06-19-12 Land and Water USA demands audit of South Platte River in Colorado…

CLICK HERE to learn more about Land & Water USA

June 19th, 2012 – Weld County Colorado - Land and Water USA demands an audit of the South Platte River - Today, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper issued a decision that allows no timely remedy for damages accrued by the catastrophic non-historic flooding and dry up along the South Platte River basin.

Land and Water USA strongly disagrees with Governor Hickenlooper’s decision not to take emergency measures for property owners that would have alleviated injuries due to non-historic/man-made flooding.

“It is the amount of snowpack in the mountains that determines the flow of water in the river…not because of wells being pumped,” said LAW USA spokesman Chuck Sylvester.

“Simply put,” he explained, “More snow, more runoff; less snow, less runoff.”

Historically, when there was meager snow runoff, the river totally dried up on the lower end, or – not much past Greeley, CO.

Augmentation created the South Platte River to flow year around. That flow now pushes well past Greeley, to the extent of crossing the Colorado border and running into Nebraska. The property owners on the lower end benefit by capturing this flow.

“Having a water right, does not guarantee actual water to use. Your water right is good only when there is water in the river,” said Sylvester.

Lower end users now not only expect this water, they demand it; even at the expense of upper South Platte well owners who – through augmentation – are the ones who initially supply water to the river, thereby creating this new source of water that never existed before.

Pumping actually helps lower end water users. The water pumped from whatever depth it takes to reach an underground lake some say is 5 times the size of Lake McConaughy, is placed back on the grounds surface. This water penetrates the earth’s crust and works its way back to the lake and the river…increasing the river’s flow.

If the South Platte River basin is considered over-appropriated, then Governor Hickenlooper should first:

06-19-12 Statement from NCBA Vice President Bob McCan Regarding Canada’s Entry in the TPP…

WASHINGTON (June 19, 2012) – On Tues., June 19, 2012, President Obama announced that the United States and the other countries negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have extended an invitation to Canada to join the TPP trade negotiations. This is subsequent to yesterday’s announcement that Mexico has been invited to the negotiations. In addition to the United States, the current TPP countries are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President and Texas cattleman Bob McCan commended the announcement and issued the following statement.

“NCBA welcomes the addition of Canada to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada is the top export market for U.S. beef. Our strong trade relationship with our neighbors to the North has been a win-win for cattlemen and consumers in both countries and Canada’s entry into TPP negotiations will only strengthen our trade relationship. Their participation in TPP is absolutely vital to creating a trade environment free from protectionist trade barriers. With American allies like Canada and Mexico at the table, TPP will strengthen bonds between nations and encourage global security in the Pacific Rim.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

06-19-12 VIDEO: US Congressman Gardner on Domestic Energy and Jobs Act

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) made the following comments at a press conference on the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act:

HIGHLIGHTS:

06-19-12 *National 4H Center News* Citizenship Washington Focus 2013 Registration Now Open…

The  opening of registration for Citizenship Washington Focus 2013!  We expect especially strong attendance in 2013 and early weeks will fill up quickly – it’s never too early to secure your delegation’s space!

Why Should Your Youth Attend Citizenship Washington Focus?
“It was the most amazing and impactful experience of my life.” This is how one Ohio delegate recently described her CWF experience.  And after witnessing my first week of CWF in person, I don’t believe this is any exaggeration.

As the new Director of Youth Opportunities here at Council, I had heard about and read all the positive feedback that we receive regarding CWF each year, but until you witness it first hand, you really cannot fully grasp the impact this program has on 4-H youth.  I watched as high school students from all across the country went from timid and unsure of their reason for being at CWF, to openly debating national issues in front of 250 of their peers and composing real plans of action to tackle community issues back at home.  Youth truly leave as emerging leaders, focused on making a difference in the world and in communities around them.

For More Information or To Register:
Please visit the Citizenship Washington Focus Web site, www.4hcwf.org, for additional program details and for registration instructions.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at (301) 347-3817 or via email at ksimmering@4hcenter.org.  We look forward to hosting your delegation next year!

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06-19-12 US Forest Service adds four heavy helicopters to support wildfire suppression…

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 - U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell today announced the agency is adding four heavy helicopters to the aviation firefighting fleet.

“The addition of these helicopters to our aviation fleet will increase our ability to respond quickly and aggressively to fight wildfires and protect lives and property,” said Tidwell. “We will continue to mobilize our firefighting assets when and where they are needed as we respond to a very challenging wildfire season.”

The helicopters will be available this summer for large fire support and initial attack to any location in the United States.

The U.S. Forest Service successfully suppresses about 98 percent of the approximately 10,000 wildfires that occur each year on National Forest System lands.

Two of the heavy helicopters are S-61s owned by Siller Helicopters of Yuba City, Calif.; one is an S-64 Skycrane owned by Erickson Air Crane of Central Point, Ore.; and one is an S-70 owned by Firehawk Helicopters of Leesburg, Fla.

Helicopters are used primarily for dropping retardant or water during wildland fires, supporting the actions of firefighters on the ground.  The additional helicopter assets will strengthen the agency’s capability to respond effectively to fire activity during the summer wildfire season.

06-19-12 US Senators Bennet and Udall Praise Agreement that Opens Door for Colorado Potato Access throughout Mexico…

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall applauded the joint U.S.-Mexican announcement that will open the door to access for Colorado potatoes beyond the currently limited 26 kilometer border zone.

The announcement is part of a pending agreement to include Mexico in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and will a put a science-based rulemaking process into place regarding the expanded trade of fresh potatoes.  The decision to accept Mexico’s application was made jointly by the nine countries currently negotiating the agreement: the United States, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

“This agreement is a victory for Colorado’s potato producers and many of our state’s rural economies,” Bennet said.  “It will begin a process to ensure that Colorado potato producers have vital access to all of Mexico, a key trading partner.  We will continue to work with farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders in our state as the process unfolds and to help resolve any other disputes that hinder our exports and close off our products from new opportunities and markets abroad.”

“Mexico is one of Colorado’s and the United States’ most important trade partners,” Udall said.  “I am pleased that Mexico has taken a strong step forward to ensuring that American potato farmers have fair access to sell fresh potatoes throughout Mexico. This decision is welcome news for Colorado’s potato growers who count on market access to drive their businesses.”

06-19-12 US Dept of Labor Awards $15M in Job Training Grants to Homeless US Veterans…DHS in CO receives $300K…

Approximately 8,600 homeless veterans to benefit from more than $15 million in job training grants awarded by US Labor Department

City and County of Denver/DHS in Denver , Colo. , to receive $300,000

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced the award of 64 grants totaling more than $15 million that are aimed at providing approximately 8,600 homeless veterans nationwide with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. The City and County of Denver/DHS will receive $300,000.

“Today, the Department of Labor is taking an important step to help homeless veterans reintegrate into the American labor force,” said Secretary Solis. “This is a complicated challenge that requires an ‘all hands on deck’ response. Our grantees span communities across the country, from the District of Columbia to Puerto Rico , and we salute them for their commitment to assist those who’ve served.”

Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and other groups, including faith-based and community organizations. These recipients are familiar with the geographic areas and populations to be served, and have demonstrated that they can provide effective help to homeless veterans.

To assist homeless veterans with reintegration into the workforce, in addition to the new grants announced today, during the upcoming program year, the Labor Department will provide more than $19 million in funding to support continuing HVRP grants. Under these grants, homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. HVRP is recognized as an efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on ensuring the employment of veterans who are homeless.

Grantees of this program coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers to maximize the assistance available for homeless veterans. More information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.

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2012 Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Grantees

06-19-12 American Coalition for Ethanol Recognizes U.S. Senator Ben Nelson for policy leadership…

Sioux Falls, SD (June 18, 2012) – The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is saluting U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) during its upcoming 25^th annual ethanol conference for the Senator’s efforts in advancing the ethanol industry.

Nelson will be receiving the Merle Anderson Award for his leadership in supporting the renewable fuels industry while serving as Governor and Senator of Nebraska.  Nelson established the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition in 1991, helped create the first energy title in a farm bill, and played a key role in passing the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in 2005, and the expanded RFS in 2007.

ACE Executive Director Brian Jennings says Senator Nelson was a perfect candidate for the award this year.

“Senator Nelson has been a great champion on behalf of the ethanol industry.  His work and leadership during his time in office really gave a boost to rural economies in Nebraska as well as across America.  His efforts have also helped move our country away from a reliance on foreign oil.  We are honored that he will be able to accept the Merle Anderson Award at our 25^th anniversary conference,” Jennings said.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for June 19th

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Prepare for Loss of Growth Promotion Antibiotics”

The National Pork Producers Council expects the pork industry will lose growth promotion labels for most of the antibiotics used in swine medicine in the next three to five years. NPPC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom is encouraging producers to start preparing for that now. She says they should also prepare for a closer working relationship with their swine veterinarian. Wagstrom says that’s because virtually all remaining uses of antibiotics in swine feed will fall under the Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Feed Directive as part of FDA’s Guidance #209. Wagstrom cautions producers that animal activists are now on the attack against prevention and control means of using antibiotics as well. She says the situation should be watched closely to ensure attacks on therapeutic claims for antibiotics aren’t ramped up. According to Wagstrom – that would be devastating for animal care and animal welfare.

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“Representatives Voice Support for Farm Bill Energy Title Programs”

The farm bill approved by the Senate Ag Committee and currently being considered on the Senate floor continues Energy Title programs with mandatory funding – reduced by two-thirds from 2008 levels. A group of Representatives has now asked the House Ag Committee to renew core Farm Bill Energy Title programs that advance energy efficiency, renewable resources and energy independence. The bipartisan group says overcoming the nation’s energy challenges requires long-term and consistent commitment. The House members – led by Georgia’s Sanford Bishop Jr. and Iowa’s Tom Latham – emphasize the Rural Energy for America Program, the Biomass Crop Assistance Program and the Biorefinery Assistance Program.