05-17-13 *CFB News* CFB JOINS SHERIFFS, OTHERS, IN FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT…

Centennial, Colo. – May 17, 2013 – Today, Colorado Farm Bureau joined 54 Colorado Sheriffs, among others, in filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against two bills, HB13-1229 and HB13-1224, passed by the Colorado legislature in March. The suit is being filed in Federal District Court in Denver.

The Plaintiffs in the lawsuit held a press conference at the Independence Institute in Denver this morning, where Colorado Farm Bureau President Don Shawcroft spoke. “The Second Amendment is important to the member families of the Colorado Farm Bureau and sacred to many citizens of rural Colorado. We believe that it is a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment, and we strongly oppose any law that would erode that right,” he said.

The civil rights suit alleges that the two bills violate the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and violate Title II of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The suits point out that the House Bill 1224 outlaws many firearms magazines, an essential component for a functional firearm. Shawcroft stated, “Many of our farmers and ranchers need access to firearms to protect their livestock from predators, especially during the springtime when most young are born. They also need access to firearms to protect themselves and their families.”

A ban on large-capacity magazines is an endangerment to farmers and ranchers. “The law banning magazines that hold more than 15 rounds unknowingly criminalizes an otherwise law abiding citizen. Nearly every magazine has been designed to be readily converted, and limits the ability of a farmer or rancher to protect himself, his family and his livestock,” he said.

He continued, “A ban on the number of rounds that a magazine can hold could mean the difference between life and death. If a farmer or rancher needs to take the time to reload his weapon when a predator such as a bear is advancing on himself or his livestock, he could potentially take too long, and lose his life or those livestock.”

Many family ag operations are incorporated, such as an L.L.C. or partnership, and may also include non-family members as business partners. “Requiring background checks for transfers between these partners creates an unfair burden to farmers and ranchers, as there are very few FFLs available to perform these background checks in rural areas,” said Shawcroft.

Some farms and ranchers are organized as a corporation, adding more unnecessary costs to their operations if gun transfers are made. Family farms which are organized as this way will have to pay a fee per family member and farmhand per firearm for background checks every time the farm purchases a gun.

“The requirements of these laws are unreasonable and may be nearly impossible for citizens to comply. When the legislature passed these bills they were aiming at criminals, but hit the law abiding citizens, farmers, ranchers and rural Colorado instead. These bills are bad for Colorado, and that is why we are engaging in a lawsuit against the state,” Shawcroft stated.

05-17-13 Rabo AgriFinance Report Finds Weather Will Delay Demand Across Global Nutrient Markets…

ST. LOUIS (May 17, 2013) — Cool, wet conditions in much of the Midwest and concerns regarding future weather will delay the normal cycle of fertilizer restocking, bringing significant uncertainty to the 2013 Q2 fertilizer markets, according to a new report released by researchers at the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group. The report finds that, overall, the pace of fertilizer demand is now increasing seasonally and fuelling a pick-up in global trading activity.

The report goes on to show the fast-approaching Northern Hemisphere planting season will be pivotal in driving short-term agri-commodity prices. Across South America, all eyes are on the weather as planting of winter crops continues.

“Across most regions, a financial incentive to maximize production is driving a large planting, which will lead to a predominately neutral price outlook,” notes Sterling Liddell, Senior Vice President with the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. “However, there are some uncertainties regarding policy, which will ultimately impact market sentiment. As a result, buyers will be cautious but eventually, global purchasers will need to lock in fertilizer supply contracts. ”

05-17-13 CropLife America Recognizes Endangered Species Day…

WASHINGTON, DC – CropLife America (CLA) joins millions around the world today to recognize Endangered Species Day and reflect on the crop protection industry’s commitment to endangered species preservation. This year’s Endangered Species Day comes following increased discussions in the scientific and legal communities on how best to simultaneously ensure the preservation of beneficial species, as well as our nation’s most valued resources. CLA also recognizes the technological and regulatory improvements that have been made in agriculture over the past several decades that allow farmers to grow a multitude of crops while serving as environmental stewards.

“CLA firmly believes in protecting endangered species, and today is a reminder of the myriad benefits that modern agriculture provides not only for farmers and ranchers, but also for the protection of endangered species,” said Jay Vroom, CLA’s president and CEO. “Modern technologies including seed treatments, improved irrigation and conservation tillage allow American farmers to continuously improve production, growing more food on less land and maintaining habitats for environmental protection.”

05-17-13 Fifty-four Colorado Sheriffs File Suit over Anti-Gun Bills…

DENVER, Colo — On Friday, May 17, fifty-four Colorado Sheriffs are filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against two bills passed by the Colorado legislature in March. The suit is being filed in Federal District Court in Denver.

The Sheriffs will hold a press conference regarding the lawsuit at 10 a.m. at the Independence Institute, 727 East 16th Ave., Denver 80203.

Joining the 54 Sheriffs in the civil rights lawsuit are disabled individuals, Outdoor Buddies (a charitable organization for disabled individuals), licensed firearms dealers, Magpul, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Colorado State Shooting Association, the Colorado Outfitters Association, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and Women for Concealed Carry.

The civil rights Complaint will be available on-line Friday morning at http://www.i2i.org/files/file/54-sheriffs-complaint.pdf

The civil rights suit alleges that the two bills:

05-17-13 Virginia Cattle Rancher Betty Rosson is the 2013 National “Farm Mom of the Year”…

Visit AmericasFarmers.com to learn more…

ST. LOUIS (May 17, 2013) – The online votes have been tallied, and Betty Rosson, a Virginia grain and cattle farmer, is Monsanto’s 2013 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year.

Betty’s nomination, submitted by son Charles, was chosen by judges of American Agri-Women as regional winner for the Southeast. Online voting was conducted in early May, during which time anyone could visit AmericasFarmers.com, read regional winners’ nominations and cast a vote for one to receive the national title. Betty received the most online votes, and she was notified of her national win on Mother’s Day.

“Whether she is driving a tractor, feeding cows or caring for her family, Elizabeth (Betty) is 100 percent all-in for the job,” wrote Charles in the winning nomination. “Mom certainly doesn’t let grass grow under her feet, as she is always on the move for her family, her church, her farm and the community.”

Charles’ nomination mentioned Betty’s involvement in the FFA, 4-H and Ag in the Classroom, in addition to the Louisa County Farm Bureau and livestock judging and showmanship clinics hosted at the farm. She manages all the record-keeping and taxes for Quaker Hill Farm, in addition to planning two annual cattle production sales. She is a founding member of her church and is a board member of her local volunteer rescue squad. She does all this while caring for her 92-year-old mother. The recognition is not new to Betty, as she recently represented Louisa County and the Central District and was a runner up in the Virginia Farm Bureau Woman of the Year contest

“This is a wonderful Mother’s Day surprise!” Betty Rosson said upon learning she had won. “Raising a family on the farm and being involved with agriculture is a blessing. I share this recognition with farm moms everywhere!”

05-17-13 *CWC News* Bureau of Land Management Hydraulic Fracturing Rule Duplicative and Hinders Development…

Washington, D.C. (May 17, 2013) – Western Caucus Co-Chairs Steve Pearce and Cynthia Lummis released the following statements in response to the new proposed regulations of hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands announced yesterday by the Department of the Interior:

“Yet again, the Administration is attempting to add further regulations to a system that is working as is,” said Congressman Steve Pearce. “BLM’s proposed rule on hydraulic fracturing will add new and unnecessary layers of burdensome and excessive regulations to an industry that states have been successfully managing for over sixty years. Robert Abbey, former director of the Bureau of Land Management, said the bureau had no evidence that fracking has ‘adversely affected groundwater’ under state control. There is absolutely no reason for these new regulations, and complying with BLM’s proposed rule will be yet another roadblock for our nation’s energy producers. At a time when the federal government is furloughing workers because they can’t afford to pay them, why are they trying to implement costly rules that will only hinder business? The Administration should focus their efforts on encouraging responsible energy development rather than forcing ‘one-size-fits-all’ regulations on job creators.”

“The Administration’s rules are a solution in search of a problem,” Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis said. “On the very same day they release this rule claiming its necessity, a Department of the Interior representative could not name, when asked under oath, a single state that was doing a poor job of regulating hydraulic fracturing.  In fact, the opposite is true, states are doing an exemplary job.  The Administration comes right out and says that Wyoming is doing excellent work, and I appreciate them finally recognizing that truth.  But then they turn around and require the State to defend its regulations again on perhaps a well by well basis.  How is that efficient?  How is that even logical? The draft rule appears to be yet another attempt by the federal government to unnecessarily expand its reach.”

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

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

“Stabenow Says Farm Bill Could Take Some Time in Senate”

While the Senate is expected to begin consideration of the farm bill on Monday – Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow says final votes might take place after Memorial Day. Harry Reid has announced his intention to move forward with the bill – but has also said he will move to immigration reform as soon as the Senate Judiciary Committee finishes mark up on that bill – even if the farm bill isn’t finished. Stabenow isn’t worried floor consideration of the farm bill will be interrupted. She’s optimistic the Senate can finish the farm bill before the immigration bill is done. It doesn’t hurt that Senate Judiciary Chair Patrick Leahy is holding a number of hearings and is a member of the Agriculture Committee.

Once debate does start – Stabenow has asked Senators to come forward with amendments that she wants to hold votes on. She notes the bill approved by the committee incorporated all but one amendment the Senate passed last year. Still – Stabenow expects a debate over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cuts. The Senate Ag Committee’s bill would cut the program by four-billion dollars over 10 years. The House Agriculture Committee passed a bill with 20-billion in cuts to SNAP. Stabenow’s not thrilled with the level of cuts in the House bill or how they’re made. In fact – she says she absolutely rejects the levels of cuts the way it’s done in the House.

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“Reaction to House Ag Farm Bill Continues to Stream In”

05-17-13 CPW celebrates National Safe Boating Week May 18-24

DENVER – May 18 through May 24 is National Safe Boating Week and Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding boaters to boat safe, boat smart and boat sober. As the weather starts to warm up, everyone is anxious to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Families and friends gather together to enjoy the outdoors, travel on vacation and spend time on the water – boating, fishing, sailing and more. When you do head out, it’s important to remember a few safety precautions to take during all of these good times.

Boat Safe - Remember to check that all of your safety equipment is in good condition, especially your life jackets. In 2012, there were 10 recreational boating fatalities in Colorado. All of the victims died from drowning and none of them were wearing a life jacket. A lot of people believe they can swim their way out of a bad spot, not realizing the effect cold water will have on them. A great alternative for everyone 16 and older is a US Coast Guard approved inflatable life jacket. They’re very comfortable and provide about twice the flotation as an inherently buoyant vest. Don’t be a number, Wear It Colorado!

Boat Smart - Of all the boaters involved in an accident last year, only 15 percent had any type of boat safety education. Between April and September this year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our partners are hosting over 100 boating safety review sessions at 28 locations throughout the state.  These classes are open and encouraged for everyone, but required for motorboat drivers 14 and 15 years old. If interested in a class, check the schedule online to reserve your spot today. Not only can it keep you and your family safer, but can also save you money on your boat insurance.

Boat Sober - In 2012, 50 percent of fatal and 24 percent of non-fatal boat accidents involved alcohol and/or drugs. Everyone knows how dangerous it is to drive a car after drinking alcohol, but due to the extra stressors with boating and generally less experience and confidence with driving a boat, these effects are multiplied. Boating Under the Influence (BUI) rarely just affects the operator who’s drinking – everyone on the lake is at risk when there’s an impaired boater. Play it safe on the water, pick a sober skipper!

This year during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the boating season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is working with our partners to encourage safe and responsible boating.

05-17-13 *CFB News* US HOUSE AND SENATE PASS FARM BILL OUT OF AGRICULTURE COMMITTEES

Centennial, Colo. – May 16, 2013 – After many hours of debate this week, both the House and the Senate agriculture committees passed their respective versions of the 2013 Farm Bill. The versions are more similar than they are different, giving farmers and ranchers hope that a comprehensive farm bill will indeed get passed before the September 30 deadline, which is when the current farm bill is set to expire.

“This provides a great reason for optimism that we will have a new long-term farm bill this year. With the implementation of a new farm bill, farmers and ranchers will be given certainty about the rules and regulations they must follow,” said Don Shawcroft, President of Colorado Farm Bureau.

The Senate passed their version on Tuesday by a vote of 15-5, called the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013. This version saves $23 billion dollars, and eliminates direct payments to farmers, and requires conservation compliance for crop insurance, which will protect both the farm safety net and the natural resources that our nation’s farmers and ranchers utilize.

05-16-13 *USCA News* New Consumer Poll Shows Strong Support For COOL Rule…

USCA (May 16, 2013) -  The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) says a new consumer survey released this week by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) shows strong support among consumers for country of origin labeling (COOL) as well as strong support for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) approach to resolving the COOL dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO).  The survey was conducted by ORC International May 9 – 12, 2013.

Ninety percent of the 1000 adults surveyed favored requiring food sellers to indicate on the package label the country of origin of fresh meat they sell.  Eighty-seven percent of adults surveyed favor requiring food sellers to indicate on the label the country or countries in which various production steps take place including where animals are born, raised and processed.

05-16-13 USCA Statement on House Committee Passage of Farm Bill…

USCA (May 16, 2013) - The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) issued the following statement in reference to the House  mark-up and subsequent passage of the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013″ (H.R. 1947) out of the House Committee on Agriculture late Wednesday night.  The following statement can be attributed to U.S. Cattlemen’s Association President Jon Wooster, San Lucas, CA:

“USCA applauds the House Committee on Agriculture for its passage of the 2013 Farm Bill today.  The commitment from Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) and the committee staff to seeing this legislation through in its second mark-up demonstrates their support of the nation’s agriculture industry.  However, while USCA supports the passage of the bill out of committee we have deep concerns regarding a number of contentious issues that were voted through and are of significant concern as this bill moves forward.

05-16-13 *CSF News* Popular Trio Shakes Up Rodeo Stage…GLORIANA…

CHECK OUT THE NEW CSF WEBSITE – CLICK HERE

PUEBLO, Colo. – The chart topping trio, Gloriana, has been added to the Colorado State Fair entertainment lineup performing on August 26, following the PRCA Ram Rodeo.  The evening, presented by Colorado State University-Pueblo, offers rodeo thrills and critically acclaimed country music.  August 26 is CSU-Pueblo Day at the Fair, which will feature the music of CSU-Pueblo students, faculty, and alumni on stages throughout the day as well as University giveaways for all fairgoers.

Each ticket also gives fans the option of coming early and enjoying a full day at the fair with no additional cost.  Besides a great rodeo and concert, these tickets also provide hours of entertainment that include free attractions such as Welde Bears, Stunt Dogs, the sandcastle, livestock shows, free stages, and the much more all at a reasonable price.

Tickets, which are $22, go on sale Saturday, May 18, at 10am.  CSU-Pueblo students have the opportunity to purchase discount tickets.  Information on the discounted tickets can be found at the CSU-Pueblo student activities office.  TicketHorse is the Fair’s new ticketing system; this will allow fans to pick their seats when purchasing online from home. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tickethorse.com/colorado-state-fair, through the State Fair box office, or call 866-461-6556.

Gloriana is a country group composed of brothers Tom and Mike Gossin, and Rachel Reinert. These three lifelong musicians joined together in 2008 and quickly discovered a true bond and shared passion for crafting songs that featured soaring vocal harmonies. The band’s breakthrough self-titled album, which featured the hit single “Wild At Heart,” earned the group the American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist in 2009 and the coveted ACM Award for Top New Vocal Group in 2010.

05-16-13 Inside Colorado’s Water Plan with Special Policy Advisor to the CO Governor Dr John Stulp…

Dr John Stulp, DVM
Special Policy Advisor to Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper & Chairman of the Interbasin Compact Committee

(BARN Media – Briggsdale, CO) May 16th, 2013 - Joining the Colorado Ag News Network inside the BARN is Dr. John Stulp, Special Policy Advisor to the Governor on Water and the Chairman of the Interbasin Compact Committee. Dr Stulp discusses several topics regarding CO Governor John Hickenlooper directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board, or CWCB, to begin their work on a draft of the Colorado Water Plan, which will support agriculture in rural Colorado and align state policy to the state’s water values….

 - History of the CWCB and the IBBC
 - Intent of the Colorado Water Plan
 - & MUCH MORE

To listen to the entire interview with Dr. John Stulp, click on the audio mp3 link below…

051613_cowaterplandrjohnstulp_20m55s.mp3

To view a signed copy of the complete Executive Order signed by Governor Hickenlooper – CLICK HERE

To learn more about Colorado’s Water Plan – CLICK HERE

To learn more about the Colorado Water Conservation Board – CLICK HERE

Check out the new CWCB Drought Response Website – CLICK HERE

To learn more about the Interbasin Compact Committee – CLICK HERE

05-16-13 US Dept of Interior Releases Updated Draft Rule for Hydraulic Fracturing on Public and Indian Lands for Public Comment…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above strategy to support safe and responsible domestic energy production, the Department of the Interior today announced the release of an updated draft proposal that would establish commonsense safety standards for hydraulic fracturing on public and Indian lands. Following the release of an initial draft proposal in 2012, Interior received extensive feedback, including over 177,000 public comments that helped inform today’s updated draft proposal. The new proposal maintains important safety standards, improves integration with existing state and tribal standards, and increases flexibility for oil and gas developers. The updated draft proposal will be subject to a new 30-day public comment period.

“As the President has made clear, this administration’s priority is to continue to expand safe and responsible domestic energy production. In line with that goal, we are proposing some commonsense updates that increase safety while also providing flexibility and facilitating coordination with states and tribes,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.  “As we continue to offer millions of acres of America’s public lands for oil and gas development, it is important that the public has full confidence that the right safety and environmental protections are in place.”

05-16-13 *CO-OEDIT News* Woodward Breaks Ground on $200 Million Redevelopment Project…

Fort Collins, Colo., May 16, 2013 - Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ: WWD)  broke ground on a new campus for its corporate headquarters and Industrial Turbine Systems business at the former Link-N-Greens golf course in Old Town Fort Collins.

The groundbreaking at the 101-acre site concluded a nine-month process where Woodward reviewed multiple options among several states. Agreement on a project plan and support package was reached among Woodward, the State of Colorado, the City of Fort Collins and the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority in March, and the site was purchased on April 30.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Gendron said, “We have had very good success in winning new business and recognized the need for new capacity. We know Woodward is in a competitive community with a skilled workforce that has good infrastructure and a good quality of life that allows us to attract and retain excellent workers.”

“Woodward’s headquarter expansion in Fort Collins is a legacy project for this community,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The new campus will further revitalize a growing downtown area and provide Woodward access to one of the country’s most talented workforces, in one of the state’s most beautiful areas, as they grow their operations.”

05-16-13 NCBA Statement on Reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act…

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2013) — National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Scott George, a Cody, Wyo. dairy and beef producer, issued the following statement on yesterday’s action by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA):

“Cattlemen and women rely on new and innovative animal health products, and for that reason the reauthorization of ADUFA has been one of the NCBA’s key priorities this year. I am pleased to see the House Energy and Commerce Committee pass ADUFA reauthorization yesterday by a voice vote and look for the full House to consider reauthorization shortly.”

On May 8, 2013, the Senate passed ADUFA reauthorization by unanimous consent.

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.

05-16-13 *NACD News* Conservation District Representative Testifies at Invasive Species Hearing…

WASHINGTON, D.C.—May 16, 2013—Executive Director of the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) Debra Hughes testified at today’s House Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation oversight hearing on “Invasive Species Management on Federal Lands.” Hughes highlighted the success of the “Restore New Mexico” initiative, an aggressive partnership between NMACD, federal, state, private partners, and fellow non-governmental organizations to restore woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas to a healthy and productive condition.

“In the West, the fragmentation of the landscape due to checkerboard land ownership and jurisdiction makes landscape level restoration efforts difficult,” Hughes said. “Restore New Mexico works to overcome those boundaries and have a positive impact on the land on a landscape level, regardless of ownership—federal, state, tribal, or private.”

Restore New Mexico represents a broad partnership, with key players including NMACD, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), along with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State University Jornada Experimental Range. The initiative works with the local land managers—conservation districts supervisors, BLM field staff, NRCS conservationists, and state officials—to determine the most pressing projects and the best applications to accomplish those goals. This locally led process has enabled great success

Since the program’s inception, more than 2.1 million acres of impaired habitat have been treated, starting the transition to healthy ecological states.  Hughes stressed the high efficiency of the program as a key to its success.

“Restore New Mexico places over 93 percent of the dollars on the ground for treatment,” she said. “This is possible given that there is only a small overhead needed to administer the program. Landscape-level restoration is efficient because of economies of scale; treating more acres per project lowers the cost per acre of treatments.”

To read Hughes’ full testimony, click here: http://www.nacdnet.org/doc_download/1206-hughes-invasive-species-testmony.

For more information on the hearing, visit: http://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=333074.

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.

05-16-13 *NCBA News* House Agriculture Committee Moves Forward on Farm Bill…

WASHINGTON (May 16, 2013) — After a lengthy discussion, the House Agriculture Committee cleared its version of the 2013 Farm Bill during a markup session which ended late Wednesday night. The House markup follows the Senate Agriculture Committee’s much briefer markup of its farm bill Tuesday.

For the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), portions of the House farm bill included priorities important to cattlemen and women such as permanent disaster programs along with the elimination of the livestock title, maintaining of conservation programs and a strong research title.

NCBA President Scott George, a Cody, Wyo. cattle and dairy producer, lauded the House Agriculture Committee for including disaster assistance in the legislation, stating that it would provide certainty to cattlemen and women who are affected by disastrous weather events and continue to contribute to the nation’s strong agriculture industry.

“Farmers and ranchers endure extreme weather conditions – from drought to flood to freezes to the extreme heat – and still work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to provide the country and the world with food and fiber,” said George. “Including disaster assistance programs in the House farm bill is a positive step toward providing a strong safety net for our producers. We appreciate the work of Chairman Lucas and his committee on this important issue.”

Also included in the House version of the farm bill is an amendment introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) that would prohibit states from setting production standards for foods brought in from other states. The amendment would render federal production mandates such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) / United Egg Producers (UEP) proposal, untenable.

“We are encouraged by the amendment introduced by Rep. King, which would keep decisions regarding how to raise livestock and poultry in the hands of farmers and ranchers, where they belong,” said George. “NCBA is supportive of the House version of the farm bill and we hope that both the full House and Senate take up their respective bills soon and continue to move forward with passing a 2013 Farm Bill which is positive for cattle producers and gives rural America much needed certainty.”

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.

05-16-13 Former CO Governor Romer Inducted into CSU’s Dept of Agricultural and Resource Economics Inaugural Hall of Fame Today…

FORT COLLINS - Former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Bill Neighbors and CSU Professor Emeritus Jim Lewis will be inducted into CSU’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics inaugural Hall of Fame today, May 16 at the Hilton in Fort Collins.

“We feel it is important to honor our alumni and faculty who have made an exceptional impact on society through success in business, education, government service or in their contributions to local communities,” said Gregory Perry, head of Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. “It is with great pleasure that I announce the inaugural Hall of Fame to honor these outstanding individuals for the impact they have had in Colorado and beyond.”

About the inaugural honorees:

05-16-13 US Congressman Cory Gardner Wheat Tour Scheduled for May 31st…

Congressman Cory Gardner (R.-4th) visits the Randy Wilks farm near Burlington on the 2012 Wheat Tour. Front row, left to right, CWAC Secretary/Treasurer Randy Wilks, Burlington, Congressman Gardner, CAWG Past President Randy Traxler, Otis, and CAWG Director Chris Tallman, Brandon; back row: CWAC Vice President Steve Beedy, Genoa, and CAWG President Mark Linnebur, Byers.

May 16, 2013, Fort Collins, Colo. - The Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG) and the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee (CWAC) will host the third annual Gardner Wheat Tour on Friday, May 31, 2013.  The wheat tour will include events in Baca and Prowers counties, and is an opportunity for wheat farmers to meet and talk with U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner (R-4th).

Gardner’s large Fourth Congressional District includes 17 major winter wheat producing counties on the Eastern Plains. In 2012, the district accounted for 97.1 percent of Colorado’s total wheat production, valued at an estimated $584.4 million.

“It is especially important for Congressman Gardner to visit the southern counties of his district this year, as they are still in a severe drought situation. Areas north of I-70 have received some moisture, but the southern part of our state is really hurting,” said CAWG President Mark Linnebur, “This will be a great opportunity for those producers who won’t actually harvest any wheat this year because of the drought to discuss the situation with the Congressman.”

“Congress is beginning to consider the farm bill again this month, so it is a key time for the Congressman to see what is happening in Colorado,” Linnebur said, “We will be emphasizing the need for a strong safety net for wheat farmers through the crop insurance program.”

Colorado wheat producers are invited to attend and participate in the following events scheduled on Friday, May 31:

A lunch program with Prowers County area wheat farmers will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the Steve Shelton farm located 9 miles south of Lamar on Highway 287 and ½ mile west on CR X. Please RSVP by calling the wheat office at 1-800-WHEAT-10 or 970-449-6994.

A dinner program with Baca County area wheat producers will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Baca Crop Care (26322 U.S. Highway 160 in Springfield). Please RSVP by calling Baca Crop Care at (719) 523-1951.