25x’25 Vision within Reach

The bold vision created by a renewable energy advocacy coalition calling for 25x’25 is becoming a reality.  A new report titled, “Meeting the 25x’25 Goal: A Progress Report,” shows that between 2004 and 2009, renewable energy produced in the U.S. increased by 23 percent. In May of 2009, 11.5% of all energy produced in the U.S. came from renewable sources, a record for the clean energy sector. Those numbers and the influence of the vision don’t appear to be shrinking.

The report summarizes the role several energy sources will play in the future including: biofuels, biodiesel, biogas, biopower, wind, solar, geothermal and hydro.The report also comments on the numerous constraints to progress: policy constraints, insufficient infrastructure and variances in biofuels blending are just a few named differences.

“The 25x’25 progress report demonstrates the tremendous progress that has been made by the renewable fuel sector to create a cleaner, more energy independent nation,” Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, told EPM.

Formed in 2004, the 25×25 alliance initially aimed at meeting 25 percent of the nation’s energy needs with renewable energy by 2025.

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USDA to Provide Emergency Assistance to Producers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that disaster assistance will be issued starting today to livestock, honeybee and farm-raised fish producers that suffered losses in 2008 because of disease, adverse weather or other conditions. The aid will come from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).

“American farmers, ranchers and producers should have protection from market disruptions and disasters,” Vilsack said. “The assistance announced today will be particularly helpful to beekeepers whose bees suffered from Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and will also assist other producers facing economic challenges.”

Feds Propose Listing Plover as Threatened

A young mountain plover in Bent County, CO. CFB and other ag organizations worked with the FWS in 2005 to determine the health of the continental plover population. As a result of the work CFB was awarded the Department of the Interior's Conservation Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Department.

Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the mountain plover as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Citing agriculture, oil and gas, and other alleged threats, a listing would affect activities in Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Parts of northeastern Utah, Western Kansas, northeastern Arizona and northwestern Texas could also be affected.

The proposed listing is a slap in the face to ongoing conservation efforts and partnerships between  Colorado agriculture and environmental groups and government agencies like the FWS and Department of the Interior. Increased collaboration between the parties has provided a wealth of information about the birds numbers, and has increased protections for the species through voluntary changes in grazing and tilling.

The FWS also intends to throw out proposed regulatory exemptions (in the form of a 4(d) Rule) for farming and ranching activities. Without common sense exemptions, farmers and ranchers across eastern Colorado would be shut down by the listing of the plover under the ESA.

Wheat Harvest Well Underway

The Colorado winter wheat harvest was approximately 8 percent complete by Monday, June 28, as estimated by USDA.  Home to more than thirteen different wheat varieties, Colorado’s wheat harvest is an excellent example of diversity and progress.

The harvest was 3 percent complete at this time in 2009, and the five-year average for this date is 12 percent complete. The wheat harvest is focused in Baca, Prowers, Kiowa, and Cheyenne counties, with harvest in Cheyenne and Kiowa counties just beginning.

Vegan Nutritionist Tours Colorado Feedyard

Ryan Andrews, a self-proclaimed “nutrition stud,” vegan, nationally ranked bodybuilder and registered dietitian, recently blogged about visiting a cattle feedlot, Magnum Feedyard in Colorado. Andrews met owner Steve Gabel and was given an exclusive tour of the feedyard. His lengthy blog entry includes extensive descriptions of different types of feed rations in addition to observations from a non-farmers’ perspective on how the cattle are cared for and housed.

Although he blogged that he has no plans to start eating meat again, Andrews also wrote, “If my experience at Magnum is representative of other cattle farms, all those accounts of the dismal, depressing, disastrous cattle conditions seem to be exaggerated.” He wrapped up his narrative about the visit this way: “They’re producing safe and cost-effective meat in, arguably, the most cattle-conscious way (short of opening up those pens and letting them run free). Rock on Magnum.”

(image: ryanandrews)

EBT Machines at Farmers’ Markets Accept SNAP Benefits

A new handbook released by the Agriculture Department provides guidance to managers of farmers’ markets on installing Electronic Benefits Transfer machines and accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. A record number of Americans now receive SNAP benefits. At the same time, the number of farmers’ markets participating in the SNAP program has increased.

USDA anticipates that helping SNAP recipients buy fresh produce from farmers’ markets and farm stands will boost revenue for local producers. The handbook covers nut-and-bolts issues such as installation of EBT machines and tactics to ensure the program is a success for both farmers’ market vendors and customers.

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Sensorship Threatens Agriculture Advocates

What makes a video inappropriate?  It’s like the old quote from a former senator about pornography, “I know it when I see it.”  Apparently that’s what employees at YouTube thought about video of hogs living on Chris Chinn’s Missouri farm, when they flagged the video as inappropriate for anyone under 18 and could only be viewed by adults who are YouTube members.

Alternative Energy Plans Tangled in “Green Tape”

Clean energy is an upfront topic on many politicians’ lists. Ambitious production goals for alternative energy flood political news and are on the forefront of campaign platforms. Colorado’s own lawmakers upped the state’s goal for renewable energy to 30 percent by 2020 and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff promises 50 percent by 2030. But when action begins, clean energy is met with a slew of passionate resistance founded in green and personal livelihood concerns.

Telluride is the location for a proposed new uranium mill. Not only does the mill follow the alternative energy push, it would provide new jobs and possibly resuscitation of neighboring towns. Yet, the proposal doesn’t sound so sweet to some neighbors and green advocates.

Supreme Court Reaffirms Right to Bear Arms

The Supreme Court ruled Yesterday the second amendment’s guarantee of an individual’s right to bear arms applies to state and local gun control laws. The 5-to-4 decision is a reaffirmation to all citizens of their basic rights.

Although the ruling does not outline what kind of laws would offend the Constitution or oppose any gun-control laws, gun rights advocates are still pleased. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. commented the right to self defense is fundamental: “It is clear that the Framers . . . counted the right to keep and bear arms among those fundamental rights necessary to our system of ordered liberty.”

The ruling is a move in the right direction by Farm Bureau policy too. Believing firmly in the right to bear arms, the Farm Bureau strongly supports the guarantee of the Constitution’s Second Amendment. The ruling is an enormous symbolic victory for these basic rights.

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FDA Releases New Guidence on Antibiotic use in Livestock

The Food & Drug Administration released a draft guidance document this morning laying out new policy goals for the use of antimicrobials in livestock production. This new document could mean greater health risks and higher costs for meat animal producers.

According to the National Pork Producers Council, the guidance could cause costly review or elimination of previously approved animal-health products. Disturbingly, the NPPC also reports that their appears to be no science by which the FDA based the guidance.

Today’s draft guidance outlines the FDA’s current thinking on strategies to assure that antimicrobial drugs that are important for therapeutic use in humans are used judiciously in animal agriculture. The FDA acknowledges current veterinary and animal producer organizations’ efforts to implement guidance on the use of antimicrobial drugs; however, the agency believes more needs to be done.

Washington Recap

House Floor:

H.R. 5569-To extend the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program- H.R. 5569 would provide a temporary extension of the National Flood Insurance Program through September 30, 2010.  The reauthorization would be retroactive to May 31, 2010, and the bill would reduce the program’s borrowing authority by $50 million.

House Committees:

Beef Board Recommends Separating Federation from NCBA

Via The BARN…

The Federation of State Beef Councils would continue to be a strong checkoff entity but would be free from the influence of any policy organization if it were a separate entity from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. That’s the conclusion of a recommendation from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) Executive Committee this week.

Acting on a request from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the CBB Executive Committee on June 22 unanimously approved a motion recommending separation of the Federation and NCBA.

2010 American Farm Bureau Public Relations Winners

Public relations and communications professionals from state Farm Bureaus received national recognition last week at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Conference in Madison, Wis.

Each year, state Farm Bureau staff members submit their organizations’ best work for national recognition at the AFBF conference. This year, 34 states submitted 284 entries.

CFB’s Shawn Martini won the “Best Internet Feature” award for the second year in a row, beating out states such as Ohio for his work on The Pulse communications site. He previously won the award in 2009 for his twitter feed, @agripundit

“These individuals embody public relations innovation and excellence,” said Don Lipton, AFBF director of public relations. “They creatively amplify the continuing efforts of farmers and ranchers to tell the story of agriculture.”

The complete list of winners can be found online.

Public relations and communications professionals from state Farm Bureaus received national recognition this week at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Conference in Madison, Wis.

Each year, state Farm Bureau staff members submit their organizations’ best work for national recognition at the AFBF conference. This year, 34 states submitted 284 entries.

Virginia earned the Dave Lane Award for Media Relations Excellence for states with 80,000 or more members. In the under 80,000 category, Pennsylvania won the award for the second consecutive year. The Dave Lane award recognizes the state public relations staff that does the best job of building and maintaining working relationships with members of the news media. The award is presented in honor of Dave Lane, former AFBF director of media relations.

“These individuals embody public relations innovation and excellence,” said Don Lipton, AFBF director of public relations. “They creatively amplify the continuing efforts of farmers and ranchers to tell the story of agriculture.”

The complete list of winners can be found online.

Lucas, Others Seek Hearings on Commitment to Clean Water Act

Republican Reps. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, Sam Graves of Missouri and Doc Hastings of Washington, the co-chairs of the Rural American Solutions Group, wrote to the chairs of four House committees on Tuesday seeking hearings on America’s Commitment to the Clean Water Act.

This bill greatly expands the scope of the Clean Water Act by removing the word “navigable” from its current definition. As a result, every body of water—from farmers’ irrigation canals, to streams, small ponds and backyard mud puddles—could suddenly be subjected to sweeping new federal regulations and permitting. This vast expansion of government authority would threaten jobs, increase costs for farmers and small businesses, and impact local water storage and delivery systems.

Ethanol and Biofuels Capture Headlines

USDA research shows corn ethanol is showing a better energy balance mainly because of increased efficiencies in growing corn, but also because of improvements in the distilleries.

The USDA report, 2008 Energy Balance for the Corn Ethanol Industry, reveals that corn ethanol supplies twice the amount of energy it takes to produce the fuel.

With such positive reports, its no wonder Senators are asking for action. Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, John Thune of South Dakota, Mike Johanns of Nebraska and Kit Bond of Missouri are pressing President Barack Obama on his administration’s decision to further delay the entry of E15 blends of gasoline into the market. The senators asked the president for prompt action on the waiver petition and immediate consideration of an interim blend of E12.

California Passes New Imported Egg Bill

California restaurants and supermarkets will be required to import only eggs produced in compliance with the 2008 ballot measure Proposition 2, or Prop 2, according to legislation that has now passed the California General Assembly and is heading to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature.

Prop 2 requires that hens have sufficient space to sit down, stand up, turn around and extend their wings without touching an enclosure, which effectively makes conventional cage production systems in California illegal when the law takes effect in 2015. The measure passed with two-thirds of the vote and is already driving egg producers out of California.

Many speculated that California, already an egg-deficit state, simply would import eggs produced in cage operations elsewhere in the country, but assembly member Jared Huffman introduced AB 1437, which requires buyers to make sure imported eggs meet Prop 2 standards. Violations would carry fines of up to $1,000 and jail terms of up to 180 days, according to the bill.

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Colorado Takes Stance on Noxious Weed Control

Choking river banks from California to Texas, the tamarisk, or saltcedar, is a noxious and invasive tree. Colorado has not been left out of this weed’s invasion. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has adopted a policy of insectary combined with willow restoration to fight the invasion.

Recently however, the United States Department of Agriculture ended its involvement in the program reducing the invasive alien tree species. Fearing the destruction of the noxious, invasive tree through the use of the saltcedar leaf beetle, would destroy the habitat for an endangered bird species, the USDA has quietly resigned its role in the removal program.

Colorado is not convinced of the USDA’s approach to completely pull out of the program. Dan Bean, the director of the pest control program for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, believes Colorado’s approach of insectary and willow restoration works well to eliminate the invasive tree and provide new habitat for the endangered bird, the Flycatcher.

Mr. Bean notes that Flycatcher domain will be avoided and he said, “but to say no more beetles anywhere would be irresponsible.”

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Extreme CAUTION Urged in Farm Hiring Practices

Producers are urged to be extremely cautious when hiring farm employees. The animal agriculture industry is under attack by extremists and animal rights activist. Several of the latest undercover activist videos released to the public are the handy-work of undercover activists.

While good welfare and following industry standards on animal handling is the best defense, producers should also be cautious of these undercover “investigators. The Animal Agriculture Alliance has identified several “investigators” posing as regular farm employees.

Waiting weeks and even months, these “investigators” take highly edited video clips and release them to the public when the most politically opportune time arises. Preying on the publics’ emotions, the video clips’ authenticity is often neglected and producers are immediately blamed for “unacceptable practices.”

Producers can protect themselves through high standards of animal welfare; but also through keeping an eye out for the undercover “investigators.” The Animal Agriculture Alliance has identified several behaviors common to undercover employees.

NISP Rally Scheduled

The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) has scheduled a rally for all supporters of NISP. Thursday, July 15 farmers, residents and public officials will gather to show support for NISP and for a barbecue!

Individuals from the agriculture community and elected officials will be key speakers at the event.

The event will be held at Anderson Farms from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. rain or shine. Anderson Farms is located 2.5 miles east of I-25 at  6728 County Rd. 3 1/4 in Erie.

Additional information about the NISP and rally available at Glade Reservoir’s home page.

Small Meat Processors Endangered by New Regulatory Costs

Small and independent meat processors are at significant economic risk due to increased regulatory costs included in a preliminary draft guidance document issued by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The document spells out new and costly requirements for local meat processors under the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems Validation proposal.

In a letter to FSIS, Farm Bureau stated that many of its members who raise livestock “rely on small and independent meat processors” to process meat they raise for their own consumption. In addition, local meat processors offer farmers and ranchers “opportunities to create specialty and value-added products marketed through niche outlets.”

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Farmers

The Supreme Court supported farmers in a 7-1 ruling today; the court overturned a lower court’s order that has prohibited farmers from planting Roundup Ready alfalfa for the past three years.

“This Supreme Court ruling is important for every American farmer, not just alfalfa growers,” said David F. Snively, Monsanto’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “All growers can rely on the expertise of USDA, and trust that future challenges to biotech approvals must now be based on scientific facts, not speculation.”

The opinion of the court, written by Justice Samuel Alito, sharply stated that the district court abused its discretion when it prohibited the planting of Roundup Ready alfalfa in 2007. Today’s ruling will allow USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to take appropriate action to allow further planting while they complete the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The opinion concluded that the lower court’s injunction on Roundup Ready alfalfa “cannot stand.”

The case will now be remanded to the lower court with the instruction to allow APHIS to decide which interim measures will need to be established in order to allow growers to resume planting of Roundup Ready alfalfa.

AFBF Pleased with Livestock Competition Rule

The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased with the proposed rule issued Friday by the Agriculture Department’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) on competition in the livestock and poultry industries.

“For too long producers have had to bear the financial hardship of being at the whim of production contractors, resulting in inequality in production practices, increasing losses and decreasing profitability. The GIPSA proposed rule would level the playing field,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

“Farm Bureau is particularly supportive of the sections on capital investment, which would reduce requirements for new investments in modifications of farm buildings. These continuous modifications keep producers in debt and minimize their ability to negotiate reasonable contracts. Farm Bureau believes the contracting companies should justify the mandatory modification of facilities and this proposed rule would require that justification,” Stallman said.

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USDA Report Compares Grain-fed, Forage-based Beef Systems

USDA’S monthly Dairy, Livestock and Poultry report released Friday analyzes the similarities and differences between grain-fed and forage-based production systems and the beef they produce.

The report notes that grass-finished cattle produce leaner beef than grain-fed animals. Meat from grass-finished animals has more Omega-3 fatty acids

Continued growth in “niche-market” demand for forage-based beef could lead to higher production costs and reduced beef supplies. The report says some cows may need to be culled to create room for more forage land.

“As in most cases, consumers drive production decisions, and as consumer preferences continue to shift toward products from more forage-based production systems, solutions will need to be found to many actual or anticipated short-term constraints on producing the desired final beef products,” according to the report.

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State Update…

2010 Colorado Legislation

As we have passed the 30 day mark following the close of the 2010 Colorado General Assembly Session. All legislation has had to clear the Governor’s desk. Since the legislature adjourned on Wednesday, May 12 (the last day possible under the constitutionally mandated 120 day limit), Governor Ritter had until last Friday, June 11 to act on those bills.  You can see a full list of the bills that passed the legislature and the final disposition of those bills.

Sales Tax Ag Exemption

The Colorado Department of Revenue is in the middle of their rulemaking process on the “Energy Use Tax Measure”, HB10-1190 (Concerning the suspension of the exemption from the state sales and use taxes for fuels used for industrial purposes). Colorado Farm Bureau joined other Ag and energy stakeholders, including the Colo. Rural Electric Association, in submitting a letter to the Colo. Dept. of Revenue seeking clarifying language in regards to the Ag exemption amendment done in HB 1190. The amendment was done in order to exempt all fuel uses purchased for agricultural purposes. The intention of the joint letter was to recommend alternative language to the proposed changes to regulation 39-26-102.21 to define “agricultural purposes” in order to offer clear guidance to the utilities that are required to collect the sales tax at the point of energy distribution and for agriculture producers to have a clear understanding.  Ultimately, clearer regulatory language will reduce compliance issues for all parties and DOR.  The focus of this language would be to define the purpose of the energy consumption instead of attempting to compile a comprehensive list of activities within agriculture production.  We will provide further updates as this rulemaking progresses.

A weekly recap of action in Washington, DC

House Floor: 

H.Res. 1368 would resolve that the House of Representatives:
• Supports the goals of National Dairy Month
• Encourages States and local governments to observe National Dairy Month with appropriate activities and events that promote the dairy industry
• Recognizes the important role that the dairy industry has played in the economic and nutritional well-being of Americans
• Commends dairy farmers for their continued hard work and commitment to the United States economy and to the preservation of open space
• Encourages all Americans to show their continued support for the dairy industry and dairy farmers.

 H.Res. 1383 would resolve that the House of Representatives honors Dr. Larry Case on his retirement as National FFA Advisor. 

H.R. 5486, the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act for 2010, would provide certain tax relief for small businesses, including the exclusion of 100 percent of capital gains, for an overall tax relief of $3.588 billion over 10 years.  The bill also contains provisions that would increase revenue by $7.146 billion.  Overall, the bill would have a net revenue increase of $3.558 billion over 10 years.  

H.R. 5297, TARP III, would create a $30 billion small business lending fund and authorize the Treasury Secretary to make capital investments in banks with less than $10 billion in assets.

The fund would be used by the Secretary for the purchase of preferred stock and other financial instruments from eligible institutions.  Preferred stock would have to be redeemed within 10 years of the date of the capital investment. 

House committees:

Agriculture Committee:

 On Thursday, June 17th  the House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management  held a public hearing. The purpose of this hearing was to review U.S. farm safety net programs in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill. 

The House Agriculture Committee is now holding hearings to review U.S. agriculture policy in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill, and they want to hear from you. Use the web form here to submit your comments about the Farm Bill to the House Agriculture Committee.

House Natural Resources: 

The Natural Resources Committee markedup: 

H.R. 3914, introduced by Congressman Salazar.  This bill would designate certain lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties, Colorado, as wilderness. 

H.R. 3923 was introduced by Congressman Polis.  This bill would provide for the exchange of certain land located in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in the State of Colorado.

 Senate Floor

 The Senate continued consideration of H.R.4213.  This bill 

• extends for one year (through 2010) the $1.00 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel and the small agri-biodiesel producer credit of $0.10 per gallon. The bill would also extend for one year (through 2010) the $1.00 per gallon production tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass. 
• extends a five-year depreciation for farming business machinery and equipment.  
• provides assistance for 2009 agricultural losses for crops, including specialty crops, livestock, sugar, aquaculture, cottonseed and poultry. 
• extends for one year (through 2010) the $0.50 per gallon alternative fuel tax credit for liquid fuels derived from biomass, compressed or liquefied biogas, natural gas and propane. The bill would not extend this credit to any liquid fuel derived from a pulp or paper manufacturing process (i.e., black liquor).   

USDA 

USDA released the final draft of a new Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) with the nation’s crop insurance industry.  The SRA will reduce funding for the crop insurance program by $6 billion.  About $4 billion of those savings will be directed to deficit reduction and $2 billion will be invested in expansion of the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage program; providing a performance discount or refund for qualified producers; increasing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage to the maximum authorized level of 32 million acres, investing in new and amended Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program initiatives; and investing in CRP monitoring.  

A fact sheet, side by side comparison and the news release about the SRA can be found on the RMA website, here.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Brent Boydston at bboydston@colofb.com or at 303-749-7516.

China’s Corn Demand Could be “Huge”

A U.S. Grains Council official says the opportunity exists for China to import what he describes as a “huge” amount of U.S. corn to meet current demand, before the 2010 crop enters the market.

The Grains Council’s assistant director in China made his observation following a recent tour of the corn growing area in northeast China.  He says China’s 2010 corn planting acreage is lower than expected due to abnormal rains, snow and temperatures this spring.

China’s current supplies show significant signs of degradation. Some corn storage facilities are reportedly showing a 20 to 30 percent mold problem.

The Grains Council reported earlier in May that China had booked over 1 million tons of corn imports this year. The recent news of planting and storage trouble within the county will only help to boost that number.

Whitehead to Lead Agriculture Committee

State Sen. Bruce Whitehead, D-Hesperus, has been appointed chairman of the Colorado Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee.

As chairman, Whitehead will run the committee’s hearings, organize witnesses and monitor votes.

“It’s actually quite an important appointment, and I’m quite pleased to have it,” he said in an interview Tuesday.

Whitehead was appointed to the Senate in August 2009, after his predecessor, Jim Isgar, joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Whitehead has served as a member of the committee since soon after he become a senator.

Free Trade Agreements could Boost Meat and Poultry Industry

Pending Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama represent immediate growth opportunities in both revenue and jobs for the meat and poultry sector. The third largest beef exporter in the world, the United States exports more than 897,000 metric tons valuing more than $3.1 billion in 2009. Pork and poultry exports are equally as competitive.

Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama could create an additional $2.3 billion in exports and create nearly 30,000 new jobs. The jobs resulting from this growth, both in the commodity groups and downstream, would include an estimated 18,000 jobs in the beef industry, 10,300 jobs in the pork industry and 1,200 jobs in the poultry industry. Trade numbers are based on projections from the respective commodity groups. Job creation data is based on employment multiplier projections from U.S.D.A.’s Economic Research Service (E.R.S.) and industry groups, which estimate:
- For every $1 billion in beef exports, 12,700 jobs are created.
- For every $1 billion in pork exports, 13,333 jobs are created.
- For every $1 billion in poultry exports, 11,853 jobs are created.

Over the course of the next decade, the Economic Research Service estimates meat exports to rise over twenty percent. However, for this potential to be realized, access to key growth markets must be secured now.

Compromise Reached on Rafting Proposals

An agreement has been reached today between commercial rafting outfitters and private property owners along the Taylor River. The compromise clears the way for sponsors of 24 competing ballot measures to withdraw their respective proposals from the November ballot, averting an expensive and divisive election fight.

Both parties have reached a settlement privately, avoiding possible contentious legislative initiatives or impositions.  The agreement permits rafting companies Three Rivers and Scenic River Tours, structured access through the private Wilder Ranch property while respecting each parties’ positions.

Bovine Tuberculosis Identified in Colorado

Via The BARN…

Confirmatory tests show four cows in a Colorado dairy herd have tested positive for bovine tuberculosis (TB).

The ongoing investigation by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture began in March 2010 when internal lesions were discovered on a Southern Colorado cow at a slaughter facility.  Subsequent tracing and testing has led to the discovery of the additional positive cattle.

Bovine tuberculosis causes internal lesions in infected animals.  It is spread primarily by respiratory aerosols being exhaled by infected animals and can then be inhaled by animals or humans.

Meat from the infected animals did not enter the food chain; commercially sold milk is pasteurized, killing bacteria with heat, so there is no public health concern when consuming pasteurized dairy products.

Livestock owners with questions can contact the State Veterinarian’s Office at (303) 239-4161.

For additional information on bovine TB, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/faq_bovine_tb_.pdf