05-02-12 Colorado Centennial Farms Seeks Nominations for 2012 Awards…APPLY BY MAY 16th…

CLICK HERE to visit the BarnMedia-History Colorado Centennial Farms Webpage...

DENVER — Families who have owned and operated their farm or ranch for 100 years or more are encouraged to submit a nomination to receive a Colorado Centennial Farms award. Selected nominees will be honored at the 25th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colo., in August 2012. Farmers and ranchers nominating their property for this award must submit an application providing information about the history of their farm and its buildings by end of day on Monday, May 16, 2012.

 Nominees must meet the following requirements to be honored as a Colorado Centennial Farm:

• Farming or ranching properties must have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years
• Each property must still be a working farm or ranch
• Farms or ranches must have a minimum of 160 acres
• However, properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales

 History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture created the Colorado Centennial Farms Program in 1986 to recognize the important role that agriculture has played in the state’s history and economic development.

How to nominate:  Download a Colorado Centennial Farms application, or call Lyle Miller at 303-866-2779.

Due Date: May 16, 2012

Centennial Farms Awards:

05-07-12 *NJC News* Colorado Lieutenant Governor Garcia to visit Sterling May 16

Holding community conversation on education

On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 16^th, Colorado Lt. Governor Joseph Garcia and some of his staffers will be in Sterling to host a community conversation on how K-12 and Higher Education are working together. This free event, open to the public, will be held in Room 230 of Hays Student Center  on the campus of Northeastern Junior College from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Garcia will be posing specific questions to those in attendance regarding what kind of success has happened in this area in building programs and support between K-12 and Higher Education. He will be asking for information about some of the specific struggles  facing  K-12 and Higher Education in northeastern Colorado and asking how the various levels of education work together to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking families.  According to the agenda provided, Garcia wants to know specifically, what are the three biggest challenges to improving transitions for students between K-12 and Higher Education in this area of the state?  When it comes to remediation challenges and issues, what models are working well for NJC and students? What more can K-12 schools and the Department of Higher Education to do address these issues together?  Garcia also wants to know how K-12 and Higher Education out here in this part of Colorado work to improve professional development and support for teaching professionals.

Garcia will provide information to those who gather at this meeting on the challenges and issues facing the P20 Education Pipeline in Colorado. P-20 is short for an integrated education system that extends from pre-school through higher education. He plans to communicate about the role of the Department of Higher Education in Colorado and discuss education efforts at the state level regarding early literacy, Colorado Achievement Plan for Kids (CAP4K), educator effectiveness and TBD Colorado–TBD Colorado is a nonpartisan, collaborative effort designed to create informed and constructive conversations among Coloradans about some of the biggest issues facing the state. TBD stands for To Be Determined.

Last but not least, Garcia and his staff will provide an overview of legislation on HB12-1238-The Colorado Early Literacy Act; HB 12-1155-Improvement in College Completion; SB12-045-Higher Education Associate Degree Transfer Students; and SB 12-164-Operations of Private Post-Secondary Colleges.

 

05-15-12 Wyoming Files Petition to U.S. Supreme Court Appealing Roadless Rule…

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO, provided by Wyoming Governor Matt Mead – CLICK HERE

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –  The State of Wyoming has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its challenge of the Clinton Administration’s Roadless Rule. Wyoming filed a Petition for aWrit of Certiorari today. The petition argues that the U.S. Forest Service exceeded the limit of its authority when it created the Roadless Rule by usurping a power reserved to Congress.

Governor Matt Mead directed the Attorney General to appeal to the Supreme Court after the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the opinion of U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer. “I believe that Judge Brimmer provided a well-reasoned opinion, which stated that the Forest Service circumvented Congress with the Roadless Rule, and I hope that opinion will be reinstated by the Supreme Court,” Governor Mead said.

The Roadless Rule affects over 3 million acres of National Forest lands in Wyoming. “This has real impacts for multiple use in Wyoming and the rule was developed without meaningful input from any state, county or town. This rule affects our economy and our ability to fight the bark beetle epidemic,” Governor Mead said.

SOURCE: Wyoming Governor Matt Mead’s Office

05-15-12 *PLC News* Legislation Introduced to Mitigate Catastrophic Wildfire Risk — Bill Would Allow Forest Fire Fuel Loads to be Responsibly Managed…

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2012) – Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) was joined by 27 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives today, May 15, 2012, to introduce the bipartisan Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2012 (H.R. 5744). According to Public Lands Council President John Falen, H.R. 5744 will allow forest lands to be responsibly managed to prevent catastrophic wildfires that put human and animal health and safety at risk while costing economies severely.

“Decades of mismanagement and convoluted environmental regulation have left our nation’s vast forest lands one spark away from a catastrophic wildfire. In many parts of the nation, these forests, which have historically provided grazing land for livestock and habitat to wildlife, are nothing more than kindling for the next big fire,” Falen said. “Forest lands must be responsibly managed but that is not happening today because environmental extremists have abused regulations currently on the books to tie the hands of land management agencies. The Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act will restore some common sense to forest management, improve public safety and restore the environment.”

05-15-12 US Congressman Gardner to protect public money from wasteful lawsuits…

CLICK HERE to visit US Congressman Cory Gardner’s Website

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) is supporting legislation that will prohibit deep-pocketed environmental groups from abusing taxpayer money for frivolous litigation.

Environmental groups have become increasing guilty of tapping the federal Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) – a law that makes nonprofit groups eligible for reimbursement of their legal fees, regardless of their own ability to pay them.  In particular, a group called WildEarth Guardians has taken advantage of the fund and is using that money to target the Arkansas River Power Authority, a Colorado entity facing three lawsuits brought by WildEarth.

“This abuse of taxpayer money has gone on long enough, and it’s time we put a stop to it,” Gardner said. “If radical groups like WildEarth want to clog up our justice system with frivolous lawsuits that’s their choice, but taxpayers certainly should not be footing the bill.”

05-15-12 *DoW-CO News* POUDRE RENDEZVOUS OUTDOOR SKILLS DAY JUNE 9th…

DENVER – Weld and Larimer County families are welcome to join Colorado Parks and Wildlife and its partners for a full day of archery, fishing, shooting, and wildlife recreation at Colorado Youth Outdoors’ Swift Ponds in Fort Collins, June 9.  This fun and educational event offers families a safe and comprehensive opportunity to try out the activities that drive our wildlife heritage.

“Colorado’s wildlife is famous around the world,” said Brandon Muller, district wildlife manager for Greeley, “Less famous is the critical support from hunters, anglers, and wildlife supporters who make it possible for us to have this magnificent natural resource. We feel it’s essential that Colorado families become engaged in wildlife recreation so that future generations care about and conserve wildlife as we have done.”

This skills day will feature hands-on, safe training in multiple wildlife recreation activities.  Participants will be divided into groups and have an hour and a half to work with seasoned instructors and experts in the various skills.

Opportunities at the event include:

05-15-12 Colorado’s NRCS, FSA & Rural Development Departments Celebrate the USDA’s 150th Anniversary…

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) May 15th, 2012- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today marked the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and highlighted the positive impact that USDA has on the life of Americans each day.

According to USDA Secretary Vilsack, “For 150 years, USDA has supported our nation’s economic prosperity and touched the lives of generations of Americans. I’m proud of the USDA employees who carry out President Lincoln’s legacy throughout the country and around the world, making USDA a truly ‘Every Day, Every Way’ department. Whether improving domestic and international access to food, promoting nutrition and safety of our food supply, conserving our natural resources, advancing agricultural exports, or developing the rural economy, USDA helps Americans to lead better lives.”

President Lincoln created USDA in 1862 and in his last address before Congress, called it the “People’s Department.” President Lincoln established USDA because he understood the importance of agriculture to America’s success – and under the Obama Administration USDA has focused on advancing Lincoln’s legacy. The Department has delivered record amounts of loan assistance; enrolled a record number of acres in conservation programs; provided food assistance to 1 in 4 Americans and helped to upgrade infrastructure, such as electric and broadband Internet service, for millions of people.

On Tuesday, May 15th, right here in Colorado there is a celebration that took place in Denver and joining me by telephone are three special guests, which include:

• Phyllis Ann Philipps, State Conservationist with Natural Resources Conservation Service Colorado
• Trudy Kareus, State Director with Farm Service Agency Colorado
• Jamie Spakow , with USDA Rural Development in Colorado

To listen to the EXCLUSIVE interview with all three guests, please click on the audio mp3 link below…

051512_USDA150th_NRCS-CO_FSA-CO_USDA-RD-CO_13m50s

To learn more about the USDA’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations that are taking place in 2012 – CLICK HERE

For more information about NRCS-CO…CLICK HERE

For more information about FSA-CO…CLICK HERE

For more information about USDA-Rural Development CO…CLICK HERE

05-15-12 *US Wheat Associates News* Wheat Growers Celebrate USDA’s 150th Anniversary…

ARLINGTON, Virginia — The U.S. wheat industry congratulates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as it celebrates its 150th anniversary on Tuesday. 
 
On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act establishing the Department of Agriculture. Five days later, he signed the Homestead Act, which opened up western lands to settlement, including much of today’s wheat production region. Later that summer, Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, establishing the system of “land grant” universities that are still vital to wheat and other agricultural research. 
 
Today, USDA handles a diverse portfolio administering nutrition, risk management, conservation and trade promotion programs as well as food inspection and safety services and vital public research on crops including wheat.
 
“The original vision for USDA, the Homestead Act and the Morrill Act was to help America’s farmers and ranchers provide a safe, ample food supply for our nation and the world,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat farmer from Hallock, MN, and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “Agriculture has changed a lot since the 1800s, and yet USDA remains vital to our farms, our nation’s lands, our nation’s food security and safety and our economy.”
 

05-15-12 *CDA News* Colorado Hay Producers Needed for Annual Publication…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting listings for the 2012 Colorado Hay Directory. This annual publication, celebrating its 26^th anniversary, markets Colorado hay to buyers.

“Livestock owners within the state and across the country use the directory to find Colorado hay,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Hay continues to be an important crop in Colorado, and this publication is an important marketing tool that connects hay producers and buyers.”

The listing fee is $25, and the deadline is June 15, 2012. Forms are available at Colorado State University Extension offices or by contacting the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

This free directory will be available in August through CSU Extension offices and various livestock associations in the state as well as at agricultural events such as the Colorado State Fair, National Western Stock Show and the Colorado Farm Show. The directory will also be online at www.coloradoagriculture.com/hay.

Each listing includes the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status and identifies organic hay. Listings are grouped by region of the state. The directory also includes listings for companies that offer hay-related products or services. Advertising opportunities are also available at $50 for a half-page ad or $90 for a full-page ad.

For more information or to receive a Colorado Hay Directory listing form, contact the Markets Division at (303) 239-4115, e-mail loretta.lopez@ag.state.co.us or visitwww.coloradoagriculture.com.

05-15-12 USDA Celebrates it’s 150th Anniversary…

05-15-12 *Monsanto News* AMERICA’S FARMERS MOM OF THE YEAR 2012…Debbie Lyons-Blythe of White City, KS

Debbie Lyons-Blythe receives the most votes on AmericasFarmers.com to win national title on Mother’s Day

            ST. LOUIS (May 15, 2012) – Debbie Lyons-Blythe, White City, Kansas, is Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year 2012.

            Lyons-Blythe was nominated by her children (Meghan, Allie, Trenton, Tyler and Eric), and also by her aunt, Mary Ferguson, who she describes as “more of a friend than an aunt.” Both nominations summarized in 300 words what makes Lyons-Blythe so special to her family, farm, community and the agricultural industry. She was selected as the Southwest Region’s Farm Mom of the Year by a panel of judges from American Agri-Women and Monsanto. Her nomination was then posted to www.AmericasFarmers.com, along with those of the four other regional winners. Online voting determined Lyons-Blythe the national winner, just in time for Mother’s Day.

            “What an honor that my children and my aunt, who is also a busy rancher, would nominate me for America’s Farmers Mom of the Year, especially this time of year when we are often working until 9:30 at night and focused full-time on getting cattle bred, fences fixes and cows to grass,” says Lyons-Blythe. “I’m flying high with the support I’ve been given from people who matter the most to me. I love to say I raise kids and cows – and I really love both.”

         

05-15-12 *NCBA News* AUDIO: Beltway Beef…US Congressman Gardner, Regulations & Grassroots Advocacy…

CLICK HERE to read today’s Beltway Beef courtesy of the NCBA…

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Beltway Beef weekly audio is ready. NCBA constantly hears from cattlemen and women from across the country about their legitimate concerns regarding the pervasive invasion of the federal government into their daily lives. We aren’t the only ones hearing these concerns. Congressman Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) says he hears the same concerns daily from farmers and ranchers. Gardner says he is working to echo their concerns inside the Beltway.

Gardner says it is absolutely essential for farmers and ranchers to stay engaged in policy issues impacting them. He says without producer involvement, everything coming out of Washington will be void of commonsense. Gardner offers a few suggestions on how cattlemen and all farmers and ranchers can make a positive difference in Washington, D.C.

This weekly commentary features NCBA members, leaders, staff and more week after week. Click here to download this week’s segment of Beltway Beef. Click here for all previous clips.

Be sure to read about this and more on NCBA’s blog, Beltway Beef. Follow Beltway Beef on Twitter, like us on Facebook, watch video on YouTube and download pictures from Flickr.

05-15-12 *USWA News* U.S. Wheat Industry Hails U.S.-Colombia FTA Implementation

ARLINGTON, Virginia — In a huge victory for U.S. wheat farmers, the United States and Colombia officially implemented on Tuesday a free trade agreement (FTA) first signed in 2006. 
 
The pact immediately eliminates all tariffs on U.S. wheat imports to Colombia and ends a significant tariff disadvantage U.S. farmers have faced compared to Canadian and Argentine wheat imports there.
 
“This is a very good day for wheat farmers,” said Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, WA, and chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). “The tariff situation has basically forced our largest customer, historically, in South America to buy more wheat from Canada and Argentina. Now our customers in Colombia will not have to pay the tariff and we can compete equally on the basis of quality, supply and service.” 
 

05-15-12 *CDA News* Licensed Applicators Help Protect Colorado Trees and the Environment…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The devastating effects of Colorado’s pine beetle epidemic are widely known, leaving landowners searching for companies who can help protect their trees.  Officials at the Colorado Department of Agriculture recommend only hiring licensed pesticide applicators.

The Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act requires any person or company that applies pesticides for hire, whether they are applying to a structure, tree or agricultural area, to be licensed as a “commercial applicator.”

“For better environmental and public safety, commercial applicators must have the necessary training, expertise and experience to apply chemicals,” said Mitch Yergert, CDA’s Director of Plant Industry.  “Every licensed commercial applicator in Colorado has to meet strict testing requirements that are enforced by the department.”

05-11-12 *USDA Op-Ed* Vilsack: “The Peoples’ Department: 150 Years of USDA”…

On May 15, we will recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  On that date in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of Congress establishing USDA.

Two and a half years after he established the Department, in what would be his final annual message to Congress, Lincoln called USDA “The People’s Department.”

President Lincoln knew the importance of agriculture to our prosperity – particularly at a time when about half of all Americans lived on the farm. And while that number today stands at about 2 percent, our values are still rooted in rural America.

As the United States has changed and evolved over the years, at USDA we have not lost sight of Lincoln’s vision. Through our work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, natural resource conservation and a host of other issues, USDA has impacted the lives of generations of Americans.

And over the past three years, we have furthered that commitment to this nation.

USDA has supported producers – making a record number of farm loans, maintaining a strong safety net, and expanding markets to drive record exports.

We’ve stood by rural communities – supporting more than 6,000 community facilities projects, providing more than 50,000 loans to help rural businesses create jobs, and investing in thousands of infrastructure projects that have delivered modern broadband, water and electric services to millions.

We’ve enrolled a record number of acres in conservation programs, and laid out a sensible new planning rule for 193 million acres of National Forests to promote job growth while conserving the environment.

05-14-12 USDA Celebrates 150 Years of Service to the American People; Secretary Vilsack Commemorates the Nation’s ‘Every Day, Every Way’ Department

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2012 – On May 15, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its work on behalf of agriculture, rural America and people throughout the country and world who benefit from the work of the agency.

When President Abraham Lincoln founded the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862, he called it “the People’s Department,” a sentiment that still rings true today as the Department’s diverse portfolio boasts strong support for American agriculture and local and regional food systems, as well as critical nutrition assistance, food safety, conservation, rural development, and researchprograms, among many other programs and initiatives.

As the department commemorates 150 years of accomplishments, USDA is looking to the future.  In the years to come, we will help address the changing needs of agriculture and rural America.

The continued work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, natural resource conservation and many other issues will ensure USDA still fulfills Lincoln’s vision – touching the lives of every American, every day.

As we promote innovation – both here at USDA and in the countryside – we will help create jobs and support economic growth, and promote healthy families and communities, and a stronger nation.

To watch the celebration live, please visit www.usda.gov/live. For more information on the 150th anniversary celebration, please visit www.usda.gov/usda150. Additional information on USDA’s work to strengthen the American economy can be found at www.usda.gov/results.

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

CLICK HERE to listen to TODAY’s BARN Morning Ag News with Brian Allmer…

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“U.S. and EU Working on Trade Agreement”

According to European Union Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht – the U.S. and EU are making progress on a trade deal. In fact – the details may be spelled out by mid-2014. Tariffs, services, procurement and regulatory issues are reportedly topping the agenda for the proposed agreement. In June – an interim report on the potential scope of the deal is due – with a final document expected by the end of the year. Negotiations could start soon after – and if De Gucht has anything to say about it – could last for as little as 18 months. According to De Gucht – any agreement must be ambitious enough to include all areas of economic importance and realistic enough to be successful within a limited period of time.

According to the German Marshall Fund – the U.S. and EU have trade flows between them of 4.4-trillion dollars annually. A spokesperson for the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office says the two are examining a number of options for expanding transatlantic trade and investment – including a potential comprehensive trade agreement. Attempts to reach agreement between the U.S. and EU have been unsuccessful in the past.

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“Producers Still Have Time to Sign-Up for DCP and ACRE”

Enrollment for the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program ends June 1st. USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Bruce Nelson says producers who want to participate in either program must enroll their eligible farms and need to do so before the deadline. He says electronic DCP is a great option for enrolling during this busy planting season. Nelson says the electronic DCP saves time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing. Another option is to visit a nearby FSA county office to complete the 2012 DCP or ACRE enrollment form.