12-15-11 Weld Food Bank Names Kitchen after Executive Director Leona Martens

GREELEY, December 15, 2011–  The community gathered Wednesday night to honor the vision and hard work of Leona Martens, Executive Director of Weld Food Bank, by naming their new commercial kitchen “Leona’s Kitchen”.

Leona Martens has spent over 21 years as Executive Director at Weld Food Bank.  Under her direction the organization has grown exponentially.  When Martens started at the food bank they were distributing 46,000 pounds of food a year out of a 850sq ft building.  Today Weld Food Bank is distributing 8 million pounds of food out of a custom built 35,000 sq ft building.  The enormity of this growth is a direct result of Leona’s leadership and foresight.

The kitchen was named in her honor as it was under her direction that the food bank embarked on a capital campaign and raised the funds needed to build their facility on H Street.   It was at this time that Martens envisioned a commercial kitchen on site to serve the most vulnerable in our community.

*CSU Ext-Weld County* Farm Tax and Management Strategies Workshop Dec 15th in Greeley, CO

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) December 7th, 2011 – Weld County Extension Director & Livestock Agent Keith Maxey discusses the upcoming Farm Tax & Management Strategies Workshop and says there are 2 other workshops folks in Northern Colorado may attend as well…120711_WCExt_KeithMaxey_5m50s

Greeley, Colorado – December 7, 2011 – Weld County Extension will host a workshop titled “Optimizing Farm Taxes and Your Management Strategies” from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15^th, in the Exhibition Building at Island Grove Park, in Greeley.  This workshop is intended for persons engaged in agricultural production and landowners who rent to farmers and ranchers. Jeff Tranel, CSU Extension Ag & Business Management Economist will present the program.

Program topics covered in this workshop include: farm business expenses; reporting farm income; farm office expenses; vehicle mileage allowances; farm records; and strategies for managing tax liabilities.  Additional opportunities to attend this workshop are available in Boulder County on December 14^th and Larimer County on December 15^th, with both sites scheduled from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is requested.   Registration forms can be obtained from the Weld County Extension office or online at www.weldextension.com under the “Local and Regional Programs” link.  There is a $10/person or $15/couple registration fee and a registration deadline of December 12^th.  Registrations at the door will be accepted, space permitting.  For more information contact Keith Maxey at 970-304-6535 or at kmaxey@co.weld.co.us.

The Mission of Extension is “to provide information and education, and encourage the application of research-based knowledge in response to local, state, and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enterprises, and communities of Colorado.”

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12-15-11 The Fertilizer Institute Applauds USDA’s Incorporation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship in New Nutrient Management Standard

Agency Calls on Farmers to Implement Science-Based, Site-Specific Field Practices

Washington, D.C. – TFI Fertilizer Institute (TFI) commended the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today for embracing 4R nutrient stewardship (the right nutrient source at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place) at the national level with its December 13 release of the national conservation practice standard for nutrient management.

“We are extremely pleased with USDA/NRCS’ call for 4R nutrient stewardship as part of a sustainable agricultural system,” said TFI President Ford West. “Agriculture is being asked to maintain profitable farm economics, while meeting the increased product demands of a growing population and responding to increased scrutiny of land and resource management and the 4R’s are key to addressing challenge.”

*USDA News* Ag Outlook Forum 2012 in Arlington, VA on Feb 23-24

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

12-15-11 DuPont Prevails in PROaccessSM Arbitration With Monsanto

Farmers continue to have choices in the marketplace

 DES MOINES, IOWA, Dec. 15, 2011 – An arbitration panel has ruled in favor of DuPont in a dispute filed by Monsanto in May 2009. In the arbitration, Monsanto alleged that DuPont business Pioneer Hi Bred’s PROaccess^SMgenetics distribution relationships breached Pioneer’s Roundup Ready^® corn and soybean licenses with Monsanto. The arbitrators’ ruling denied Monsanto’s claims for damages and for injunctive relief. The written decision is confidential.
“Today’s ruling is good news for farmers who have shown support for choices in the marketplace by their purchases of seed through PROaccess^SM genetics affiliates and distributors,” said Paul E. Schickler, Pioneer president. “The arbitration panel’s decision affirms DuPont’s commitment to bring choices to the farmer.”
“We are pleased to continue business as usual and put this dispute behind us,” said Schickler. “The PROaccess^SM business is an important part of Pioneer’s success. Early season sales indicate 2012 will be another strong year for us.” 

12-15-11 DuPont and Rosetta Green Sign Research Agreement to Identify Drought Tolerance Genes in Corn and Soybeans

Collaboration Aims to Identify Additional Modes of Action for Drought Tolerance

DES MOINES, Iowa and REHOVOT, Israel – Dec. 15, 2011 – DuPont and Rosetta Green Ltd. have entered into a strategic research agreement to identify drought tolerance genes in corn and soybeans.

Under the agreement, Rosetta Green will use proprietary technology and bioinformatics capabilities to identify microRNAs.  DuPont, through its Pioneer Hi-Bred business, will test candidate genes in target crops.  Pioneer will have an exclusive commercial license for genes identified through this collaboration which will improve drought tolerance in corn and soybeans for farmers.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Drought can lead to losses for corn growers of up to $13 billion annually,” said John Bedbrook, vice president, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology.  “We are pleased to collaborate with Rosetta Green to identify new genes leads which can help farmers protect yield and feed a growing population, and build on our strong pipeline of leads for drought tolerance.”

Water is one of the most significant inputs for farmers.  On average, 85 percent of corn acres experience some level of yield reduction due to drought stress during the growing season.  Improved drought tolerance in corn and soybeans will enable growers across the world to increase productivity while responsibly managing water resources.

12-15-11 Congressional and Senate Western Caucuses Weekly Address – Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE)

“Keystone must progress in a timely manner so that our country gets the much-needed jobs and energy security that it will bring.” 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week,  Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE)  delivered the Congressional and Senate Western Caucuses’ weekly address. In his remarks, Congressman Terry discussed  the challenges facing the Keystone XL Pipeline project  and talked about his bill, H.R. 3548, North American Energy Access Act. 

The legislation replaces the President’s authority to approve or disapprove the pipeline project with a structured process by which FERC would approve it, including the route modification to be worked out with Nebraska, in harmony with the National Environmental Policy Act.   Construction could begin on the non-modified portion of the pipeline which would create thousands of much needed jobs.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

12-15-1 *USDA/NASS* 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 16 million 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 intensify competition 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.

CLICK HERE to view the entire report

12-15-11 NCBA: Study Confirms Beef’s Role in a Heart-Healthy Diet

—Study Concludes Beef Can Improve Cholesterol Levels by 10 Percent

WASHINGTON (Dec. 15, 2011) – In a first of its kind study, researchers at The Pennsylvania State University demonstrated that eating beef everyday as part of a heart-healthy diet can improve cholesterol  levels. Texas medical doctor and cattleman Richard Thorpe said the Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) study proves what he has known for years – lean beef not only tastes great but it also plays an important role in a heart-healthy diet.

“As a father, medical doctor and beef producer, I have proudly and confidently served my family beef and have recommended it to my patients for years,” Thorpe said on behalf of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “The BOLD study is further proof that Americans should feel good knowing the beef they enjoy eating and serving their loved ones is not only a nutrient-rich, satisfying food that provides 10 essential nutrients in about 150 calories but is good for their heart health as well.”

The BOLD study, which was funded by the Beef Checkoff, will appear in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in January. The study followed 36 men and women with moderately elevated cholesterol levels who consumed four diets for five weeks each to measure the impact of each diet on heart health risk factors, such as LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The four diets evaluated were BOLD, which included an average of 4 ounces of beef per day; BOLD-PLUS, which included an average of 5.4 ounces of beef per day; the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which included an average of an ounce of beef per day; and the Healthy American Diet (HAD), which included an average of 0.7 ounces of beef per day.

12-15-11 Inside the Colorado Department of Agriculture…with Ag Commissioner John Salazar

CLICK HERE to visit the CDA Monthly Webpage and to listen to this month's interview...

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) December 15th, 2011 – Colorado Ag Commissioner John Salazar is inside the BARN this month with updates on several issues & ag events pertinent to Colroado’s Ag Industry & it’s producers…

This month’s topics include:

• Colorado’s Ag Exports on the Rise
• RECAP Ag Water Summit Dec 1-2 in Loveland
• RECAP CO Ag Classic Dec 8-9 in Loveland
• RECAP Food Safety for Local Growers Workshop held on Dec 14th
• Preview 2012 NWSS Jan 7-22
• Preview 2012 CO Farm Show Jan 24-25-26
• Preview 2012 Governors Forum on Co Agriculture Feb 23rd
• Preview Colorado Ag Hall of Fame Feb 23rd
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN…

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12-15-11 Land O’Lakes continues sponsorship of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids

Urbandale, Iowa, (AgPR), Dec. 15, 2011 – Land O’Lakes generously continued its financial contribution to the non-profit organization Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. The farmer-owned cooperative is best known for its dairy-based food products.
“Land O’Lakes donation allows us to make a difference in the lives of rural children,” said Dave Schweitz, executive director of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids. “And it really exemplifies their commitment to the importance of teaching farm safety to our youth.”

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids was created in 1987 by Marilyn Adams after the death of her 11-year-old son. The organization works to raise awareness about the health and safety hazards that are an inherent part of the rural environment in which children live, work, and play. Nine outreach coordinators and members from more than 120 chapters in the United States and Canada conduct safety and health programs within their communities. Thanks to the support of agri-business sponsors like Land O’Lakes, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids is able to provide their volunteers with up to date and pertinent safety education and demonstration resources.

For more information visit www.fs4jk.org.

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12-15-11 *Co FFA News* Highland Attends National Convention

On October 18^th to the 21^st, members of the Highland FFA chapter attended the 84^th National Convention. The chapter members that attended the convention were; Keaton Sameshima, Nathan White, Clay Rouse, Tyler Wright, Kyle Stuehm,  Walter Watts,  Brittni Stout, Morgan Trujillo, Travis Lutz, and Casey Barber. They attended a Career Fair, sessions, and workshops. Also, Melissa Danielson played in the band, she graduated from Highland last year.  Five officers attended the trip along with the chapter’s two advisors; Mr. Sifers and Mrs. Axelson.

Submitted to the BARN by: Kayleigh Kochevar, Highland FFA

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for December 15th

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“USTR Opens Cotton Imports”

The U.S. Trade Representative is taking steps to resolve cotton trade issues with Least Developed Countries by extending duty-free, quota-free access for upland cotton and by obtaining support to continue the West African Cotton Improvement Program. As a result, National Cotton Council Chairman Charles Parker says he will recommend that the U.S. cotton industry financially support and engage in a more structured exchange between U.S. and West African industry leaders.

According to Parker, the exchange’s objectives will facilitate further discussion of the many issues the U.S. and West African industries have in common — especially market development and market access. Parker says – the NCCC urges other major cotton producing countries to follow our lead and offer the same duty free access to the LDCs.

The USTR has also announced that upland cotton originating in LDCs will be allowed to enter the United States duty free in keeping with commitments made during the Hong Kong Ministerial meeting. This is another step in the reforms discussed in the World Trade Organization.

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

“Russia Ag Landscape Ready for Change”

Russian minister of agriculture Yelena Skrynnik says Russia’s WTO accession opens new opportunities for expansion of U.S.-Russia cooperation. Speaking in Omaha, Nebraska, Skrynnik noted that the United States is one of the leading agriculture partners of Russia, and specific business proposals from America bringing much-needed investment, and modern, “green” and efficient technologies.