11-18-11 NEW AMERICAN LAMB BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED

           Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has appointed four new members to serve on the American Lamb Board including Joanne Nissen of Soledad, California, Ben R. Lehfeldt of Lavina, Montana, Wesley R. Patton of Orland, California, and Antonio J. Manzanares of Tierra Amarillo, New Mexico.Joanne will represent producers, Ben represents feeders, Wesley represents seed stock producers and Antonio was appointed to the board as a member of the general public.

The Secretary of Agriculture also re-appointed Leo Tammi of Virginia representing producers and Cody Heimke of Wisconsin representing first handlers.   Each appointee will serve a three year term and will be sworn in at the January 2012 American Lamb Board Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ.

“We look forward to working with the new Board Members and want to thank retiring Board Members Laurie Hubbard, David Trotter and Pat Tirrell,” said ALB Chairman Nick Forrest. “They have contributed a great deal towards the successes of the American lamb Board and their passion and commitment to the industry will be greatly missed.”

11-18-11 ASI WEEKLY NEWS FOR SHEEP INDUSTRY LEADERS

Annual Sheep Inventory Report 

As you have read in the ASI Weekly newsletter in previous weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) is discontinuing or reducing a wide range of agricultural survey programs including the January Sheep Inventory Report — the only annual report NASS provides for the sheep industry. Your help is needed to revive this report.

“We understand that the agricultural appropriations for this fiscal year, as approved by Congress this week in a spending package, includes increased funding intended to address the reports recently announced for elimination by NASS,” said Peter Orwick, executive director for the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). “NASS may now have the resources to continue the reports that receive the most industry support; therefore, the sheep industry needs to let NASS know how critical this annual report is to and support the reinstatement of its publication.”

To ensure the return of the January Sheep Inventory Report, producers, state associations, processors, warehousemen and all others associated with the sheep industry are encouraged to take a moment to send an email to the Joseph Prusacki, NASS statistics division director, Joseph_Prusacki@nass.usda.gov, and to your state NASS director explaining the importance of this report to you and to the industry.

11-18-11 Colorado Ag Classic Planned for December 7-8

November 18, 2011 - The seventh annual Colorado Ag Classic will be held December 7-8 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colo. The Colorado Ag Classic is the joint convention of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG), the Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA), Colorado Sunflower Administrative Committee (CSAC), Colorado Sorghum Producers (CSP), Colorado Seed Growers Association (CSGA), and Colorado Seed Industry Association (CSIA).

The convention will begin on the evening of December 7, with a legislative social, dinner, and an auction to benefit CAWG and CCGA’s state and national legislative efforts.

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar will kick off the General Session on the morning of December 8, followed by Hubert Hamer, Chair of the USDA NASS Agricultural Statistic Board, who will speak on USDA reports, how they are estimated and compiled, and their influence on the markets.

The keynote speaker is Reva Bhalla, of STRATFOR Global Intelligence. Bhalla will speak on the importance and influence of the global economy for Colorado farmers.

Breakout sessions on December 8 begin at 8:00 a.m. and include the choice of a grain marketing presentation with Dan Maltby or a workers’ compensation safety meeting. The afternoon sessions include a repeat of the grain marketing presentation, the impending world food crisis and precision agriculture’s role in world food needs, Farm Bill policy development, a sorghum update, a question and answer session with keynote speaker Reva Bhalla, truck regulations and safety inspections, and conservation issues in the Farm Bill.

A trade show will also take place during the Colorado Ag Classic. Representatives from agricultural businesses from around the state will be present to answer questions on their products.

More information on Colorado Ag Classic registration and hotel costs and program details is available at www.coloradowheat.org, or call 970-449-6994 for more information. A schedule for the Colorado Ag Classic is attached.

2011 Colorado Ag Classic Schedule BELOW

11-18-11 *USDA/NASS News* Cattle on Feed Report

United States Cattle on Feed Up 4 Percent

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.9 million head on November 1, 2011. The inventory was 4 percent above November 1, 2010. This is the second highest November 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.

Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.49 million, 1 percent below 2010. Net placements were 2.40 million head. During October, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 805,000, 600-699 pounds were 600,000, 700-799 pounds were 501,000, and 800 pounds and greater were 585,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during October totaled 1.79 million, 3 percent above 2010.

Other disappearance totaled 93,000 during October, 50 percent above 2010

11-18-11 US Representative Cory Gardner (R-CO) statement on Balanced Budget Amendment…

US House of Representative Cory Gardner, 4th District-CO

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement regarding today’s vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution:

“It is a sad day for our nation when defeat of a Balanced Budget Amendment is met with cheers and applause from many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle.  This amendment could have changed the course of history and set our nation back on the path to prosperity.  Instead, partisan politics trumped what is in the best interest of the country, and it is our children who will pay the ultimate price.” 

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Congressman Gardner is a freshman member in the U.S. House of Representatives for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power, the Subcommittee on Environment and Economy and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

11-18-11 USCA: EAJA Reform Passed by House Committee on Judiciary

November 18, 2011 – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) said today that H.R. 1996, the Government Litigation Savings Act (GLSA) of 2011 has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary. USCA has been a strong supporter of GLSA reform, which will restrict the abuse of federal funds through manipulation of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). H.R. 1996 defines a process that will not deter small business owners, including ranchers, from suing the federal government if they feel they have been harmed and makes clear that EAJA makes financial reimbursement available for those who need it most during legal disputes with the government.

H.R. 1996 was amended by the Committee on the Judiciary to ensure eligibility under the law for seniors, veterans and small business owners, increased the rate of reimbursements and develops a standard for consistency nation wide. The bill also acknowledges the problem with protest lawsuits filed by activist groups regarding the environment.

“Today was a big day as significant progress was made to stop the tax payer subsidized lawsuits that have unfairly targeted livestock producers along with diverting limited agency resource management dollars towards litigation defense,” noted Jon Wooster, USCA President. “This was a much needed step forward, and we remain optimistic that the Members and staff can continue to work out a comprise that ensures bipartisan support when the bill comes before the full House for a vote.”

11-18-11 *NCBA News* Statement from NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall Regarding WTO Ruling on US Country of Origin Labeling

WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2011) – The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced today, Nov. 18, 2011, it has ruled in support of complaints by Canada and Mexico that U.S. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) violates global trade rules and unjustly harms agricultural commerce. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association(NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall issued the following statement.

“This is a strong ruling from the World Trade Organization that proves COOL was not only a disservice to U.S. cattlemen and women but also contained far-reaching implications for two of the most important trade partners for U.S. agriculture. NCBA strongly advises the United States not to appeal this ruling. Instead, we urge U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk to work with NCBA and other pro-trade organizations to apply pressure on Congress to bring the United States into WTO compliance across the board. We must act quickly before U.S. farmers and ranchers once again face unnecessary and unfortunate retaliatory tariffs on their products.

11-18-11 *USDA Op-Ed* Flying Planes with Biofuels…By Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack – November 18th, 2011 - Not everyone knows it, but most Americans use biofuels to help power their car or truck every day.  Using biofuels we produce here at home creates jobs, raises incomes for farmers, and saves us all money.  The ethanol mixed into the gas we buy at the pump saved American drivers almost 90 cents per gallon last year.

Moving forward, we’ll see Americans running their cars with more biofuels mixed into the gas – like E85, a mix with 85 percent ethanol.  And USDA will help install thousands of new pumps at gas stations so drivers can pick the sort of fuel they want.

And it’s not just car and truck owners who can benefit from renewable biofuels.  Biofuels can be used in all sorts of engines and planes are getting into the act as well.

This month, two major U.S. airlines flew the first commercial passenger flights powered by biofuels, including a cross country flight from Seattle to Washington DC.  Airlines are looking for reliable, affordably-priced fuel.  They hope that using biofuels will limit the impact that unpredictable gas prices have on their bottom-line, making them more profitable while also limiting their impact on global climate change.

11-18-11 NATIONAL FARM-CITY WEEK 2011…A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

With tenacity, resilience, and humility, our farmers and ranchers have helped drive our Nation’s growth for generations. Season after season, their careful stewardship and dedication brings an abundance of wholesome food, plentiful fiber, a stronger economy, and new opportunities to secure our clean energy future. During National Farm-City Week, we celebrate the essential contributions of farmers and ranchers to our country’s well-being and recommit to a prosperous and sustainable future for American agriculture.

As our urban centers continue to grow, we look to our fields and ranches to supply our markets and families with fresh, healthy food. To help our farming communities meet the challenges of the 21st century, I established the White House Rural Council earlier this year. By partnering with leaders in rural America, we have worked to cultivate local and regional food systems, empower young and beginning farmers, and support rural businesses. Together, we stand with our rural communities and reaffirm our commitment to their continued success.

To make a lasting investment in our Nation’s energy future, my Administration is taking action to promote renewable energy production across rural America. As part of a comprehensive strategy to build our clean energy economy, we are working to produce more renewable, domestic biofuels and to help bring solar panel arrays and wind turbines to rural businesses. By finding new ways to harness homegrown fuels in small towns and on family farms, we can create new jobs, improve our energy security, and unlock additional sources of income for farmers.

This week, we honor the individuals, families, and communities who provide us the staple foods that sustain our Nation. As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us pay tribute to the men and women whose hard work brought the bounty we find before us from farm to fork.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 18 through November 24, 2011, as National Farm-City Week. I call upon all Americans to reflect on the vital contributions of those who dedicate their lives to promoting our Nation’s agricultural abundance and environmental stewardship.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

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11-18-11 *NCBA Op-Ed* Big Government Hijacks Clean Water Act

 By Ashley Lyon, NCBA deputy environmental counsel

What you can’t legislate, regulate. Such has been the case time and again with the overzealous regulators in the current administration. Fortunately for farmers, ranchers and private property holders nationwide, the U.S. Congress is on the verge of blocking the administration from moving forward with an overreaching, potentially devastating expansion of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The U.S. Senate could vote, possibly this week, on an amendment offered by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for fiscal year (FY) 2012 that would defund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to expand its jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA) through guidance documents and/or regulation.

The guidance attempts to expand the Corps and EPA’s jurisdiction by redefining what a “water of the United States” (WOTUS) is. It uses broad terminology to determine whether a water is a “tributary,” essentially allowing every ditch or conveyance to qualify and fall under federal regulatory authority. It expands the agencies’ jurisdiction to cover ephemeral streams (which are streams with water in them only during rainfall events). It is unlikely most farmers and ranchers even know where all of the ephemeral features are located on their property. Next, it defines “traditional navigable waters” as any water that supports one-time recreational use. One trip in a canoe down a stream would qualify a water as a “traditional navigable water.” In the history of the CWA, the term “traditional navigable water” has only been used to describe major rivers that can float commercial vehicles like barges. Finally, for all “other waters” field staff will have broad authority to find any type of water (puddle, prairie pothole, mudflat, etc.) is a WOTUS by finding it is “similarly situated” to other jurisdictional waters, or, finding it has a “significant nexus” to a “traditional navigable water” (which also has been expanded).

11-18-11 US Congress Places Restrictions on Implementation of GIPSA Rule

CCA & NCBA Support Ag Appropriations Language to Provide Certainty to Cattlemen

Congress voted today, Nov. 17, 2011, on a $19.8 billion 2012 agricultural spending bill that includes language blocking the U.S. Department of Agriculture from implementing controversial reforms to livestock and poultry marketing. The so-called GIPSA rule, proposed last year by the USDA’s Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyard’s Administration, would have wreaked havoc on the U.S. cattle industry causing livestock producers to lose an estimated $169 million, according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall. He said Congress barred USDA from conducting any further work this year on sections of the rule not yet finalized.

“We stand firm behind those members of Congress who were willing to listen and understand the concerns of cattlemen, leading trade organizations, economists, consumers and others. This was a vote in favor of innovative family-owned farms and ranches,” said Woodall.

The agricultural appropriations bill is part of a $1.04 trillion bill adopted by both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. The agricultural spending bill will halt USDA from working this year on sections of the rule mandated by Congress during the 2008 Farm Bill related to competitive injury, unfair practices and undue preference. This part of the proposed rule caused the most concern for cattlemen and women like Robbie LeValley, a Colorado cow-calf producer and co-owner of Homestead Meats.

“The vague definitions would open the door to an increased number of lawsuits because mere accusations, without economic proof, would suffice for USDA or an individual to bring a lawsuit against a buyer. This would have been a trial lawyer’s bonanza,” said LeValley. “I am relieved that USDA will not move forward with this rule as originally written. Congress not only heard us but they also understood the far reaching unintended consequences this rule would have created.”

Woodall said NCBA is committed to working with USDA to assist in providing clarity and clear definition in future rulemaking in order to prevent unintended consequences from putting family-owned farmers and ranchers, like LeValley, out of business.

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.

11-18-11 NCBA Invites Youth to Compete in 2012 Contests

— Get Involved at 2012 Convention & NCBA Trade Show 

WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2011) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will host a number of youth contests at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. NCBA encourages all youth interested in agriculture to participate in the NCBA youth contests that will be held Feb. 1-4, in Nashville, Tenn.

The 2012 contests include public speaking, team marketing, beef quiz bowl and cattle judging. Each contest offers a number of different age divisions allowing youth from 4-H members to college students to participate. Bill Donald, NCBA president said the NCBA youth contests are where future industry leaders can come together to showcase their talents.

“The Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show and youth contests unite all of our industry under one roof,” Donald said. “Everyone always looks forward to seeing the best and brightest young people that our industry has to offer through the youth contests and I encourage everyone to participate.”

The 2012 youth contests are sponsored by Farm Credit and open to anyone who meets the age requirements and is present at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention. To register for the 2012 NCBA youth contests or for more information, visit www.beefusa.org or contact Lorie Liddicoat at lliddicoat@beef.org.