01-09-12 *USDA News* Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting

Honolulu, January 9, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today delivered the keynote address at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting:

“One hundred and fifty years ago, in the midst of an epic struggle upon which the fate of our nation and its experiment with a democratic government hung in the balance, our political leaders – led by President Lincoln – created the Department of Agriculture. The establishment of the department, in the midst of a civil war underscored the importance of agriculture and rural America to the country. What was true 150 years ago – remains true today – agriculture and rural America matter.

            “No group of people understands that truth any better than the men and women who lead the American Farm Bureau. I feel privileged and honored to speak to you today for that very reason. You know that as a result of the hard work and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of farmers, ranchers and producers, Americans enjoy a rich diversity of safe and nutritious food – almost all of which comes from here in America. You appreciate the important role agriculture plays in our economy – responsible for 1 in 12 jobs. When American producers earn record income, as they did last year, you understand that workers in food processing, packaging, and farm equipment manufacturing also benefit from more jobs and higher wages. You recognize the underlying value of the American brand in agriculture – one of quality and value, which explains why America leads the world in agricultural exports. Last year, in part aided by the strategic focus on trade by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Ag exports reached record levels of $137.4 billion in sales, creating a $42 billion trade surplus, supporting over a million jobs. You recognize that all of this represents just the beginning, as agriculture leads the development of an American-led bio based economy where what we grow and raise is used to make fuel, chemicals and polymers to compliment our traditional production of food, fiber and feed.

            “I need to say at the outset how appreciative I am for the strong partnership USDA and Farm Bureau has had and we continue to have. Bob Stallman and your national leadership team worked hard. They expanded Ag exports through trade missions and advocated for the passage of the three Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. They reminded Congress of the importance of the safety net for producers as well as fair and open markets here at home – all goals shared by us at USDA. Your leadership team went above and beyond the call of duty by also providing leadership on the project to build a Chinese garden at our National Arboretum, helping us to improve relationships with our number one agricultural trading customer. At the same time, Farm Bureau led an important effort to form the Farmer and Rancher Alliance to better connect agriculture to the 98% of America that does not farm, leading to a better appreciation of what agriculture means to America.

01-09-12 Northeastern Junior College releases fall 2011 honor roll

CLICK HERE to view still photos taken by Barbara Baker of NJC during the entire event.

Sterling, CO–Northeastern Junior College has released its honor roll list for the 2011 fall semester and reports that 253 students were given high academic achievement recognition, including 100 students who made the President’s List by earning a 4.0 grade point average.

Those making the President’s List included (by home location): Akron – Jessica Quint; Alamosa – Brandy Marrinan; Anton – Rebekah Herron; Arvada – Kayla Greenbaum;  Ault – Brooke Barker; Aurora – Aibora Mwanri; Avondale – Michelle Klein; Brush – Brittany Riter, Amanda Stickley, Leah Tapia; Castle Rock – Kathryn Snowberger; Conifer – Gina Phillips, Katherine White; Cortez – Aeron Acott; Fleming – Alyx Daily, Jace Harris, Arika Muller, Jenna Vandenbark; Fort Morgan – Cassandra Chapman; Golden – Maegan Kelly; Greeley – Kreg Kerr; Haxtun – Kelsey Garretson, Mark Phillips, Jaiden Potter, Josh Turney; Holly – Hannah Pollart;Holyoke – Brittany Durbin, Connie Ferguson, Kaylee Groshans, Sherilyn Knight, Janna Smith; Iliff – Julie Hernandez, Jessica Rivera, Braydon Zink; Julesburg – Kara Lanckriet, Krista Ober, Jordan Stone; LaJunta – Shay Carroll; Lakewood – Kyle Story, Jessica Wright; Loveland – Caleb Carlson; Meeker – Stacey Fitzgibbons; Montrose – Joshua Deines; New Raymer – Jared Farnik, Lauren Mertens; Orchard – Sara Bale; Parker – Brooke Baker, Curtis Doubet; Peetz – Paul Janes; Seibert – Elizabeth Cooper; Simla – McKenzi Digby; Sterling – Tara Amen, Shawn Brandau, Emily Brower, Naomi Burkey, Samantha Cavagnetto, Miranda Carroll, Monte Deshayes, Melissa Dilullo, Chloe Dinsdale, Katie Facchinello, Amanda Fiegel, Tessa Gareis, Jessica Harder, Kelsey Hummel, Callie Johnson, Kimberly Jones, Nicholas Jones, Pamela Krehbiel, Ryan Kutchar, Rebecca Littlefield, Jana Locher, Amanda Lock, Adrian Meraz, Spencer Moore, Jenae Morrison, Martha Nash, Courtney Negley, Braden Piel, Jace Rhodes, Levon Salas, Rocio Sanchez, Zeyneb Seman, Melissa Sherman, Amy Sonnenberg, Kristi Squier, Shamra Stone, Amanda Unrein, Kristen Unrein, Andrea Vallejos, Nicole Vierow, Victoria Vorwald, Ashley Walraven, Nathalie Weis;Vail – Taya Westerberg; Vona – Geoffrey Mills; Westcliffe – Sydney Camper; Westminster – Gary Bonney, Josh Bonney; and Wray – Brook Zuege.

01-09-12 PRESIDENTIAL FINALISTS FOR NORTHEASTERN JUNIOR COLLEGE SELECTED

CLICK HERE to view still photos taken by Barbara Baker of NJC during the entire event.

Sterling – The Northeastern Junior College presidential search committee has forwarded to Dr. Nancy

McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), four finalists for her

consideration for the presidency. Dr. McCallin, in consultation with the State Board for Community

Colleges and Occupational Education, will make the final presidential selection. The search committee is

comprised of student, faculty, administrative, and community members.

The Colorado Community College System has been conducting the search since September, 2011. Scott

Stump, Dean of Career and Technical Education for the Colorado Community College System, has been

serving as interim president.

The four finalists are:

01-09-12 US Senator Bennet – Learn About College Financial Aid in Greeley Jan 10th @ UNC

Are you trying to figure out how to pay for college for yourself or your children? 

College can be expensive, but high cost shouldn’t become a barrier for any student who has worked hard to get a degree. I have teamed up with College In Colorado to host a series of college financial aid information sessions across the state to give students and their families a better sense of the financial aid options available at the federal and state levels, the eligibility criteria and key deadlines, and the application process. 

The first “Funding Your Future” information session is in Greeley tomorrow, January 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the University of Northern Colorado, University Center, 2045 10^th Ave. This will be the first of many information sessions we are holding across Colorado, so if you can’t make it to Greeley, be sure to check back at bennet.senate.gov for more dates and locations. 

Students often think they can’t afford to go to college, don’t believe they qualify for financial aid or accumulate astronomical debt to attend school. These information sessions will provide students and families with information about the college financial aid process, community scholarship resources, federal loan information, and FAFSA completion information. College In Colorado staff will also be for private sessions.

Additionally, students attending the information session may enter to win a $500 scholarship from College in Colorado. 

For questions and information, please call Alexis Harrigan in my office at 303-455-7600. Please RSVP for the information sessions if possible at rsvp1@bennet.senate.gov. 

Sincerely,

Michael F. Bennet
United States Senator

01-09-12 Broomfield Farmers’ Market Expanding for 2012 Season Expanded Site Will Offer More Fresh Food and Fun

    Following the success of its inaugural season last summer, The Broomfield Farmers’ Market at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church will be expanding its site this spring to accommodate more fresh food vendors, food trucks, and community activities in 2012.

            “The Broomfield Farmers’ Market last summer became a popular destination for area residents to find fresh food, chat with local growers, enjoy quality entertainment, and connect with their friends and neighbors,” said Dave Carter, one of the volunteer market managers. “We will be working between now and our June 12 launch to bring in even more local food, artisan products and quality entertainment each Tuesday afternoon.”

            The expanded market plan for 2012 is designed to accommodate food trucks as well as fresh food vendors. In addition, the market will have one booth space allocated for local community organizations to conduct outreach and fundraising activities.

The Broomfield Farmers’ Market launched last June on a one-acre site owned by the Episcopal Church adjacent to U.S. Hwy 287 and West 10^th Avenue in the heart of Broomfield. The volunteer-run market is designed to connect area residents with local farmers dedicated to producing high quality produce, meat and poultry.  Proceeds from the farmers’ market are donated to area outreach organizations.   

            Market volunteers are now accepting applications for participating in the 2012 season. Anyone interested in participating in the market as a vendor or entertainer should send an email to market@holycomforterchurch.net.  

01-09-12 *NRCS-CO* COLORADO’S SNOWPACK OFF TO A SLOW START

Denver, CO - January 6, 2012 – Despite a decent start to the water year with above average precipitation and near average snowfall in October; drier conditions in November and December have resulted in a below average mountain snowpack for all the major basins in Colorado. As of January 1, Colorado’s statewide snowpack was 71 percent of average and 52 percent of last year’s readings, according to Phyllis Philipps, State Conservationist, with the NRCS. This is the fourth lowest January 1 snowpack measured in the last 30 years and the lowest since January 1, 2002 when the snowpack was at 65 percent of average.

Snow accumulations on the eastern side of the Continental Divide and in south-central Colorado are closer to average than on the western slope and southwest Colorado. Early season upslope storms in October and November have kept the South Platte basin at 80 percent of average as of January 1. The Arkansas and Upper Rio Grande basins currently boast snowpack’s that are 96 and 92 percent of average respectively, the highest in the state. Current conditions in these basins are a welcome change considering both recorded well below average snowfall last season.

The start to this winter season is not as positive for the western basins. Snow accumulation in these basins is well below average for this time of year; ranging from 57 percent of average in the Yampa and White basins, to 73 percent of average in both the San Juan, Animas, Dolores, and San Miguel basins and the North Platte basin. In comparison, last year at this time these basins had snowpack’s that were at 145 percent of average in the Yampa and White, and 144 percent of average in the San Juan, Animas, Dolores, and San Miguel basins.

Statewide the current snowpack is well below what was measured last year on January 1 in all the major river basins. This trend is especially prevalent in the northwest and western portions of the state where measured snowfall totals are less than half of what was measured one year ago.

Due to last spring’s above average snowpack and subsequent runoff throughout most of the state, reservoir storage remains in good condition in Colorado. Only the Rio Grande Basin has significantly below average reservoir storage for this time of year.

The table below shows Colorado’s snowpack and reservoir storage as of January 1, 2012.

01-09-12 *CSU -SE CO Ext* Resolve to Be Food Safer in the New Year

As we start the New Year, here are a few suggestions for resolutions to help eliminate foodborne illness from you and your families’ lives.  While you cannot eliminate all risks, following these steps will help prevent foodborne illness.

Clean: Resolve to wash your hands before, during and after handling food.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing has the potential to save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention.  CSU Extension Agent Kaye Kasza reminds people to “Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap.  Rub your hands together to make lather and scrub them well for at least 20 seconds.  Air dry or use a clean paper towel.”

Separate: If you only have one cutting board, resolve to get another to help avoid cross-contamination.  Use one for foods you cook, such as meat, poultry, and seafood, and the other for foods like fruits and vegetables that will be eaten raw.  This keeps the raw foods from being contaminated by the juices from the foods to be cooked.  If you get a new cutting board, get one that’s dishwasher-safe.  The very hot water and strong detergent typically used in dishwashers can eliminate many bacteria.

Cook: Resolve to get a food thermometer if you don’t have one.  Using a food thermometer is the only way to make sure meat, poultry, fish, and casseroles are cooked to a safe internal temperature hot enough to kill any pathogens that may be present.

Chill: Resolve to get an appliance thermometer to be sure your refrigerator is at or below 40ºF.  Between 40ºF and 140ºF is the Danger Zone where bacteria multiply rapidly.  The more bacteria, the more likely someone will get sick.  Most refrigerators have just a colder/warmer adjustment, so the only way to know the temperature is to put a thermometer inside.  And it’s a good idea to put one in the freezer to be sure the temperature is 0ºF or below.

For more information, contact your local Extension Office:  Baca County 719-523-6971, Bent County 719-456-0764, Cheyenne County 719-767-5716, Crowley County 719-267-5243, Kiowa County 719-438-5321, Otero County 719-254-7608, Prowers County 719-336-7734.  Or find us on the web at:  http://www.extension.colostate.edu/SEA.CSU Extension offers up-to-date, unbiased, research-based information to families in Southeast Colorado.  CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for January 9th

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Ethanol Played Lesser Role in Iowa Caucuses”

A breakdown of the Iowa Caucuses reveals that allegiance to ethanol - once required for political success in rural states - has faded in importance as some candidates skeptical about biofuel subsidies fared better than supporters. Becky Beach - a Republican operative in Iowa says ethanol’s strength allows voters tied to the farm economy to worry less about biofuels and look more at other issues.

Staunch ethanol opponent Ron Paul took second in rural counties. Rick Santorum - who won the vote in farm country - relied on support from religious conservatives – although support for biofuels helped. Mitt Romney - who has criticized long-term government subsidies for the fuel - carried the entire state. Newt Gingrich – who took fourth - consulted for an industry group and had the highest rating on farm policy from the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

Chuck Hassebrook - Executive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs - says ethanol’s growth - and rising acceptance that it no longer needs tax credits and trade protection - reduces the political importance of a fuel that once stood as a litmus test for candidates - a lesson that may reverberate in other states.

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

“Renewable Energy Sources See Growth”

The latest data from the Energy Information Administration shows renewable energy sources continue to grow rapidly while outpacing the growth rates of fossil fuels and nuclear power.  For the first nine months of 2011, renewable energy sources provided nearly 12 percent of domestic U.S. energy production, compared to just less than 11 percent for the same period in 2010. By comparison, nuclear power provided 10.62 percent of the nation’s energy production in the first three quarters of 2011.