06-13-13 *CDA Vet News* Two Rabies-Positive Horses Confirmed in Weld County…

Horse Owners Encouraged to Speak to Veterinarians & Watch for Behavioral Changes

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Two Weld County horses have tested positive for rabies; the horses were on separate premises and their cases are unrelated.  So far this year, three horses have been euthanized after showing severe clinical signs and subsequently tested positive for rabies.  The first case was confirmed in Logan County in April.  The Colorado Department of Agriculture is encouraging livestock and pet owners to discuss the need for rabies vaccination with their local veterinarian and to monitor their animals for behavioral changes.

“Animal owners need to primarily look for any dramatic nervous system changes such as muscle tremors, weakness, lameness, stumbling, or paralysis.  Those are some of the hallmark signs that the animal may be suffering from rabies,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.

Additional examples of unusual behavior include: wild mammals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet.  Rabid carnivores, such as skunks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and cats, may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock.

Livestock and pet owners are also encouraged to discuss vaccination with their veterinarian for animals that could be exposed to wildlife that carry and could transmit the rabies virus to dogs, cats, horses, small ruminants, llamas, alpacas, and petting zoo animals.

05-29-13 *CDA Vet News* Bovine Trichomoniasis Update…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds cattle owners to test their herd for Bovine Trichomoniasis.

• As of 5/29/2013, there are currently four positive trich locations in four Colorado counties:  Costilla, La Plata, Las Animas, and Park counties.
• So far this year, there have been five trich locations in four counties.
• A map detailing trichomoniasis sample submissions by county and the prevalence for trichomoniasis-positive counties can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.

	Positive Trich Locations	Number of Colorado Counties
2012	12	8
2011	13	8
2010	9	9
2009	16	9
2008	43	17
2007	32	13

“Testing and monitoring herds for trichomoniasis is the best method of controlling this infection,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  “Cattle owners should talk to their veterinarian to determine the best management practices for their herd.”

10-09-12 *Center for Food Integrity News* Expert Panel Addresses Idaho Dairy Hidden Camera Investigation…

Kansas City, Mo. (Oct. 10, 2012) – A panel of farm animal care specialists established to analyze undercover video investigations at livestock farms has completed a review of a recent investigation at a dairy in Idaho. Hidden camera investigations at livestock farms have heightened public attention on animal care issues. In an effort to foster a more balanced conversation and to provide credible feedback to promote continuous improvement in farm animal care, the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) created the Animal Care Review Panel.

The Panel that examined the recent video was comprised of Dr. Temple Grandin, Colorado State University; Dr. Candace Croney, Purdue University; and Dr. Jim Reynolds, Western University.  

Panel members agree that the practices seen in the video are unacceptable and clearly abusive.

“It’s atrocious and it’s a disgrace,” said Croney.

“The video repeatedly shows the workers were callous and had no respect for animals,” said Reynolds.

“If this abusive treatment had occurred at a slaughter plant, the plant would have been shut down by the USDA,” said Grandin.

The experts reviewed video recorded on the farm by the group Mercy For Animals. The experts summarize their review of the video in the following statements:

Dr. Grandin: 

“I watched the dairy video and the abuse of the downed cow with electric prods and dragging with the tractor. It was horrific animal abuse. The employees were constantly beating and kicking animals as hard as they could. The atrocious treatment of cows at this dairy is an indicator of a total lack of management supervision.”

Dr. Croney:

“The treatment of the animals in this video is scientifically and morally abhorrent. None of the people I saw in this video appears to have the training or compassion needed to work with animals. It’s not just that they’re improperly handling the animals – their attitudes are abusive, their language is abusive and what they are physically doing to these animals is abusive. There is nothing in this video that can be defended.

Dr. Reynolds:

“It’s obvious the workers seen in this video had no training in handling animals. They simply don’t know right from wrong. There is no management supervision. From what we can see in this video these were not isolated instances. It certainly appears that there is a continuous pattern by the employees.”

Observations

10-08-12 *NCBA News* NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen Live Show to Address Drought Management Strategies and Initiatives…

— Live Show to Include Membership Drive and Cattle Industry Convention Registration

DENVER (Oct. 8, 2012) – This year has been a tough one for farmers and ranchers across the country, especially due to the ongoing drought that has 70 percent of cattle country suffering from abnormal to exceptionally dry conditions. NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen will take a look at drought management efforts that cattlemen and women can implement on their ranches during a live call-in show on Tues., Oct. 9, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on RFD-TV.

Cattle producers are facing the worst drought conditions in 50 years, with the center of the drought located in the Midwest and southern Great Plains, where months of record breaking heat starting in March and below average spring precipitation helped create the now record drought conditions. Much of the country’s crop production has been hindered by the drought, and crop prices are reaching near all-time highs.

“Cattlemen must have the ability to make management decisions in a timely manner when faced with drought or other natural disasters,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Producer Education John Paterson. “This special episode of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemenwill allow us to answer questions, listen to producer concerns and discuss drought management options that are key in helping ranchers get their operations through these tough drought conditions.”

10-05-12 *CCA News* Colorado Rancher, Brice Lee, Takes Helm of the Public Lands Council…

Left to Right: Dave Eliason, Secretary/Treasurer; Brenda Richards, Vice President; Brice Lee, President

During the 2012 Annual meeting of the Public Lands Council, held in the beginning of September, Colorado rancher Brice Lee began his two year term as the Public Lands Council (PLC) president. Lee formerly served as the president of La Plata County Cattlemen’s Association, and went on to become the president of Colorado Cattlemen’s Association in 1994/1995.

“My philosophy in regards to federal lands grazing is that permittees should be positive and proactive in addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.  Federal lands grazing a viable and necessary component of our western economy and land management,” said Lee of his coming year as PLC President.

Brice Lee lives near Hesperus, Colorado and ranches on both Bureau of Land Management and private lands in between his Colorado and New Mexico ranch. Lee grew up on his family ranch in Montrose and graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Agronomy & Resource Management. He has worked as a soil scientist, a sales representative for Ralston Purina, an owner/operator of a feed and grain elevator, and has served as chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Private Property and Environmental Management Committee. Other leadership positions include nine years as a gubernatorial appointee on the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission, chairman of La Plata Water Conservancy District, president of La Plata County Fair Board, and 4-H leader.  He and his wife, Phyllis, have a daughter, Lisa Pederson, who is a beef quality assurance specialist in North Dakota.

Lee states, “PLC is focused on the future of our public lands resource through the combination of federal lands grazing and the stewardship provided by federal lands permittees.”

To learn more about the Public Lands Council – CLICK HERE

Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is the state’s only nonprofit  trade organization exclusively representing Colorado’s cattle  producers.  Founded in 1867, CCA is the nation’s oldest state  cattlemen’s association. Visit us on the web at www.coloradocattle.org .

10-04-12 *CPW News* CHALLENGING WATERFOWL HUNTING ON TAP IN EASTERN CO DUE TO DROUGHT…

DENVER — Waterfowl hunters will have their work cut out for them this season, as drought conditions have negatively affected habitat across the eastern plains.

“Due to the lack of moisture, many birds may fly quickly past Colorado in search of better conditions,” said Jim Gammonley, avian research program leader for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This year’s drought is so extensive there aren’t a lot of other options, so birds could move far south earlier than usual, or some may even move back north for a while until the weather pushes them back again.”

CPW biologists found that local production for waterfowl was below average, although sites that had adequate water fared better than most.  Continentally, however, there are a record number of breeding ducks, production of which will likely be high due to late moisture coming to the Canadian prairies.  This indicates that many ducks should be heading south, but the timing and pattern of fall migration will depend on the weather.  As many waterfowl hunters know, cold weather is a key requirement to bring birds south to Colorado.

“Waterfowl hunting in the northeast will be dynamic this year and will likely change weekly based on precipitation and drought conditions,” said Tom Kroening, area wildlife manager for Brush. “Hunters will want to scout areas and check on local conditions, which could yield great hunting or a tough outing.”

Wintering mallards and geese may also be affected by less agricultural production, such as corn and other grains. Persistent waterfowlers may find birds are drawn to local situations where there is water and habitat, yielding some great hunting for a period.  However, this may be a tough waterfowl season.

“Waterfowl hunters may have to travel farther and work harder to find birds this year,” said Allen Vitt, a terrestrial biologist from Pueblo. “Conditions are dry in southeast Colorado, but there are places where hunters will be able to find birds if they do their homework before heading out.”

10-02-12 NJC Aggies oyster fry on October 11th…

NJC Aggie Carson Guenzi, of Sterling, helped cook Rocky Mountain Oysters last year. This year’s fry is on Thursday, October 11 beginning at 5 p.m. The event is open to the community and will be held on North Campus.

The Northeastern Junior College Aggies Club will host its annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Thursday, October 11, 2012 beginning at 5 p.m. This event is always open to the community and agriculture alumni, especially, are encouraged to attend.

This year’s event will be held on the college’s North Campus in the vocational building. Adults pay $10 and children age 4-12 pay $5 and little ones age 3 and under eat free. Current students on campus, all students, are invited to enjoy the dinner free. Chicken strips will be served for those who are too chicken to eat the oysters.

The popular Cow Pie Bingo and Kiss a Pig Contests will be held again this year.  A campaign is happening right now on campus to determine which faculty person will be chosen to officially swap spit with the swine.

For more information about this event, contact the ag department on campus at 970-521-6782. The Aggies Club continues to be the oldest and largest student club on campus and has a very active year planned for 2012-2013. Among recent activities were a highway clean up event out on Highway 14 near the cycle track.

09-28-12 US SENATOR BENNET GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Plan De Salud Del Valle Wins Grant to Improve Quality of Care…

US Senator Michael Bennet (CO)

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that Plan De Salud Del Valle, Inc. in Fort Lupton has been awarded a $55,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve the quality of care and ensure more women are screened for cervical cancer. The grant will help the center become a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and increase its rate of cervical cancer screening.

“Access to preventive health screenings is an important step toward driving down health care costs,” Bennet said. “This grant will ensure that Colorado women can take more control over their care and their well being and help improve our nation’s health.”

Colorado will receive a total of $577,083 from HHS through the Quality Improvement in Health Centers program, which is awarding grants to 810 health centers nationwide as they work to make changes such as improved care coordination and management, that are necessary to become patient-centered medical homes.

09-28-12 26th Annual CSU’s Cans Around the Oval Aims to Collect More Than 65,000 Pounds of Food…Oct 17th…

FORT COLLINS - A Colorado State University tradition since 1987, organizers of Cans Around the Oval seek to collect more than 65,000 pounds of food and $40,000 this year. Colorado State’s 26th annual Cans Around the Oval will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17 on the historic CSU Oval. The event is sponsored by CSU’s Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLiCE) office. As the largest one-day food drive in northern Colorado, CSU partners with the Food Bank for Larimer County to raise food and monetary donations to help those in need in the community.

“It’s important for CSU students to participate, not only to form a connection between CSU and the greater Fort Collins community, but also to give back to the city we live in and our neighbors who are in need,” said student Emma Martens who’s helping to coordinate the event. “Last year through Cans Around the Oval, we donated enough food and money to provide almost 200,000 meals to the food insecure population through the food bank.”

Last year’s students, faculty and staff and community members collected 66,900 pounds of food and $34,038 in donations.

Cans Around the Oval helps more than 40,000 people who depend on the Food Bank for Larimer County. The donations from this one collection day can help these individuals for up to four months.

The four-week food drive began on Sept. 13 and will conclude on Oct. 17 with the collection day, when all of the donated food will be weighed. This is a community effort and in addition to campus participants, local businesses and volunteer groups around Fort Collins will also participate.

For more information about Cans Around the Oval, visit 
http://www.slice.colostate.edu/cans-around-the-oval.aspx
 or contact Brett Rundle at (970) 491-3579.

09-27-12 *CPW News* BISHOP TO HEAD CPW WILDLIFE BIOLOGY BRANCH…

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Rick Cables has announced the selection of Chad Bishop to serve as Assistant Director for Wildlife and Natural Resources.

In his new role as assistant director, Bishop will oversee the biological units of the agency as well as the units that manage real estate and water resources. Since 2009, Bishop has headed the Mammals Research Program, which includes 18 research projects that address ecology and management of cougar, black bear, elk, mule deer, lynx and other species in the state. Bishop has recently been serving as acting manager of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Terrestrial Section.

“I’ve grown to appreciate Chad’s style and approach to managing people and issues as I’ve watched him over the past few months,” said Rick Cables, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “I’m thrilled to be able to bring Chad onto the Leadership Team and I have great confidence that he will do an outstanding job.”

09-26-12 *CDA News* Bovine Trichomoniasis Update…

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture reminds cattle owners to test their herd for Bovine Trichomoniasis.

·         As of 9/25/2012, there are currently two positive trich locations in two Colorado counties: Las Animas and Pueblo.

·         So far this year, there have been 12 trich cases in eight counties: Conejos, Kit Carson, La Plata, Las Animas, Montezuma, Pueblo, Weld and Yuma.

·         A map detailing trichomoniasis sample submissions by county and the prevalence for trichomoniasis-positive counties can be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.

 

09-24-12 McCook Farm and Ranch Expo…Nov 14-15

McCook, Neb. – With record crop prices the last two years in Southwest Nebraska, Northwest Kansas, & Northeast Colorado, the McCook Farm & Ranch Expo is the place to be. The Expo will return to the Red Willow County Fairgrounds on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 14-15, 2012.

The show opens at 9 a.m. both days and closes at 7 p.m. the first day and 4 p.m. the second. Admission and parking are free.

To kick things off, there will be a free producer’s breakfast at 7:30am on Wednesday November 14th. Come join us for some great food and friendly faces. This event is sponsored by Willow Creek Meats, Archer Petroleum, Hometown Family Radio, Pepsi, Nebraska Bull Service, Kleins Motor Electric, Cappel Sales, DuPont Pioneer-Eugene Koch, Chief Motel, Arickaree Ranch Supply, Grosch Irrigation, Farmers Magazine, CPS, Pearson Livestock Equipment Co., & Schaffert Repair.

09-20-12 CO Governor Hickenlooper, The Denver Post and Viaero Wireless kick off the inaugural Pedal The Plains…

DENVER ­— Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper will join The Denver Post and Viaero Wireless to kick off the inaugural Pedal The Plains at the opening ceremony on Friday in Yuma. Pedal The Plains offers a Gran Fondo, a family fun ride and a three-day bike ride across Colorado’s Eastern Plains.

“Pedal The Plains is the ride for the rest of us to experience and enjoy the great outdoors, recreation, food, entertainment and wide open views,” Hickenlooper said. “We are excited to ride bikes with friends and family over the rolling Colorado plains while visiting some incredible towns.”

The ride across Colorado’s Eastern Plains is a celebration of Colorado cycling culture, combining great rides, delicious eats and close friends. Billed as “a ride for the rest of us,” Pedal The Plains is set in the heart of western agriculture, home of the frontier spirit that inspires all of us to keep pedaling.

The three-day ride will cover between 30 to 100 miles and pass through multiple towns each day, ending in the host communities of Yuma, Wray and Burlington. Riders will pedal between entertainment and festivities, eat meals made with local produce, and stay in accommodations ranging from tents to bed and breakfasts. Participants can enjoy their time off the bicycle seat as much as on it. From pie-eating contests to beer gardens to live music and games, Pedal The Plains has it all.

09-17-12 *WDA News* Pedal The Plains to Highlight Dairy’s Impact On Colorado…

CLICK HERE to learn more about the WDA

Tour will reconnect Coloradans with local family farms

DENVER – September 17, 2012 – The inaugural Pedal The Plains bicycle tour will highlight the impact of Colorado’s dairy farmers on the state’s economy and community when the tour kicks off on September 21, 2012.  Points of interest along the tour will display facts for participants about dairy farmers’ remarkable on-farm efficiency and sustainability.  There will also be a dairy fuel up station at the finish line to help revive participants.  The goal is to reconnect Coloradans with dairy farmers who work daily to provide families with nutritious milk.

Eastern Plains dairy farmers have enjoyed a rich history in the region.  Like all dairy farmers, they are proud to produce high-quality, nutritious milk for Coloradans.  One such family, the Kraft’s of Fort Morgan, has been connected to Colorado dairy for over a century.  Chris and Mary Kraft are driven by innovation on the farm and passion for their cows.  “We have a huge obligation to the community,” says Chris who is a graduate of Colorado State University.  Mary, also a CSU graduate, remembers nights waiting for Chris at house or on a date, “Chris would totally stand me up to take care of a cow.  That’s the kind of guy I want.”

“Dairy farmers are essential to the community and our state’s economy,” said Cynthia S. Haren, president and CEO of Western Dairy Association.  “This is a great opportunity to reconnect residents with our farm families who work tirelessly to produce high-quality, nutritious milk.”

A dairy refuel station at the finish line will highlight milk’s role as nature’s sports drink. Emerging research shows that drinking milk after a workout can be as effective as some sports drinks.  Adding milk to a post-workout plan can have significant benefits because it provides carbohydrates to refuel, high-quality protein to rebuild and electrolytes to rehydrate.

Western Dairy Association’s participation in Pedal The Plains marks a growing partnership between dairy farmers in Colorado and public officials.  Governor John Hickenlooper has publicly proclaimed the “essential” value dairy farms provide to Colorado.  In addition, this year he invited dairy officials for the first time on a major annual trade mission to Mexico.

Dairy farmers supply 70% of the calcium and 18% of the protein in the average American diet.  U.S. dairy farms are located in every state of the nation, and 98% are still family-owned.  Among WDA member farms, 100% are family-owned.  Most of the milk consumed in Colorado is produced and processed on local dairy farms, typically just two days prior to sale.

Colorado farms have helped reduce wasted resources, while remaining among the top 5 most efficient states in the nation for milk production per cow.  Since 1944, the dairy industry uses 90% less cropland, 65% less water, and 63% less carbon.  The dairy industry produces only 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about Pedal The Plains visit www.PedalThePlains.com.

09-12-12 *US Senator Bennet’s Office* Colorado Farmers, Ranchers Rally in Washington for Farm Bill…

Colorado producers Ben Rainbolt (Plateville), Barbara Marty (Strasburg), Jan Kochis (Matheson) and John Ellis (Boulder) rally in support of the Farm Bill at the U.S. Capitol.

Bill Midcap (Fort Morgan) and Ben Rainbolt (Plateville) join farmers and ranchers from across the country at a rally at the U.S. Capitol in support of the Farm Bill.

Washington, DC – Colorado farmers and ranchers joined producers from around the country at a rally at the U.S  Capitol today to call on the House of Representatives to pass the 2012 Farm Bill.  This week Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet met with the farmers, who are facing the worst drought in decades, and joined them in their call for passage of the bill.

“Colorado’s agriculture industry has been a strong economic driver in our state for generations,” Bennet said. “In the midst of a nationwide drought, the best thing we can do for our agricultural community is pass a full five-year Farm Bill.  It will provide tools to deal with the drought and certainty for farmers and ranchers in Colorado, while also helping ensure that landowners and producers can preserve the integrity of their farm and ranchland for future generations.  The Senate passed the bill two months ago with overwhelming bipartisan support.  Now is the time for the House to act.”

Bennet spent much of August traveling across Colorado visiting with farmers and ranchers to see drought conditions firsthand.  He traveled along the Eastern Plains to visit Harman Brothers Farms in Otis, Hirakata Farms in Rocky Ford and Crowley County Ranch. He also toured Bagwell Ranch in the San Luis Valley.

In July, Bennet spoke on the Senate floor to urge the House to take up and pass a full five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. He also sent a letter to House leadership, along with Senator Mark Udall, urging passage the bill, which includes vital resources to assist farmers and ranchers suffering from the drought.

09-06-12 *CDA News* Unique State Program Makes a Big Difference to Colorado Waterways…September 10th

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) took an innovative approach to biological pest control nearly 70 years ago and established the Palisade Insectary; bugs bred at the Insectary are now playing a vital role in tamarisk control along Colorado waterways.

You will have a unique opportunity to see these hearty bugs at work. CDA staff will be examining their progress near Pueblo along the Arkansas River. While the program has seen tremendous progress on Colorado’s Western Slope, the beetles have been relatively unsuccessful along the Arkansas River—until now!

Join us for a look at the bug, the weed, and the river:

09-07-12 *WDA News* Saying Thanks to a Longtime Dairy Industry Leader…Les Hardesty…

Les Hardesty  has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for WDA; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mountain Area Council of Dairy Farmers of America and Chairman of the National Dairy Council. He has also served as a board member on the United States Dairy Export Council and on the National Milk Producers’ Federation for dairy farm families nationwide.

On behalf of the Western Dairy Association (WDA) Board of Directors, we want to say thank you to a long-time leader, friend and mentor of the dairy community.

Last Tuesday was Les Hardesty’s last Board of Directors meeting at WDA.

For more than 18 years, Les has given thousands of selfless hours as an ambassador to the dairy community locally, regionally and nationally. Les has been a dedicated leader, serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors for WDA; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mountain Area Council of Dairy Farmers of America and Chairman of the National Dairy Council. He has also served as a board member on the United States Dairy Export Council and on the National Milk Producers’ Federation for dairy farm families nationwide.

“Les has been a real advocate for dairy, not just in promoting dairy but in protecting the image of dairy and dairy farmers,” says Arley George, Chairman of the Board of Directors of WDA. “We appreciate how thoughtful he has been in dealing with all of the challenging issues dairy has faced and how level-headed he has been in his leadership. He has been a great representative for the entire industry.”

Ron Shelton, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, also credits Les for his leadership and service, stating, “As iron sharpens iron, Les has sharpened the dairy industry both in promotion and marketing.”

WDA President and CEO Cindy Haren says, “Les has been a mentor and friend to many in the dairy industry. I have watched him give generously countless hours as a dairy ambassador locally and nationally. He has always looked out for the best interest of the dairy industry and dairy farmers.”

“He has been a noble leader whose calm demeanor and humility have been paramount as our industry has faced serious economic times,” she adds. “His positive spirit has been a perpetual reminder to those of us who have had the honor of working with him to better our lives and to stay dedicated to our roles in strengthening the dairy industry.”

Les, and his wife Sherrill, have owned and operated Painted Prairie, a dairy farm in Weld County, for more than 29 years. Throughout the years, they, along with their three children, have graciously opened their home to many of us and have shared their lives as dairy farmers, consistently showcasing a well-run farm with great animal care.

We are appreciative of the time and service Les has given not just to WDA, but to the dairy community and beyond.

We hope you will join us in thanking Les and wishing him well. WDA and the Mountain Area Council of DFA will co-host a reception in Les’ honor in the near future. Date/time and location are still to be determined. In the meantime, we invite you to send a card or letter of thanks to Les and his family. All well wishes received will be presented to Les at his reception. Please send cards and letters no later than October 1 to: Cindy Haren, Western Dairy Association, 12000 Washington Street, Suite 175, Thornton, CO 80241.

Again, we offer a heartfelt thank you to Les for your dedication and leadership throughout the years. We wish you all the best.

To learn more about the Western Dairy Association – CLICK HERE

09-05-12 CPW HIRING FOR WILDLIFE OFFICER TRAINING CLASS…

DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife has opened the application process for the next training class of district wildlife managers. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Sept. 17.

District Wildlife Managers are multipurpose wildlife professionals and the foundation of our wildlife management system. The wildlife manager’s role includes law enforcement, resource management, public education and applying biological expertise to benefit wildlife and people. This entry-level position is open to recent college graduates with a background in wildlife management, biology or closely related field. Applications are also accepted from existing, experienced natural resource professionals seeking a career change.

Trainees undergo a nearly year-long training process that includes Colorado law enforcement certification through a police academy, field training in wildlife-handling procedures, training in the proper use of ATVs, snowmobiles and boats as well as defensive driving, and much, much more. Following successful completion of all training elements, district wildlife managers are assigned to one of 135 districts around the state of Colorado.

The district wildlife manager job is rugged, outdoors, fun and rewarding. The application process is rigorous and competitive.

For a full list of requirements, more information about the job and to apply, see the listing for “District Wildlife Manager” on the official Colorado state jobs website or search the site at
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/colorado
.

Applications for full-time and seasonal ranger positions in Colorado’s state parks are generally accepted in the spring.

09-04-12 *CPW News* 4TH SEASON DATE: HIGH-QUALITY HUNTS IN MEEKER

MEEKER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Miller Creek Ranch in Meeker are offering big-game hunters an opportunity to apply for a limited number of private property, high-quality elk and mule deer hunts beginning Nov. 3.

Interested hunters must submit a written application by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012 to:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Meeker Office
Attn: Bailey Franklin/Special Miller Creek Ranch Hunts
PO Box 1181, Meeker CO 81641

The application can be found at:
http://parks.state.co.us/SiteCollectionImages/parks/Misc/MeekerHuntApplication.pdf

Nine hunts will be available to hunters who have already drawn limited deer and elk licenses for Game Management Unit 23 during the 2012 big game hunting seasons. In addition, one public bull elk hunt will be available to any big game hunter that plans to purchase an unlimited, over-the-counter bull elk license for the third rifle season in 2012.

“This is a rare, high-quality private land hunting experience,” said District Wildlife Manager Bailey Franklin. “We encourage sportsmen to take advantage of this chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.”

The unique opportunity developed through a working relationship between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Miller Creek Ranch landowner Richard Bachmann.

09-04-12 Pumpkin Patch Field Trips – Tigges Farm, Greeley, CO…

CLICK HERE to learn more about Tigges Farm…

Many Daycares and Elementary school classes have made Tigges Farm, located at 12404 WCR 64 ½, Greeley, CO, an Annual Field Trip to visit the Pumpkin Patch.   Once again you can schedule a field trip for your child daycare or adult daycare weekdays from October 1st to Oct 31^st by calling 970-686-7225.   Reservations are required to qualify for the discount given to the above groups if there are eight or more.    For more information, visit www.TiggesFarm.com.  Or schedule your middle, high school or college art or photography class.  The opportunities to sketch or shoot photos are endless.

The pumpkin patch is scheduled to open the last weekend of September and it looks like the pumpkins are doing their job and getting big and starting to show their fall colors and will be ready “on time,” according to Kathy Rickart, co-manager of Tigges Farm, LLC.

Child daycares and elementary classes are given Pumpkin Patch pickin’ rules, read a  pumpkin patch story and told how to measure their you-pick-it pumpkin.  Children can also see some of the old farm equipment used to farm years ago as the farm equipment museum is along the path to the pumpkin patch.   If so desired teachers can request in advance an electronic copy of scavenger hunts to use as a classroom activity while at the farm.

Don’t forget, this is a working farm and there is a produce stand with fresh produce to purchase so invite Moms and Dads to chaperone and then stock up on farm fresh food for the table.  Not sure how to cook up farm fresh food, then check out the cookbooks available too.  Call Tigges Farm at 970-371-2076 or Kathy at 970-576-8970 between 10am and 6pm to schedule your group.