic Open Jackpot Show
CCTA's High Plains No Till Conference
CO FFA Association
CO FFA Foundation
Colorado 4H Foundation
Colorado Association of Wheat Growers
Colorado Beef Council
Colorado Corn
Colorado Farm Show
Colorado Preps Radio
Colorado State Fair
Cowboy Bible Church of Brush, CO
High Plains Livestock Exchange, LLC.
iHigh.com
National Western Stock Show
Pletcher Enterprises LLC
Silver Spur Trailers, a division of FARMCO, Incorporated
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A multi-agency investigation into animal neglect resulted in 130 charges filed against two Conejos County residents. Kristina Kremer, 34, of Sanford, and William Barter, 53, of Conejos, appeared as defendants in Conejos County court yesterday to hear charges including criminal mischief, a class-four felony, and animal cruelty, a class-one misdemeanor. Kremer and Barter each face 65 charges related to an investigation that began in early summer.
Soybean Farmers’ No.1 Customers See Strong Growth in Last Decade
AgriCharts Mobile improves the efficiency for accessing quotes, news and weather
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on USDA’s 2011 Farm Income Forecast, which forecast net farm income at $100.9 billion for 2011, up $21.8 billion or 28 percent from 2010.
