12-21-11 Colorado Farm Bureau Applauds Boulder County Commissioners Decision on Farm Policy

Denver, CO, December 21, 2011 – Members of Colorado Farm Bureau are applauding the Boulder County Commissioners for their unanimous decision to support the diversity of farming methods on open space land. The Commissioners yesterday approved a plan to allow the planting and cultivation of biotech seeds on county-owned Open Space land after a lengthy review.

“The Commissioners should be proud of their commonsense approach to managing Open Space land in Boulder County,” said Shawcroft. “The decision will keep farmers on the land and ensure ample opportunity for all types of farming in Boulder County. They’re to be congratulated for their leadership.”

The debate over whether to allow the cultivation of biotech crops on Open Space land has been raging for over three years. After a request by a group of Boulder County farmers to allow for the planting of Roundup Ready Sugar Beets, organic activists sought to ban all farming practices other than organic production. The Boulder County Commissioners disagreed.

12-21-11 *USDA/FSA-CO News* Weld County Farm Service Agency Announces County Committee Election Results & DCP, AGI & SURE Information

Weld County Farm Service Agency Announces County Committee Election Results 

(Greeley, CO), December 21 2011 –Weld County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Jeff Wilson, announced that county committee elections are over, the ballots are counted and the results are in…

Kevin Schmidt of La Salle was elected to represent LAA 2 and Timothy Scholfield of Gill will serve as the first alternate and Evert “Jack” Larson is the second alternate

Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disaster, conservation, commodity, and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues.

“County committee members are a valuable asset because they are local producers who participate in FSA programs themselves and have a direct connection to farmers and ranchers in the community,” said Wilson “All recently elected county committee members and alternates will take office on January 1, 2012, and join the existing committee,” he said.

For more information about county committees and the election process, please contact the Weld County FSA office at 970.356.8097 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

MORE INFORMATION REGARDING DCP, AGI & SURE BELOW…

12-21-11 US Department of Labor announces new adverse effect wage rates for H-2A temporary agriculture workers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the minimum hourly wage rates that employers must pay H-2A workers in order to ensure that the wages of similarly employed U.S. workers are not adversely affected. These H-2A adverse effect wage rates are calculated for each occupation and location using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual wages rates from its regional Farm Labor Survey of nonfamily field and livestock workers.

Each year, the Labor Department publishes these rates in the Federal Register to notify employers of their responsibilities if they choose to participate in the H-2A temporary visa program. The rates are effective the day they are published and apply only to the H-2A program. A notice is available to view at http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-32842.

“Ensuring that employers participating in the H-2A program adhere to these wages helps protect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers while providing a legal means for employers to access foreign workers with critical skills needed to help keep our economy strong,” said Jane Oates, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. “Employers who play by the rules deserve to compete on a level playing field, and all workers deserve to work with dignity under the full protection of our laws.”

The rates are being published earlier than anticipated in order to provide growers with as much advance notice of changes as possible and to reduce application processing delays. The amounts that employers may charge their workers for providing three meals a day and the maximum travel subsistence reimbursement that a worker with receipts may claim in 2012 will be published in a separate Federal Register notice in early 2012.

The complete list of rates, answers to frequently asked questions and a new handbook for small businesses will be available online at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov beginning Dec. 22.

LOOK BELOW: A chart showing wage trends by state since 2007 follows this release

12-21-11 *USDA News* Obama Administration Releases Food Safety Tips, New Report on Efforts to Protect Consumers from Foodborne Illness

 

In preparation for the holiday season, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a progress report highlighting the accomplishments and strategies of President Obama’s Food Safety Working Group (FSWG) combined with useful information for consumers on safe food handling. The interagency group, chaired by Sebelius and Vilsack, was established in 2009 to advise the President on how to strengthen the U.S. food safety system for the 21^st century through a coordinated federal agency approach.

 

“As families across the country share in this holiday season, it is important to reiterate our commitment to protecting the food supply and our desire to remain vigilant to protect the American people,” said Secretary Vilsack.  “We have taken a number of steps to improve the safety of America’s meat and poultry supply in recent years and the President’s Food Safety Working Group has proven to be a vital component to our work.”

 

“When we gather around our holiday tables, we shouldn’t ever have to worry about the safety of our food,” said Secretary Sebelius. “We have the safest food supply in the world, but we can always do more to protect consumers. The best way to ensure food safety is by building prevention into our food safety system, and we will take another step in that direction when the Food and Drug Administration issues proposed rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act.”

 

12-21-11 *Nat FFA News* Pfizer to Provide More than $1 Million to Support FFA Programs

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011/National FFA Foundation) – One of the world’s largest animal health companies will provide more than $1 million in sponsorships of National FFA Organization programs, local chapters and more this year.

New Jersey-based Pfizer Animal Health is one of the largest contributors to the National FFA Foundation Leadership Fund, which provides unrestricted funds for FFA programs. Pfizer Animal Health has funded the development of the new National FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event and will sponsor the first event in 2012. Through the National Association of Agricultural Educators, Pfizer Animal Health sponsors a series of teacher workshops at the National FFA Convention, which draws more than 50,000 students, advisors and industry professionals each year. Pfizer is a participant in the convention’s Agricultural Career Show and Collegiate Career Expo.

Pfizer Animal Health also provides significant funds to help their retailers support local FFA chapters.

“Pfizer Animal Health is proud of its relationship with the National FFA Foundation. Whether you talk to the many FFA alums who are part of the Pfizer Animal Health team or to the animal health partners who work with us to  support local FFA chapters, there is no doubt we believe in the great work being done by FFA members and advisors across the nation. As a Platinum Sponsor, we are excited to enhance our connection to this great organization, and our ability to help support and shape the next generation of agricultural leaders.” says Robert Kelly, Vice President, US Cattle Operations, Pfizer Animal Health.

12-21-11 *CDA News* Buying, Selling, or Moving Livestock? New Website Feature Helps Colorado’s Livestock Owners

CLICK HERE to view the new website

 LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture is proud to announce a new website feature that can help livestock owners if they buy, sell, or move livestock.  Residents can now find their brand inspector by visiting www.colorado.gov/ag/brands and clicking on “brand inspectors.” By simply clicking on their specific area, residents can now retrieve the name and contact information of their brand inspector.

“Livestock is big business in Colorado and we strive to make the brand inspection process as efficient as possible and implementing new technology is a big step towards achieving that goal,” said Chris Whitney, CDA’s Brand Commissioner.  “This new feature will help livestock owners find their brand inspector with a click of the mouse.”

The Division of Brand Inspection’s primary responsibility is to protect the livestock industry from loss by theft, illegal butchering, or straying of livestock.  A key component of that responsibility is to inspect livestock and verify ownership before sale, transportation beyond 75 miles, transportation out of state, or before slaughter.

Last year, division personnel traveled in excess of 1.1 million miles and inspected over 4.5 million head of livestock.  In addition, they identified ownership of lost, stolen, or strayed and questionably owned livestock valued at over $24 million.  The division also inspected 4,503,999 cattle, 36,524 horses, 2 sheep and issued 4,582 permanent travel permits on horses.

“CDA employs 55 brand inspectors across the state to help protect our livestock industry,” continued Whitney.  “We hope this new online feature enhances our customer service by connecting livestock owners to their brand inspectors in an even more timely fashion.”

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12-21-11 State plans Lobato appeal to Colorado Supreme Court

DENVER ­Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper released this statement today about the Lobato v. Colorado court case:

“It is clear after closely reviewing the judge’s decision in Lobato v. Colorado and consulting with Attorney General John Suthers that a final resolution of the constitutional and legal issues involved in the case require an appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court.

“The judge’s decision provided little practical guidance on how the state should fund a ‘thorough and uniform’ system of public education. Moreover, while the judge focused on the inadequacy of state funding, she did not reconcile this issue with other very relevant provisions of the Constitution, including the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, the Gallagher Amendment and Amendment 23.

“There are more appropriate venues for a vigorous and informed public debate about the state’s spending priorities. We look forward to a swift decision in this case so the people of Colorado and their elected representatives can participate in the school funding conversation.”

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12-21-11 CO Governor Hickenlooper appoints new District Court judge for Jefferson and Gilpin counties

DENVER ­ Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 — Gov. John Hickenlooper announced today the appointment of Christopher Clayton Zenisek to serve as a district court judge in the 1^st Judicial District (Jefferson and Gilpin counties).

Zenisek will fill a vacancy created by the recent appointment of the Honorable Brian Boatright to the Colorado Supreme Court.

Zenisek, of Golden, currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney for the 20^th Judicial District. He has held that position since 2009. Before becoming an Assistant District Attorney, Zenisek was an associate at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, P.C., and he served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock. Zenisek earned a bachelor’s from University of Colorado and a J.D. from the University of Denver.

Zenisek’s appointment is effective immediately.

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12-21-11 *USDA/FSA-CO News* Logan County Farm Service Agency Announces County Committee Election Results

Logan County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Sherry Lederhos, announced that county committee elections are over, the ballots are counted and the results are in…

Steve Schumacher of Peetz was elected to represent LAA 1 and Sundy Ferkovich of Crook will serve as the first alternate/advisor.

Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disaster, conservation, commodity, and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues.

“County committee members are a valuable asset because they are local producers who participate in FSA programs themselves and have a direct connection to farmers and ranchers in the community,” said Lederhos. “All recently elected county committee members and alternates will take office on January 1, 2012, and join the existing committee,” she said.

For more information about county committees and the election process, please contact the Logan County FSA office at 970-522-7440 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

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12-21-11 The Century Council Honors Five State Attorneys General For Their Commitment To Fighting Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking…CO among them

WASHINGTON, DC¾Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary, The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers, is honoring leaders who have shown an outstanding commitment to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Five attorneys general from across the nation are being recognized for their extraordinary efforts to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking in their respective states.

Attorneys General John Suthers (Colorado), Paula Dow (New Jersey), Marty Jackley (South Dakota), Rob McKenna (Washington), and J.B. Van Hollen (Wisconsin) have all been chosen to receive The Century Council’s 2011 Leadership Award for their ongoing dedication to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.

12-21-11 *CSU News* Breweries Breathe Life into Larimer County Economy, Says Colorado State University Regional Economist Martin Shields

FORT COLLINS - Breweries large and small add $83.2 million to the Larimer County payroll and support 938 direct jobs, according to a new study by Colorado State University’s Regional Economics Institute and the Beverage Business Institute.

The study looked at the most recent data available in 2010 and included six major breweries from mom-and-pop businesses to the giants (Anheuser Busch Inc.). The study only evaluates breweries as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and does not include other categories such as full-service restaurants that brew beer – Coopersmiths, as an example.

Breweries included in the study were Anheuser Busch, Equinox Brewing, Fort Collins Brewery, Funkwerks Inc., New Belgium Brewing Co. and Odell Brewing Co.

In the past decade, these breweries grew faster than other employers in Larimer County: Between 2000 and 2010, the brewery industry grew by more than 22 percent while other county employment grew only 6.3 percent.

“The trends have changed in recent years,” said Martin Shields, Colorado State regional economist and Regional Economics Institute director, who conducted the study with Michael Marturana, research economist at CSU. “Between 1990 and 2010, county employment actually grew faster than brewing employment overall, but brewery growth has been strong over the past decade.

12-21-11 NCGA Announces National Corn Yield Contest Winners for 2011

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NATIONAL & STATE WINNER RESULTS

ST. LOUIS (December 21, 2011) —  Advanced production techniques, informed growing practices and improved seed varieties helped corn growers achieve high yields in the National Corn Growers Association 2011 National Corn Yield Contest. Despite the challenging weather conditions that plagued the Corn Belt throughout the year, entrants continued to far surpass the national average corn yield, even doubling it in some circumstances.

The National Corn Yield Contest is in its 47th year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members. With 8,425 entries, the 2011 NCGA National Corn Yield Contest set a new participation record again this year. This is a 18 percent increase over 2010 (7,125) and an incredible 70 percent increase over 2007 (4,932).

“While this contest provides individual growers a chance for good-natured competition with their peers, it also advances farming as a whole,” said Dean Taylor, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques and practices contest winners develop provide the basis for widely used advances that benefit the industry.  This contest highlights how innovation, from both growers and technology providers, allows us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber in a sustainable manner.”

The 18 winners in six production categories had verified yields averaging more than 313.107 bushels per acre, compared to the projected national average of 146.7 bushels per acre in 2011.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for December 21st

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Effort Surfaces to Stop DOL Labor Regulations”

As the U.S. Department of Labor pushes to restrict the ability of youth to do farm work, those close to the land are beginning to fight back. Historically, family farms have been exempted from such rules, but Representative Tom Latham of Iowa has expressed concerns that a new proposal could be interpreted to exclude operations that are partly owned by extended family members such as grandparents, aunts or uncles.

In response, Latham has authored and introduced bipartisan legislation that expresses the sense of Congress that “the Secretary of Labor should recognize the unique circumstances of family farm youth and multi-generational family partnerships in agricultural operations when drafting regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Oklahoma Representative Dan Boren is co-sponsoring the legislation.

Latham is looking for additional input from farmers and agricultural groups such as FFA and 4-H on the topic and expects to introduce additional legislation after Congress reconvenes next year that will update U.S. code to reflect the realities of modern farming.

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

“December Hogs and Pigs Report To Be Released”

Friday, when USDA releases the December Hogs and Pigs Report, market analysts expect to see expansion by U.S. pork producers as record-high hog prices and robust export markets put the industry on track for a second consecutive year of profits. Analyst Dan Vaught looks for the breeding herd number to be 0.8 percent higher than one year earlier. Farrowing from December through February will probably rise about 0.6 percent and farrowing intentions for March through May are expected to rise 0.8 percent.