11-03-04 “Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act Passes Subcommittee”

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) A House Energy and Commerce panel has approved a bill to suspend for one year any EPA tightening of dust standards on farms. The measure – which split the subcommittee down party lines – is expected to easily pass in full committee and in the House – but faces a bigger hurdle in the Democrat-controlled Senate – where Nebraska’s Mike Johanns and Chuck Grassley of Iowa continue to push a similar stand-alone bill. According to Grassley’s office – the Senate measure to suspend EPA power to tighten dust rules on farms was referred to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. House Republicans defeated an effort by Energy Committee Democrats to water down the dust bill. Former Chair Joe Barton – with a bit of sarcasm – defended the bill from South Dakota Republican Kristi Noem…110311_BAN_FarmDustPreventionAct_2m53s

SOURCE: NAFB News Service

11-03-11 *NALF News* The American Royal Hosts the National Medal of Excellence Limousin & Lim-Flex Shows

KANSAS CITY – (Nov. 3, 2011)  Dr. Scott Schaake of Manhattan, Kan., sorted 56 head of Limousin and Lim-Flex cattle exhibited in the Level I National Medal of Excellence Limousin and Lim-Flex Shows Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011.

The 2011 National Medal of Excellence grand champion Limousin female went to MAGS Xplanation shown by Magness Land and Cattle of Platteville, Colo. She was previously selected as the Division V Limousin champion and was born March 28, 2010 and is sired by MAGS U Haul. Reserve grand champion Limousin female honors went to Wies Limousin Ranch of Wellsville, Mo., Heartfelt Farms of Gettysburg, Penn. and Edwards Land and Cattle Co. of Beulaville, N.C., with WLR Tainted Love 746X, an April 5, 2010, daughter of WULFS Urban Cowboy2149U. Prior to being selected reserve grand champion, she was the Division IV Limousin champion.

The grand champion Lim-Flex female was awarded to MAGS Xtra Unique, a May 9, 2010 daughter of MAGS U Haul, owned by Magness Land and Cattle of Platteville, Colo, and was also selected as the Division IV Lim-Flex champion. Abby Gayle Hendrickson of Adair, Okla. exhibited the reserve grand champion Lim-Flex Female MAGS Xeromas, born Feb. 17, 2010 and sired by DHVO Deuce 132R. This female was also selected as the Division V Lim-Flex champion.

The grand champion Limousin bull went to KYLD Vegas 910W, a March 6, 2009, bull sired by KRVN Naskar 013N owned by Quail Ridge Limousin of Calhoun, Ky., and Kyle Delaplaine of Gettysburg, Pa. He was also the Division VI Limousin champion. The reserve grand champion bull and Division V Limousin Champion was MJ Xtravaganza 1X, born Jan. 5, 2010 out of EF Main Stay 541M, and shown by Mark Blake of Earl Park, Ind.

The grand champion Lim-Flex bull went to MAGS Xyloid, born March 7, 2010, sired by DHVO Deuce 132R, and exhibited by Magness Land and Cattle and Edwards Land & Cattle. He was also the Division V Lim-Flex champion. The reserve grand champion Lim-Flex bull was owned by Etherton Farms of Dawson, Ill. BC Bad Romance 612X was born June 7, 2010 and sired by RGMA Night Rider 73N,  was also the Division III Lim-Flex champion.

Jeff Sargent of Denison, Texas, evaluated the junior female show, selecting MAGS Xeromas, a daughter of DHVO Deuce 132R, born Feb. 17, 2010, as the grand champion female exhibited by Abby Hendrickson of Adair, Okla.  She was previously titled Division III champion. Reserve grand champion female was from Division II and went to ROMN XOXO 18x, a March 13, 2010, daughter of DHVO Trey 133R, exhibited by Victoria Albrecht of Arlington, S.D.

A complete list of division and show winners follows.

Limousin Female Show Results

11-03-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper names task force to review Pinnacol proposal

DENVER ­— Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today named a task force to review a restructuring proposal from Pinnacol Assurance. The proposal came in response to the governor asking Pinnacol earlier this year to examine its operations and explore options for the future.

The governor received a letter and proposal (both attached) today from the Pinnacol Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to see Pinnacol has delivered a long-term plan that appears to create ownership certainty for both policyholders and the public interest,” Hickenlooper said. “One of our chief concerns is making sure injured workers are protected. It’s also important that policy holders and the state of Colorado benefit from any changes. We look forward to carefully reviewing the restructuring plan in the coming weeks and talking to the many stakeholders who would be affected by any change.”

A stakeholder’s Task Force of 19 people (listed below) representing some of the key groups and interests that would be affected by the Pinnacol restructuring will review the proposal. Task Force members will meet over the next few months and consider the following questions:

·         How does the proposal affect Pinnacol’s “immediate” stakeholders — i.e. injured workers, policyholders, employees and others?

·         What is Pinnacol’s business plan going forward and what commitments to further serve Colorado are included in that plan? What form should these commitments take to be enforceable?

·         What is Pinnacol offering to compensate the public for the prior support provided by the State and is that offer appropriate?

·         How should this public value be secured and to what purposes should it be devoted? The model for providing such compensation in the form of a public-purpose fund follows the precedent established by the state of Colorado in 1998 when the Blue Cross Blue Shield system was sold to Anthem, and a portion of the proceeds were used to fund the Caring for Colorado Foundation.

The Task Force will report to Hickenlooper at the end of its review and provide guidance on potential legislation.

“We want what’s best for injured workers, policyholders, the business community and the people of Colorado,” Hickenlooper said. “Done the right way, this proposal has the potential to benefit Colorado for generations to come.”

The Task Force members are:

11-03-11 USDA Farm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Livestock Disaster Program Deadlines

Denver, Colorado, November 3, 2011–-Trudy Kareus, State Executive Director of the Colorado Farm Service Agency (FSA), reminds eligible ranchers and livestock producers who had livestock losses or grazing losses during the 2011 crop year that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 30, 2012.

“It is imperative that producer’s meet the deadline for disaster assistance as there are no late file provisions for LFP and ELAP,” said SED Kareus. “To insure a smooth application process, producers should have all required supporting documentation with them at the time they apply for benefits,” she said.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): 

11-03-11 Colorado FFA Foundation Announces 2012 Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductees and Rising Star Recipient

LISTEN to the interview with Colorado FFA Foundation Executive Director Don Thorn about the Class of 2012 & much more…

110711_CoFFAFoundation_DonThorn_9m23s

November 3rd, 2011 - The Colorado FFA Foundation announced today three inductees into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame. Reggie Wyckoff of Genoa, Dr. Alan Foutz of Akron, and Dawson Jordan of Walsenburg will all be formally inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame in February at the annual Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet.

“We are proud to announce these three outstanding individuals who have all contributed so much to the Colorado agriculture industry,” said Dale McCall, Chairman of the Colorado FFA Foundation. “We had a very deep applicant pool and the final decision was difficult to make, but I feel these three gentlemen are most deserving of the distinction.”

New for 2012 is the introduction of the Colorado Rising Star in Agriculture Award. The award recognizes up and coming talent and leadership in the Colorado agriculture industry. Members of the Hall of Fame will vote yearly on the winner of the Rising Star Award.

Mike Thoren of Berthoud is the winner of the inaugural Rising Star Award.

“The inception of the Rising Star Award is an indication of the growth in the Colorado ag industry,” said McCall. “Mr. Thoren is an excellent choice for the first ever presentation of this award and we look forward to more excellent nominations in the years to come.”

The Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame banquet is held in conjunction with the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture and is a prime opportunity to gauge the direction of the industry and learn about issues facing one of the largest industries in Colorado. Both the forum and the banquet are attended by industry and political leaders as well as family farmers and ranchers who lead and support the agriculture industry and its future.

Friends, peers and business associates will recognize the three inductees and the Rising Star during the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet, Feb. 23, 2012, at the Renaissance Hotel, Denver. The 2012 inductees will join 71 other outstanding Colorado agriculturists who have been similarly honored since 1989. All Agriculture Hall of Fame member’s portraits are displayed in the Colorado Department of Agriculture offices.

Hosted by the Colorado FFA Foundation, the banquet is held yearly to induct members into the Agriculture Hall of Fame who have significantly contributed to Colorado’s second largest industry. A unique, multi-media presentation will highlight the life of each new inductee during the ceremony.

Short biographies of the inductees are included below…

11-03-11 Forest Service Values Rich History, Cultural and Scientific Resources in Support of Chimney Rock National Monument in Colorado

Picture courtesy of http://www.chimneyrockcolorado.com/

The bill before the Committee on Natural Resources would expand the area on the San Juan National Forest already listed as an Archaeological Area and National Historic Landmark

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2011 – U.S. Forest Service Associate Chief Mary Wagner offered testimony today before the House Committee on Natural Resources offering support for a bill that would establish Chimney Rock on the San Juan National Forest in southwest Colorado as a national monument.

During her testimony, Wagner addressed technical concerns with the act and offered modifications that would help the Forest Service carry out the act when passed. Some of the issues related to the administration of the monument, approved activities on the sites and the use of non-federal funds or money already appropriated in connection with the designation or advertisement of the Monument.

“The Forest Service values archaeological and cultural resources and considers it part of the agency’s mission to preserve and interpret them for the public,” Wagner said. “We believe the rich history, spectacular archaeological, cultural, scientific, and scenic resource values merits the designation of the area as a national monument.”

“USDA and the Forest Service look forward to our continued work with Tribes, Committee and Subcommittee members concerning this important site,” said USDA Under Secretary Harris Sherman.

11-03-11 Direct Solutions adds Bryan Gooch to North America Marketing Team

Gooch brings product expertise, sales and marketing background to Direct Solutions across the US and Canada

LOVELAND, Colo. (November 3, 2011) – Direct Solutions today announces the addition of Bryan Gooch as North American Marketing Manager with the Direct Solutions team.

“Bringing Bryan and his extensive industry knowledge and marketing background to the Direct Solutions’ team is very exciting,” said Dave Gingrich, Managing Director of Direct Solutions. “Bryan’s skills and expertise will allow us to further develop our supplier strategies, support our sales team, and most importantly help match our customers with the right Direct Solutions product to meet their needs.”

Gooch and his team will have responsibility for management of all products Direct Solutions carries across North America, including exclusive access to industry leading technologies like Signature Brand and BCMU Fertilizer®, Loveland Brand nutritionals, adjuvants, and wetting agents, BBK® Bed Bug Killer, and MultiGuard Protect EC®. In addition, Direct Solutions is a leading provider of Spread it & Forget it™ and DURATION CR® Controlled-Release Fertilizer, and XCU® Slow-Release Fertilizer.

11-03-11 EPA’s WaterSense Program to Label Innovative Watering Technology

Weather-based irrigation controllers can help save 110 billion gallons of water and $410 million per year on utility bills

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program announced today that irrigation controllers will soon be the first outdoor product eligible to earn the WaterSense label. The most efficient irrigation controllers, which operate like a thermostat for your sprinkler system by telling it when to turn on and off, may provide home and building owners the ability to save 110 billion gallons of water and roughly $410 million per year on utility bills.

“As much as half of the water we use on our landscapes goes to waste due to evaporation, wind, and improperly scheduled irrigation systems,” said Sheila Frace, Director of EPA’s Office of Water’s Municipal Support Division. “WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers are designed to do the thinking for you and apply water only when needed, to ensure a healthy landscape that doesn’t waste water.”

Residential outdoor watering in the United States accounts for more than 7 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. For many homeowners, the practice is “set it and forget it.” When watering schedules for irrigation system are set during the hottest and driest months and not adjusted when the weather changes, the result is overwatering for much of the year. WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers, which monitor watering needs based on local weather data, can use significantly less water by applying water only when plants need it – reducing annual water bills and offering convenience and peace-of-mind while keeping landscapes healthy.

11-03-11 US Representative Cory Gardner (R-CO) votes to advance Farm Dust Prevention Act

WASHINGTON D.C.  – Farmers and ranchers won a small but important victory today when Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and his colleagues passed a bill, H.R 1633, out of the Energy and Power Subcommittee that would prevent any revisions to existing farm dust regulations.

“This bill blocks the EPA from setting new, more stringent standards to regulate farm dust and protects farmers and ranchers from the costs and burdens associated with those regulations,” Gardner said.  “With unemployment stuck above 9 percent we can’t afford to regulate agriculture out of business.”

H.R. 1633, which Gardner has co-sponsored, will now head to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce for consideration.  The bill was originally introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD).

###

11-03-11 *History-CO Centennial Farm Project* Meet Gunnison County’s Mclain Ranch…

CLICK HERE to listen to the interview with Ladonna Mclain of Parlin, CO and the history o their operation in Gunnison County...

CLICK HERE to listen to more interviews with 2011 Centennial Farm Inductees…

11-03-11 Local Meetings Will Provide Claims-Filing Help to Native American Farmers and Ranchers In Keepseagle Settlement

(Washington, DC) – As part of the claims-filing process, attorneys appointed by the court will hold meetings around the country to provide assistance to Native American farmers and ranchers who wish to file a claim in the $760 million Keepseagle class action settlement.  The settlement resolves a lawsuit claiming that the U.S. Department of Agriculture discriminated against Native Americans in farm loan applications and servicing. 

Over the past six months, Native American farmers and ranchers around the country received information about their legal rights and options by postal mail and through print and radio notices. Class members who want to file a claim for cash and loan forgiveness must file their claims by December 27, 2011.

Class members can get free assistance in filing a claim at meetings that will be held around the country from now through mid-December.  There will meetings in this area at the Diné College North Campus in Shiprock, NM on November 15-17 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Additional upcoming meetings will be held in this region on:

·       November 29-30 in Kayenta, AZ

·       December 1-2 in Chinle, AZ

·       December 5-6 in Duck Valley, NV

·       December 8-9 in Fallon, NM

·       December 13-15 in Parker, AZ

·       December 20-22 in Gallup, NM

Class members who have already registered for a Claims Package will receive a schedule of meetings.  The complete schedule of Claims Filing Meetings is also available atwww.IndianFarmClass.com or by calling 1-888-233-5506.  Media are requested to include the website and phone number in pieces about the settlement.

Class members wishing to register to receive a Claims Package can do so through the website or toll-free number or by writing to Keepseagle Settlement Administrator, PO Box 3560, Portland, OR 97208-3560.

Contact:

11-03-11 Colorado Governor Hickenlooper to Present Awards for High Impact Research Nov 15th

Annual CO-LABS awards recognize achievements at Colorado’s 24 federal labs and other research facilities

November 3, 2011 - Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will present the annual awards for “High Impact Research” on November 15 to teams from four Colorado-based research centers for breakthroughs in atmospheric science, renewable energy, sustainability and disease prevention.

CO-LABS, the non-profit that informs the public about the breakthroughs and impacts from the 24 federal labs in Colorado, is sponsoring the 2011 Governor’s Award for High Impact Research, to be held at the LEED Platinum building, located at 1800 Larimer Street in Denver, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on November 15.

Colorado is a global leader in natural resource management, climate science, renewable energy, photonics, materials science, astrophysics, telecommunications and earth science.

The scientific discoveries and innovation recognized by the Governor’s awards “reflect the considerable impact of the Colorado labs as our researchers, often working together, find solutions to the most challenging national and global issues of the day,” Bob Noun, chairman of CO-LABS said.

The annual reception is the major CO-LABS event to showcase the labs and raise money for the work of the CO-LABS organization. Award recipients include:

Atmospheric Science

11-03-11 US Forest Service waives fees during Veterans Day weekend

WASHINGTON, November 3, 2011 – The U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites over Veterans Day weekend.

The fee waivers – the third this year — are offered in cooperation with other federal agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the Forest Service.  Concessionaire operated day-use sites may be included in the waiver if the permit holder wishes to participate.

“We’re honoring our country’s brave men and women veterans by waiving fees over the long weekend,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.  “We encourage people who might not normally enjoy our beautiful public lands to get out of the house and enjoy a forest or grassland near you. Our lands offer a wide range of recreation and educational benefits such as improved physical and mental health, emotional well being, a concern for nature, and a conservation ethic.”

The Forest Service will waive fees four times in 2012:  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend – Jan. 14-16; National Get Outdoors Day – June 9; National Public Lands Day – Sept. 29; and Veterans Day Weekend – Nov. 10-12. The fee waiver days support the goals of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move Outside.”

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands and over two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. Many recreation opportunities such as camping, sightseeing and hiking can be enjoyed throughout the year at no cost.

The Forest Service operates approximately 17,000 recreation sites nationwide.  Of those, approximately 6,000 require recreation fees, which are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements, and facilities maintenance.

The mission of the US Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

11-02-11 Colorado House GOP’s Statement on the Governor’s Proposed Budget

DENVER—Gov. John Hickenlooper released his proposed $20.09 billion budget request for 2012-2013 fiscal year earlier today.

Vice-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, and Joint Budget Committee member Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, issued the following statements regarding Gov. Hickenlooper’s proposal:

“While we appreciate many of the proposals the governor has made.  The governor’s budget does raise some points of concern, like increasing taxes on seniors who have been hit so hard by this recession.  House Republicans are committed to working with the governor and senate to pass a responsible and honest budget.”

Becker echoed Gerou’s concerns and added:

“We have a lot of difficult decisions to make, including entitlement reform, which the governor has refused to address again this year.  House Republicans will continue to do their part to pass a budget that protects families and seniors, and empowers our state’s job creators so Colorado can emerge from this recession stronger and better than before.”