11-07-11 *USB News* Checkoff Wants Cities to Use More Biodiesel and Bioheat®

Soybean checkoff to partner with Clean Cities to communicate benefits of biodiesel, Bioheat for fourth year

ST. LOUIS (November 7, 2011) – U.S. soybean farmers will receive a helping hand to spread the word about the positive benefits of soy biodiesel and Bioheat®. For the fourth year, the United Soybean Board (USB) and the soybean checkoff will partner with U.S. Department of Energy-affiliated (DOE) Clean Cities to build demand for soy biodiesel and Bioheat in major urban areas.

The checkoff continues to promote theses homegrown, green sources of energy by working with municipalities that participate in the DOE Clean Cities chapters to increase the availability and use of soy biodiesel and the heating oil alternative known as Bioheat.

“USB’s Clean Cities program multiplies our opportunity for outreach,” says Mike Beard, USB director and soybean farmer from Frankfort, Ind. “These Clean Cities chapters do a tremendous job of communicating the benefits of soy biodiesel and Bioheat to the public.”

11-07-11 *KCBT News* Kansas City Board of Trade Sets Initial Margin Ratio at 1.00

Kansas City-November 7, 2011-The Kansas City Board of Trade today will set customer initial to maintenance ratios to 1.00, setting the initial margin upcharge to zero. This will be in effect from today forward until further notice. This change is intended to be temporary.

The intention of this reduction is to decrease the size of any margin calls resulting from the transfer of MF Global customers to new clearing members. The upcharge is normally implemented to customer accounts during a margin call.

The change still allows for appropriate risk management protections for the market.

The Kansas City Board of Trade is a for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Delaware. The KCBT, founded in 1856, is the world’s largest futures market for hard red winter wheat. Daily quotes, market commentary, historical data and charting services are available on our website at www.kcbt.com.

11-07-11 Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Fire Investigation Team Featured on Hallmark Channel on Nov 11th

CBI’s fire investigators Agent Jerry Means and his award-winning K9 Sadie will be featured this Friday, November 11, 2011, on the Hallmark Channel at 6 p.m., Mountain time.

Last month, Sadie was recognized in a glamorous Hollywood ceremony sponsored by the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards competition. Sadie was selected as the nation’s top dog in the Law Enforcement / Arson Dog category. Friday’s TV show recaps the ceremony and describes what each dog in all categories accomplished to be recognized.

Agent Means and Sadie travel the entire state of Colorado, at all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year, to investigate hundreds of fires each year. Sadie has been responsible for helping state and local investigators identify the causes of fires and for prosecuting criminal arsonists throughout the state.

The Hallmark Channel has produced a brief video about Sadie. The video features CBI Director Ron Sloan, Agent Means and Sadie, among others. It’s available at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvwUCOghv2A&feature=related

11-07-11 *CO FFA News* Animal Health International to Support Colorado FFA Members all across the State

Jill Taylor (center) of Animal Health International’s retail store in LaJunta presents a check to Kurt Lieberknect (left) and Kyle Hartshorn (right), both Colorado FFA State Officers. COURTESY of the Colorado FFA FOundation

Animal Health International and Pfizer Animal Health have teamed with the Colorado FFA Foundation to provide support for FFA students in Colorado. Through a generous rebate program made possible by Pfizer Animal Health, Animal Health International is providing $10,000 to the Colorado FFA Foundation. (An additional gift was given after the photo was taken)

The donation will help the Colorado FFA Foundation provide funds for student travel to the nations capitol for the FFA’s premier leadership Conference –Washington Leadership Conference, recognize students for achievement in entrepreneurship and placement agricultural experiences, and deliver localized workshops in every FFA Chapter in Colorado.

“We are glad to have partners like Animal Health International in Colorado,” said Dale McCall, Chairman of the Colorado FFA Foundation. “It is with their help that we can continue to support the members of the Colorado FFA Association.”

Under a program created by Pfizer Animal Health, retailers like Animal Health International can donate funds to one of several organizations and initiatives.

The Colorado FFA Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support the more than 5,500 FFA members in Colorado’s 100 chapters. FFA is a national organization of 506,199 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

11-07-11 The Grand Ole Opry Sets the Stage for 2012 Commodity Classic Attendees

ST. LOUIS (November 7, 2011) – An exclusive performance at the Grand Ole Opry awaits those attending the Evening of Entertainment at the 2012 Commodity Classic, March 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. Commodity Classic is the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused conference and trade show, presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers.

“The Grand Ole Opry has launched country music careers and hosted entertainment icons,” said Commodity Classic co-chair Jeff Sollars. “This year Commodity Classic attendees are lucky to have the chance to visit the place that led the way for Nashville to become Music City.”

“The Opry’s rich legacy of showcasing legendary and rising talent is testament to the level of top entertainment attendees can look forward to experiencing,” said Commodity Classic co-chair Martin Barbre. “Unforgettable moments have happened on this most famous of country music stages, and you won’t want to risk missing this one.”

Since its humble beginning as a simple radio broadcast in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has featured a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make pilgrimages to Nashville to see the show live. Millions more tune in to Opry broadcasts on television, the radio and the Internet.

The Evening of Entertainment is generously sponsored by Monsanto.

Commodity Classic offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for growers and the agricultural industry in the areas of production, policy, marketing, management and stewardship, while providing state-of-the-art exhibits of the latest in equipment, technology and innovation. For more information, visit www.CommodityClassic.com.

 

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11-07-11 US Senator Bennet (D-CO) Statement on Colorado Rural School Districts Retaining Access to Resources for Broadband Access

Denver, CO – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a former superintendent of schools, today released the following statement on news that a group of 21 rural Colorado school districts, the East Central Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), will retain access to crucial resources following the successful resolution of a matter with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regarding broadband Internet access at the schools.

“In order to prepare our students for the 21^st century economy, schools across Colorado need access to reliable, affordable broadband Internet, particularly those situated in rural communities,” said Bennet. “Students in rural schools should not be asked to go back in time when they step into a classroom. We need to bring those classrooms up to speed so they can compete with their peers in urban school districts and students around the world, and these resources can help.”

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11-07-11 *US Sen Bennet (D-CO)* New Report Proposes Creation of National Veterans Foundation to Improve Collaboration Between Public and Private Resources

Bennet Commissioned Report to Better Serve Veterans and Military Families, Prepare for Troops Returning from Service in Iraq and Afghanistan 

Prepared by Participants of Bennet’s Colorado Veterans Forum in Colorado Springs and Denver

Denver, CO – A report presented today to Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet calls for the creation of a National Veterans Foundation modeled after work being done in Colorado Springs to fill gaps that exist between public and private agencies, as well as service providers that support America’s veterans.

The Veterans Foundation is a key highlight in the “Better Serving Those Who Have Served,” report, which was prepared for Bennet by experts in the public and private sectors who participated in his Colorado Veterans Forum in Colorado Springs and Denver in August. Bennet today joined leaders of Colorado’s veterans community for the report’s release. Bennet commissioned the report to ensure that Colorado and the United States are ready to support the influx of troops returning from overseas as the country winds down two wars.

“Our troops make up one percent of the nation’s population, but they have 100 percent of the responsibility to fight to defend our freedom. Americans want to keep the promises we’ve made to serve these brave men and women when they return home,” Bennet said. “A National Veterans Foundations can provide direct support to communities to ensure that veterans can find and access the services they need.”

The Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal and state agencies have programs supporting our nation’s service members and veterans. Gaps in service exist between these agencies because of the limited statutory mandates for each.  A growing number of private and non-profit service providers are already filling some of those gaps. However, there is currently no way to tell whether gaps still exist, and the large number of organizations and service providers make it difficult for service members and veterans to successfully identify and obtain the assistance for which they are looking.

11-07-11 US Senators Bennet (D-CO), Udall (D-CO) Urge Senate Leadership to Consider Rural Communities in Postal Service Reforms

Washington – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, along with Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) are urging Senate committee leaders to consider western states and rural communities when exploring potential reforms to the U.S. Postal Service.

“We think a long-term viable postal service must be placed on a secure financial trajectory while protecting the important role that USPS plays in rural America,” the Senators wrote in the letter to the leaders of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the subcommittee dealing with the Postal Service.

“While it is imperative that we address current structural dilemmas facing the USPS such as the mandate to pre-fund future retiree health benefits and overpayments into the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), we must set the Postal Service on a new course that embraces innovation and creative business practices and protects the millions of Americans who depend on this longstanding institution regardless of sleet or snow, six days a week, year after year.”

In the letter, the Senators outlined priorities for reform that encourage innovation, take creative approaches to existing assets and maintain the competitive edge.

In June, Bennet and Udall sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General expressing concern over USPS location closures and consolidations that could make it more difficult for Coloradans to send letters and mail packages.

In September, they sent a letter to Ruth Goldway, chairwoman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, urging the Postal Regulatory Commission to carefully consider the effects of possible postal service closures on rural areas and small towns in Colorado and across the country.

Full text of the letter is included below:

11-07-11 NCBA Partners with Roper and Stetson to Offer Member Benefits

 

— Join NCBA Today to Receive a 50 Percent Off Coupon

WASHINGTON (Nov. 7, 2011) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is excited to offer its members an outstanding new opportunity through an exclusive partnership with Roper and Stetson. Under the partnership, new and existing NCBA members will receive significant discounts on Roper and Stetson apparel and footwear.

Anyone who joins NCBA will receive a 50 percent off coupon for Roper and Stetson apparel and current members will receive quarterly 25 percent off coupons through the National Cattlemen publication. Additionally, participants who pay a full registration at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will receive a Roper and Stetson coupon to use at the trade show. NCBA Vice President of Membership and Association Marketing Marvin Kokes said the partnership showcases the organization’s outstanding reputation and commitment to its membership.

“Our most important partner in the development of our association is our members,” Kokes said. “The partnership with Roper and Stetson allows our members to benefit from their commitment to our association and entices new members to get involved with NCBA.”

11-07-11 *National FFA Alumni News* 40 Years and on the Grow at The National FFA Alumni Convention!

CHECK OUT THE NEW NATIONAL FFA ALUMNI WEBINAR & SCHEDULES

            INDIANAPOLIS– At the 2011 National FFA Alumni Convention, held October 20-21 in Indianapolis, hundreds of FFA Alumni members from nearly every state came together to work toward their common goal: supporting and advocating for the 540,000-plus FFA members in blue corduroy. They also had another goal in mind of celebrating 40 years of FFA Alumni success while planning future growth.

            Energetic sessions, engaging conversations, recognition of distinguished members and supporters, informative workshops, outstanding benefit auctions and entertaining performances only began to describe FFA Alumni’s 2011 national convention.

            This milestone year marked the 40^th Anniversary of the National FFA Alumni Association. Celebrations included a past national FFA Alumni council reception and a party featuring county music singer Joe Diffie plus up-and-coming singer-songwriter and agriculture education teacher, Craig Winquist.

At the business session, Anita Schneider of Kansas was elected as the President-Elect. Former National FFA CEO and Advisor Larry Case, Virginia, returned to the world of FFA after election as one of the Member-at-Large Representative’s while Andrea Stevenson, Florida, was selected to fill the remaining Member-at-Large position. Awards were presented to outstanding affiliates and members based on their achievements and success.

Delegates were tasked with the decision of adding an associate membership to the Alumni Constitutions By-Laws. The issue narrowly failed last year by one vote but was unanimously voted through and will help all states retain contact with their graduating FFA members. Information about the associate membership and proposed changes to the constitution can be found on the Alumni website, www.ffa.org/alumni, along with other convention and workshop resources.

But the real work – supporting FFA members – was the focal point of the Alumni convention. The annual silent auction showcased 1,000 items for bidding. Items were donated by Alumni members and companies across the country, with $122,000 eventually being raised for scholarships.

11-07-11 *WSGA News* Encana Partners With Wyoming Stock Growers to Support Rural Community Dialogues

RealRancher Tom Hamilton pours a permectrin/diesel fuel mix on a back rubber used for fly control. Ag and rural stories like this are told by rural community members from across the state on RealRanchers.com in order to educate consumers. Photo by Heather Hamilton, Double H Photography.

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Stock Growers Association and Encana [EN-CAN-A] Oil and Gas (USA) Inc. are working together to support Community Dialogues for Rural Wyoming, a program dedicated to providing information and education about life in small Wyoming communities with high energy and agriculture involvement.

The program, conducted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, was established to tell the stories of farmers, ranchers and others in Wyoming’s rural communities.  A website, RealRanchers.com, has been established along with a Facebook page, YouTube channel and Twitter account.

A $20,000 grant awarded by Encana will enable the program to host public events, offer social media training, provide advertising to drive traffic to the website and purchase equipment to aid in the development of video content.  The program targets rural community members, local leaders and family ag producers with the aim of providing a line of communication between rural communities and the non-agriculture public.

“People who live and work in Wyoming’s rural communities have a story to tell, and an interested audience who want to hear from them,” said Kosha [KOH-SHA] Olsen, Program Director for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.  “Content for the website and social media outlets is provided by rural community members, a number of whom are younger ranchers who have expressed interest in becoming more involved as community leaders.”

Olsen said the website has been viewed more than 6,300 times in eight months, and the Facebook page has more than 1,000 followers from 18 different countries.

“Agriculture is such an important part of Wyoming that it’s critical we in the oil and gas industry promote open discussions with landowners and others in agriculture,” said Randy Teeuwen [TEA-A-WIN], Encana community relations advisor.  “Social media and transparent discussions will help others understand the importance of rural life to the heritage of Wyoming and allow us to work together.”

Encana previously awarded grant funding to support the initial phases of the program.  The upcoming phase will provide more and new content, including a series on how the energy industry collaborates with agriculture and opportunities it creates in rural communities.

11-07-11 *WSGA News* Workshop Offers Succession Planning Advice Dec 12-13th in Casper, WY

Generations of agriculturists can learn more about planning the future of their ag operations at the Making a Plan workshop Dec. 12-13 in Casper. Visit www.wysga.org for more information. CLICK HERE to visit the Real Ranchers Website...

CASPER – “Making a Plan: Wyoming Agriculture Succession and Estate Transfer” is a new workshop offering tools and information about planning the future for agriculture operations. It is Dec. 12-13 in Casper at the Parkway Plaza and is open to agriculture producers and professionals of all ages.

The extreme need for succession planning is highlighted in a report from the Small Business Review. During the next 20 years, close to 80 million baby boomers will retire and a staggering $10 trillion will be transferred from the World War II generation to the boomers. This would be the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history. In addition, the majority of this wealth is held by the U.S.’s 12 million privately-owned businesses and experts predict more than 70 percent of these businesses will change hands in the next two decades.

The Making a Plan workshop is designed to help current and future producers, as well as professionals, understand the need for succession planning, while providing information on the latest tools to start the process.

The workshop will feature an opening keynote address by Dr. Ron Hanson, Neal E. Harlan Professor of Agribusiness at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He will share the importance of estate planning for the longevity of the operation and the family unit.

The workshop also features a panel of Wyoming producers sharing experiences, successes and pitfalls of estate transition and a panel of “next generation” producers sharing their concerns, challenges and questions about taking ownership. Participants can choose two of five breakout sessions that go in-depth on legal issues, keeping ranches in the family, financial planning and more. In addition, a “Tools for Transition” room will provide the opportunity for one-on-one visits with sponsors who provide an array of succession planning services.

The workshop is hosted by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA).

11-07-11 Colorado FFA Foundation’s Executive Director Don Thorn…Update & MORE…

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado FA Foundation's Website

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Joining me inside the BARN with the latest update from the Colorado FFA Foundation is Executive Director Don Thorn. Thorn announces the Class of 2012 Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductees and the new Rising Star in Agriculture Award Winner PLUS discusses several of the ways folks can participate directly by contributing to the Colorado FFA Foundation…

110711_CoFFAFoundation_DonThorn_11m45s *UPDATED-Pfizer Rebate Donations*

About the Colorado FFA Foundation

The Colorado FFA Foundation seeks resources – human, financial and in-kind – to support agricultural education in Colorado, including students (FFA, ATA and CYFEA), teachers (CVATA) and alumni. In 1983, a group of volunteers organized the Colorado FFA Foundation to provide a strong support system for the Colorado FFA Association and its student members. In 1989, the Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit entity and began actively seeking funds to support Colorado Team Ag Ed and its members by funding leadership development, personal growth and career success activities, events and scholarships. In the past five years, the Foundation has raised and invested more than $500,000 in Colorado’s young people.

11-07-11 *CWRF News* New Wheat Varieties Designed for Colorado Farmers

Hard red winter wheat variety Byrd being grown for foundation seed this summer at Fort Collins.

November 7, 2011, Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado Wheat Research Foundation (CWRF) is commercializing two new hard red winter wheat varieties in Colorado. Following more than eight years of research, development and rigorous testing at Colorado State University (CSU), these two new varieties – Byrd and Brawl CL Plus – are shaping up as excellent varieties to help farmers in the High Plains region grow wheat with higher yield and test weights, resistance to drought and disease, and superior quality baking flour.

About Byrd

Byrd topped the state average in both the dryland (UVPT) and irrigated (IVPT) state Variety Performance Trials in 2010 and 2011, beating the next highest ranked variety by more than 5 bushels per acre on a two-year dryland average and 4 bushels on a two-year irrigated average. Byrd also shows good drought stress tolerance, test weight, stripe rust resistance, and end-use quality. Combine all these traits with Byrd’s exceptional milling and baking quality and Ug-99 stem rust resistance, and Byrd gives farmers a definite advantage.

“If past trial data are any predictor, Byrd promises to rapidly become a dominant wheat variety in Colorado,” said Dr. Scott Haley, who manages the CSU Wheat Breeding and Genetics Program. “It has shown yields about 10 percent higher than Hatcher with comparable test weights, drought stress tolerance, and stripe rust resistance.”

About Brawl CL Plus

Brawl CL Plus is a Clearfield® Plus hard red winter wheat that provides a greater degree of crop safety to Beyond™ herbicide for broad-spectrum weed control, including problematic winter annual grassy weeds. Brawl CL Plus is the first publicly-developed “two-gene” Clearfield® winter wheat that allows use of methylated seed oil in the tank mix with Beyond™ herbicide to increase the effectiveness of the herbicide, particularly on feral rye, which is tougher to control once it starts to tiller and develop.

11-07-11 *Co Dept of Ag news* Simple and Delicious, Colorado Potatoes are Also Nutritious

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Each month, the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown, raised or processed in the state. This month, Colorado potatoes are featured in our Potato Quesadillas recipe.

Available Now…Potatoes

From well-known varieties such as Russet and Yukon Gold to specialty potatoes like Purple Majesty and French Fingerling, Colorado grows over 100 different varieties of potatoes. The state produces more than 2 billion pounds of potatoes annually, making the state the fourth largest producer in the nation. Avoid potatoes with wrinkled skins, soft dark spots, cut surfaces or a green appearance. All varieties should be uniformly sized, fairly clean, firm, and smooth. Potatoes are fat free, sodium free and are high in potassium and Vitamin C. Look for Colorado potatoes at your local grocery store or at restaurants across the state.

Potato Quesadillas

11-07-11 *History-CO Centennial Farm Project* Meet Custer County’s Walker Family Ranch of Westcliffe…

Walker Family Ranch, Westcliffe, Custer County (1911)...CLICK HERE to listen their interview inside the BARN

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

11-07-11 CO Lt. Governor Garcia takes Literacy Initiative to Northern Colorado November 7th

DENVER - Monday, November 7, 2011 - Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia takes the statewide listening tour to the northern region of Colorado to gain local insight and perspective on the critical issue of early childhood literacy.  Community, foundation and education leaders will join Garcia on the Literacy Bus, which will visit 4 Colorado cities on November 7.  The focus of the tour will be on hearing from local educators, business and community leaders, and parents on how to support their efforts on early literacy.

“Governor Hickenlooper and I believe the path to a prosperous Colorado begins with a well-educated workforce,” Garcia said.  “Early reading success is an essential building block for academic growth and achievement.”

Mile High United Way is a lead partner with the Lieutenant Governor on the effort to strengthen early literacy in the state.  Mile High United Way CEO Christine Benero will accompany Lt. Gov. Garcia on the tour.   In addition, Serve Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver, Colorado State University – Ft. Collins, The Pearson Foundation and Comcast are playing a prominent role in supporting the tour and working to advance literacy in the state.  Mile High United Way recently received a $3.6 million Social Innovation Fund grant to boost literacy advancement programs across the state and is inviting qualified groups to apply for shares of the Social Innovation Fund grant.

The emphasis of the discussion will be on identifying and implementing programs that foster literacy from birth through age 8. Data from across the United States consistently show that literacy skills evolve from birth, and the intervention and education at the earliest stages of life are critical to literacy development.

Community conversations tour itinerary (Nov. 7):

9:30 – 10:45 a.m. - Fort Morgan, Pioneer Elementary School, 415 S. Spruce St.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. - Gilcrest, Gilcrest Elementary School, 1175 Birch St.

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. - Fort Collins, Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Avenue

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. - Loveland, Lincoln Elementary School, 3312 Douglas Ave.

The public is invited to join the Colorado conversation about early childhood literacy by attending one of the meetings and/or visiting: www.literacymatterscolorado.org

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11-07-11 *CSU EXT NEWS* Two FREE Seminars: “Manager’s Forum” & “Cattle Handling in SPANISH” Nov 17th in Yuma…RSVP TODAY!

FREE SEMINAR: Cattle Handling Presented in Spanish on November 17th

Colorado State University Extension will be hosting a program on cattle handling and proper injection sites.  This training will be presented in Spanish.  Learn about why Beef Quality Assurance is important, where injection sites should be located, and tips on handling cattle when working with them.  Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz (CSU Extension Dairy Specialist) and Michael Fisher (Golden Plains Area Livestock Agent) will be presenting.

Local feedlots and dairies are encouraged to send their employees to this valuable training.

The training will be held at the Yuma County Fairgrounds Concession Building from 10 AM to 11:30 AM on November 17^th.  There will be no registration fee for attending this program. 

FREE SEMINAR: Manager’s Forum on November 17th

Colorado State University Extension will be hosting a program for managers to address current requirements for employee documentation and also communicating with employees.

Immigration attorney Mr. Jeff Joseph, Esq. (Joseph Law Firm, P.C.) will present information about proper I-9 documentation procedures that are necessary for an employer to have and maintain to verify the identity and legal work eligibility of their employees.

CSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz will discuss how managers can better communicate with employees who may originate from another country and have cultural differences from those of the manager.

This training will be held at the Yuma County Fairgrounds Concession Building from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on November 17^th.  The is no charge for this program, however a RSVP is appreciated.  To register for the meeting or get more information you may contact the Yuma County Extension Office at 970-332-4151.