11-04-11 RMFU Urges Speedy Implementation of Entire GIPSA Rule

RMFU Urges Speedy Implementation of Entire GIPSA Rule In a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack,Rocky Mountain Farmers Union has urged the Obama administration to stand up to corporate agriculture and implement the USDA packers and stockyards (GIPSA) rules.

“The Packers and Stockyards Act was passed 80 years ago,” RMFU President Kent Peppler said,”and the regulations mandated by the 2008 Food and Farm Bill,which would control the virtually monopolistic power of industrial livestock operations,have been ‘reviewed’ for nearly two years. Meantime,family livestock operations are trying to stay afloat in a market that is notoriously controlled by a handful of multinational companies. Time has run out for a lot of my neighbors. It’s running out for local and natural meat providers. If these rules are not implemented,time will run out for the credibility of the Obama administration among small agricultural producers.”

In September,RMFU commended Colorado Senator Michael Bennet for addressing this issue with the administration. In a letter to the President, Sen. Bennet urged finalizing the rule published in the Federal Register more than a year ago.

RMFU agrees with Bennet that we want “a fair and transparent market in which all livestock and poultry producers compete on a level playing field” and RMFU membership joins in his call to prioritize implementing the rule. “This is not a political issue,” RMFU’s Peppler observed. “It’s a question of selling out another part of America’s struggling middle class,the independent ranchers whose operations are effectively being reduced to sharecroppers for corporations that own 80% of the meat produced in the U.S. Corporations are not people;they are machines that make money off the hard work of people producing our food,fuel,and fiber. Americans have made it clear that they don’t want industrial meat products if they can choose meat produced through ranching and animal husbandry. If the small rancher is not protected from the predatory practices of the big players in the livestock market,consumers won’t have that choice.”

CLICK HERE to read the letter from the RMFU to USDA Sec Vilsack

11-04-11 U.S. Clearing Houses Announce MF Global Bulk Transferee Confirmation Service

CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — As part of the bulk transfer process for MF Global customer accounts and collateral held at U.S. derivatives clearinghouses, CME Clearing, ICE Clear US, The Clearing Corporation, KCBOT Clearing Corp., MGEX, NYSE Liffe US and The Options Clearing Corporation have coordinated to provide clients with further information on the status of their account transfers.

Customers with accounts transferring will receive communications from their receiving firm following the transfers.  In addition, beginning this evening, Friday, November 4, 2011, clients are encouraged to send an e-mail message to clearinginformation@cmegroup.com, indicating their name, MF Global account number, office code and contact details.  The clearing houses will respond to the e-mails by phone or in writing as soon as possible in order to confirm a client’s receiving firm.  Clearing house representatives will also provide contact information for the receiving firm so that clients can confirm the amount of any transferred customer collateral and positions with the receiving firm.

CME – G

ICE-CORP

SOURCE CME Group

11-04-11 *DoW-CO News* PWC TO VOTE ON TURKEY REGS, HEAR BONNY UPDATE

DENVER - The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will finalize 2012 regulations for turkey hunting and receive recommendations for improving the private landowner voucher program during its monthly meeting on Thursday Nov. 10 in Burlington.

In other business Thursday, commissioners will consider final approval of changes to the state’s river outfitter regulations to permit a wider range of acceptable personal flotation devices, adopt Consumer Price Index adjustments for non-resident big game licenses and receive a number of informational presentations regarding upcoming regulatory issues.

The meeting will be held at the Burlington Community Center, located at 340 S. 14th Street in Burlington.

Among the proposed changes in turkey regulations are several concerning management of wild turkeys on private lands that have begun to cause conflicts with agricultural producers, particularly in Yuma and Lincolncounties.

Also on Thursday’s agenda is a presentation of recommendations developed by a committee of landowners, sportsmen, outfitters and wildlife managers to improve the private landowner voucher program. More than 7 million acres is enrolled in the program, which encourages large private landowners to protect wildlife habitat and provide hunting opportunities, and plays an important role in management of Colorado’s big game  During the next several months, the commission will consider the recommendations and solicit public testimony prior to taking action.

Friday’s Commission workshop will include a discussion with Yuma County Commissioners on how the county might partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to repurpose the former Bonny Lake State Park property following the draining of the lake this fall to comply with Colorado’s obligation to deliver water to Kansas and Nebraska under the Republican River Compact. Several other topics related to the merger of Colorado State Parks and the Division of Wildlife, including a continued discussion of the new agency’s mission statement and commission composition are also on Friday’s agenda.

11-04-11 ASI WEEKLY NEWS FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY LEADERS

Secretary Vilsack Announces American Lamb Board Appointments 

AMS No. 241-11

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 617-7212
Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced six appointments to the 2012 Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Board. Each appointee will serve three year terms beginning immediately.

“These appointees represent a cross section of the lamb industry and I am confident that the lamb industry will be well served by them,” said Vilsack.

According to the 2007 USDA Ag Census, there were approximately 83,000 sheep and lamb farms with an estimated 5.8 million head of sheep and lambs in the United States during 2007. Top producing states included, Texas, California, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.

The newly appointed board members are: Joanne Nissen, Soledad, California, representing producers; Ben R. Lehfeldt, Lavina, Montana, representing feeders; and Wesley R. Patton, Orland, California, representing seed stock producers. Reappointed to the board are: Leo J. Tammi, Mount Sidney, Virginia, representing producers; and Cody J. Hiemke, Stoughton, Wisconsin, representing first handlers. In addition, Antonio J. Manzanares, Tierra Amarillo, New Mexico, was appointed to the board as a member of the general public.

The board is composed of six producers, three feeders, one seed stock producer, three first-handlers, and a member of the general public. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints approximately one-third of all board members each year.

Established under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 and the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order, the board is financed by a mandatory assessment of one-half cent per pound on ovine animals of any age, including ewes and rams, sold by producers, seedstock producers, feeders and exporters. Also, an assessment of thirty cents per head must be paid by first-handlers. Assessments began on July 1, 2002.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service oversees operations of the board.

2012 ASI Convention News 

11-04-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper announces free admission for veterans and active duty military to Colorado’s state parks

DENVER ­— Friday, Nov. 4, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced that all military men and women can receive free admission at each of Colorado’s 42 state parks on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“Our servicemen and women give us peace of mind and keep our country safe every day of the year,” Hickenlooper said. “We can never truly repay the debt to our active and retired military personnel, but we can formally thank them on Veterans Day for the sacrifices they have made. We hope they are able to spend the day at a state park with family and friends.”

The Colorado State Parks Board recently approved free admission for military men and women at all 42 state parks on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to recognize their service to the nation.

To obtain free admission to a state park, veterans, active duty personnel and their families must show:

11-04-11 *CCA News* Status of Proposed GIPSA Rule

 Late this morning, the U.S. Department of Agriculture held a briefing on the status of the GIPSA rule.  Here is where the bill stands:

• A final rule has been submitted to OMB that contains four out of the five provisions included in the 2008 Farm Bill.  Those provisions relate to delivery of birds, additional capital investment criteria, breach of contract and arbitration. These provisions apply to poultry and do not have an impact on us.  OMB has 45 days to review the rule.  Once they are done, the rule will be published in the “Federal Register” and will be implemented over the following 60 days before enforcement begins.
• The fifth Farm Bill provision relates to definitions of unfair practices and undue preference.  We had a significant concern with this language because it could have led to common practices such as quality and quantity premiums being considered unfair and thus subject to litigation, which would have a negative impact on marketing opportunities.  This has been one of our core fights on the original GIPSA rule.  Action on this provision has been postponed.
• An interim final rule on tournament system pricing in the poultry industry has also been submitted to OMB.  Once again, this provision does not impact us.
• Sample contracts will still need to be submitted to USDA, but only for poultry and pork contracts.  Cattle contracts are not included.
• This final rule is estimated to cost $70 million annually to comply with for the provisions mentioned above.  This is below the $100 million threshold to be considered an economically significant rule.  Since proponents of the GIPSA rule failed to submit any economic data, our comments and the Informa study were factored into USDA’s analysis.  However, even after multiple requests from Congress, we will not see the analysis until the rule is published.
• The ban on packer-to-packer sales, and the requirement to only have one buyer per packer, have been eliminated.
• The requirement to maintain records in order to try and justify the price paid for cattle has been eliminated.

BOTTOM LINE:  Even though many of these actions are positive, the fight is not over.  By law, USDA must define undue preference and unfair practices.  Even though they have postponed that action, they told us they were reviewing those provisions and the provisions relating to competitive injury for a future re-proposed rule.  We have to stay engaged in order to prevent this from happening.

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. Visit us on the web at www.coloradocattle.org.

11-04-11 *DoW-CO News* TIME CHANGE MEANS ADDED CAUTION FOR MOTORISTS

DENVER — As Nov. 5 brings an end to daylight savings saving time, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding Colorado motorists of the higher risk of being involved in a wildlife-related accident.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), November sees more car accidents involving wildlife than any other month.

“Fall is a particularly dangerous season for motorists and wildlife,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education Coordinator Mark Cousins.  “Many people will be commuting at dusk when visibility is poor and when many of our big game animals are most active. Deer are extremely vulnerable to being struck this time of year because this is their peak mating season. They are more mobile, easily distracted and more likely to be crossing roadways.”

According to transportation studies, motor vehicle accidents involving wildlife rank as the third leading cause for crashes behind speeding and inattentive driving. These statistics include severe property damage, injuries and fatalities.

Wildlife-related accidents can happen anywhere in Colorado, however, drivers should be especially cautious when traveling through forests and agricultural land, as well as the following “high-risk” areas: 

11-04-11 Agrium Advanced Technologies Enhances Sustainability Focus

New team highlights, unifies sustainability initiatives and protocols across all brands, employees

LOVELAND, Colo. (November 4, 2011) – Agrium Advanced Technologies (AAT) today announced the establishment of a corporate Sustainability Team, designed to coordinate the variety of sustainable initiatives currently underway across the organization.

“Building a sustainable company requires a focus on the Environmental, Economic and Social pillars of our organization.” said Andrew Mittag, President, Agrium Advanced Technologies. “Not only is AAT the leading manufacturer of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers, we’re also a leader in sustainable initiatives in the fertilizer market, from innovation in production to working with environmental organizations on fertilizer legislation to end-user education and everything in between. Our new Sustainability Team will help us maintain our focus on the goals we set for our organization.”

The new team features the addition of Sarah Fox as Agrium Advanced Technologies’ first Sustainability Initiatives Specialist, bringing almost two decades of leadership experience in non-profit and governmental environmental legislation and policy innovation to the organization.

11-04-11 Hone Your Winter Driving Skills in Steamboat Springs…

Mark Cox, Director Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, CO

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Winter weather is here in Colorado and folks need to be careful while traveling…One way to do so is by attending the The Bridgestone Winter Driving School…America’s first and foremost school for teaching safe winter driving techniques and believe it or not…it is located right here in Colorado in Steamboat Springs. The Bridgestone Winter Driving School has been featured on CNN, the Today Show, HDTV, MSNBC, Good Morning America, Men’s Health, Ski Magazine and dozens of newspapers and radio shows across the country and now even the BARN too.

With that said…joining me Inside the BARN is Mark Cox Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School…110411_BWDS_MarkCox_9m15s 

Follow them on Facebook too

11-04-11 Dr. Getty urges: “Don’t let your horse develop an ulcer!”

CLICK HERE to listen to Dr Getty on this month's edition of the Getty Equine Nutrition Corner inside the BARN...

Dr. Juliet Getty never stops urging horse owners to “feed your horse like a horse,” for the simple reason that a horse, fed according to his physiology and instincts, will be healthier. Dr. Getty often speaks about free choice feeding as the first line of defense against ulcers, but there is more an owner can do to protect his horse from the pain and stress of this condition.

“For many reasons,” says the Ph.D. equine nutrition expert, “a steady, constant supply of forage keeps your horse’s digestive system healthy, but it’s especially important in ulcer prevention.” Some basic anatomy knowledge reveals why: Unlike in the human, the horse’s stomach secretes acid all the time, even when empty. Chewing creates saliva, a natural antacid. If left without food, horses will chew on whatever they can, even their own manure, to neutralize the acid that is causing them physical pain and mental discomfort. And if left with absolutely nothing to chew on, the horse will commonly develop ulcers.

Horses in the wild do not get ulcers. The diet and lifestyle we impose on our horses are to blame for this disabling condition. The good news is encouraging, according to Dr. Getty, who reminds horse owners, “We have the ability to prevent ulcers through proper feeding and stress reduction.”

In addition to offering forage, free-choice, Dr. Getty suggests horse owners consider these protective feeding guidelines:

11-04-11 *KSU News* Grain Dust Explosions: K-State Grain Scientist Discusses Causes, Precautions

MANHATTAN, Kan. – In the aftermath of an Oct. 29 grain elevator explosion in Atchison, Kan. that claimed six lives and injured two others, Kansas State University grain scientist, Leland McKinney said that while grain and other kinds of dust can be dangerous, steps can be taken to reduce risk.
“It’s a real tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people who are affected by this,” he said.

McKinney answered questions relating to grain dust explosions.

•        Why do explosions happen sometimes in grain storage facilities?

McKinney: Several factors must be present for a grain dust explosion to occur. They all have to be present at the same time. These conditions are: 1) an ignition source, such as a hot bearing, welding or cutting; 2) an adequate concentration of low moisture grain dust; 3) the grain dust is in suspension; 4) the presence of oxygen; and 5) the ignition of the grain dust in an enclosure, such as an elevator.

Removing any of those factors reduces the likelihood of a grain dust explosion.

•        What can grain storage facilities do to minimize the risk of explosions?

McKinney: Grain storage facilities can reduce their risk of a grain dust explosion with good housekeeping practices to reduce grain dust levels and by installing monitoring devices on equipment to detect overheating of bearings. 

11-04-11 *USDA/NASS* Colorado Direct Feeder Cattle Report

GL_LS165
Greeley, CO    Fri Nov 4, 2011    USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News

Colorado Direct Feeder Cattle Weighted Average
Feeder Cattle Weighted Average Report for 11/4/2011

Receipts:  1660    Last Week:  4050    Year Ago:  2920

Compared to last week:  Feeder steers and heifers traded steady to firm on
limited comparable sales.  Buyers were very active in the auction markets this
week as the industry is in the heart of the fall run.  Gains in the CME live
cattle futures mid to late week helped to firm up markets this week.  All of the
supply comprised of feeder steers.  All of the supply weighed over 600 lbs.
Unless otherwise stated prices are FOB with a 2-3 percent shrink or equivalent
and with a 5-10 cent slide on calves and 3-6 cent slide on yearlings from base
weight. 

11-04-11 CME Group Statement on Transfer of MF Global Customer Accounts

CHICAGO, Nov. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — On November 3, 2011, CME Group successfully transferred nearly 5,300 MF Global customer accounts and more than $410 million of CME Clearing-held collateral to other qualified clearing firms.  CME Clearing continues to hold MF Global proprietary and customer collateral that will be distributed upon instructions from the Trustee and the bankruptcy court.

CME Group expects transfers for additional accounts at CME and the other exchanges and clearinghouses to continue throughout the day today. Customers with accounts transferring will receive communications from their receiving firm following the transfers.

11-04-11 US Representative Cory Gardner (R-CO) Statement on Latest Unemployment Rate

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) issued the following statement after the Department of Labor released a report showing an unemployment rate of 9 percent in October:

“Today the American people were hit with the news of another month of unacceptably high unemployment.  This is the 33nd month in a row with unemployment above 8 percent.  All the “Forgotten 15” jobs bills stalled in the United States Senate must be passed right away, so we can start putting people back to work.  There is no reason to delay these bills any longer.”

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11-04-11 NAWG Weekly Wheat Digest

Most of NAWG’s staff and grower-leadership was in Scottsdale, Ariz., this week for the 2011 Fall Wheat Conference. In light of this, we are offering a short update today; the full Digest will return Thursday, Nov. 10.

No Ag Committee Leadership Proposal Yet
As of press time Thursday, Congressional Agriculture Committee leaders continued to negotiate their legislative proposal for $23 billion in cuts to programs within their jurisdiction. The Ag Committee leaders had said they would present a proposal by Nov. 1 to outline how the cuts they recommended to the debt-deficit super committee should be distributed – and what changes would be necessitated in farm programs to allow for the reductions. Word from the Hill this week is that negotiations are ongoing but challenging considering the magnitude of the needed changes.

Last week, NAWG sent a letter to the Ag Committee principals in both chambers outlining the Association’s farm policy priorities for the super committee and farm bill processes. That letter is athttp://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/farmbill-letter-on-ag-policy-deficit-reduction-20111025.pdf.

H.R. 872 Moves Fail; New Permitting Goes Into Effect

USGC Global Update for November 3, 2011‏

NCGA CEO Sees Growing Potential for Ag Exports to China - Page 1
Despite World Economy, India Poised for Growth - Page 2
Be Part of the Panamanian Excitement - Page 2
USDA’s Weekly Export Sales Highlights for October 21-27, 2011 – Page 3
Council Attends the 2011 NAFB Trade Talk in November - Page 4
Council Activity Calendar - Page 4
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NCGA CEO Sees Growing Potential for Ag Exports to China
“Over the past 25 years, we kept predicting China would grow into an important market for U.S. agriculture ‘in a few more years.’ I hadn’t realized, and I’m guessing many growers haven’t realized that in 2010 China became our number one export market,” reported Rick Tolman, chief executive officer for the National Corn Growers Association.

Tolman, who traveled to China with U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr, found dramatic changes compared to 11 years ago when he served as Council’s executive director for international operations.