12-13-11 U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and Brenn Hill Once Again Partner on Behalf of U.S. Cattle Producers

 USCA (December 13, 2011) - Looking to build on the success of last year’s partnership, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and western musician Brenn Hill, have teamed up once again for U.S. cattle producers. Starting now through January, Brenn Hill will donate a portion of every CD sold through his website to the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association.

Brenn has based his music on his appreciation for America’s farmers and ranchers and continues to see USCA as the ideal outfit to pair that message with. Brenn’s music embodies the spirit of our industry and serves as a tribute to those who seek to keep the nation’s cattle industry close to its roots, the producers. Brenn continues to champion the efforts of U.S. cattle producers who put food on the table.

“Celebrities teaming up with PETA and anti-agriculture groups are a constant topic at cattle industry meetings,” stated USCA Executive Vice President Jess Peterson. “Now more than ever, the livestock industry needs a celebrity of its own. Brenn Hill is that celebrity, and USCA is honored to stand with him.”

“Cattle producers are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Brenn Hill in order to put a face and a story to our way of life. Brenn’s music is solid to its core and he remains true to his western roots and ties to rural America. When you have an opportunity to team up with someone of Brenn’s character and caliber, it is truly a win-win situation for cattle producers.”

“I urge each and every one of you to log on to www.brennhill.com and purchase a CD,” urged Peterson. “PETA has Carrie Underwood, and we have Brenn Hill; let’s show our rancher and rural pride by purchasing a Brenn Hill CD during this Holiday season.”

12-13-11 USDA Revises National Nutrient Management Standard to Achieve Maximum Agricultural, Environmental Benefits

Standard stresses increased use of technology and local information

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has revised its national conservation practice standard on nutrient management to help producers better manage the application of nutrients on agricultural land. Proper application of nitrogen and phosphorus offers tremendous benefits to producers and the public, including cost savings to the producer and the protection or improvement of ground and surface water, air quality, soil quality and agricultural sustainability.

“Protecting America’s supply of clean and abundant water is an important objective for USDA,” Vilsack said. “This precious resource is the foundation for healthy ecosystems and sustainable agricultural production. USDA provides voluntary technical and financial assistance to help producers manage their nutrients to ensure a clean and abundant water supply while maintaining viable farm and ranch operations.”

The nutrient management conservation practice is an important tool in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation toolbox. The agency’s staff uses this conservation practice to help farmers and ranchers apply their nutrients more efficiently. Proper management of nitrogen and phosphorus, including the use of organic sources of nitrogen such as animal manure, legumes and cover crops, can save producers money. The nutrient management standard provides a roadmap for NRCS’s staff and others to help producers apply available nutrient sources in the right amount, from the right source, in the right place, at the right time for maximum agricultural and environmental benefits.

12-13-11 US Representative Gardner (R-CO) votes for Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) voted for legislation that will help create tens of thousands of new jobs, while also providing a tax holiday to those who need it most.

 

“This is a job-creating bill that extends a much needed middle-class tax holiday. It prevents doctors from being hit with a cut in Medicare reimbursement rates and reforms the unemployment insurance benefits program. Most importantly, however, this bill protects the Social Security Trust Fund from being raided and is paid for through spending cuts rather than tax increases on small businesses,” Gardner said.

Specifically, the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act extends the current lower payroll tax rate for employees, which was reduced from 6.2 percent of wages to 4.2 percent, for one year. It ensures that taxes will stay lower for the nearly 170 million Americans who pay payroll taxes, with the average working family saving $1,000 in 2012.

12-13-11 Attendance Up at 2012 Colorado Ag Classic…Missed it? WATCH the Webcast Archives…

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar emphasizes the importance of agriculture to Colorado’s economy as Master of Ceremonies for the 2011 Colorado Ag Classic.

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) December 14th – Listen to the interview with CAWG President Randy Traxler recapping the events of the 2012 Colorado Ag Classic…121411_CAWG_PresRandyTraxler_10m22s

December 13, 2011 - More than 150 agricultural producers, an increase in attendance from the previous year, participated in the 2011 Colorado Ag Classic held on December 7-8 at The Embassy Suites in Loveland. The seventh annual event was jointly hosted by the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG)/Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee (CWAC)/Colorado Wheat Research Foundation (CWRF), Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA)/Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC), Colorado Sunflower Administrative Committee (CSAC), Colorado Sorghum Producers (CSP), Colorado Seed Growers Association (CSGA) and Colorado Seed Industry Association (CSIA).

The Colorado Ag Classic opened the evening of December 7, with a legislative social. Several state legislators and representatives of national legislators were present. A dinner and auction raised funds for CAWG and CCGA state and national legislative efforts.

December 8 started with a unity breakfast hosted by Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar. The boards of the host organizations discussed issues of common interest to all of the participating organizations.

Salazar opened the general session with remarks on the state of agriculture in Colorado. Hubert Hamer, Chair of the Agricultural Statistics Board of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) explained how NASS compiles the 500 or more reports it issues (for example: Crop Production, Crop Condition, Grain Stocks, and Agricultural Prices reports). Keynote speaker Reva Bhalla of STRATFOR Global Intelligence presented “The Geopolitics of Grain,” discussing how the world geopolitical situation relates to farming in Colorado. Bhalla’s presentation was sponsored by CoBank, Mountain Plains Farm Credit, Premier Farm Credit, and Farm Credit of Southern Colorado.

“Reva Bhalla opened our eyes to how different countries interact with each other and how important agricultural trade is for the whole world market. She pointed out how important transportation is to agriculture and trade in general, and that the U.S. has an advantage with its natural river system and its ports on both coasts. Many countries that can grow wheat have difficulty transporting it and this gives U.S. farmers a competitive advantage,” said Randy Traxler, CAWG president, “And Dan Maltby’s presentation on grain marketing was as informative and entertaining as always, and as Dan says, ‘It’s a great time to be a farmer.’”

Breakout sessions on December 8 included presentations on grain marketing, the impending world food crisis and precision agriculture’s role in world food needs, truck regulations and safety inspections, Farm Bill policy development, a question and answer session with Keynote Speaker Reva Bhalla, Farm Bill issues in conservation and ethanol, and a sorghum update. A Workers’ Compensation safety meeting was also held during the day.

If you missed the opening sessions on December 9th and want to see what happened a the following look below:

• Grain Marketing with Dan Maltby – CLICK HERE
• General Session featuring Co Ag Commissioner John Salazar & USDA/NASS Board Chair Hubert Hamer – CLICK HERE
• Keynote Speaker Reva Bhalla of STRATFOR speaking on “Colorado’s Ag in a Global Economy” – CLICK HERE

The webcast archives are provided courtesy of the BARN in association with the Colorado Ag Classic Board

12-13-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper hails fracking disclosure rules as national model

DENVER ­— Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today applauded the collaborative efforts of the oil and gas industry, many environmental groups and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in approving new hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure rules.

The new rules, endorsed by industry and environmental groups and approved by the nine-member  Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), require oil and gas operators to publicly disclose all chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing of their wells, while still recognizing and protecting trade secrets.

The mandatory disclosure rules will take effect April 1, 2012, and apply to all oil and gas wells hydraulically fractured in Colorado.

“These new rules give Colorado the fairest and most transparent set of fracking regulations in the country and will likely server as a model for other states,” Hickenlooper said. “We commend everyone involved for coming together to create a chemical disclosure rule that marks another big step forward for Colorado’s responsible regulation of this important industry. We believe oil and gas development can thrive while also meeting our high standards for protection of public health, water and the environment.”

The amended rules adopted today require that operators post the hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals used to hydraulically fracture a well, as well as the concentrations of each chemical, to the disclosure website www.FracFocus.org. Disclosure must be made within 60 days of completion of hydraulic fracturing.

12-13-11 *NACD News* Conservation Districts Partner with USDA to Improve the Health of the Gulf Coast

CLICK HERE to learn more about the NACD

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Dec. 13, 2011—Conservation Districts in the Gulf Coast region are partnering with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on a new initiative to improve the health of the coast. The initiative is part of the Obama Administration’s efforts through its Gulf Coast Ecosystem Task Force – which today released its final strategy for long-term ecosystem restoration for the Gulf Coast.

“We’re excited to be a part of this locally-led, cooperative effort to bring cleaner water, more abundant wildlife, and healthier fisheries to Gulf Coast communities,” said National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Gene Schmidt. “Conservation districts have always believed that in order to make a lasting impact for conservation on the ground, it’s critical to engage farmers, ranchers, landowners and other local leaders throughout the conservation delivery system. By using this approach in the Gulf Coast, I’m confident that we’ll see measurable, long-term improvements in the region.”

The new Gulf of Mexico Initiative will focus up to $50 million, over three years, in conservation assistance to farmers and ranchers in priority areas along seven major rivers that drain to the Gulf.  The effort includes all five states along the Gulf Coast—Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The Gulf of Mexico Initiative was developed in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and President Obama’s call to action to help restore the waters, shores, and wildlife populations along the Gulf Coast.

12-13-11 USDA Celebrates One Year Anniversary of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

Department Takes Historic Steps to Stem Hunger, Improve Nutrition and Curb Obesity for Nation’s Children

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2011 — First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the achievements of the historic Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, one year after the legislation was enacted to combat child hunger and obesity and improve the health and nutrition of the nation’s children.

“The success of our nation tomorrow depends on the choices we make for our kids today. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is vital to the health and welfare of our kids, helping them build the healthy futures they deserve,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “We’ve seen the connection between what our kids eat and how well they perform in school. And we know that America’s success in the 21st century means having the best-prepared and best-educated workforce around. So it is critical that we work to ensure that all children have the basic nutrition they need to learn, grow, and to pursue their dreams. As we celebrate the many accomplishments of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act’s first year, we also pledge to continue taking bold steps forward to advance this goal.”

“The strength of our communities, our economy, and our national security, rely on the health of our children,” said Vilsack. “The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act strengthens the school nutrition environment, expands access to healthy meals, and simplifies processes so every child can receive a well-balanced school meal. And today, we celebrate those important accomplishments and look forward to those achievements which are still to come.”

12-13-11 Trent Loos to speak at Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference Feb 7-8 in Kearney, NE

Event Held February 7-8, 2012 in Kearney, Nebraska

COZAD, NE—Well-known commentator, columnist and ag advocate Trent Loos will address the Mid-America Alfalfa Expo & Conference on Tuesday, February 7.

“I’m going to talk about the sustainability of alfalfa production but not from a yield per acre point of view,” Loos said. “Instead, I’ll talk about how we can continue to do what farmers in the United States do better than anyone else in the world: convert natural resources into human consumable products that ultimately improve human lives.”

Loos said the challenges surrounding this effort have never been greater.

“We have two choices,” he said. “We can sit back and let the forces that be continue to create hurdles, or we can step up to the plate and be heard. The answer to the challenges lies in the person you look at in the mirror.”

Loos travels the country motivating and educating audiences on issues related to animal agriculture and food production. He also records and produces radio reports that air on more than 100 stations across the country and reach a listening audience of 4 million people. These radio programs includes daily Loos Tales and Rural Route programming, as well as Dakota Trails & Tales, Colorado Trails & Tales, Loos Trails & Tales and Illinois Truth be Told.

12-13-11 CME Group’s Duffy to Appear Before the Senate Agriculture Committee

CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — CME Group announced that Executive Chairman Terry Duffy will appear today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, to discuss the MF Global bankruptcy.

“MF Global put market users in a tragic position,” said Duffy. “In the days leading up to MF Global’s bankruptcy, daily reviews of the company’s segregation reports showed the firm remained in full compliance with segregation requirements.  Any transfers of customer funds made by MF Global for the benefit of that firm are very serious violations of CME Group rules and of CFTC regulations.”

“With respect to the unprecedented loss of customer segregated funds caused by MF Global, CME Group’s efforts have been to minimize the impact that this extraordinary event has had on the futures industry and our customers,” Duffy added.  “Since the MF Global bankruptcy, we have worked to speed customer access to trading accounts, transfer customer positions, and provide the Trustee with a $550 million guarantee to encourage him to quickly release customer funds that were securely held at CME Clearing. Moving forward, CME Group intends to work with the Congress, regulators and industry leaders to strengthen customer safeguards at the firm level. We will do all that we can to prevent a repeat episode in the future.”

12-13-11 *National FFA News* Donors give record $16 million to National FFA Foundation in 2011

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011/National FFA Foundation) – Two months ago, the National FFA Organization announced a new record membership of 540,379 students thanks to more than 17,000 students in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands signing up during the 2010-11 school year.

Today, the organization’s fundraising arm, the National FFA Foundation, announces it raised a record $16 million through corporate and private financial contributions to support FFA in 2011.

The foundation welcomed 40 new corporate sponsors in 2011, raising the total number to 1,212. Three new corporations combined for a $3 million gift to FFA. The foundation also drew more than 80 new companies and organizations as exhibitors at the 2011 National FFA Convention & Expo, the nation’s largest gathering of students. More than 53,350 FFA members, teachers and school administrators attended the 2011 event.

“We were well positioned in 2011 with the resources we needed to ensure our members received the ultimate FFA experience through our programs and key initiatives,” said National FFA Foundation executive director Rob Cooper. “Our core programs, including career development events, proficiencies, scholarships, award competitions and more, were funded at 90 percent – another record high. Without the commitment of our donors, it would be impossible for FFA to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students.”

12-13-11 *USDA/NASS News* Wheat Outlook

CLICK HERE to visit the Colorado Field Office Website

Projected Exports Are Lowered This Month

U.S. wheat ending stocks for 2011/12 are projected 50 million bushels higher with reduced prospects for exports this month. Exports are lowered 50 million bushels with reductions projected for hard red winter, soft red winter, and white wheat. Larger supplies in several major exporting countries and relatively strong domestic prices, supported by the tight domestic corn supply and use situation, are expected to limit opportunities for U.S. wheat in world trade.

Ending stocks for 2011/12, at 878 million bushels, are projected to be up 16million from last year, but down 98 million from the recent high in 2009/10. The 2011/12season-average farm price is lowered slightly to $7.05 to $7.55 per bushel compared with$7.05 to $7.75 last month.

A sharp increase in wheat supplies in Australia, Argentina, and Canada is expected to intensifycompetition for U.S. exports during the latter half of 2011/12. Global consumption is projected higher; however, global ending stocks also rise, putting additional pressure on wheat prices. U.S. wheat export prospects are reduced on increased competitor supplies and the slow pace of sales.

12-06-11 *CSU Extension – Golden Plains* Cow/Calf Producers Night Dec 13th in Akron

CLICK HERE to download the flyer

Colorado State University Extension

will host a Cow/Calf Producer’s Night

on December 13^th

from 5:30 to 9:00 pm

The program will be held at the Events Center at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Akron.

The program will cover:

• rotating for pasture production

• weed control in pastures

• a cattle genetics update

• third trimester cow nutrition

• and a market update

There is a modest registration fee to cover the cost of a light meal.  It is $10 for those who pre-register by December 9^th or $15 at the door.

To pre-register or get more information you can contact the

Yuma County Extension office at 970-332-4151

or 310 Ash St., STE B Wray, CO 80758.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for December 13th

CLICK HERE to listen to TODAY's BARN Morning Ag News with Brian Allmer...

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Keystone XL Bill on House Docket”

The future of the Trans-Canada Keystone XL pipeline could be decided this week.  Today the House votes on the GOP plan for pairing an accelerated timetable for building the pipeline with a Social Security payroll tax extension. If it passes it could be the weekend before congressional leaders could come to a final deal on the extenders bill.

One issue is how to pay for the bill. The latest out-of-the-box idea is that much of the cost could be offset by boosting the “guarantee” fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac collect from lenders.  Objectors are likely to be the banking, real estate and construction industries. Some, including the Democratic leadership, see the package has having no hope of surviving in the Senate.

***************READ MORE NAFB AG NEWS BELOW*************************

“USMEF Reports Record Pork/Beef Exports”

Pork and beef exports set new records for the month of October. According to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports set a new value record at 573.9-million dollars.  That’s up 41 percent from last year. That pushed the cumulative value through October to a new annual record of 4.93-billion dollars – breaking the previous record set in 2008. At the same time beef export value for October was 452-million dollars, pushing the 2011 total to a new annual record of 4.49-billion dollars. This is 37 percent ahead of the previous record established in the first 10 months of 2010.