01-10-12 *NCBA News* Mike Miller Named to New NCBA Global Marketing and Research Post

Denver, CO (January 10, 2012) – Mike Miller has been appointed senior vice president of Global Marketing and Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Most recently Miller was chief operating officer of Cattle Fax.

In his new role Miller will be responsible for staff leadership of NCBA departments focused on developing and executing the plan of work funded with Beef Checkoff dollars. Those departments include Planning and Evaluation; Market Research; Research, Education and Innovation; Issues Management; Consumer Marketing; and Channel Marketing. Miller will take over his new responsibilities Jan. 30.

“I’m excited Mike will be joining the NCBA team,” said NCBA CEO Forrest Roberts. “He brings a wealth of talent, experience and energy to the position. We know he will add tremendous vision and vigor to our work on behalf of beef producers through the Beef Checkoff-funded efforts we conduct.”

01-10-12 *NBA News* Strong Bison Sale Anticipated at Stock Show Next Week

Ranchers to Bid for More Than 120 Head of Premier Breeding Stock

Denver, CO (January 10, 2012) – The bullish outlook in the bison marketplace is expected to translate into strong bidding as ranchers gather at the National Western Stock Show on January 21 to purchase more than 130 head of premier breeding stock to be auctioned in the National Bison Association’s annual Gold Trophy Sale.

The animals to be auctioned on January 21st will include the Grand Champion Bull and Heifer as selected during the Gold Trophy Show on the Thursday and Friday prior to the sale.

Soaring consumer demand for bison meat is straining the capacity of current producers to supply the market. The National Bison Association has actively been working across the country to encourage expansion of the business. Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, said that the animals coming into the arena at the Gold Trophy Sale can provide a strong foundation for new and existing producers.

“The bison business is growing, and ranchers are looking for the prime breeding stock that will serve as the foundation for a quality herd. The Gold Trophy Show and Sale is recognized as the premier event for quality breeding stock in the United States, and is the best place for producers to go to start-or expand-their herds,” Carter, said.

The consignment of animals scheduled to be offered at the Gold Trophy Sale include bull and heifer calves, yearling bulls and heifers, two-year-old bred heifers, two-year-old bulls, and six pens of ranch-ready yearling heifers.

The live animal sale will begin at 12 noon in the Livestock Center auction arena in the National Western yards. At 11 a.m., the association will auction 27 bison carcasses that were entered in the Market-Class competition.

“The live animal sale gives ranchers an opportunity to build their herds, and the market class competition is a great opportunity for local residents to bid on meat that can be cut and wrapped to their specification,” Carter said.

More information on the Gold Trophy auction is available on the association’s website atwww.bisoncentral.com.

01-10-12 *USDA-FSA-CO URGENT* Sterling USDA Service Center Phone Service Up and Running

The Logan County Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service phone system is now updated and available to access.

Sorry for the inconvience.

01-10-12 *WSGA News* Annual Wyoming Day at National Western set for Jan. 21

Wyoming Day tradition is carried on by Wyoming Stock Growers

CHEYENNE – Wyoming Day, an annual event at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, is Saturday, Jan. 21. The Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) has arranged for buses leaving from Cheyenne to accommodate any who would like to attend. The bus will also stop in Fort Collins at the Harmony Transfer Center to pick up passengers.

The Wyoming Day schedule includes the following:

·        Group Bus from Cheyenne and Fort Collins

·        A VIP luncheon at the National Western Club

·        Touring the Stock Show

·        Wyoming Day Rodeo

·        Dinner in Fort Collins

·        Bus trip back to Cheyenne

Wyoming citizens are recognized and Wyoming officials are ushered around the rodeo arena in a stagecoach at the Wyoming Day afternoon rodeo. Wyoming’s First Family joins the group as they show their Wyoming spirit and enjoy a day at the National Western.

01-10-12 *NJC News* Local Families Receive Support to Apply for College Financial Aid

College Goal Sunday hits Sterling to help families pay for college 

Sterling, CO – On Sunday, February 12, 2012, local families in Sterling will have the opportunity to attend College Goal Sunday to receive free assistance on how to pay for college.

College Goal Sunday will be held in Sterling at Northeastern Junior College on Sunday, February 12, from 2 – 4 p.m. Families will receive free professional guidance on ways to pay for college, specifically how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a crucial step in the college planning process.

The FAFSA must be completed for a student to receive any type of financial aid, including grants, work study, student loans and even many scholarships. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as close to the first of the year to receive as much financial aid as possible.

“In a time where college is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in the workplace, it is more vital than ever to provide families with the knowledge and resources to make higher education a reality,” said Dawn Taylor Owens, executive director of College In Colorado – an initiative of the Department of Higher Education. “For many families the greatest hurdle is how to pay for college. College Goal Sunday provides an incredible platform for families to receive free direction on ways to make college affordable.”

01-10-12 *USDA NEWS* Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on USDA’s New Blueprint for Stronger Service to Increase Efficiency in Operations

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of USDA Offices impacted nationwide

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012 –  January 10, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will hold a media conference call to discuss USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service (Hyperlink release), which was announced by Secretary Vilsack on January 9th, 2012 at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service is a plan to help producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs.

The Blueprint for Stronger Service is based on a Department-wide review of operations conducted as part of the Administration’s Campaign to Cut Waste, launched by President Obama and Vice President Biden to make government work better and more efficiently for the American people. The agency took a hard look at all USDA operations, from headquarters to field offices. The end result is a plan that will create optimal use of USDA people, better results for USDA customers and greater efficiencies for American taxpayers.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO FROM THE PRESS TELE-CONFERENCE…

011012_USDA_VilsackBlueprintTele-Conference_23m44s

FOR MORE ON THIS STORY – CLICK HERE

01-10-12 *KSU NEWS* Kansas Drought Conditions Likely to Ease Further in 2012

Forecasts Could Mean Good News for Farmers, Gardeners

MANHATTAN, Kan. – December precipitation across Kansas averaged 1.69 inches, which was almost double the normal amount. That helped ease drought conditions in parts of the state and early forecasts point to a further reduction in 2012, according to Kansas climatologist Mary Knapp.

“The preliminary statewide average precipitation total for December was 192 percent of normal,” said Knapp, who is director of the state’s Weather Data Library. “That makes it the 16th wettest December since 1895.”

The Weather Data Library is based at Kansas State University.

Knapp said southeast Kansas was the wettest overall, with an average of 2.85 inches or 179 percent of normal, but southwest had the greatest departure from normal, with an average of 1.58 inches or 345 percent of normal. Despite having the 5th wettest December since 1895, southwest Kansas ended the year as the 4th driest on record. Northwest Kansas was the driest in December, with an average of 0.39 inches, or 81 percent of normal.

01-10-12 CME Group Congratulates New FIA President Walt Lukken

CHICAGO, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — CME Group, the world’s leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, released the following statement on Walt Lukken being named the new president of the Futures Industry Association (FIA):

“We congratulate Walt Lukken on his appointment to head the Futures Industry Association. CME Group has had a long history of working closely with Walt during his tenure as Commissioner and then Acting Chairman of the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.  His experience and depth of knowledge make him an ideal candidate to lead the FIA and we look forward to working with him to ensure the CFTC properly implements Dodd-Frank, enhances customer protection mechanisms following the failure of MF Global, and enhances the global competitiveness of U.S. futures markets.”

“We also commend John Damgard for his 30 years of leadership as FIA President. Throughout his tenure at FIA, John has been a strong advocate for the global futures industry in Congress and around the world.  He built the FIA into the recognized institution it is today.  We wish him the best and thank him for his outstanding service to the industry.”

01-10-12 *USMEF NEWS* U.S. Pork, Beef Still Face Import Quotas in Russia but 2012 Brings Improvements

The Customs Union composed of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan recently published a decision establishing tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for meat imports in 2012.

 

As U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Senior Vice President Thad Lively explains, this is an unusual year because these TRQs will only be in effect until the Russian legislature votes onRussia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) later this year. From that date forward, the market access terms in Russia’s WTO accession agreement will apply for the remainder of the year on a pro rata basis.    

 

On the pork side, Russia has eliminated the country-specific quota that was open only to U.S. pork. This can actually be a positive development, however, because now the United States can participate in the 400,000 metric ton TRQ that is open to all countries – an arrangement that should offer greater growth potential for U.S. pork exports to Russia. On another positive note, Russia’s in-quota tariff rate for pork will remain 15 percent for most of this year, but is scheduled for elimination when Russia’s WTO accession terms are implemented.The United States still has a country-specific TRQ for frozen beef exports to Russia, but it will be larger than ever in 2012. The TRQ nearly doubled when it grew from 21,700 metric tons in 2010 to 41,700 metric tons last year. In 2012, the quota will be further expanded to 60,000 metric tons. The in-quota tariff rate for beef is also 15 percent, and this rate is scheduled to be in effect both before and afterRussia’s WTO accession terms are implemented.

CLICK the mp3 audio link below to listen to this week’s report - 

Lively on Russia’s Meat Import Quotas 01-06-12

01-10-12 Guardian of Liberty Awards 2011 Legislative Session Liberty Watch “kicks off” the 2012 Session by recognizing Top Legislators

The 2011 Legislative Session was just the beginning in the fight to restore the Principles of Liberty within not just the Republican Party but also within the people. Education and vigilance are the key to preserving Liberty and what better way to start a new legislative session then by recognizing those legislators who have a record that matches their promises!

Nancy Rumfelt, Director of Liberty Watch states, “I do understand that Legislators are often in a precarious position as they try to preserve Liberty and yet keep the citizens happy who voted them into office.  This requires a steadfast commitment to principles such as limited government, rule of law, fiscal and personal responsibility and yet still balance with the needs and concerns of their constituents.”

For the 2011 session, Liberty Watch tracked and scored a wide range of bills and the Guardian of Liberty award is based on a ranked score that is a composite of a legislator’s votes on these bills as compared to how Liberty Watch would have voted and the top five legislators from both the Senate and the House will be presented with an award.

The awards will be presented on Wednesday January 11^th from 9:00 – 9:30am in the press room of the Capital and the recipients are:

Senator Kevin Lundberg – #1 Guardian in the Senate and is joined by fellow Senators Shawn Mitchell, Ted Harvey, Scott Renfoe and Bill Cadman

Representative Chris Holbert – #1 Guardian in the House and is joined by fellow Representatives Don Beezley, David Balmer, Spencer Swalm and Jon Becker

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for January 10th

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Vilsack Has Blueprint for Increasing USDA Efficiency”

To meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economy – U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has presented USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service. It’s a plan Vilsack says will help producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs. Just like families and businesses across the country – Vilsack says USDA can’t continue to operate like it did 50 years ago. He says it’s important to innovate, modernize and be better stewards of taxpayer dollars. The blueprint is based on a Department-wide review of operations conducted as part of the Administration’s Campaign to Cut Waste. Vilsack says the result is a plan that will create optimal use of USDA’s employees, better results for USDA customers and greater efficiencies for the taxpayers.

Vilsack notes USDA has heard from producers about reducing red tape and the need to modernize services. He says the department is answering the challenge by announcing this series of efforts to streamline operations and provide the best possible service.

Among other things – USDA plans to close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country – as well as seven foreign offices – and consolidate hundreds of cell phone plans into about 10. For detailed fact sheets on the Blueprint for Stronger Service can be found at www dot usda dot gov slash strongerservice (www.usda.gov/strongerservice).

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

“AFBF’s Stallman Reports to Membership”

 

In his annual address to American Farm Bureau Federation members gathered for their annual meeting in Hawaii, President Bob Stallman pointed out that America’s farmers and ranchers are more productive than ever and are providing a solid economic foundation for our nation. The organization’s leader said – we are the one percent that is producing food and fiber for the other 99 percent.