06-18-13 Annual Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America set for Lubbock, TX..Aug 28-30…

The annual Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America (SICNA) will take place Aug. 28-30 at the Texas Tech University International Cultural Center in Lubbock, Texas.

SICNA focuses on promoting communication in the areas of research and development relating to sorghum improvement among researchers and stakeholders in cooperation with multi-institutiona / agencies including Universities, USDA-ARS, the Sorghum Checkoff, NSP and private sponsors.

Registration will be $100, which includes dues, prior to July 29 and $150 until the cutoff date of Aug 25. To register visit SICNA.net.

06-18-13 *Red Angus News* Set objectives, implement health protocol for profitability…

“Manage For Profit” industry panelists fielded questions about how to make cattle operations profitable and what’s in store for the future of the beef industry. From left to right, Tom Woodward, John Butler, Wes Sander, Moderator Matt Spangler, Frank Wedel and Dale Moore.

As with any successful business endeavor, setting goals and maintaining a program’s health will enhance profitability. Cattle producers and industry professionals explored these aspects of profitability at the “Manage For Profit” symposium that kicked off the annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention on June 12 in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The “Manage For Profit” symposium brought together experts and leaders of all segments of the beef supply chain to discuss current and futuristic strategies that producers of all sizes could implement to ensure a profitable future. With 110 attendees, 24 states were represented, as well as two countries – Canada and Australia.

Among the experts who presented strategies to help producers maximize their profit were Dr. Bob Weaber, associate professor and extension specialist for Kansas State University. He described the key to cow herd profitability was breeding objectives, and emphasized the importance of using maternal selection tools to select better cows.

“Reproduction is hugely important” said Weaber. “You have to design a breeding objective for your operations [to ensure more profitability].”

Weaber encouraged breeders to design their own breeding objective and include components or goals for their cow herd such as breeding as yearlings and calving unassisted. He also emphasized the importance of economically relevant traits (ERT), such as weaning weight, to a cattle operation’s profitability.

Weaber presented three “Keys to Success” – minimize supplement inputs, optimize the cow as a harvester to the environment, and mate the optimum cow to a sire that maximizes the value of terminal calves.

06-18-13 US Senator Bennet Calls on House to Pass Farm Bill…

Senate Passed Deficit-Cutting Bill with Broad, Bipartisan Support Last Week

Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today pressed the U.S. House of Representatives to work quickly to pass a long-term reauthorization of the Farm Bill that will provide much-needed certainty for Colorado farmers and ranchers. The Senate passed its version of the bill last week with broad bipartisan support.

“Producers across Colorado have already waited too long for Congress to do its job and pass a Farm Bill. It will allow farmers and ranchers to plan for the future, put in place accountability reforms, reduce the debt, and strengthen conservation and forest health programs that support wildfire mitigation efforts.

“The Senate passed a bipartisan bill last week – as it did last year – and now it’s time for the House to follow through on its promise to do the same. With Colorado facing the continuing effects of a severe drought and a high risk for wildfires, we cannot wait any longer to get this done.”

The Farm Bill, which governs our national agriculture, nutrition, private lands conservation, and forestry policy, is supposed to be reauthorized every five years. However, the 2008 bill expired and has been operating on a short-term extension ever since.

The Senate-passed bill, which includes a number of provisions authored by Senator Bennet, reforms farm policy to better support farmers and ranchers, consolidates and streamlines programs, and would reduce the deficit by $23 billion.

US Senator Michael Bennet is a member of the Senate committees on Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

06-18-13 *NCGA News* Making every drop count: NCGA Tools for Water Quality…

ST. LOUIS (June 18, 2013) – To help corn farmers understand water issues and ways to enhance water quality on their farms, the National Corn Growers Association has added a video and an interactive educational module to its online learning tools concerning water quality management.

“NCGA is dedicated to continuous improvement, education and supporting water conservation and input management,” said Dean Taylor, chair of the Production and Stewardship Action Team. “Our goal in producing these tools is to communicate the actual production related practices farmers are successfully implementing related to water quality.”

The video, titled “Driving Change,” showcases NCGA members describing the practices they are implementing to enhance water quality on their farms and in their area. The 30-minute NCGA Water Issues Learning Module was developed to help farmers better understand water quality issues and best practices.

Both tools reveal the major benefits in using best management practices, and stress the importance of becoming knowledgeable about issues related to water quality and use at local, state and regional levels. They also help farmers learn regulatory requirements and understand key elements of the Clean Water Act.

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents more than 38,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for June 18th…

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Administration Opposes Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act”

In its statement of Administration policy on the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 – the Office of Management and Budget expresses strong opposition to the farm bill approved by the House Agriculture Committee. In fact – if the President were presented with H.R. 1947 – the statement says his senior advisors would recommend he veto the bill. According to the statement – the bill would reduce access to food assistance for struggling families and their children, does not contain sufficient commodity and crop insurance reforms and does not provide funding for renewable energy – which is an important source of jobs and economic growth in rural communities across the country.

The Administration calls the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program a cornerstone of our nation’s food assistance safety net – and states that H.R. 1947 makes unacceptable deep cuts in the program that could increase hunger among millions of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. The Administration believes Congress should achieve significant budgetary savings to help reduce the deficit without creating hardship for vulnerable families. One way to do this – according to the statement – is to reduce crop insurance subsidies.

What the Administration supports – the statement continues – is enactment of a multi-year Farm Bill that includes a long-term extension of disaster programs and promotes rural development, preserves a farm safety net, maintains strong nutrition programs, encourages the development of local and regional markets, enhances conservation, supports environmental stewardship, complies with our World Trade Organization commitments, advances agricultural research and provides funding for renewable energy.  In addition – the Administration believes crop insurance payments should be tied to the nation’s soil conservation and wetland protection goals.

The Administration adds that the legislation should contribute significantly to deficit reduction – with savings from reforms proposed in the President’s Budget. Noted are crop insurance and commodity program savings not contained in H.R. 1947. But the Administration wants the savings to be achieved while strengthening the farm safety net in times of need and supporting the next generation of farmers.

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“More than 200 Farm Bill Amendments Filed in House”

According to a schedule released by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor – the U.S. House will not hold any votes on Friday this week. The last vote is slated for three o’clock Eastern Thursday afternoon. No farm bill votes were taken Monday – as the House Rules Committee had not yet set the rule on the farm bill. House Ag Committee Chair Frank Lucas and Ranking Member Collin Peterson are expected to ask for a rule that allows debate on all subjects House members want to discuss – but limits the number of amendments on each subject. The Rules Committee will meet Tuesday to issue a rule on how farm bill amendments will be handled on the House floor.

06-18-13 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Recipient Honored…Visintainer Sheep Company of Craig…

Gary Visintainer of Craig, Colo

Breckenridge, Colo. – (June 17, 2013) The Sand County Foundation, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, and Peabody Energy are proud to name the Visintainer Sheep Co. of Craig, Colo. as the recipient of the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award in Colorado.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes private landowner achievement in voluntary conservation, and is presented annually.

The Visintainers received $10,000 and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold at the Joint Annual Convention on Monday, June 17 in Breckenridge, CO.

Visintainer Sheep Co. is a sheep and cattle ranch in Moffat County.  Dean Visintainer and his son Gary jointly run the operation, where concern for the land has always been essential to their management.

Across generations, the Visintainers have continually adapted to a changing environment and economy by moving away from production-based management to “forage-based” management aimed at improved range health.

This critical change in philosophy, coupled with decades of monitoring and observation, has led to the diversification of livestock to both sheep and cattle; while keeping a key emphasis on wildlife species, including deer, elk, pronghorn, greater sage grouse, and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Today, their ranch is a true refuge for many wildlife species.

“The Visintainers are clearly committed to innovation and testing of practices that further improve stewardship of natural resources under their care,” said Brent Haglund, president, Sand County Foundation. “This family exemplifies what it means to be leaders in conservation.”

06-17-13 NRCS offers $1.2M in Financial Assistance to Colorado Landowners to Help Impaired Watersheds…

Denver, CO June 17, 2013 — Acting State Conservationist for Colorado Randy Randall recently announced additional funding for the agency’s National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), an effort aimed at improving water quality in selected watersheds within the state.  NRCS in Colorado will make $1.2 million in assistance available this year to help farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners install conservation practices that manage nutrients, pathogens, and sediments.  NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis throughout the year.  All applications for funding consideration during this fiscal year must be received by July 19, 2013.

            “This is the second year Colorado has participated in this national effort,” states Randy Randall.  “Water quality is a critical issue particularly within the west.  This initiative provides an opportunity for agricultural producers to use good stewardship of the land to protect water quality and showcase the efforts of the agricultural community to ‘do their part’ and address water quality concerns.”

Eligible producers will receive technical as well as financial assistance for installing conservation systems that may include practices such as nutrient management, cover crops, conservation cropping systems, filter strips, terraces, and in some cases edge-of-field water quality monitoring.

NRCS worked closely with natural resource partners to strategically identify and select priority watersheds within each participating state.  In Colorado, for the 2013 NWQI effort, three areas were identified including theFruit Growers Reservoir and Upper Grape Creek of which encompasses the DeWeese Reservoir watersheds; both were also priority areas within the 2012 NWQ Initiative yet have been expanded to better address the areas where conservation practices would potentially have a beneficial impact on impaired waters.  Colorado’s third priority area encompasses the City of Fort Collins – Cache la Poudre River Watershed.

            “This goals surrounding this initiative are vital to the sustainability of the quality of life we all enjoy, not only in Colorado, but around the country so it was important to build and improve upon the strides made last year,”states Jason Peel, NRCS Irrigation Water Management Specialist, Denver, CO.  “The watershed boundaries selected for the 2012 NWQ Initiative were small and although the practices implemented will net desired results, we now know that due to the complexities of Colorado’s water system those boundaries needed to be expanded, so adjustments were made while an additional watershed was identified to help address specific water quality and source water protection issues resulting from the High Park Fire.”

06-17-13 *USDA/NASS-CO* The Latest Colorado Crop Progress Report…

CLICK HERE to visit the USDA/NASS  Colorado Website

Agricultural Summary: Heat and abnormally dry conditions continued to stress crops, and in some areas, spur development. Although precipitation was generally insufficient, it was primarily observed in the Eastern half of Colorado. Crops in areas with inadequate levels of existing moisture supplies or irrigation water were at high risk for crop abandonment, according to reporters. As of June 13, mountain snowpack measured 47 percent of average. Statewide, on average, farmers were allowed 6.8 days in the field for spring operations.

Small Grains: By week’s end, virtually all winter wheat was at or beyond the jointing stage. Seventy-three percent of the crop was headed while 13 percent was turning color, both of which ended the week behind average. Condition ratings for winter wheat declined with the majority now rated very poor to poor. The barley crop reached 12 percent headed, behind 23 percent on average. Thirty-nine percent of spring wheat was headed, up from 24 percent the previous week.

Row Crops: Sugarbeet planting activities were essentially completed last week while 98 percent of the crop was up to stand. The corn crop reached 90 emerged, behind 96 percent on average. Summer and fall potatoes were 99 and 76 percent emerged, respectively. Both crops were ahead of average in development. Planting of dry beans was at 74 percent, on par with 75 on average. Dry beans showed considerable gains in development, reaching 35 percent emerged by week’s end. Sunflower planting activities ended the week at 42 percent of total planting intentions, behind the average of 69 percent. Sorghum was 66 percent planted and 20 percent emerged, behind average in both categories.

Pasture and Range: Pasture and range conditions showed a decline, ending the week at 59 percent very poor to poor. For the week prior, 58 percent was rated very poor to poor. The current five-year average for very poor to poor is 33 percent. The first cutting of alfalfa reached 59 percent complete by week’s end, up from 43 percent reported the previous week.

Livestock: Livestock condition ratings generally held steady. Death losses remained at average levels for cattle and sheep. Stored feed supplies remained rated as average for this time of year.

CLICK HERE to view the full report

06-17-13 *LMA News* Dustin Focht Takes Title at LMA’s 50th Anniversary World Livestock Auctioneer Championship…

Oklahoma auctioneers take top two spots in annual world contest in Montgomery, Ala.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — June 17, 2013 — Dustin Focht of Stillwater, Okla., proved his world-class talent as a livestock auctioneer at the 50^th anniversary of the Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) held in Montgomery, Ala., on Saturday, June 15.

A late comer to the livestock auctioneering profession, Focht, 43, whose grandfather was a livestock auctioneer, didn’t begin selling until 13 years ago. He credits fellow Oklahoma auctioneers Ralph Wade and Greg Griffith with helping to form him into the world champion auctioneer he is today.

“I had never sold anything or had a chant before I met Ralph. He took a complete beginner and in two days taught me the basics and put me in the block at Oklahoma National Stockyards,” Focht explains. “Greg taught me all the values that exemplify an auctioneer: professionalism, integrity, honesty and value.”

Focht says patience, preparation and the experience of 11 previous WLAC contests gave him the confidence and ability to win this year’s contest. Focht, who also won for high score in the interview contest, says during the contest he worked on relaxing, being professional and doing the best auctioneering job he could with the tough competition he faced.

In his acceptance speech, Focht thanked the Livestock Marketing Association and its staff for the dedicated support they provide the livestock auction markets across the country. “I know I have big shoes to fill, but I can’t wait to travel across the country visiting markets and talking about all the good things the organization and auction markets do for the industry.”

Focht was sponsored by Cherokee Sales Co., LLC, Cherokee, Okla.; Woodward Livestock Auction, Inc., Woodward, Okla.; and Anthony Livestock Sales Co., Anthony, Kan.

This year’s champion takes home a customized 2013 Ford F-150 pickup to use during the year of his reign; $5,000 cash; a championship sculpture; world champion Gist belt buckle and a hand-tooled leather briefcase from LMA; world champion ring sponsored by Montgomery Stockyards; the Golden Gavel Award sponsored by the World Wide College of Auctioneering; and a James Reid, Ltd. money clip sponsored by CattleUSA.com.

Also, making a great showing were the Reserve Champion Brian Little, Wann, Okla., and Runner-up Champion Blaine Lotz, Edna, Kan. Little was sponsored by Coffeyville, Livestock Market, LLC, Coffeyville, Kan. As reserve champion, Little received $2,000 cash, a Gist knife and reserve champion Gist belt buckle from LMA.

Lotz was sponsored by South Coffeyville Stockyards, Inc., South Coffeyville, Okla.; Fredonia Livestock Auction, Fredonia, Kan.; and Tulsa Stockyards, Inc., Tulsa, Okla.  He will take home $1,000 cash, a Gist knife and runner-up Gist belt buckle, sponsored by LMA.

06-17-13 Beef Checkoff-Funded Program Selects Regional Finalists…Region 5 Kelly Mapes of Ft Collins, CO…

As one of the beef industry’s top inspirational cooking competitions, the National Beef Cook-Off®, funded by the Beef Checkoff, is in the homestretch of announcing its finalists and region winners for 2013. Home cooks are vying for a chance to win $25,000 and a trip to the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show in Washington, D.C.

“This year’s program steps up communication outreach on cooking with beef, inspiring home cooks to prepare nutritious beef recipes and encourage beef purchases,” said Evelyn Brown, Cook-Off Program Committee Chairman, for the American National CattleWomen, Inc., a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. “The overall goal of this program is to target new consumers through new channels of communication — reaching a wider and more diverse group of consumers.”

Promoting the value and versatility of beef to consumers is a strong driving force behind this competition. The contest seeks to motivate, inspire and educate consumers to prepare delicious, nutritious and convenient everyday beef recipes more often. It gives them the confidence to go beyond the traditional burger or steak and create a culinary delight.

The program also employs extensive national and local media outreach efforts to build on the excitement of the contest. Social media is also incorporated in all live promotions and announcements to encourage viral spread. In the ever changing and challenging marketing environment, it is critical for the Checkoff to connect with consumers in this way.

“Making the Most of MyPlate” Theme

Entrants were asked to develop original and tasty beef-focused recipes that included broadly appealing ingredients from the fruit and vegetable, grain products and dairy products groups. Recipes this year focused on a “Make the Most of MyPlate” theme and were entered in four categories:

HPLE-CBC-SSTF Update…

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) Join Tim Stutzman inside the BARN each week, usually on Mondays with a look back at last week’s sales & a look ahead at the upcoming sales & events @ High Plains 

HPLE AUCTION SCHEDULE

SUMMER SALE SCHEDULE UNDERWAY – ALL CLASSES OF CATTLE SELL ON THURSDAYS 

Tim Stutzman’s RECAP & PREVIEW…

061713_hple-cbc-sstf_5m38s.mp3

Thursday, June 20th @ 9am – Regular WEIGH COWS/BULLS followed by STOCKER/FEEDERS

Saturday, July 20th @ 10am – MONTHLY HAY AUCTION

HPLE/CBC/FARMCO ARCHIVE

PRIOR REPORT - 061013_hple-cbc-sstf_7m19s.mp3

 

06-17-13 USDA Announces Additional Actions to Manage the Domestic Sugar Surplus…

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced actions to manage the domestic sugar surplus, as required by law, while operating the sugar program at the least cost to the government. Record-breaking yields of sugar crops and a global surplus have driven down U.S. sugar prices and USDA is required to act to stabilize the domestic market. Today’s actions are designed to manage the sugar program while minimizing federal sugar program expenditures.

First, USDA announced today its intention to purchase sugar from domestic sugarcane or sugar beet processors and subsequently conduct voluntary exchanges for credits under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program. Exchanging sugar for credits reduces imports into the U.S., and is designed to reduce the sugar surplus. It is a less costly option than loan forfeitures. Since not less than 2.5 tons of import credits will be exchanged per 1 ton of sugar, there will be a minimum net reduction of 1.5 tons of sugar in the U.S. market per ton of sugar exchanged, making this a less costly option than forfeitures. USDA anticipates this action could remove around 300,000 tons of sugar from the U.S. market and cost approximately $38 million, subject to sequester, which is one-third the expected cost of forfeitures. USDA will continue to monitor current market conditions and projections to determine if additional actions are necessary.

Second, USDA announced today that licensed refiners now have 270 days—rather than 90 days—to make required exports or sugar transfers under the Refined Sugar Re-export Program. This action increases the pool of available re-export credits, facilitating the exchange announced above. These temporary waivers make no permanent change to Re-export Program rules.

Today’s announcements build on previous actions USDA has taken to stabilize the domestic sugar market. At the start of FY 2013, USDA announced at minimum allowable levels both the domestic Sugar Marketing Allotments and the U.S. WTO raw sugar import tariff-rate quota. On May 1, 2013, USDA announced two waivers of provisions in the Refined Sugar Re-export Program, temporarily permitting licensed refiners to transfer program sugar from their license to another refiner’s license through Sept. 30, 2013, and temporarily increasing their license limit from 50,000 metric tons raw value of credits to 100,000 metric tons raw value of credits, through Dec. 31, 2014.

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for June 17th…

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“API Requests Another RFS Waiver”

The American Petroleum Institute has made another attempt to convince the Obama Administration to waive the Renewable Fuel Standard and end E-15. Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen says it’s another example of oil companies unnecessarily scaring people – as the RFS has created jobs, helped the U.S. economy and saved consumers money at the pump. Dinneen says API’s conclusions are inaccurate because their assumptions are flawed. The study API refers to ignores the Standard’s flexibility to make it easier for refiners to meet their RFS obligation – according to Dinneen. He says API is just misleading people in suggesting the RFS will increase gas prices.

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“25×25 Urges House to Continue Prosperity of Renewable Energy”

With Senate passage of a new, five-year farm bill last week – all eyes are on the House this week. House Speaker John Boehner says he is prepared to vote on a new farm bill – which is a positive outcome compared to last year when House Leadership decided not to bring the bill to the floor. House Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas has said the bill should only take two days of consideration in the chamber. 25×25 says it’s critical the federal government continue to invest in programs offering big returns – such as those promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency – which offer economic boosts through job creation. Also – the group says U.S. independence of foreign oil is further accelerated with programs helping biofuels production. The group adds the generation of sustainably produced power helps improve the environment. 25×25 says the House has an opportunity to further the nation on its path to a clean energy future while giving ag producers and rural communities the additional economic opportunities they deserve.

Norgren’s 5th Annual Ropin’, Ridin’ & Cancer Fightin’ Fajita Dinner & Silent Auction in Platteville, CO June 15th…Come On Out!

.CLICK HERE to visit their Facebook page…

Have you been touched by cancer? Most everyone has, and the Norgren family is certainly no exception.

Each year our family puts on a fajita dinner, complete with auction items (items from the Broncos, Nuggets, Avs, Eagles, Outlaws, and many others!),

to raise money for the American Cancer Society, in cooperation with the Weld County Relay for Life.

The fundraiser is this Saturday and we’d love to see you out there. Come eat some great food, bid on some amazing items and visit with old (and new!) friends!

06-14-13 *WSGA News* Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show bring new changes…

Wayne Fahsholtz, President and CEO of Padlock Ranch receives the 2013 Leopold Conservation Award

Dedication of the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Resource Center during the 2013 Wyoming Cattle Industry and Trade Show

CHEYENNE – The 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show initiated a few changes in the 141^st Anniversary year of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA.) Biannual changes to the WSGA officer team came, as well as a new and improved office expansion to the WSGA office complex, now known as the Wyoming Stock Growers Agricultural Resource Center. WSGA was fortunate to once again have government and industry leaders in attendance at the convention.

Throughout the convention, many influential individuals spoke at various events, giving updates on important government topics such as the Endangered Species Act, The Farm Bill, and immigration. Governor Matt Mead, Senator Mike Enzi, Senator John Barrasso, and Representative Cynthia Lummis as well as Scott George, NCBA President spoke to WSGA members.  Thursday night, Baxter Black entertained a full house with many relatable stories from his personal experiences and agricultural lifestyle, leaving many in the room laughing with reliability.

As the two-year term ended for 51^st WSGA President, Mark Eisele, Jim Wilson from Thermopolis, Wyoming takes the reigns. Wilson, along with several new regional vice presidents from across the state, are welcomed to the association for their two-year terms. New Regional Vice Presidents consist of Niels Hansen, First Vice President; Scott Sims, Region II; Dustin Cushman, Region III; and Joe Nield, Region IV Vice President.

06-14-13 *WSGA News* Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention Honors Agriculture Professionals…

Patricia Hatle receives the Outstanding Range Professional Award from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

Doug Thompson is awarded the Guardian of the Grasslands Award. (L-R: Senator John Barrasso, WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, Doug Thompson)

CHEYENNE – At the Wyoming Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, held in Cheyenne June 5-8, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) honored a number of outstanding agriculture advocates. Patricia Hatle was named the Outstanding Range Professional and Doug Thompson was honored as Guardian of the Grasslands. The 2013 Leopold Conservation Award winners, the Padlock Ranch, were also recognized.

Patricia Hatle was recognized and awarded the Outstanding Range Professional Award from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. This award is given in recognition of the valuable contribution to the livestock industry made by range professionals who exemplify high professional standards coupled with a dedication to building strong working relationships with livestock producers.

Doug Thompson received the Guardian of the Grasslands award for his continued work and dedication to protect our natural resources in Fremont County. The award is given for outstanding efforts in protecting the natural resources of Wyoming.

“The Annual WSGA Awards Luncheon is an event to which our members look forward.  It is our opportunity to recognize and reward those who provide industry leadership in cattle production, resource stewardship and advocacy on behalf of Wyoming’s ranching culture and economy.  This year’s honorees join a distinguished list of Wyoming individuals who have contributed in diverse ways to the continued strength of agriculture in Wyoming,” stated WSGA Executive Vice President Jim Magagna.

06-14-13 *CPW News* Four Colorado Counties Enact Stage II and Open Burn Bans…

DENVER – Stage II fire bans and open burn bans, issued in five northeastern Colorado counties, have been implemented in Barr Lake, Cherry Creek, Spinney Mountain, Eleven Mile and Eldorado Canyon State Parks.

The Stage II ban, effective in Adams County, prohibits any wood or charcoal fires and limits smoking to enclosed vehicles or buildings. The open burn bans, effective in Arapahoe, Park and Boulder Counties, prohibits any wood or charcoal fires and also limits smoking to enclosed vehicles or buildings. Compressed gas fires with an off switch are still allowed. Use of fireworks is always prohibited at Colorado State Parks.

Several counties are currently under Stage I fire restrictions, which allows fires in permanently constructed fire grates or grills in developed parks, campgrounds, private residences or picnic areas.

Fire danger is high to extreme across the state, and new bans and restrictions are possible. Anyone planning a cookout or campfire in a state park should call ahead or check the park’s website for updated information. 

06-14-13 Wyoming Governor Mead Offers Support to Colorado…

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead

CHEYENNE, Wyo. –  Wyoming Governor Matt Mead has pledged his support to firefighting efforts in Colorado. The fires in Colorado have been extremely destructive, causing a loss of lives and hundreds of burned homes.

“I spoke with Governor Hickenlooper this morning and let him know that our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Colorado and if there is any way Wyoming can help we are ready to help. This is a trying time for Colorado. We have resources that can engage in the fight against these fires and we want to lend our support,” Governor Mead said.

Governor Hickenlooper is expected to transmit a formal written request for specific firefighting resources from Wyoming today. Acting Governor Max Maxfield will coordinate with Governor Mead, who is in Canada on a trade mission, to deploy equipment and personnel as soon as possible.

06-14-13 CO Governor Hickenlooper declares disaster emergency for Big Meadows Fire…

DENVER — Friday, June 14, 2013 — Gov. John Hickenlooper signed an Executive Order to declare a disaster emergency due to the Big Meadows Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand County. The order authorizes $15,000 from the Disaster Emergency Fund to help pay for the use of a National Guard helicopter in the Big Meadows Fire.

“On June 10, 2013, lightning started the Big Meadows Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park. On June 11 and 12, 2013, extreme fire weather conditions caused the fire to grow in size from less than 10 acres to over 400 acres. Due to the fire growth, firefighters are now deployed in steep, rugged terrain with limited vehicle access. On the evening of June 12, 2013, the Type II Incident Management Team assuming management of this fire requested a Colorado National Guard helicopter for rescue and/or medivac, if necessary, during this incident, starting on June 13, 2013,” the order stated.

CLICK HERE to view the disaster declaration

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News as heard inside the BARN for June 14th…

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Growers of Different Crops Come Together to Press House on Farm Bill”

The American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Sunflower Association and U.S. Canola Association have sent a letter to lawmakers to urge the quick consideration and passage of the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act. The letter notes the support of the organizations for many of the programs included in the bill as reported by the House Agriculture Committee. The groups state their strong support for provisions in the bill that would consolidate conservation programs, make improvements in federal crop insurance and reauthorize and fund agricultural research, energy and export promotion programs. They ask that the legislators oppose any amendments that would eliminate or weaken those provisions.

The groups note concern with the Price Loss Coverage program option – which they argue would set high, fixed reference prices for program crops that – in some cases – exceed their historical prices and cost of production and tie payments to producers to crops they grow in the current year. They say this could distort planting decisions and production if market prices fall below their support levels. The groups say the PLC program should be modified to make it responsive to the market rather than the government. According to the letter – a potential amendment from Ohio Representative Bob Gibbs would address their concerns by setting reference prices at a percentage of recent average market prices – which do not exceed production costs – and providing for payments on historical crop acreage bases rather than on current-year plantings. These changes – the groups write – would make the PLC program more market-oriented and significantly reduce the risk of distorting planting decisions and production. ASA President Danny Murphy says growers are encouraged by the momentum the farm bill has going into the House. He expresses confidence that lawmakers can work together to pass a bill that supports agriculture and confronts our budgetary obligations responsibly. NCGA President Pam Johnson says the passage of a comprehensive, market oriented farm bill is critically important to not just agriculture – but every American. She says growers encourage the House to adopt policy that will be responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping farms remain viable and productive.

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“Economist Looks at Farm Program Payments Under Current Proposals”

University of Illinois Economist Gary Schnitkey says corn growers will see farm supports shaved under all farm bill scenarios currently pending in Congress if commodity prices drop significantly. Schnitkey says Price Loss Coverage – the House Ag Committee’s optional target price program – provides very little protection at price scenarios that have a good chance of occurring over the next several years. He says the Senate’s Agricultural Risk Coverage generated modest corn payments at season-average prices of four-dollars – but nowhere near current ACRE coverage.