05-16-12 US Senator Bennet, Colleagues Urge Leadership to Bring 2012 Farm Bill to Senate Floor…

Senators Push for Timely Consideration to Provide Certainty to Farmers, Ranchers, Rural Communities 

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined his colleagues in the Senate Agriculture Committee in urging Senate leadership to take up the 2012 farm bill for consideration. In a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the senators asked for timely consideration of the bill that affects millions of Americans across the country and that recently passed out of committee with broad bipartisan support.

“According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, nearly 16 million jobs are related to agriculture,” the senators wrote in the letter. “But, federal farm policy impacts more than those directly involved in agriculture or living in rural areas. We need to act soon to complete a farm bill in 2012 and provide certainty for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, other stakeholders, and all Americans.”

The 2012 Farm Bill was approved by the senate Agriculture Committee, of which Bennet is a member, by a 16-5 vote and includes several provisions that Bennet introduced or cosponsored in response to input he received at more than 20 farm bill listening sessions he held across Colorado. The bill contains significant farm policy improvements and reforms, consolidates and streamlines programs and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion. It renews the programs that govern our national agriculture, nutrition, conservation and forestry policy. The 2008 Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2012.

Click here for additional Colorado priorities Bennet secured in the underlying bill.

The full text of the letter follows:

05-16-12 US Congressman Gardner’s Office Launches Used Cell Phone Drive to Support Victims of Domestic Violence…

CLICK HERE to visit US Congressman Cory Gardner’s Website

COLO. -  Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) is setting up used cell phone collection boxes at all of his congressional office locations and will donate the devices to help victims of domestic violence.

“Too many of us have old cell phones lying around the house that serve no purpose other than to clutter up our closets and drawers,” Gardner said.  “By donating these devices, we can help victims of domestic violence reach emergency services during a time of crisis and stay connected to family and friends as they rebuild their lives.  This program also ensures that our old cell phones are recycled in an environmentally sound way.”

All of the mobile devices collected by Gardner’s congressional offices will be donated to HopeLine from Verizon Wireless at the end of the summer.  Phones from any service provider are accepted.  Devices are refurbished and sold.  The proceeds go to nonprofit agencies to provide wireless phones and service or cash grants.

Collection boxes have been set up at all four of Gardner’s Colorado offices and his Washington D.C. office:

05-16-12 Wyoming Governors’ Challenge to Raise Money for U.S. Olympic Athletes…”Buy a Stitch” and help “Raise Our Flag”

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –  Governor Matt Mead is joining with his peers from across the country to support America’s Olympic athletes. The Governors’ Challenge asks people to purchase a stitch in the American flag that Team USA will take to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The donations will go to pay for training, housing and equipment for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The U.S. Olympic Committee will recognize the state that donates the most stitches.

“The First Lady and I are proud to join in this effort. We hope all of Wyoming will pitch in to show support for our athletes and for our country,” Governor Mead said. In the United States the Olympic Team receives no government funding so individual donations are especially important. “All of us can become more than fans during the Games this summer. With this program we can become participants.”

To track Wyoming’s donations to the Governors’ Challenge you can go to www.teamusa.org. The challenge ends on July 13^th. Governor Mead and the First Lady thank you for your generosity and patriotism.

Submitted to the BARN by:

05-16-12 *ASI News* International Wool Industry Comes Together in New York City…

DENVER, CO- The 81st annual International Wool Textile Organization Congress (IWTO), themed WOOL IN THE CITY, commenced on May 7 in New York City. The conference was hosted by the American Wool Council, a divison of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), with 249 attendees from 23 countries and provided a forum for all segments of the wool industry to discuss trends and new opportunities. Attendees participated in sessions that focused on both technical advancements in wool processing as well as changes in marketing and product positioning.

The opening session included a keynote address from renown U.S. designer, Joseph Abboud. Abboud, who uses wool in almost 80 percent of all his collections, spoke to the congress about his career at HMX Group Inc. and his “love afair with wool.”

From his days as a design director at Ralph Lauren, to the development of his own collection and now as chief creative officer at HMX, Abboud says that wool has been the foundation for each one, citing, “I can’t imagine a world without wool.

05-16-12 *CO Governor’s Office* Important Legislation Passes During Special Session…Water Projects, Unemployment Insurance & Special Mobile Machinery Fleet Bills…

DENVER ­— Wednesday, May 16, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today thanked the General Assembly for using the special session to successfully address unfinished business that died last week without debate or consideration by the House of Representatives.

Lawmakers this week passed a water projects bill that will create jobs in communities across Colorado and an Unemployment Insurance bill that will assist business in saving money and improving the program. Lawmakers also passed a law to cut red tape for businesses, and they appropriately had the opportunity to fully consider other important legislation.

“It was important for the General Assembly to finish consideration of important bills that died last week when the House recessed to avoid voting on civil unions,” Hickenlooper said. “With the exception of civil unions, each of the bills we put on the special session call received an open debate and a final vote just like they deserved.”

Three important pieces of legislation were approved this week by the General Assembly:

A Water Projects Bill, an Unemployment Insurance Bill & Special Mobile Machinery Fleet Bill…

05-16-12 CO Governor Hickenlooper announces change at Colorado Energy Office…TJ Deora Resigns…

DENVER ­— Wednesday, May 16, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper announced today Tanuj “TJ” Deora has resigned as Director of the Colorado Energy Office.

“TJ helped continue Colorado’s rise as a leader among states in energy research and development,” Hickenlooper said. “We very much appreciate his service to Colorado.”

Deora’s resignation is effective June 15. He will then begin work as Director of Energy and Environment at IHS, a global information company headquartered in Englewood.

“It has been an honor to serve in the Cabinet and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of an outstanding team,” Deora said. “I leave confident that the Colorado Energy Office is on track to lead energy market transformation to make for a cleaner, more secure and more prosperous state.”

05-16-12 USGC Releases First Annual Report on US Corn Grades, Standards, Moisture…

The U.S. Grains Council is pleased to present the first annual Corn Export Cargo Quality Report for the 2011/2012 corn marketing year as a service to foreign buyers and other interested parties. The Council’s Corn Export Cargo Quality Report is an objective survey, taken at the point of loading for international shipment, of the quality of U.S. yellow commodity corn destined for export.

“This is the second of two new Council reports concerning the quality of the 2011 crop,” said Dr. Wendell Shauman, USGC chairman and farmer from Illinois. “Earlier this year the Council’s Corn Harvest Quality Report surveyed corn quality at the farm gate. Together, these two reports are intended to provide reliable information on U.S. corn quality for the current marketing year, based on a transparent and consistent methodology.”

In addition to providing an early look at grades and standards factors and moisture (that are reported each year by the U.S. Federal Grain Inspection Service), these reports provide information on additional quality characteristics that have not been reported previously.

05-16-12 ASI CONDUCTING 2012 SHEEP PHOTO CONTEST…Entry Deadline Aug 17th

DENVER, Colo. – Attention all photographers: It is time to start thinking about the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) 2012 Photo Contest. The contest is open to all who wish to enter, which means you do not have to be involved in the U.S. sheep, lamb or wool industries to participate. The only rule is that your photograph must include sheep. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 17, 2012.

Entries will be judged on clarity, content, composition and appeal. More than $1,000 will be awarded, with awards of $125 going to the grand-prize winner in each of the four categories listed below; $75 for the first runner-up in each category; and a $50 prize for the second runner-up in each of the four categories.

The winning photos will be highlighted in the October 2012 issue of Sheep Industry News and will be available on Oct. 1 atwww.sheepindustrynews.org. Only the grand-prize winner, first runner-up and second runner-up in each category will be notified of their winnings.

Four categories:

05-16-12 The 2012 Leopold Conservation Award to be Presented to Wineinger-Davis Ranch of Colorado…

Russell and Tricia Davis host numerous tours at their ranch to demonstrate the positive relationship between conservation and agriculture

Sand County Foundation, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and Peabody Energy will present the $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award to Russell and Tricia Davis of the Wineinger-Davis Ranch for their efforts to enhance the natural resources in their care.

ARVADA, CO – Courtesy of PRWEB – May 16th, 2012 - Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. and Peabody Energy, is proud to name the Wineinger-Davis Ranch as the recipient of the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado.

“The Davis family views conservation as a lifestyle, going the extra mile to educate those on and off of their ranch about the importance of sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Russell, Tricia and their family are true representatives of a land ethic and their commitment to sharing their story through a remarkable amount of agricultural education and outreach is exceptional and important.”

Russell and Tricia Davis’ Wineinger-Davis Ranch was established in 1938. It currently consists of over 12,000 acres and is located in Lincoln and Crowley Counties. The ranch successfully integrates not only the needs of a successful and productive beef operation, but also the habitat needs of a suite of shortgrass prairie wildlife species. Among other conservation achievements, in 2004, Russell and Tricia placed perpetual conservation easements on the ranch through the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s Colorado Species Conservation partnership program. This easement protects 12,245 acres of intact native shortgrass prairie and riparian ecosystems. This agreement focuses on proper livestock grazing to benefit all short grass prairie and plains riparian wildlife species.

The $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award will be presented to the Davis family on June 12 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in Loveland.

The Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado is sponsored by Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Peabody Energy, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Credit.

For more information, visit 
http://www.leopoldconservationaward.org
, or contact Grace Lischeske, grace(at)coloradocattle(dot)org.

05-16-12 ACE responds to API testing claims on E15 blends…

Sioux Falls, SD (May 16, 2012) –  The Senior Vice President for the American Coalition for Ethanol, Ron Lamberty today responded to recent testing results on E15 blends from the American Petroleum Institute.

“The real problem here is that people may read about this project and think that it actually has some connection to the real world.  The parameters of the test, the definitions of “pass” and “fail” and even the cars selected were carefully chosen to produce the results the study’s funders wanted. The Department of Energy points out that this “study” included engines with known durability issues, and that one of the engines used in the tests even failed the API tests while running straight gasoline with no ethanol.”

“How Big Oil can trot out this small, slanted, flawed study as something we should take seriously, while calling EPA’s two and a half years of E15 testing a “rush to judgment” is beyond me.  Saying it more often and louder won’t make it the truth. All this latest hit piece proves it that ethanol’s opponents are becoming more desperate to keep ethanol – which could help consumers save more at the pump – completely out of the marketplace,” Lamberty said.

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The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is the grassroots voice of the U.S. ethanol industry, a national advocacy association for the ethanol industry with nearly 1,500 members nationwide, including farmers, ethanol producers, commodity organizations, businesses supplying goods and services to the ethanol industry, rural electric cooperatives, and individuals supportive of increased production and use of ethanol. For more information about ethanol or ACE, visit www.ethanol.org or call (605) 334-3381.

05-16-12 Wyo Stock Growers Convention & Trade Show will help cattle producers “Field the Curve Ball”…May 30th – June 2nd in Jackson, WY

CLICK HERE TO GET REGISTERED

JACKSON, WYO. – The 2012 Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show is May 30-June 2 at the Snow King Resort in Jackson and will gather producers statewide to discuss “Fielding the Curve Ball – Regulation. Litigation. Misinformation.” Hosted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA), the annual convention is open to members and non-members alike.

Attendees can pre-register by May 25 at reduced rates or register at the door. Registration opens at the Snow King at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30 and the convention kicks off with a Welcome Reception at 6:30 p.m.

On Thursday, May 31, Keynote Speaker Damien Schiff [SHIFF] of the Pacific Legal Foundation will highlight the Opening General Session with his presentation “Sackett v. EPA:  Compliance orders and the right of Judicial Review.” Attendees will also hear:

05-16-12 NCBA Supports USDA Proposed Comprehensive BSE Rule…

— NCBA Ready to Work with Congress, Administration to Finalize Rule

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2012) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register a comprehensive rule for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) on March 16, 2012. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) voiced support for the rule in comments submitted late Tuesday. NCBA Vice President Bob McCan said the organization has been pushing for this rule since the first case of BSE was detected in the United States in December 2003.

“This has been a long time coming and we certainly welcome this rule. Quite simply, this proposed rule will show the United States is willing to talk the talk and walk the walk with regard to following international standards developed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE),” said McCan. “We cannot demand our trading partners follow OIE standards when we are not here at home.”

05-16-12 CropLife names National FFA Organization’s top advisor one of U.S. agriculture’s most influential leaders…Dr Steve Brown…

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 13, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Dr. Steve A. Brown has earned undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education. He’s taught agriculture and advised FFA chapters for years in his home state of Missouri before jumping into state government roles.

Today, Brown serves as an educational program specialist in agriculture, food and natural resources with the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and is the National FFA Organization’s top advisor.

And he’s been named one of the most influential leaders in American agriculture.

In citing Brown one of the seven most compelling people in U.S. agriculture, CropLife noted his work as head of FFA and the major role he has played in the advancement of agricultural education. The agriculture retail magazine, published by Willoughby, Ohio-headquartered CropLife Media Group, said Brown was an individual “with the leadership to responsibly and creatively influence the future” in a story published May 2.

Brown was appointed national advisor of the National FFA Organization and chairman of the national FFA board of directors by the U.S. Department of Education in 2011. His primary responsibilities include leading FFA, serving as chairman of its board of directors and guiding national FFA officers, delegates and committees on policy matters. He previously served as national FFA executive secretary from 2008 until being appointed national advisor.

Brown’s 30 years of service to agricultural education include serving as the Missouri state FFA executive secretary, a district supervisor in agricultural education for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and an FFA advisor at the Macon Area Career and Technical Center in Macon, Mo., where he taught agriculture. Originally from Orrick, Mo., he received a doctorate in agricultural education and undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

05-16-12 Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP)…Seeking Applications for Class 11…Due by July 31st…

CLICK HERE to learn more about the CALP…

Applications are now being accepted for Class 11 of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Farmers, ranchers, growers and individuals working in allied businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Nearly 300 men and women have participated in the program and are influential leaders and dedicated volunteers in the agriculture industry, communities and other areas.

CALP is an intensive 18-month program composed of monthly seminars delivered by Colorado’s Agricultural industry. Fellows also participate in 10-days of national travel seminars and a 10-day international travel seminar. Seminars provide a comprehensive curriculum focusing on a variety of agricultural and leadership development subject matter.

“Ag Leadership is an incredible educational opportunity for emerging or mid-career leaders in agriculture,” said CALP Board President Representative Jerry Sonnenberg.   “Agriculture is the cornerstone of this state and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program will help ensure its continued success; we must provide tools to develop leaders that will help shape the future of agriculture in Colorado.”

CALP invests approximately $11,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program. The costs are underwritten by individual and industry donations.

Detailed program information and the application are online at 
http://coloagleaders.org
.  The application is due no later than July 31, but individuals are encouraged to complete it earlier.

Contact: Angie Cue, (303) 547-5963, angie@coloagleaders.org

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05-16-12 *Crop Life America News* Diverse Perspectives Converge to Discuss the 2012 Farm Bill in Washington, DC…

CropLife America Hosts 3rd Annual National Policy Conference

WASHINGTON, DC – CropLife America (CLA) is hosting its National Policy Conference, The Politics of Food and the 2012 Farm Bill: Are You Being Served?, today at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Now in its third year, the National Policy Conference brings together a varied group of academics, policy experts and leaders from Congress to discuss issues surrounding the 2012 Farm Bill. Panelists will debate topics such as the impact of social media on the public opinion of agriculture, advances in farming conservation during the past century, and the status of key programs in the current Farm Bill discussions. All conference sessions are available to view online live at www.croplifeamerica.org/National-Policy-Conference-2012.

“As the U.S. Congress is working hard to develop comprehensive legislation for the new Farm Bill, the conversations that take place today could not be more timely and necessary,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA. “From farmers, to food bloggers, to conservation associations, it is clear there are many unique perspectives that have a stake in this important and sweeping piece of legislation.”

05-16-12 *WSGLT News* Nominations sought for the Kurt Bucholz Award…DUE MAY 30th

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is seeking nominations for the Kurt Bucholz Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies the core beliefs held by Dr. Bucholz during his lifetime of dedicated public service and commitment to conservation.

The award was created in memory of Kurt Bucholz, DVM, a legislator and rancher from Saratoga, Wyo. His wife, Laura Bucholz, and the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust Board of Directors established the award in Dr. Bucholz’s name in 2008. The award is presented each year to an individual who represents his conservation values, especially the conservation of working ranches.

“The Bucholz Award emphasizes the role of private enterprise and initiative in the conservation of Wyoming’s working landscapes,” Dr. John Lunt, former Stock Growers Land Trust board member and 2009 award recipient, said. “This sets it apart from other such recognitions.”

The Kurt Bucholz award is presented by the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust at its Annual Roundup Barbecue.  Past award recipients are: Dennis Sun – 2008; Dr. John Lunt – 2009; Joe Glode – 2010 and Jim Chant–2011. Each year, renowned artist Jerry Palen volunteers his time and talent to create a bronze award depicting the Stock Growers Land Trust horse and rider logo.

Individuals eligible for nomination will have achieved a lasting impact in one or more of the following ways:

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for May 16th

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Many Celebrate USDA’s 150th Anniversary”

It was 150 years ago Tuesday when President Abraham Lincoln established the U. S. Department of Agriculture.  As the department and its 30^th Secretary, Tom Vilsack, celebrated the event, many others also celebrated.  American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman pointed out that President Lincoln – understood the importance of agriculture to America. He realized science and technology played a major role in the farming industry.

From the very beginning, the federal government was involved in agriculture and dedicated to scientific progress in farming. According to Secretary Vilsack, – this commitment continues today at USDA and is shared by farmers and ranchers across the country, regardless of the methods of food and fiber production they use—organic or conventional.

Steve Wellman, President of the American Soybean Association, says - USDA has worked alongside soybean farmers for decades in the best interest of agriculture, developing international markets , fostering rural development, encouraging conservation, alleviating hunger, improving nutrition and enhancing food safety. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says – USDA has served the family farmers and ranchers of this country very well. With the department’s help, U.S. farmers and ranchers are able to produce the safest, most affordable, most abundant food supply in the world.

Other organizations observing USDA’s 150^th Anniversary include: the National Cotton Council, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, National Corn Growers Association and USA Rice.

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

“LightSquared Files for Bankruptcy Protection”

LightSquared filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday. The company failed to reach a debt restructuring deal with its creditors. The company wanted to create a wireless network using satellites. Federal regulators at first championed the idea, but in recent months turned its back on the proposal after military, agriculture and others said the satellite signals could interfere with global positioning systems used broadly by airplanes, agriculture and consumers.