03-16-17 US Senator Bennet Applauds EPA’s Decision to Reimburse for Gold King Mine Cleanup

Bennet Applauds EPA’s Decision to Reimburse for Gold King Mine Cleanup

EPA awarding additional reimbursements based on Bennet’s legislation

ALAMOSA, CO – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded additional reimbursements for response costs related to the Gold King Mine cleanup.

“The EPA’s decision to award additional funds means a great deal to our communities,” Bennet said. “This money will allow Coloradans to continue recovering from the spill, and shift their focus to working with the EPA through the Superfund process to clean up the Upper Animas River watershed. We will continue to fight budget cuts to the EPA that would hinder the vital recovery and cleanup effort, while pushing the EPA to provide the remaining reimbursements to make Southwest Colorado communities whole again.”

03-16-17 US Senator Bennet: Trump’s Budget Would Hurt Our Rural Communities

Bennet: Trump’s Budget Would Hurt Our Rural Communities

ALAMOSA, CO – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today released the following statement on President Trump’s federal budget blueprint, which would have devastating effects on Colorado’s rural communities.

“The President’s budget proposal would hurt Colorado’s rural communities,” Bennet said. “The plan does nothing to help our struggling farm economy. Instead, it cuts USDA staff, eliminates infrastructure and transportation initiatives, and handcuffs the budgets of agencies that manage our public lands and keep our air and water clean. This plan just further proves that the Administration is completely out of touch with the challenges across America.”

Among the proposed cuts that will affect Colorado’s rural communities, President Trump’s budget would:

03-16-17 US Senator Gardner Announces EPA Payments to Colorado Communities Impacted by Gold King Mine Spill

US Senator Gardner Announces EPA Payments to Colorado Communities Impacted by Gold King Mine Spill

Washington, DC – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) announced today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding a total of $54,275.40 to Colorado entities “for payroll, fringe, travel and indirect costs” associated with the Gold King Mine spill. According to the EPA, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe will receive $812.49, the city of Durango will receive $1,072.63, the San Juan Basin Health Department will receive $13,611.22, and La Plata County will receive $38,779.06. 

03-16-17 Inside the BARN with Colorado Ag Commissioner Don Brown…

(BARN Media – Briggsdale, CO) March 16, 2017 – Joining the Colorado Ag News Network inside the BARN is Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown discussing several topics including:

• NE CO Wildfire Update
• President Trump’s Budget Plan includes big cuts to USDA
• Confirmation needed of nomination of Sonny Perdue to USDA Secretary
• Farm Bill Listening Sessions w/Senator Bennet
• Ag land & Ag Water Survey Results
• Invitations to CO Senate Ag & House Ag Committee to hold Meetings @ CDA Offices in Broomfield
• Nat Ag Week & Ag Day at the Capitol
• and MORE

To listen to the interview with Colorado Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown, click below…

031617_CDA-DonBrown_11m51s

ABOUT CDA

03-16-17 Inside FSA-CO w/Acting Director Jenny Peterson: NE CO Wildfire Update…

Inside FSA-CO w/Acting Director Jenny Peterson: NE CO Wildfire Update…

(The BARN – Briggsdale, CO) March 16, 2017 – In with important information for those producers impacted by the wildfires in NE Colorado the week of March 6th is Jenney Peterson, acting Director of the Farm Service Agency here in Colorado. Topics include:

• What USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs are currently available to producers impacted by wildfires like: Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP); Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP); Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP); HayNet hay and pasture availability resource
• Will there be additional program assistance in the future?
• Is there a timeline or other important requirements for applying for these programs?
• When applying for disaster assistance benefits, what livestock and/or feed loss documentation should producers be prepared to provide?
• Any additional information producers need to know regarding FSA disaster assistance programs?
• & more

031617_USDA-FSA-CO-JennyPeterson_8m5s

Learn more online @ https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Colorado/ or visityour local county FSA Office as soon as possible.

03-16-17 NAWG: Wheat Farmers and Researchers Hit the Hill during National Ag Week

Wheat Farmers and Researchers Hit the Hill Next Week

Next week, March 20-21, representatives from the National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) will meet with wheat industry stakeholders and federal congressional members during its annual Washington, DC Fly-In.  The goal of the NWIC is to maintain an adequate wheat supply for the country and insure the United States is a reliable source of premier quality wheat on the world market.  The NWIC members are tasked with keeping its stakeholders and congressional offices updated on wheat research efforts and to raise awareness on current and future issues that affect the production and sale of wheat in foreign and domestic markets.  The NWIC is comprised of 24 members representing regional public and private sector researchers, growers and the food processing industry.  

03-16-17 NAWG Voices Support for Additional Financial Resources to Develop Next Farm Bill

NAWG Voices Support for Additional Financial Resources to Develop Next Farm Bill

NAWG joined 16 agriculture organizations in voicing support for sufficient financial resources to write the next Farm Bill. A joint letter was sent to House and Senate leaders of the Budget and Appropriations Committees and echoes the sentiments of the House Agriculture Committee’s annual budget and views and estimates letter to the House Budget Committee. Stressing the financial pressures on farmers, low commodity prices and high costs of production, the groups support writing the 2018 Farm Bill based on the clear need for a stronger farm safety net and more resources for key priorities.  The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are in the process of reviewing the 2014 Farm Bill through a series of hearings, the first step in the development of the 2018 Farm Bill. NAWG will be fully engaged with the Agriculture, Appropriations and Budget Committees during the Farm Bill development process to ensure that wheat grower policy interests are clearly articulated and growers are well represented throughout the discussions.  

03-16-17 NAWG Expresses Concern about President’s Budget Proposal

NAWG Expresses Concern about President’s Budget Proposal

On Thursday, March 16th, President Donald Trump issued his first budget proposal, covering Fiscal Year 2018, “America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again.”  After reviewing the budget document, NAWG President David Schemm, a wheat grower from Sharon Springs, Kansas issued the following statement:

“While we’re pleased that this budget outline doesn’t include any cuts to crop insurance or Title 1 farm programs, we are very concerned about the impact that the deep discretionary cuts, particularly at USDA, will have on wheat farmers across the country,” said Schemm.  “Many of the proposals in the budget blueprint would have an outsized impact on rural America, particularly the possible cuts to agricultural research and to USDA county offices. Given the rough economic conditions and perpetual low prices, now is not the time to make such drastic cuts.”

03-16-17 CSU SEA Extension: Four Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

 

Four Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

By: Kaye Kasza, CSU Extension Agent, Kaye.kasza@colostate.edu or 719-456-0764

Are you looking forward to getting a tax refund?  A tax refund is a welcome bonus!  Whether it is $300 or $3,000, the way you use that money can have a real impact on your personal and financial well-being.  Want a new computer?  Newer car?  Bigger flat screen TV?  According to Extension Agent Kaye Kasza, these four ideas are better for your financial well-being:

03-16-17 USDA NASS Price Reactions After USDA Livestock Reports

USDA NASS Price Reactions After USDA Livestock Reports

This report contains price reactions to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Cattle on Feed, Quarterly Hogs and Pigs, and Milk Production reports. The USDA Cattle on Feed report is released monthly and publishes on-feed inventory, fed cattle marketings, and feeder cattle placements. Annual average price reactions to the Cattle on Feed reports are provided in this publication using prices data from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News reports. The USDA Quarterly Hogs and Pigs reports are published each year in March, June, September, and December and provide data on hog and pig inventory, sows farrowing, pig crop estimates, and 3-month and 6-month farrowing intentions. Annual average price reactions to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs reports are provided in this publication using prices data from the AMS Market News reports. The AMS prices used in this report for cattle and hogs represent sales from producers to first buyers at major markets. The price reaction to the Cattle on Feed and Quarterly Hogs and Pigs reports is indicated by the difference between the price the week prior and the week after each report. The Milk Production report is released monthly and provides data on the number of milk cows, milk per cow and total milk production for the 23 major milk producing States. Dairy products price reactions to the USDA Milk Production reports are also provided in this publication. The butter and cheddar cheese prices in this publication are based on the daily cash settlement prices reported by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Weekly average prices are computed for the week before and the week after the release of each Milk Production report.

For state specific questions please contact:

03-16-17 Colorado Farm Bureau Continues as the Voice of Agriculture

Colorado Farm Bureau Continues as the Voice of Agriculture

Centennial, Colo. –  March 16, 2017 – As the 2017 Colorado Legislative Session passes the midway mark, Colorado Farm Bureau is working diligently with legislators and industry groups representing Colorado’s farmers and ranchers.

“Colorado Farm Bureau has reviewed every one of the nearly 462 bills that have been introduced,” said Don Shawcroft, president of Colorado Farm Bureau. “We have taken positions on nearly 40 bills, many dealing with water. We continue to stand firm in protecting the Colorado Prior Appropriation Doctrine and continue to make our voice heard on all water legislation throughout the 2017 Legislative Session.”

03-16-17 Colorado Weekly Hay Report…

CLICK HERE to learn more about Hall & Hall Auctions

GL_GR310
Greeley, CO    Thu Mar 16, 2017    USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News

Colorado Hay Report

Compared to last week, prices were mostly steady with activity light and
demand high in all classes.  Many producers are sold out of last yearÂ’s crop
lending to the light demand seen.  Producers feel optimistic about the outlook
on new crop prices because of the dwindling supplies of old crop.  Many
producers are shipping any spare hay stocks down to the areas most affected by
the recent wildfires.  The USDA NRCS National Water and Climate CenterÂ’s
Colorado SNOTEL Snow/Precipitation Update Report for Thursday, March 16, 2017
has the Gunnison River Basin Snow Water Equivalent at 139%, the Upper Colorado
River basin at 128%, the South Platte River Basin at 116%, the Laramie and North
Platte River Basins at 120%, the Yampa and White River Basins at 114%, the
Arkansas River Basin at 117%, the Upper Rio Grande Basin at 129% and the San
Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan River Basins at 138% as a percent of the
median of all SNOTEL sites in each basin compared to previous years.  According
to the United State Drought Monitor, warmer than normal temperatures dominated
the region, with departures of up to 5 degrees common.  Precipitation was
greatest over the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains as snow
continued to accumulate in the higher elevations.  In Colorado, severe drought
was added in the north while moderate drought expanded in the southeast.  It has
been very dry on the plains, and conditions will need to be watched closely in
the near term.  All prices reported are FOB at the stack or barn unless
otherwise noted.  Prices reflect load lots of hay.  If you have hay for sale or
need hay, use the services of the Colorado Department of Agriculture website:
http://www.coloradoagriculture.com.

Northeast Colorado Areas
Alfalfa
Small Squares: Supreme 300.00 (10.00 per bale), small lot.
Round Bales: Good 100.00.
Alfalfa/Grass Mix
Large Squares: Good 125.00.
Grass
Large Squares: Premium 185.00.
Small Squares: Premium 245.00-250.00 (7.00-8.00 per bale), small lot.
Oat
Large Squares: Good 75.00.
No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas

03-16-17 NACD EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET

NACD EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT IN PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 – The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is extremely disappointed that President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget request includes a 21 percent cut to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many of USDA’s voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are crucial to promoting the wise and responsible use of natural resources in this country.

“Without USDA conservation programs, America’s farmers, ranchers, and communities won’t have the resources or assistance they need to keep our soils healthy, our water clean, and our wildlife abundant,” said NACD President Brent Van Dyke. “We look forward to the president releasing a more thorough budget in the coming weeks and will continue to work with Congress to ensure strong funding.”

03-16-17 President Trump Requests $11.6 Billion for Interior Department’s FY 2018 Budget

President Trump Requests $11.6 Billion for Interior Department’s FY 2018 Budget

Budget Blueprint Furthers the Administration’s Strong Support for Responsible Energy Development on Federal Lands, Protects and Conserves America’s Public Lands, and Fulfills DOI’s Trust Responsibilities

US Dept Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced President Trump’s $11.6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget blueprint request for the Department of the Interior. The budget meets the Department’s core mission while also saving taxpayers $1.5 billion or 12 percent reduction from the FY 2017 Annualized Continuing Resolution level.

The President’s budget blueprint prioritizes strengthening America’s energy security by increasing funding for programs that support responsible development of oil, natural gas, coal, and renewable energy on public lands and offshore waters. The blueprint also sustains funding for DOI’s collection and disbursement of roughly $10 billion annually for mineral development, an important source of revenue to the Treasury, states, and Indian mineral owners.

03-16-17 USDA Publishes 2017 Sunset Review Notice

USDA Publishes 2017 Sunset Review Notice

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is announcing the renewal of 187 substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) to conclude the 2017 Sunset Review. The new sunset date for these substances is March 15, 2022. These substances are used in organic crop and livestock production and organic handling/processing. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a Federal Advisory Committee, has reviewed these substances and supports their continued inclusion on the National List.

03-16-17 ACE applauds ASTM standard for high-octane fuel use

ACE applauds ASTM standard for high-octane fuel use

Sioux Falls, SD (March 16, 2017) – The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) welcomes a recently published ASTM International standard, which creates a broadly accepted specification for high-octane fuel that could help not only drive innovation in the auto industry, as cars with higher performance engines are introduced into the global marketplace, but growth within the ethanol industry, as these engines can utilize ethanol’s powerful octane boost with fuel blends between 25 and 40 percent.

This new standard (D8076-17, Specification for 100 Research Octane Number Test Fuel for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines) follows a year-long joint effort by the U.S. Department of Energy, engine manufacturers, agricultural supporters and others who contributed to ASTM International and the committee that developed the standard, Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants.

03-16-17 U.S. Dairy Leaders Promise Steadfast Commitment to Mexico

U.S. Dairy Leaders Promise Steadfast Commitment to Mexico

MEXICO CITY –The leaders of three major U.S. dairy organizations Wednesday promised to continue a strong commitment to their time-tested partnership with Mexico’s dairy industry and consumers.

“We have always seen Mexico as a partner first and a customer second,” U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) President and CEO Tom Vilsack told Mexican dairy leaders attending the National Dairy Forum in Mexico City. “That’s why we intend to continue working with you and your industry to expand the consumption of dairy products in a way that benefits both countries.”

“Mexico is our friend, ally and most important trading partner,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “Our goal this week in visiting Mexico is to communicate our steadfast commitment to our partnership with the Mexican industry, even as we continue to explore ways to deepen that relationship by working on issues of mutual benefit.”

“The United States proudly provides the majority of imported dairy products to Mexican consumers,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, which represents dairy food companies and their suppliers. “We strongly believe that it’s in the best interest of both countries to preserve and enhance our excellent trade relationship, now and in the future.”

03-16-17 Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Association’s 148th Annual Festivities in Lamar on April 1st…

LA JUNTA –The Bent-Prowers Cattle & Horse Growers Association donated $1,000 to the Northeast Colorado Fire Disaster Fund during its March board meeting. The disaster funds were an opportunity for local ranchers to help their fellow ranchers in Phillips and Logan counties needing assistance with fire recovery.

The six-county board also voted to nominate Curtis Russell of Sugar City for Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Southeast Colorado Quarter representative. Current rep Bill Hancock of Rocky Ford has declined to seek another term.

Board members put the finishing touches on annual festivities. Bent-Prowers, which is one of the West’s oldest livestock organizations, is named for the original two counties later subdivided in Southeast Colorado.

Ranchers & horsemen will mark the association’s 148^th year with educational programs, its annual meeting, auction, banquet and cowboy ball all on Saturday, April 1 at the Elk’s Lodge, 28157 South US Hwy 287 in Lamar.

03-16-17 NFU: President’s Budget Shuns Rural America with Deep Cuts to Agriculture, Programs Serving Rural America

NFU: President’s Budget Shuns Rural America with Deep Cuts to Agriculture, Programs Serving Rural America

WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump issued his fiscal year 2018 federal budget blueprint today, calling for a drastic reduction in spending on agriculture and rural related agencies and programs. Lamenting further cuts being proposed for agriculture, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement:

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News for Thursday, March 16th…

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

Sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation

READ the NAFB’s National Ag News for Thursday, March 16th…

Federal Reserve Makes Expected Interest Rate Increase

The U.S. Federal Reserve has again elected to move forward with interest rate increases following a meeting Wednesday. Widely expected, the decision raises the Fed’s benchmark rate to a range between 0.75 percent and one percent. The Fed attributed the change to a continued “moderate pace” of the U.S. economy. For agriculture, a Department of Agriculture economist has previously said interest rate increases mean more of the same for the farm economy, which is slumping amid low commodity prices. The increase will likely impact loans for big-ticket items, such as farm equipment or land purchases, as well as the prime rate, which is the base borrowing rate banks extend to their customers. The rate hike will increase the upward pressure on interest rates that consumers pay overall, but the immediate effect is likely to be modest, according to the New York Times.

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Group Urges Trump to Protect Crop Insurance

A coalition of agriculture groups is urging President Donald Trump and federal lawmakers to protect crop insurance. 60 national farm, lending, ag input, conservation and crop insurance organizations, led by the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, sent a letter to the administration and lawmakers opposing cuts to crop insurance during the upcoming budget and appropriations processes and in the 2018 farm bill. The letter called the 2014 farm bill a “careful balance of priorities” that “should not be reopened.” The groups say any cuts in the next farm bill should be avoided as well, because of the downtrend in the agriculture economy and it’s impact on farmers. The letter was sent to President Donald Trump, House and Senate lawmakers, and Agriculture Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue.

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Low Pathogen Bird Flu Suspected in Alabama

Low pathogenic avian influenza was reported this week at three northern Alabama sites, after being found recently at two farms in Tennessee, and another in Wisconsin. State officials from Alabama say more chickens have been culled to contain the virus, once it is confirmed. Test results were expected back from the Agriculture Department Thursday. The cases in Alabama are suspected to be the less dangerous form of the bird flu, known as low pathogenic, because the infected flocks did not have high levels of mortality, according to Reuters. An Alabama agriculture official said the cases were found in a commercial breeding facility and a backyard flock. Poultry is the top produced agricultural product in Alabama, which is home to some 5,600 poultry farms. The flocks were within close proximity to a farm in neighboring Tennessee where the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed high pathogenic avian influenza earlier this month. That remains the only confirmed outbreak of HPAI in the United States this year.

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Ethanol Group Applauds Recall of Fuel Economy Rules

The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed a move by the Trump administration regarding fuel economy regulations. The White House this week recalled the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal fuel economy and emissions rules that stem from the Obama administration. The recall allows for a data-driven review of the 2022-2025 standards. RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says the actions “allow the opportunity for EPA to slow down, remove politics from the process, and take a more comprehensive approach to fuel economy standards.” The Obama-era rules were aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions, and was an action against climate change by the former President. Put forth in 2012, the rules would have required automakers to nearly double the average fuel economy of new cars and trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, forcing automakers to speed development of highly fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrid and electric cars.

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Senate Homeland Security Committee Passes Agro-Terrorism Bill

The Senate Homeland Security Committee has passed an agroterrorism bill to the full Senate for debate. The Securing our Agriculture and Food Act, introduced by Kansas Republican Pat Roberts and Missouri Democrat Claire McCaskill, requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to lead the government’s efforts to secure our nation’s food, agriculture and veterinary systems against terrorism and high-risk events. The bill also authorizes the secretary to collaborate with other agencies, to ensure food, agriculture and animal and human health sectors are integrated into the Department of Homeland Security’s domestic preparedness policy initiatives. McCaskill says of the bill: “Congress needs to think forward about the wide array of threats we face and take action before there’s a tragedy, not afterwards,” when it comes to threats to agriculture. The bill was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Iowa Republican David Young and New Jersey Democrat Dan Donovan.

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Commodity Classic Attendance Second Highest Ever

Despite challenging times in the farm economy, thousands of growers and agricultural advocates attended the 2017 Commodity Classic. Total attendance for the event held earlier this month in San Antonio, Texas, was 9,303, the second-largest total in event history, second only to the 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans. Growers represented 4,102 of that total. 920 attendees were at Commodity Classic for the first time. National Corn Growers Association Commodity Classic Co-Chair Kevin Ross, a farmer from Iowa, says the attendance demonstrates “the enthusiasm America’s farmers have for continuous learning and improvement.” The trade show featured 425 participating companies, including 83 first-time exhibitors. These exhibitors filled 2,266 booth spaces. The 23rd annual Commodity Classic will take place February 27th-March first, 2018, in Anaheim, California. 

SOURCE: NAFB News Service