11-16-11 U.S. House passes law to allow Coloradoans to carry handguns in other states…

Independence Institute’s David Kopel testified to Congress in favor of the bill

GOLDEN, Colo.– This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 272 to 154 to pass H.R. 822, a bill which creates national reciprocity for concealed handgun carry licenses. Colorado’s four Republican Representatives are all co-sponsors.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar bill in 2009 won a majority, but was defeated by the filibuster. Senators Udall and Bennet voted in favor of that bill.

If the bill becomes law, Colorado residents who have a concealed handgun carry permit could carry a handgun in all other jurisdictions which issue concealed handgun permits. This would be everywhere except Illinois and the District of Columbia. When carrying in another state, Coloradoans would have to comply with the all the rules of the other state, just as Coloradoans who drive in other states have to obey the traffic laws there.

Independence Institute Research Director David Kopel testified in support of the bill at a Sept. 13 hearing of the House Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

11-16-11 Dr. Getty’s November Tip: The Best Sources for Omega 3 Fatty Acids

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

Omega 3 fatty acids keep your horse healthy in a variety of ways. They balance immune function, protect joints and ligaments, diminish airway inflammation, support gastrointestinal function, reduce skin allergies, and decrease nervousness. Keep in mind that there are several fatty acids that can be classified as “omega 3” based on their chemical structure, but there is only one omega 3 fatty acid that your horse cannot produce on his own, and which, therefore, must be in his diet: Alpha Linolenic Acid (or ALA). Given this, however,  your horse can manufacture two other omega 3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Fresh grass has ample omega 3s — four times more than omega 6s, which can promote inflammation. Hay, however, has virtually no omega 3s left. And commercial feeds usually contain soybean or corn oils, which are very high in omega 6s. While there’s one omega 6 that is necessary – linoleic acid — too much of a good thing can create an imbalance.

To provide omega 3s, horse owners generally turn to one of three sources – flaxseeds, chia seeds, or fish oils. The fat found in flaxseeds (oil or ground into a meal) and chia seeds is predominantly in the form on ALA; flax provides approximately 4:1 omega 3s to omega 6s, while chia has slightly fewer omega 3s.

Fish oils are high in two omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Though horses are not fish-eaters, both of these fatty acids offer strong anti-inflammatory benefits and may be useful for heavily exercised muscles and joints.But fish oil does not provide the essential ALA. Therefore, supplementing the diet with flax or chia will better mimic the omega 3s found in plants — what horses are designed to eat.

Dr. Juliet Getty has taught and consulted on equine nutrition for more than 20 years. She offers teleseminars on a variety of topics; past teleseminars can be downloaded by subscribers after the live presentations—register at www.gettyequinenutrition.com, where you will also find a library of helpful articles, a forum on nutrition, and a calendar. Dr. Getty publishes a free (and popular) monthly e-newsletter, “Forage for Thought”; subscribe through the website.  Dr. Getty serves as a distinguished advisor to the Equine Sciences Academy, and is available for individual consultations. Contact Dr. Getty directly at gettyequinenutrition@gmail.com or at (970) 884-7187.

 

11-16-11 US Senator Bennet (D-CO): USPS ‘Time-Out’ Provides More Time to Evaluate Effects of Potential Post Office Closures

Announcement Comes on Heels of Several Bennet Efforts to Ensure USPS Reform Recognizes Impact on Rural Communities 

Washington, DC –Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that the USPS has issued a temporary “time-out” on post office closings that will provide more time for the Agency to examine potential effects of these closings on local communities and help Coloradans avoid frustrating and needless holiday season service interruptions.

This month, USPS issued a notice to all Area Vice Presidents, directing them to temporarily suspend all Delivery Unit Optimization (DUO) implementations and post office closings beginning November 19, 2011 through January 2, 2012. While districts may proceed with the post office discontinuance process, the physical closing of a post office or the physical relocation of routes will be temporarily suspended during this window.

 

“Although we are not out of the woods yet and reforms to place the Postal Service on a more secure financial trajectory are absolutely needed, this temporary ‘time-out’ ensure that the USPS can step back and more closely evaluate the potential effects of post office closures on local communities,” said Bennet. “We have worked hard to communicate the important role post offices play in rural communities, and we hope the USPS uses this time-out to take a closer look at the potential effects of these closures on Colorado communities.”

This announcement comes on the heels of several Bennet efforts to ensure USPS reform takes into account potential impacts on rural communities.

Earlier this month, Bennet and Senator Mark Udall wrote a letter to Senate committee leaders urging them to consider western states and rural communities when exploring potential reforms to the U.S. Postal Service. 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.

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11-16-11 DOE and EPA Release 2012 Annual Fuel Economy Guide

NOVEMBER 16th, 2011 – The Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are releasing the 2012 Fuel Economy Guide, providing consumers with information that can help them choose a more efficient new vehicle that saves them money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. While fuel efficient vehicles come in a variety of fuel types, classes, and sizes, many new advanced technology vehicles debut on this year’s annual list of top fuel economy performers. Fuel economy leaders within each vehicle category—from two-seaters to large SUVs—include widely available products such as conventional gasoline models and clean diesels.

Some 2012 models will be displaying a new fuel economy and environment label that provides consumers with more comprehensive fuel efficiency information, including five-year fuel costs or savings compared to the average vehicle, as well as new greenhouse gas and smog ratings. These labels are actually required in model year 2013, but automakers may voluntarily adopt the new labels in model year 2012.

Each vehicle listing in the guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The estimate is calculated based on the vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg) rating and national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices. The online version of the guide allows consumers to input their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate.

Printed editions of the guide are coming to dealer showrooms. DOE and EPA will provide online updates of fuel economy information as more 2012 vehicles become available.

For more information and a complete version of the guide, see FuelEconomy.gov orFuelEconomy.gov/m for mobile devices.

View the 2012 fuel economy leaders within each class and the lowest fuel economy models.

See more information about the new label.

11-16-11 US Forest Service Teams With Society Of American Foresters on Research to Help Land Managers Integrate Energy, Products and Land Management Policy

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2011 – U.S. Forest Service scientists contributed to a far-reaching report that will help land managers make decisions about how forests are best managed to help offset carbon emissions, including the use of forest biomass for energy.

The report, “Managing Forests Because Carbon Matters: Integrating Energy, Products, and Land Management Policy,” is published in the Society of American Foresters’ Journal of Forestry. The report was compiled by the organization’s Task Force on Forest Climate Change Offsets and Use of Forest Biomass for Energy, which also coordinated more than 25 external reviews of the report.

“Congratulations to the Society of American Foresters for bringing together such a diverse team of scientists to evaluate this critical environmental and energy issue.” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.  “This report analyzes the most recent science on wood to energy initiatives as well as how trees can help solve the nation’s carbon emission problems.”

According to the task force report, U.S. environmental and energy policies should be based on four science-informed premises:

11-16-11 Agribusiness Contributions to Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees

Nov. 16, 2011 - With the upcoming presidential election accelerating the focus on November 2012, one issue that will most likely be decided before either President Obama takes a second term or one of his Republican challengers takes the oath of office is the latest version of the “Farm Bill.” The Farm Bill is a massive spending measure that covers a wide variety of agriculture issues from crop insurance to food stamps and is taken up by Congress every five years. The current version of the Farm Bill is The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

Below is an analysis conducted by MapLight on contributions connected to the Agribusiness sector to members of the House and Senate agriculture committees.

Contributions by Agriculture Interest to the Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees of the 112th Congress (Jan. 1, 2001 – Jun. 30, 2011) NOTE: The figures below only include contributions coded as belonging to the “ Agribusiness” sector by the Center for Responsive Politics. They do not necessarily represent all contributions from the organization (and its employees) to members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees…

11-16-11 Soybean Checkoff: Demand Strong for U.S. Soy Abroad

ST. LOUIS (November 16, 2011) – Federal government figures show U.S. soy continues to be in strong demand among international customers. Buyers outside of the United States purchased 1.5 billion bushels of whole U.S. soybeans in the latest marketing year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  That makes U.S. soy one of the largest agricultural exports.  And U.S. agriculture continues to lead all economic sectors with a positive balance of trade.

“Increasing demand for U.S. soy abroad has been the cornerstone of the soybean-checkoff-funded marketing efforts for the past 20 years,” says Jim Call, a soybean farmer from Madison, Minn. Call also chairs the United Soybean Board (USB) International Marketing program. “We focus not just on China, but on increasing sales in other international markets, as well.”

“The soybean checkoff helps fund market-building activities like hosting international buying teams and conducting poultry and livestock feeding demonstrations abroad that prove the advantages of using U.S. soy,” Call says.

Additional key soybean export figures for the 2010/2011 marketing year: 

11-16-11 *Golden Plains Extension News* Think Penstemon for Your Garden…By Linda Langelo, Horticultural Program Associate

What is penstemon?  Penstemons are great bedding plants for use as annuals, half-hardy or perennials.  There are many types available.  There are two main groups:  American and European penstemon.  In the American group there are 275 species that grow throughout the United States, Guatemala and Canada.  The flowers are in just about every color: white, yellow which is rare, blue, violet, purple, pink, magenta and red.  There is something for everyone’s landscape.

The European types are large flowered and were developed in Great Britain and continental Europe.  The large flowered types are now being crossed with milder Mexican and Guatemalan species and even Penstemon cobaea as part of the germ plasm.  Penstemon cobaea is very showy with large purple flowers and prolific.  These types are less hardy and better suited to Zone 6 and above.

There is a third group of Penstemon called Bedding Penstemon which is a mixed group that has half-hardy hybrids.  These are classified as the annuals.  However, if you wish you could use them as an annual in the landscape in your pots, containers or in a border.  These types branch well and are continuously sending up new flowers.  That is a plus for low care and low maintenance.

The best part about a penstemon is they frequently are more adaptable beyond the conditions of their native area.  Their native habitats vary widely even within a zone and can accommodate many different landscape situations.  With that said, there are types that do best only in a rock garden situation or a perennial border.

In Northeastern Colorado we live in Zone 5.  We need to choose hybrids from Zone 5 and below from the United States and Canada.  For the Golden Plains Area this would include species from northern, mid-western and eastern species in the same zone.

The best benefit of penstemon plants is their low care requirement.  These plants do not require lots of soil preparation or watering.  The disclaimer here is that you chose the wild species with similar soil conditions, temperature and precipitation to your landscape.  The location in their native habitat influences their sunlight requirements.  Here on Colorado’s Eastern Plains, their sunlight requirement is full sun,  although some do prefer part of a day of sun or filtered.

Some of our greatest performers on the eastern plains which are native species are as follows: 

11-16-11 *GENC News* Don’t Let Your Horse Develop and Ulcer!

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

The November Getty Equine Nutrition Corner interview with Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D. websites: 

www.gettyequinenutrition.com or www.FeedYourHorseLikeAHorse.com

NOVEMBER’S TOPIC: Don’t Let Your Horse Develop and Ulcer!  Dr 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…

111611_GENC_UlcerPrevention_DrGetty_9m36s

Free choice feeding as the first line of defense against ulcers

• Horse’s stomach secretes acid all the time
• Bottom portion contains thick mucus layer
• Top portion has no protection and this is where ulcers occur
• Chewing produces saliva, a natural antacid
• Left without food – physical pain and mental discomfort

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 — we have the ability to prevent ulcers through proper feeding and stress reduction

In addition to offering forage, free-choice, consider these protective feeding guidelines:

• Avoid oats and other cereal grains. Starchy feeds stimulate stomach cells to produce more acid and encouraging acid production through bacterial fermentation. In addition, grains move through the stomach quickly, leaving an empty stomach that is vulnerable to acid.
• Feed beet pulp instead of cereal grains. It has as many calories as oats without the propensity for acid production found with starch.
• If you feed extra fat, choose the right type. Those high in omega 6s increase inflammation.  Flax (meal or oil) or chia seeds actually reduce the inflammation experienced with ulcers.
• Provide high-quality protein. Legumes such as alfalfa, soybean meal, and clover will complement the rest of the diet, offering enough amino acids (building blocks of protein) to allow for proper maintenance and healing. Plus, alfalfa hay is an excellent buffer.
•  Feed the hindgut microbial population — promotes B vitamin synthesis to heal the digestive tract.
•  Offer additional B vitamins to combat stress. Offer a B-complex preparation that includes all 8 B-vitamins but that does not have added iron.

Stress — a horse that is moved into a stall after being used to pasture turnout is likely to develop a gastric ulcer in less than a week. Even a horse that appears calm can have an ulcer.

The best way to avoid an ulcer is to allow your horse to be a horse And the best way to do that is to give him pasture turnout – the more time the better.

Upcoming Teleseminar – “Making Sense Ingredient Lists Feed Tags and Hay Analysis Reports” December 8^th. Sign up at www.GettyEquineNutrition.com

COMING UP NEXT MONTH on the GETTY EQUINE NUTRITION CORNER…“Helping Horses Grow Old with Dignity and Health”

11-16-11 The Sugar Beat…Backing America’s Beet & Cane Farmers…This Week’s Edition…

NCA: Candy Companies Spend Little on Sugar, Other Commodities 

The National Confectioners Association (NCA)—the lobbying arm of the candy business—has a handy profile of the U.S. confectionery industry on its website. And that page posted a few facts that really stood out.

• “In 2010, NCA estimates that U.S. confectionery sales accounted for $29.4 billion, an increase of 2.8 percent over 2009.”
• “Confectionery manufacturers spend more than $4 billion on commodities each year.”
• This includes “more than 2.44 billion lbs of sugar at a cost of nearly $100 million.”

In other words, candy makers’ revenues are bringing in nearly $30 billion a year, while they are only spending $4 billion on commodities to make their product. Even more astounding is NCA’s admission that sugar only costs the industry $100 million, or 2 percent of its commodity purchases.

[READ THE FULL STORY] 
U.S. Bucks Global Sugar Shortage Trends 

As American cane and beet farmers began harvesting this year’s crop in late September, the United States had 1.5 million tons of leftover sugar on its market from the previous crop year. This surplus sugar represents 13 percent of the country’s annual demand and is available in addition to the sugar that is already being marketed from the new crop.

 

To put the 1.5 million tons into perspective, it is enough to give every American two five-pound bags of sugar on top of what they are already consuming.

[READ THE FULL STORY] 
 

U.S. Sugar Farmers Found to be More Efficient than World Competitors 

Despite having some of the strictest labor and environmental standards, U.S. sugar producers are among the most efficient in the world. That’s according to a study conducted by LMC International Ltd., a global commodity research firm based inOxford, England.

 

Of the 95 sugar-producing countries or regions examined, the United States is more efficient than 75 of them, LMC found in its report, which was released during the International Sweetener Symposium in August.

 

Americans were found to be the world’s most efficient beet sugar producers.

[READ THE FULL STORY] 

 

 

 

 

 

11-16-11 Colorado State University Veterinarians Offer Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners…

FORT COLLINS - With the holiday season just around the corner, here are some precautions pet owners should take into consideration.

- Pets may not be accustomed to additional activity in the home during the busy holidays – and all of that action may impose additional stresses on our pets.

- It is ideal to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our pets during parties and activities. Your pet will welcome a quiet space where they can rest. This can be created by putting your pet in a quiet room and providing them with bedding, food, water and toys.

• Cats appreciate a place to hide. Be sure they have access to their litter box.
• Decrease surrounding noise by playing music or turning on the TV. Check on them often, and provide them frequent bathroom breaks.
• Drinking or eating unusual things can cause gastrointestinal upset, toxicity, pancreatitis or serious gastrointestinal complications that may require surgery.
• Keep garbage secure such as under a cabinet or in a pantry.
• Make sure all decorating materials are out of reach. Some cats especially like string or tinsel from Christmas trees, which is hazardous if ingested.
• Do not allow your pet to drink out of the Christmas tree basin.
• Seasonal plants, such as ivy, holly and mistletoe, are poisonous to our four-legged friends. For a complete list of toxic plants, visit www.hsus.org.

Many human foods are not ideal for animal consumption and can cause mild to severe illness if ingested; do not allow guests to feed human food to pets. A brief list of potentially dangerous items used in holiday cooking includes:

11-16-11 *USDA Economic Research Service* Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook

Choice and Select Beef Price Spreads Wide

Beef/Cattle: Drought continues to dominate non-fed slaughter, despite recent rains that provided temporary relief and promoted emergence of winter wheat in the Southern Plains. One result of the continuing drought is that proportionally heavy cow and bull slaughter rates and declining supplies of Choice-grade cattle have decreased the relative supply of Choice beef and contributed to a widening spread between Choice and Select steer and heifer cutout values. Wal-Mart’s decision to sell Choice beef has also contributed to the demand for Choice beef.

Beef/Cattle Trade: U.S. beef exports are 27 percent above a year ago and growth in exports is expected to continue into 2012. Cattle imports from Mexico were 25 percent higher, through September, but were offset by the 40-percent decline in cattle imports from Canada.

Pork/Hogs: Strong foreign demand for U.S. pork products will support hog prices for the balance of the fourth quarter and keep retail pork prices at unusually high levels well into 2012.

Poultry: Broiler meat production in fourth-quarter 2011 is forecast at 9 billion pounds, down 5 percent from the previous year. For 2011, broiler meat production is forecast at 37.3 billion pounds, 1 percent higher than in 2010. Broiler meat production is expected to decrease to 36.7 billion pounds (down 1.7 percent) in 2012 due to high prices for both corn and soybean meal and a very slow-growing economy. Turkey meat production in fourth-quarter 2011 is expected to total 1.5 billion pounds, marginally higher than the previous year. Turkey meat production in 2011 is forecast at 5.8 billion pounds, up 2.9 percent from 2010. Wholesale prices for whole hen turkeys in fourth-quarter 2011 are expected to be $1.08-$1.12 per pound, 6 percent higher than in fourth-quarter 2010 and up 35 percent from fourth-quarter 2009.

TO VIEW THE FULL REPORT – CLICK HERE

11-16-11 *National FFA News* Registration now open for expanded 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge

Chapters in 12 States will compete for $300,000 of incentives provided by Monsanto

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011/National FFA Organization) – Connections within the community and financial resources are two of the most helpful ways for FFA chapters to grow their influence and reach. Now, chapters in 12 states can register for the opportunity to use one to get the other – thanks to the 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge.

After a successful pilot program last year, FFA and Monsanto have expanded FFA Chapter Challenge to  12 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. More than 3,300 FFA chapters and their combined 236,000 FFA members can take part in the FFA Chapter Challenge.

Beginning Jan. 16, registered FFA chapters in eligible states will be challenged to reach out to farmers in their communities and learn more about their livelihood. In turn, farmers will go online to vote for their local FFA chapter.

The top 200 FFA chapters that make the most connections and received the most farmer votes by February 29 will receive a line of credit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from the National FFA Organization. As a sponsor of the program, Monsanto will provide more than $300,000 in incentives.

11-16-11 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack in Asia Pacific Region, Announces Investments in International Market Development to Help Sustain Demand for American Agriculture

HANOI, Vietnam, Nov. 16, 2011—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in approximately 70 U.S. agricultural organizations to help expand commercial export markets for their goods. Vilsack made the announcement during a conference call with reporters from Vietnam, where he is meeting with officials to help strengthen trade relations in the Asia Pacific region.

“Under the Obama Administration, USDA has continued to expand markets for American goods abroad, worked aggressively to break down barriers to trade, and assisted U.S. businesses with the resources needed to reach consumers around the world,” said Vilsack. “The funding announced today will ensure that U.S. agriculture remains a bright spot in America’s economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation’s competitiveness.”

USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) allocated $213 million for export promotion activities through two USDA international market development programs: the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) and the Market Access Program (MAP). USDA’s international market development programs have had a significant and positive impact on U.S. agricultural exports. An independent study released in 2010 found that for every $1 expended by government and industry on market development, U.S. food and agricultural exports increase by $35.

Currently, the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide. Farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a record high of $137.4 billion—exceeding past highs by $22.5 billion—and supported 1.15 million jobs here at home. The agricultural trade surplus stands at a record $42.9 billion. USDA also forecasts that new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama will add an additional $2.3 billion to the farm economy and support about 20,000 American jobs.

Under FMD, FAS will allocate a total of $29.7 million to 24 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers. The organizations, which must contribute a minimum 50 percent cost share toward the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas. Under MAP, FAS will provide $183 million to 67 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. MAP participants must contribute a minimum 10 percent match for generic marketing and promotion activities and a dollar-for-dollar match for promotion of branded products by small businesses and cooperatives.