Miss Session VI from the 2012 CO Water Congress? Watch the Webcast Archive "What is CO's Water Plan & Panel Discussion- http://t.co/oadjSyIk15 hours ago
MONTROSE, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding agricultural producers to inspect their fences and enclosures as a precaution to prevent winter damage from wildlife.
Every winter, deer and elk look for haystacks, orchards, nurseries and even barns in search of easy meals, explained Mark Caddy, game damage coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
“It’s always time to think about how to protect crops and hay stacks,” Caddy said. “By installing and repairing fences before the weather gets too cold, agricultural producers can save themselves a lot of hassle and thousands of dollars.”
Through its game damage prevention program, Colorado Parks and Wildlife works with landowners and agricultural producers to provide a variety of fencing and protection materials. To determine eligibility for participating in the program, producers should contact the nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. A district wildlife manager will visit your property to discuss damage issues, protective solutions and techniques, and requirements and eligibility for participating in the program.
Game damage protection is provided to farmers, ranchers, livestock owners, beekeepers, and orchard and nursery owners who operate businesses. Cooperators also must be willing to allow some hunting on their properties — if it can be safely accommodated — for the species causing the damage.
For those eligible, the agency will deliver the materials at no charge directly to the building site. The landowner is responsible for assembling the enclosure and for maintaining the protective fences.
FORT COLLINS - The Specialty Crops Program at Colorado State University is accepting applications for grower research and education grants for the 2012 production season. Grants of up to $10,000 per individual grower/producer or $25,000 for groups of growers are available. A total of $50,000 of grant funding is available to applicants.
The request for proposals is intended for research, demonstration and/or education projects addressing specialty crops production, processing and marketing issues faced by small farmers, beginning farmers or socially disadvantaged farmers in Colorado.
These classifications are defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as:
- small farmers are farmers whose farm sales are less than $250,000 per year;
- beginning farmers are individuals who have not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years. The 10-year requirement applies to all operators of the farm or ranch; or
- socially disadvantaged farmers include individuals of a socially disadvantaged group who have been subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
DENVER — Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced appointments to several Boards and Commissions. The appointments were made to the Colorado Medical Board; the Colorado Municipal Bond Supervision Advisory Board; the Commission on Family Medicine; the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee; the Examining Board of Plumbers; the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness; the Interagency Coordinating Council; the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board; and the Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission. Read the rest of this entry »
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline has been answering consumer questions related to Holiday meals for over 25 years. Of course, we get the usual questions about buying, thawing and roasting a turkey. But we also get some of the same not-so-typical questions each year. You may have had these questions yourself.
How long will it take to cook two turkeys at the same time?
The cooking time is determined by the weight of one bird—not the combined weight. Use the weight of the smaller bird to determine cooking time. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the smaller bird first and then check the second bird. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. When cooking two turkeys at the same time make sure there is enough oven space for proper heat circulation.
How long will it take to cook a turkey weighing over 25 lbs?
To cook a large turkey use the Timetables for Turkey Roasting for an unstuffed turkey, which can be found in Turkey Basics: Safe Cooking. Add 10 minutes per pound for turkeys over 24 pounds. We don’t recommend stuffing a turkey over 24 pounds. Make sure you have a heavy pan large enough to hold the turkey. Be sure to make sure there is enough space in the oven for proper heat circulation.
If a turkey has a “pop-up” temperature indicator do I still need to use a thermometer?
Pop-up temperature indicators are constructed from a food-approved nylon. The indicator pops up when the food has reached the final temperature for safety and doneness. Pop-up temperature indicators have been produced since 1965 and are reliable to within 1 to 2 °F if accurately placed in the product. But it is also suggested that the temperature be checked with a conventional food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast to ensure safety.
Is it safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state?
Yes, it is safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state. The cooking time will take at least 50% longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey. Remember to remove the giblet packages during the cooking time. Remove the packages carefully with tongs or a fork.
Can I call the Meat & Poultry Hotline on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes! The Hotline will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day. Call us toll-free at 1-888-674-6854. (Our usual hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time.) You can also ask a question in English or Spanish at AskKaren.gov, available 24 hours a day.
DENVER — Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 — In observance of Thanksgiving, many state offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24.
State driver’s license offices, the Department of Public Health and Environment’s vital records office, Division of Wildlife Service Centers and administrative offices for executive branch departments will be among the facilities closed Thursday.
All Colorado State Parks will be open and staffed, but administrative offices and visitor centers will be closed. State troopers will be patrolling the highways and the Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be working as necessary.
Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference Announces Impressive 2012 Program Line-Up
Event Held February 7-8, 2012 in Kearney, Nebraska
Debut of Alfalfa Valuation Analysis Expected to Draw Significant Interest
COZAD, NE—The Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference has announced its program for the 2012 event, which features an impressive line-up of alfalfa and agriculture experts as well as an industry trade show and auction.
Sponsored by the Nebraska Alfalfa Marketing Association (N.A.M.A.), the Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska, February 7 and 8, 2012. The event is designed especially for alfalfa producers, livestock/dairy producers and others who are involved in alfalfa production, purchasing, hay feeding or processing.
“With the 2012 Expo & Conference, we have focused on quality from beginning to end,” said Barb Kinnan, executive director of N.A.M.A. “We have two jam-packed days of information, education, and innovation—all designed to help hay and livestock producers improve production, performance and profitability.” A large alfalfa industry trade show and fundraising auction are also included during the two-day event.
One of the most significant items on the agenda is the introduction of the Alfalfa Valuation Analysis, a powerful new approach to the standardization of alfalfa quality and value that has been developed by N.A.M.A. “This is game-changing stuff that alfalfa producers and purchasers will not want to miss,” Kinnan said.
Weld Food Bank's half empty bins of Thanksgiving turkeys at Weld Food Bank with Scott Westfall, Food Sourcing and Transportation Manager, on left and Bob O’Connor, Assistant Director, on right.
GREELEY, November 21, 2011 – The community has overwhelmingly supported Weld Food Bank holiday food collection. In the last week, the food bank received approximately 1,500 turkeys. The turkeys are donated from businesses such as Leprino and JBS and from individuals who bring in an extra turkey to help a family in need.
“We are always impressed with the capacity of this community to give,” stated Bob O’Connor, Assistant Director of Weld Food Bank. “We are grateful for all the donations but there is so much need in Weld County that we have only collected half the number of turkeys that have been requested.”
The non-profit Partner Agencies who receive food from the food bank requested 2,800 turkeys. Weld Food Bank is a little over half way to that goal but needs the help of the community to meet it. The turkeys that are currently being collected will go to food pantries and kitchens to provide meals and baskets for both Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays. The food bank is also in need of approximately 2,400 additional cans of yams and cranberries.
Donations of frozen turkeys can be brought to Weld Food Bank at 1108 H Street during normal business hours. Questions about food donations can be addressed to Scott Westfall at 970-356-2199 x 306.
WASHINGTON (November 21, 2011) — National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer released the following statement in response to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction’s failure to produce a deficit reduction plan:
“We’re disappointed the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction did not agree on a plan to reduce our federal deficit. We appreciate the hard work of the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Ag Committees to meet agriculture’s responsibility to help address our debt crisis.
“NCGA will continue to advocate for market-based risk management farm programs that recognize our nation’s difficult financial situation. As the farm bill process moves into next year, we look forward to working with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to address the critical challenges facing America’s corn farmers.”
Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents more than 36,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry.
USCA (November 21, 2011) – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) says the decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) panel in disputes brought by Canada and Mexico over the U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) law affirms the right of the United States to require country of origin labeling for meat products, but the dispute panel disagreed with specifics of how the U.S. designed the implementation of its requirements saying COOL accords less favorable treatment to imported Canadian and Mexican cattle and imported Canadian hogs than to like domestic products. The three-member panel released its final report on Friday, November 18. The next step in the process is for the reports to be adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body or appealed to the WTO Appellate Body.
In 2008, Canada and Mexico initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the U.S. related to COOL requirements for meat products. Canada and Mexico alleged that the U.S. COOL requirements were designed to achieve a protectionist objective, and that the COOL law, its implementing regulations and a Department of Agriculture letter related to the COOL requirements discriminate against their livestock exports to the U.S., breaching WTO obligations.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) has added his name as a co-sponsor to the “Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act”, H.R. 3461, a bill that will make it easier for community banks to navigate the financial regulatory system and better serve main street.
“Community banks are an essential part of the ‘main street’ economy, and these reforms are intended to ensure a fair process between the FDIC and the banks it regulates by creating an Office of Examination Ombudsman that will act as an impartial intermediary,” Gardner said. “This bill also cleans up the examination process that banks routinely go through and gives banks the right to appeal a regulatory decision to an independent Administrative Law Judge.”
CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website
Agricultural Summary: The western region of Colorado experienced above average precipitation while the rest of the State had below average precipitation. Above average temperatures were common around the State helping farmers progress with harvest. Farmers were allowed 6.2 days in the field for operations last week.
Small Grains: Winter wheat was 99 percent emerged and in mostly fair to good condition by the end of last week.
Row Crops: Corn harvest progressed to 91 percent harvested while sorghum was 87 percent harvested. Sugarbeets were 99 percent harvested and sunflowers were 87 percent harvested at the end of last week.
Pasture and Range: Pasture and range feed conditions varied across the state from very poor to good condition. Alfalfa’s 4th cutting progress was reported at 96 percent complete.
Livestock: Death losses for cattle and sheep were rated average for the State. Stored feed supplies were also rated average for this time of year. Inventories of hay continue to be reported as limited in the southern regions of the State.
DENVER — Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today unveiled a new streamlined application for public benefits, including food and cash assistance and Medicaid. The eight-page application, reduced from 26 pages, is available online and will increase the efficiency and delivery of state services.
“The new benefits application is the result of collaborating with multiple program partners to simply find a better way of doing business. The application will help to streamline operations statewide,” Hickenlooper said. “It is part of our continued commitment to increase the state’s ability to deliver the most efficient and effective customer service.”
The state Departments of Human Services and Health Care Policy and Financing worked closely with county and federal public assistance professionals, community advocates and program clients to redesign the application. The streamlined application is the result of 10 months of the working group’s efforts to improve the application process.
The new application is the latest innovation on the part of the State and county departments to increase efficiency and delivery of state services. Since January: Read the rest of this entry »
WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) entered the following statement into the Congressional record honoring Weld County’s 150th Anniversary. He will also be participating in a celebration of the 150th Anniversary at 3pm today in Greeley.
USCA (November 21, 2011) – The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) says the decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) panel in disputes brought by Canada and Mexico over the U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) law affirms the right of the United States to require country of origin labeling for meat products, but the dispute panel disagreed with specifics of how the U.S. designed the implementation of its requirements saying COOL accords less favorable treatment to imported Canadian and Mexican cattle and imported Canadian hogs than to like domestic products. The three-member panel released its final report on Friday, November 18. The next step in the process is for the reports to be adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body or appealed to the WTO Appellate Body.
In 2008, Canada and Mexico initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the U.S. related to COOL requirements for meat products. Canada and Mexico alleged that the U.S. COOL requirements were designed to achieve a protectionist objective, and that the COOL law, its implementing regulations and a Department of Agriculture letter related to the COOL requirements discriminate against their livestock exports to the U.S., breaching WTO obligations.
CHENGDU, China, November 21, 2011 – Today marked the conclusion of the 22nd session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Chengdu, China. U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk co-chaired the JCCT along with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack also participated in the discussions.
Secretary Bryson, Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Vilsack announced meaningful progress on key elements of the U.S.-China trade relationship but also underscored that much more work remains to be done to open China’s market to U.S. exports and investment. Today’s progress will help boost U.S. exports and jobs through the removal of important barriers related to electric vehicles, strengthened measures to eliminate discriminatory indigenous innovation policies, and stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights in China.
“The JCCT gives us a mechanism to address the toughest issues in our trade relationship, and we must judge it by our ability to make concrete progress,” Ambassador Kirk said. “We have reached agreement on a number of important outcomes, though we had hoped to accomplish even more. In our discussions with our Chinese counterparts, we spoke frankly about the need to redouble our efforts going forward.”
“Both sides worked hard to produce some meaningful progress that will help provide a needed boost to U.S. exports and jobs,” Secretary Bryson said. “This is a step in the right direction. But we must continue to actively engage our Chinese counterparts to open additional opportunities for U.S. businesses.”
“China is one of the most important agricultural trade partners for the United States and the meetings and discussions in recent days have helped to strengthen this partnership and build greater export opportunities for our farmers, ranchers and growers,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “We intend to continue these discussions in the months ahead on beef and other agricultural products to break down additional trade barriers so Chinese consumers can benefit from the high quality products that are produced in America.”
Released December 19, 2011, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
November Milk Production up 2.2 Percent
Milk production in the 23 major States during November totaled 14.7 billion
pounds, up 2.2 percent from November 2010. October revised production at 15.2
billion pounds, was up 2.5 percent from October 2010. The October revision
represented an increase of 1 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from
last month’s preliminary production estimate.
Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,738 pounds for November,
16 pounds above November 2010.
The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.48 million
head, 108,000 head more than November 2010, but unchanged from October 2011.
CLICK HERE to watch/listen to the CLASS 1A 6-MAN Championship Football Game LIVE on CHSAA.TV this Saturday!
The A-6 State Football Championship Game between Otis and Fleming in Fleming will be carried live by CHSAA.tv, the Colorado High School Activities Association’s web portal.
It will be the first time the CHSA has televised the A-6 championship game. Game time is 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19.
RESULTS:
Fleming over Otis CO 1A 6Man Championship Football Game – 62-28 final score…good job on the CHSAA Broadcast Ben, Kerry & Dane & the entire crew! Archive of the game available NOW - http://www.chsaa.tv/events/25129
You’ve planned to do all the right things to make sure Thanksgiving dinner is cooked and served at the right temperature and no one gets food borne illness. But, when dinner is over, have you planned how to safely store the leftovers?
The first rule is to not leave food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The 2-hour rule keeps food out of the temperature danger zone of 41 to 135 degrees. Food in the temperature danger zone too long lets bacteria multiple to levels which may cause food borne illness.
If your holiday meal requires food be out longer than 2 hours, you must provide a way to keep hot food hot (135 degrees or warmer) and cold food cold (41 degrees or cooler). Use warming units, insulated containers, slow cookers, or electric roasters for hot foods. Cold foods can be nested in larger bowls of crushed ice or served from insulated or cold-pack containers.
When the meal is over and it’s time to store extra food, divide large quantities into small containers. The food should be no more than 2 inches deep when stored. Less food in a container will cool faster in the refrigerator. Do not cover containers until the food is cooled to 41 degrees.
Large pieces like a turkey breast or large chunk of ham should be sliced into smaller portions. Very thick or compact foods like stuffing or mashed potatoes should be spread out so heat can be released from the center of the food. A large quantity of dense of thick food can take 24 hours or longer to cool. You are creating a perfect incubator for bacteria. Read the rest of this entry »
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.”
Aero Applicators of Sterling, CO
Briggsdale Classic Open Jackpot Show
CCTA's High Plains No Till Conference
CO FFA Association
CO FFA Foundation
Colorado 4H Foundation
Colorado Association of Wheat Growers
Colorado Beef Council
Colorado Corn
Colorado Farm Show
Colorado Preps Radio
Colorado State Fair
Cowboy Bible Church of Brush, CO
High Plains Livestock Exchange, LLC.
iHigh.com
National Western Stock Show
Pletcher Enterprises LLC
Silver Spur Trailers, a division of FARMCO, Incorporated
The Fence Post
MONTROSE, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding agricultural producers to inspect their fences and enclosures as a precaution to prevent winter damage from wildlife.
