05-31-12 CO Governor Hickenlooper orders flags lowered Friday in honor of Englewood Police Officer Jeremy Bitner…

DENVER — Thursday,  May 31, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide on Friday, June 1, 2012 in honor Englewood Police Officer Jeremy Bitner.

Bitner, 39, was fatally injured while on duty during a traffic stop on May 28, 2012. His funeral service will be held Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Denver First Church of the Nazarene at 1 p.m., followed by interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery at 3 p.m.

Officer Bitner was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He became an officer with the Englewood Police Department in 2004. He is survived by his wife Christina and two children.

###

05-31-12 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Newest Forecast for U.S. Farm Exports

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 –Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding USDA’s third-quarter forecast released today showing U.S. farm exports reaching the second-highest level on record at $134.5 billion in fiscal year 2012:

“With the release of today’s most recent export forecast, we can expect American agriculture to remain a bright spot in our nation’s economy in the months to come, supporting more than 1 million American jobs in communities across our country. Since 2009, our farmers and ranchers are set to deliver three of the four highest levels of U.S. agricultural exports in our nation’s history. In fiscal year 2012, the latest forecast sees $134.5 billion in U.S. farm exports, the second highest level ever and $3.5 billion greater than the previous forecast. The reason for this success is the productivity of our farmers and ranchers, as much as President Obama’s leadership on trade.

Since 2009, USDA has aggressively worked to expand export opportunities and reduce barriers to trade, helping to push agricultural exports to historic levels year after year. Last year, the President insisted that we get the agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama done right, forging better deals for America’s workers and businesses that led to strong bipartisan support in both houses of Congress. Today, the agreements with South Korea and Colombia are in effect, delivering greater returns for U.S. businesses. In 2010, the President committed to double U.S. exports in five years and, two years later, we are on pace to meet that goal.

05-31-12 *Center for Rural Affairs News* EWG Releases Crop Insurance Subsidy Analysis…

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Statement in response by Chuck Hassebrook, Center for Rural Affairs

Lyons, NE – An analysis of over a million government records pertaining to federal crop insurance has found that in 2011 more than 10,000 individual farming operations have received federal crop insurance premium subsidies ranging from $100,000 to more than $1 million apiece. The analysis found that some 26 farming operations received subsidies of $1 million or more last year.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the records have never before been made public and were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

“Subsidized crop insurance premiums have become the primary farm program,” said Chuck Hassebrook of the Center for Rural Affairs. “And if one corporation farmed the entire Midwest, the government would pay over 60 percent of its crop insurance premiums on every acre.”

“It’s past time to put a cap on crop insurance premium subsidies and stop subsidizing mega farms to bid land away from smaller and beginning farmers, ” Hassebrook added.

A copy of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) release, along with links to the analysis and supporting data, can be viewed and downloaded at http://static.ewg.org/pdf/2012cropinsurance.pdf .

According to the EWG analysis, U.S. taxpayers pick up an average of about 62 percent of the crop insurance premiums for farm businesses. Their share of these premiums has soared from $1.5 billion in 2002 to $7.4 billion in 2011. The subsidies go to large operators with no conservation strings attached to protect water and soil, no means testing, and no payment limit on how much a farm business can collect (excerpted from EWG release).

Among the facts disclosed in the EWG analysis:

05-2-31-12 WELD COUNTY SMART ENERGY PROGRAM CATCHES THE EYE OF REPRESENTATIVES GARDNER (CO) AND LUMMIS (WY)

An update regarding the Weld County Natural Gas Coalition at the May 24, 2012, House Energy Action Team meeting in Greeley, piqued the interest of hosts Colorado Representative Cory Gardner and Wyoming Representative Cynthia Lummis. During the roundtable discussion on domestic energy production, Weld County Commissioners Sean Conway and Douglas Rademacher, along with Weld County Transportation Planner Elizabeth Relford, informed the group about the progress the Coalition has made including: providing public education regarding compressed natural gas (CNG); partnering with municipalities, school districts and fire districts in using Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds to purchase CNG vehicles as part of their individual fleet replacement programs; and, converting many of the county’s own fleet vehicles to CNG.

Relford explained to the group that the Coalition, which formed in late 2009 under the direction of Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer, is made up of public and private sector businesses, municipalities and county government and works collaboratively to promote natural gas as an affordable, abundant and local energy source. Relford also announced the upcoming opening of the first public CNG station in Weld County.

One of the goals of the Coalition, as outlined in the Weld County Smart Energy Plan, is to complete an alternative fuel corridor between Colorado and Wyoming; currently there are no CNG stations linking the two states. The first of four public CNG stations will open on June 29 in Firestone off of Highway 119 and will be operated by SkyBlu, a division of Mansfield Oil Company.

Following the roundtable discussion, Representatives Gardner and Lummis took a ride in one of Weld County’s CNG vehicles and viewed the location for the second CNG station which will open later this summer in Greeley off of Highway 85. By the end of the summer, Weld County will be home to four public CNG stations: Firestone, Greeley, Fort Lupton and Kersey.

05-31-12 Secretary Vilsack Releases Report Highlighting Obama Administration Accomplishments Supporting Rural Communities…$4500 for CO..$37500 for WY

Events Being Held Nationwide Today To Showcase Successful Healthcare, Education and Public Safety Investments; New Projects Announced in 21 States

CO: $4500 – Montrose County Housing Authority- To make energy efficiency improvements to a day care facility

WY: $37,500 – Town of Hartville - To purchase an emergency rescue/fire vehicle in partnership with State Land and Investment Board,  providing Mineral Royal grant

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released a report highlighting the ways in which infrastructure investments in rural communities help create jobs and boost economic development, and he announced additional investments that will create jobs and promote economic growth across the nation.

“Quality hospitals, schools and libraries are the building blocks for a vibrant rural America,” said Vilsack. “Today’s announcement illustrates how the Obama Administration is leveraging Rural Development’s investments to ensure that rural communities can compete in the global economy.”

Since the start of fiscal year 2009, Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program has helped more than 37 million rural Americans address essential challenges in health care, education, public service and public safety by financing projects through loans, grants, or loan guarantees.

For example, thousands of families in Missouri depend on the care provided by Macon County Samaritan Memorial Hospital. Unfortunately, the existing hospital had no private patient rooms, and its surgical rooms did not meet current standards. USDA Rural Development provided a direct and guaranteed loan to finance the construction of a new health care facility and renovate existing hospital space. The hospital employs 215 full-time employees and provides critical health care services to a primary service area of almost 16,000 residents in northeast Missouri.

To find out how the Community Facilities Program is making a difference in your state, click here.

05-31-12 The Mosaic Company Foundation Is One Star Sponsor of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® Program…

Mosaic’s $60,000 contribution allows 5,000 rural youth to attend a Safety Day.

Birmingham, Ala., May 31, 2012 — The Mosaic Company Foundation is the newest sponsor of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program. It is a $60,000, one star sponsor of the program in 2012.

Mosaic’s mission — helping the world grow the food it needs — is a noble one that carries vast responsibility. The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation make investments in and partner with best-of-class leaders in the focus areas of food, water and local community investments. For these reasons, Mosaic has chosen to partner with The Progressive Agriculture Foundation®, supporting farm safety and health programs for children, teens and their families. “The relentless pursuit of an injury-free workplace is a central element in Mosaic’s culture, and we’re proud to partner with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation in making farm, ranch and rural life safer and healthier for children and their families,” says Chris Lambe, executive director of The Mosaic Company Foundation.

Through contributions from sponsors like Mosaic, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation is able to advance its commitment to keep rural children safe and healthy. The Foundation provides training and resources to help local community members conduct one-day farm safety and health programs that are age-appropriate, hands-on and fun for rural children and families. Since the program was founded in 1995, it has grown to become the largest rural safety and health program for youth in North America.

05-31-12 US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Renews Nations Commitment to Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation Blueprint…

CLICK HERE to view…

Revised North American Waterfowl Management Plan Signed at Ducks Unlimited National Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Today at the 75^th anniversary National Conference of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Secretary of the Interior KenSalazar signed the 2012 Revision of the North American Waterfowl ManagementPlan, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to one of the largest and most successful continent-wide conservation initiatives ever undertaken.

“The 2012 Revision of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan provides a renewed and energized vision for the future of waterfowl and wetlands conservation,” Salazar said.  “The blueprint lays out an adaptable waterfowl management strategy that leverages international resources to ensure abundant waterfowl populations and preserves habitat to support hunting andother recreational uses.”

Waterfowl are among North America’s most valued natural resources.  In 2006, an estimated 87.5 million Americans spent $122.3 billion on wildlife-related recreation, including 1.8 million waterfowl hunters who spent nearly $1 billion on trips and equipment, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

05-31-12 USDA Targeting Six Additional Strains of E coli in Raw Beef Trim Starting Monday, June 4th

Action represents another significant food safety measure under the Obama Administration

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) next week will begin instituting a zero-tolerance policy for six additional strains of E. coli that are responsible for human illness. Beginning Monday, FSIS will routinely test raw beef manufacturing trim, which is a major component of ground beef, for the six additional strains of E. coli. Trim found to be contaminated with these pathogens will not be allowed into commerce and will be subject to recall.

Illnesses due to E. coli serogroups other than O157:H7, which caused a high-profile illness outbreak in 1993, outnumber those attributed to O157:H7. FSIS declared O157:H7 an adulterant in 1994.

“These strains of E. coli are an emerging threat to human health and the steps we are taking today are entirely focused on preventing Americans from suffering foodborne illnesses,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We cannot ignore the evidence that these pathogens are a threat in our nation’s food supply.”

05-31-12 FDA Denies Petition to Rename High-Fructose Corn Syrup…

Sugar Association Commends FDA Commitment to Consumer Right to Know; Regulators Affirm Changing HFCS Name Would Confuse Public

WASHINGTON (May 30, 2012) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today denied a Corn Refiners Association (CRA) petition to rename high-fructose corn syrup “corn sugar,” saying the action would only serve to confuse U.S. consumers and could even pose a health risk to those suffering from fructose intolerance.

The FDA ruling, issued in a letter to Corn Refiners Association President Audrae Erickson following 20 months of review, rejected all three arguments made in the CRA’s petition, which was filed on September 14, 2010. The CRA had asked the FDA to implement a name change after launching a multi-million dollar advertising and marketing campaign that argued that sugar and HFCS were identical.

Those actions set off more than a year of litigation initiated by U.S. sugar farmers and refiners, who are trying to stop the CRA’s campaign. That lawsuit is pending in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

“The FDA’s ruling represents a victory for American consumers,” said Dan Callister, an attorney for the plaintiffs in the ongoing litigation. “It reaffirms what most consumer advocates, health experts and policy officials have been saying all along: only sugar is sugar. HFCS is not sugar. The next step is for the federal court to end the CRA’s misleading propaganda campaign.”

05-31-12 *CDA News* Colorado Producers Urged to Vote in Sunflower Assessment Referendum…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado sunflower producers are invited to vote on an amendment to the Sunflower Marketing Order.  Currently, the sunflower assessment is set at 3 cents per hundredweight; the proposed new rate will increase the assessment to up to 6 cents per hundredweight and would be set annually by the Colorado Sunflower Administrative Committee.

“If you are a sunflower producer, please express your opinion by voting on this important referendum,” said Colorado Agriculture Commissioner, John Salazar.  “This is your marketing order and the decision on an assessment increase is a big decision and should be made by those who will be most affected—Colorado’s sunflower producers.”

The goal of a marketing order is to establish and expand the market as well as create and maintain that product as a viable crop in Colorado.   The current assessment rate has been in effect since the Sunflower Administrative Committee was established in 2001.  If passed, the increase is set to be invested in sunflower research projects that will discover yield improvement strategies such as disease and insect management, improved hybrid testing strategies, and quality improvement to both oil and confection type sunflower.

Ballots will be mailed to producers on June 1 and must be postmarked to the Colorado Department of Agriculture no later than June 22.  The proposed amendment must be approved by a simple majority of sunflower producers voting on the referendum to become effective.

05-31-12 ACE announces “Proud History, Bright Future” theme and topics for 25th annual ethanol conference…Aug 8-10 in Omaha, NE

Sioux Falls, SD (May 31, 2012) – The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is releasing some new details about its upcoming 25^th annual ACE Ethanol Conference which occurs August 8-10 in Omaha, Nebraska.

ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings says the theme of the grassroots organization’s silver anniversary event is “Proud History, Bright Future,” where timely and important topics will be covered.

“Our 25^th anniversary conference will provide forward-looking previews on the policy and market development opportunities and challenges facing the U.S. ethanol industry,” said Jennings.  “Ethanol producers are feeling the effects of the E10 blend wall, we are in the midst of introducing E15 to the market, and expectations are high for progress on the advanced and cellulosic ethanol front,” continued Jennings.

05-31-12 Red Angus adds Allied Access tag program for crossbreeding systems

 

New program adds age- and source-verification options; complements FCCP record-breaking program

Producers now have another marketing option with Red Angus’ new Allied Access “Green Tag” program.

The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) released the new Allied Access marketing program to assist producers utilizing Red Angus in their crossbreeding systems. The new tag program will offer them another option for age and source verification. This is a second-tier to RAAA’s successful Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP) that already accommodates USDA age, source and genetic verification for cattle wearing the Red Angus “Yellow Tag.”

The Red Angus marketing team created Allied Access to complement FCCP by assisting commercial ranches that capitalize on heterosis in their respective crossbreeding programs. Allied Access presents the same simple approach to age and source verification as FCCP but without the genetic restrictions. Either of these tag options – Allied Access or FCCP – are the most economical choices in the industry with no enrollment fees and a cost of only 99 cents per panel tag.

Bledsoe Ranch was the first to enroll in the new Allied Access program.

Will Bledsoe, a sixth generation rancher from Hugo, Colo., has been enrolling cattle in FCCP over the years, but a slight change in their breeding program restricted their enrollment. “We were distraught that all of our calves wouldn’t qualify for FCCP,” said Bledsoe. “But our spirits lifted when we learned about the new “Green Tag” Allied Access program.”

The Bledsoe Ranch was the first to enroll in the new program and they plan to use both FCCP and Allied Access tags. They market their calves on Western Video Auction for September or October delivery and they have been pleased with the increased profit margin on their calves wearing the Red Angus tags.

“We are always seeking to increase our profit margin and stay ahead of the curve. The Red Angus tags are a good investment,” said Bledsoe. “We go through the work to raise good, quality cattle and we can add even more value to them with the Red Angus tags without adding a lot of labor. It’s money and time well spent.”

Since 1994, RAAA has offered programs for commercial ranches to add value to cattle as they navigate the supply chain. The evolution of FCCP consistently acknowledges those marketing opportunities and administers solutions in a cost-effective and user-friendly manner.

The FCCP will continue to provide age, source and genetic verification for cattle that are traceable to at least 50 percent Red Angus genetics with the industry-recognized “Yellow Tag.” The Allied Access “Green Tag” will also provide age and source verification, but will be available to those producers whose calves may be less than half Red Angus.

05-31-12 *CDA News & Recipe* Let Us Enjoy Colorado Lettuce…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Each month, the Colorado Department of Agriculture features a different commodity to highlight the variety and quality of products grown, raised or processed in the state. This month, Colorado lettuce is featured in our Summer Pear Salad recipe.

Available Now…Lettuce

Whether in your salad or on your burger, Colorado lettuce is a popular summer vegetable. Look for lettuce with crisp leaves that are not wilted and are free of brown spots. Lettuce is fat free, very low in sodium and high in the antioxidant Vitamin A.

Summer Pear Salad

Chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., Executive Chef, Douglas County School District

05-31-12 CO State 4-H Conference (4-H to the Xtreme!) June 19-21, 2012…PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 31st!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2012 CO State 4H Conference…

The 2012 Colorado State 4-H Conference will be held June 19-21 on the Colorado State University Campus in Fort Collins, CO. State 4-H Conference provides great training and an opportunity for 4-H members, leaders, and Extension agents to strengthen their leadership skills. It also hosts the following state contests including: Livestock Bowl, Livestock Judging, Consumer Choices, Consumer Bowl, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Hippology, Horse Demonstration and Public Speaking, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, and Parliamentary Procedure. We look forward to your participation!

Registration

State 4-H Conference information will be available on our State Conference web page. Registration is $70 per person and for those participating in contests, there is an additional $20 entry fee per contest. Agents, for your convenience, we have provided a participant registration form and parent letter for your use; just add your registration deadline and payment information.

Registration instructions and online registration will be available through 4hOnline May 3 through May 31. 4-H Members wishing to register for State Conference should check in with their county office for more details. Registrations entered after May 31 will be charged a $20 late fee per participant. Online registration will end on June 6 at 12:00 Midnight. Changes can be made directly with Melissa Oliver via email, melissa.oliver@colostate.edu, or by phone, (970) 213-0899, after June 6. Cancellations between May 31 and June 6 will incur a cancellation penalty of a minimum of $20 up to the full registration dependent on what numbers have been turned in and guaranteed. NO refund will be given for cancellations after June 6. If your county allows families to register for the events through 4hOnline, you will be required to approve/confirm the registration before the registration will be complete.

Payment

05-29-12 Pedal the Plains Update…Get Registered by May 31st!

There’s only 48 hours left to take adavantage of Early Bird registration for The Denver Post Pedal The Plains!

Don’t miss discounted race entries for all four ride options:

3 Day Tour

Registration fee includes: camping space and showers, transportation of one bag during the tour, shuttle services, entertainment in host towns, aid stations, bike techs, sag vehicles, medical support, a jersey, water bottle, commemorative lapel pin and a ride guide.

Three Day Loop with Gran Fondo

Registration fee includes: everything in the 3 Day Tour option, plus entry into the Gran Fondo.

Family Loop Ride Only

Registration fee includes: pancake breakfast, entertainment, aid stations, bike techs, sag vehicles, medical support, t-shirt, commemorative lapel pin, one ticket for the Kit Carson County Carousel, and a route map.

Gran Fondo Only

Registration fee includes: pancake breakfast, entertainment, aid stations, bike techs, medical support, a jersey, musette feed back, finisher’s medal and a route map.

And don’t forget that teams of 10 or more will receive 10% of their registration donated to the charity of their choice*! And don’t forget you can follow along on Facebook and Twitter, and find out about great deals, contests, and gear-giveaways before anyone else!

05-22-12 *RMFU News* Community Event: Estate Planning Workshop in Fort Morgan May 31st

Morgan County Farmers Union and FUSA Insurance agents in Fort Morgan and Wiggins are sponsoring an Estate Planning Seminar on May 31 at 7 p.m. in Bloedorn Hall at the Morgan Community College.

The public is invited to hear tips from attorney Edward L Zorn, CPA Bill Anderson, and insurance agent Bud Frei on how to plan for estate transition or succession.

Submitted to the BARN by: Mick McAllister, Director of Communications, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, 7900 E. Union #200, Denver, CO 80237, Phone: 303.283.3537, Fax: 303.752.5810, Switchboard: 303.752.5800

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for May 31st

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“ASA Says FAPRI Report Shows Equitability of Senate Ag Farm Bill”

According to a report issued by the Food and Agriculture Policy Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia – the Agriculture Risk Coverage – or ARC – program established in the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 approved by the Senate Ag Committee would treat program crops like corn, wheat, rice, peanuts and soybeans equitably. American Soybean Association President Steve Wellman says the FAPRI analysis shows that benefits to soybean farmers under the program would amount to 1.9-percent of total market receipts. That is slightly below the average of corn, wheat and sorghum and slightly above that of peanuts and rice. Wellman says that’s a good indicator the Senate version of the Farm Bill treats most commodities equitably. Wellman adds that the program reflects the realities of what farmers actually are planting and provides a measure of protection to farmers should yields and prices drop significantly.

The Farm Bill is currently second on the Senate’s schedule upon its return from recess next week. Wellman says ASA is looking forward to the bill’s passage next week in hopes the legislation can move to the House for passage before the current bill expires on September 30th.

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

“Weather Takes Toll on Corn Crop, Soybean Planting Continues Fast Pace”

USDA’s latest crop progress report showed the impact that warm, dry weather in the Midwest and South is having on the nation’s corn crop. Seventy-two percent of the crop is now rated good to excellent – down five-points from the previous week. Soybean planting continued – with 89-percent of the crop now in the ground. That’s well ahead of this time last year when just 48-percent of the crop was planted. It’s also ahead of the five-year average of 61-percent. University of Illinois Agronomist Emerson Nafziger told Bloomberg that everyone is worried about the hot, dry weather pattern of May continuing into June. With timely rain next month – he doubts yield potential has been compromised at this point.