Farm Radio

Broomfield, Colo.   - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), in partnership with the Colorado Farm & Food Systems Respond & Rebuild Fund, is pleased to announce the awarding of $1,658,000 in grants to Colorado farmers, ranchers, food hubs and processors. Recognizing the fundamental importance of agriculture to the state, Governor Polis dedicated grant dollars to CDA through federal CARES Act funding to support ag producers in adjusting to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food supply chain—including those who experienced costs, losses, or needed to pivot their business model. The initial $1 million in grants was expanded to $1.658 million as more funding became available.  The fund delivered individual grants of up to $12,500 to 156 producers and up to $50,000 to 45 ag-related intermediaries statewide. Additionally, 15 local processors received funding to help them meet surging demand and to support farmers and ranchers in managing excess supply as a re...

Broomfield, Colo.   - Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg provided the following statement following the passage of the new federal omnibus spending bill: “The prioritization of agriculture, food security and rural communities in the new federal government stimulus package underscores how essential  agriculture is to Colorado and the nation,”  said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commission of Agriculture.  “The new package directs $13 billion to agricultural producers and processors as well as essential relief for families facing food insecurity. It will also help expand local food markets, invest in regional processors, strengthen rural communities through broadband development, and support mental health services through state departments of agriculture--all issues the Colorado Department of Agriculture has focused on throughout the pandemic. While there is still more work to do, this effort will help provide much needed relief to Colorado’s agricultural e...

  New changes from both counties are ‘two sides of the same bad penny’   The state’s largest farm and ranch organization is asking commissioners in Boulder and Weld counties to take a lighter touch on energy regulations to protect farm profitability and respect property rights.  In a letter sent to commissioners yesterday , Colorado Farm Bureau president Carlyle Currier, a fifth-generation rancher from Molina wrote that in Colorado, many farmers and ranchers use their land to produce both food and energy, often to ensure profitability. “That energy takes many forms, from traditional oil and natural gas to renewable sources like solar, wind and biofuels. In either case, farmers and ranchers may best ensure the success of their agricultural enterprise by diversifying into energy production as well,” he wrote.  Boulder County recently passed new provisions that significantly limit the ability of landowners to develop their property for oil and gas production. In Weld Co...

  Colorado FFA Foundation Postpones 2021 Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Colorado FFA Foundation announced today that their annual  Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony,  that typically takes place in late February will be postponed to May of 2021. It is the hope of the board that by postponing the event until May that the Foundation will be able to deliver a high quality event and give the newest Hall of Fame inductees an induction ceremony worthy of their accomplishments that will allow for greater participation and safer gathering conditions.  The tentative date is May 5, 2021.  More information and invitations will be released in the Spring of 2021. This year there will be three inductees into the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame.  Mr. Bob Dineen, Fort Lupton, Mr. Al Gerace, Arvada, and Mr. Nick Gray, (posthumous) formerly from Montrose, Colorado. “We are excited to honor and ...

  The Colorado FFA Foundation announced today that their annual   Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame induction ceremony,  that typically takes place in late February will be postponed to May of 2021. It is the hope of the board that by postponing the event until May that the Foundation will be able to deliver a high quality event and give the newest Hall of Fame inductees an induction ceremony worthy of their accomplishments that will allow for greater participation and safer gathering conditions.  The tentative date is May 5, 2021.  More information and invitations will be released in the Spring of 2021. This year there will be three inductees into the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame.  Mr. Bob Dineen, Fort Lupton, Mr. Al Gerace, Arvada, and Mr. Nick Gray, (posthumous) formerly from Montrose, Colorado. “We are excited to honor and recognize all three of these gentlemen this year.  Their accomplishments are remarkable and have b...

  Broomfield, Colo.   - In a year that has resulted in increased strain on mental health, and with the arrival of the holiday season, the Colorado Departments of Agriculture, Human Services and Public Health and Environment remind Coloradans that support is available to people in every Colorado county through a number of different resources: Colorado Crisis Services  provides confidential, free support through a statewide call line. Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255. Counselors are available to talk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community-based crisis counseling teams of the Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) are providing free emotional support to people of all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local teams are active across the state, including in rural and frontier counties.  Learn more and find a  provider list here . Counselors can help with support around feelings of worry, sadness, hopelessness, or even anger that life d...

  Colo.   Corn   Administrative   Committee Important Announcement [Greeley, CO -- November 10, 2020] It is with sadness we must inform you that effective immediately, the  Colorado   Corn  Growers Association Executive Officer   team has decided to end their partnership with the  Colorado   Corn   Administrative  Committee (CCAC). While we had hopes of renewing this partnership to continue moving  Colorado   Corn  forward together, the CCGA Executive Officer team had different intentions.  The CCAC is committed to continuing to manage  Colorado ’s  corn  check-off dollars and will continue to invest in research, market development, regulatory issues, outreach, and education for the benefit of  corn  producers in the state.   We, the CCAC Executive Committee, along with the entire CCAC Board of Directors and staff will continue to serve all  corn  p...

  Trump Administration Seeks Extension to Respond to Biofuel Petition The Trump Administration is requesting the U.S. Supreme Court extend the response deadline to a petition from oil refiners that the court review a prior court decision. The request would push their response deadline to December 14 from November 12, according to Reuters. The case relates to waivers issued to refiners under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Earlier this year, an appeals court ruled the Environmental Protection Agency waivers granted to small refineries after 2010 should only be approved as extensions. Farm and biofuel groups welcomed the ruling, and the EPA later tossed out several exemptions. Still, more than 50 waivers are pending action by the EPA, and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said this week, any action should wait until after the Supreme Court petition is wrapped up. Oil refiners filed the petition in September. The EPA says it needs more time to provide a full government response to the pet...

Find out what Fence Post Writer and Assistant Editor, Rachel Gabel has been writing about in the Fence Post and about her new book. Click here for R achel Gabel Interview. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Get the latest in reservoir conditions and what the fires mean for lakes and water supply in this interview with General Manager of the North Sterling and Prewitt Reservoirs, Jim Yahn. Click here for Jim Yahn Interview

Broomfield, Colo.  - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are monitoring a report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an outbreak of  Salmonella  Newport in red onions that have been traced to a single provider in Bakersfield, California as the likely source. The outbreak has resulted in a number of consumers falling ill nationwide, including in Colorado.   The source of the outbreak is limited to the facility in California and is not related to onions grown in Colorado. Consumers and retailers should feel safe selecting and eating onions grown in Colorado.  Over the last five years, Colorado has incorporated safety standards that have been created through the Food Safety Modernization Act.  The implementation effort includes a comprehensive grower training and education initiative led by Colorado State Uni...

GRAIN STOCKS – JUNE 1, 2020  COLORADO All corn stocks in Colorado on June 1, 2020 were 48.12 million bushels, up 37 percent from June 1, 2019, according to the June 1 Agricultural Survey and June Grain Stocks Report conducted by the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. All corn stocks stored on farms amounted to 28.00 million bushels, up 75 percent from a year ago. All corn stored off farms amounted to 20.12 million bushels, up 5 percent from a year ago. Off-farm sorghum stocks were 689,000 bushels, down 60 percent from last year. Off-farm oat stocks in Colorado were estimated at 27,000 bushels, down 45 percent from last year. Offfarm barley stocks totaled 4.20 million bushels, down 29 percent from last year. All wheat stocks in Colorado on June 1, 2020 were 22.82 million bushels, up 8 percent from June 1, 2019. All wheat stocks stored on farms amounted to 4.10 million bushels, up 5 percent from a year ago. All wheat stored off f...

Governor Jared Polis  requested activation  of Colorado’s Drought Task Force and Phase 2 of the State Drought Mitigation and Response Plan this week as drought conditions deepen, reaching more than 81% of the state, with severe and extreme drought conditions in 33% of the state (40 counties).   Colorado’s Drought Task Force - which includes leadership from the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Local Affairs, Public Safety, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board - determined the need to activate Phase 2 of the  Drought Plan  on June 18 after a third of the state reached extreme drought conditions. “Phase 2” indicates officially directing the Drought Task Force to assess initial damages and impacts of drought in areas experiencing severe or extreme drought and to recommend mitigation measures. This Phase also activates the Agricultural Impact Task Force, which will conduct an initial assessment on physical and economic impacts and recommend op...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2020 Contact:  Mary Peck, 720-428-0441,  mary.peck@state.co.us Broomfield, Colo.  -  The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has confirmed new cases of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) in domestic rabbits in Weld County, adding to cases previously reported in El Paso and Montezuma Counties. Additionally, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has verified cases of RHDV2 in wild and feral rabbits in Alamosa, El Paso, Prowers, and Pueblo counties.   A current map of confirmed cases in Colorado is available on CDA’s  Animal Health Division RHDV2 webpage .  Current CDA guidance on rabbit shows and fairs can be found  here .   With incidents of RHDV2 increasing in Colorado and western states, CDA and CPW are asking the public to watch for multiple dead or sick rabbits, which can suggest RHDV2 or a sign of tularemia or plague, diseases that can cause serious illness in people. Do not handle o...

Broomfield, Colo.  - Colorado communities and businesses in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to support worker safety and operations of critical agricultural production in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency should make requests for equipment through local emergency managers. As the growing season progresses for produce and other ag sectors in Colorado, the need for masks and other PPE is expected to increase amidst the demand from other business sectors opening.  “Agriculture is an essential business and protecting worker health and safety is critical for the well being of every single person doing the work of getting food to the table, and for maintaining a strong supply chain,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture. A statewide listing of local emergency managers can be found  here .

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) reminds veterinarians and rabbit owners that reporting suspected occurrences of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2), including sudden, elevated numbers of rabbit deaths, is mandatory.  Disease reports are identified by the county of occurrence only,  and all other personal information is protected from open record requests.   "This disease is very contagious and fatal to domestic and wild rabbits,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr. “The appropriate response by rabbit owners is vital to limiting further spread of the disease from affected rabbit facilities."   The USDA and the state veterinarian’s office are currently investigating a case of domestic rabbit die off in El Paso county. The carcasses were disposed of and unavailable for testing, but the case is being managed as a presumptive positive due to the clinical signs exhibited prior to death. RHDV2 does not affect humans or domestic specie...

The National Bison Association welcomed the news on Friday that the Government of Mexico has formally opened its doors to import U.S. – produced bison meat into that country. The move formally opens the doors to a new market for U.S. bison meat. “This is a very positive development for the bison business,” said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association. “The Mexican marketplace offers a growth opportunity for our business. Additionally, many consumers in Mexico tend to favor cuts of meat that are not in high demand by U.S. customers, so this can help our marketers balance carcass utilization.” At the request of the National Bison Association, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service formally petitioned Mexico in 2018 to open their market to U.S. bison meat. That request led to extensive discussions between agricultural officials in the two countries over the protocols and procedures that would be required from exporters. Last week, Mexico formally agreed t...

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting listings for the 2020 Colorado Hay Directory. The annual publication connects hay producers with buyers. “Every year livestock owners from across the state and nation call requesting information about Colorado hay,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We are excited to have a publication that helps producers market their hay and serves as a resource for the livestock industry.”  The listing fee is $25, and the deadline is June 15, 2020. The listing form is available  at  www.coloradoagriculture.com  or by contacting the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The directory will be available in August at  www.coloradoagriculture.com/ hay , through CSU Extension offices and various horse and livestock associations in the state, as well as at agricultural events. Each listing includes the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not l...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2020 Contact:  Mary Peck, 720-428-0441,  mary.peck@state.co.us Broomfield, Colo.  - Governor Polis last week issued a proclamation declaring 2020 to be the Year of Local Food in Colorado.  Created in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), the proclamation highlights the value of local agriculture to the state and the appreciation for all who grow, harvest, process, and distribute food.  “Now more than ever it's important that we support our small Colorado businesses who are key for our local economies,” said Governor Jared Polis.  “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our farmers and ranchers we continue to grow delicious Colorado food to feed our families.” The proclamation, which encourages consumers to purchase Colorado fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and beverages, also addresses the importance of healthy soils, safe workplaces, fair prices and wages, farmer and rancher co...

SBA Opens Applications for Ag Loans   The Small Business Adminsitration is now clear it can lend to farms and ranches with fewer than 500 employees for COVID-19 related losses through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.  This communication  from the University of Wisconsin clarifies many issues. There is a dedicated window now for receiving those applications ONLY from farms and ranches. These funds will likely go quickly, so  apply now  if you are interested.   Farm Commons (a legal support group for farms and ranches) has tracked on this and has provided a  helpful, step-by-step tutorial video .