Farm Radio

It's going to be a busy few weeks for the KSIR Ag News Department. We will be at the Colorado Farm in our regular booth spot, in the Exhibition building January 29-31. We will be broadcasting from there and invite everyone to stop and say hi. On January 30, KSIR Farm News Director, Lorrie Boyer will be flying out to New Orleans, LA to attend the National Cattlemen's Beef Association annual meeting. She will be speaking as President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, helping run the NAFB booth and conduct interviews. Then, immediately after, she heads to San Antonio, TX. to attend the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting. There she will be speaking, moderating panels and Emceeing their auction fundraiser. Sandwiched in there is spending some time at the Governor's Ag Forum on February 28th in Denver. Prior to the forum, the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association will hold their annual meeting, on February 27th. Boyer ...

The 2019 Farm Bill agreement has been reached in the Senate and House Ag Committees. Still needs to be written and voted on By Congress. Lots of factors including it being a Lame Duck Session and the passing of George H.W. Bush are holding the process up. A trade deal has been reached between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It will replace NAFTA if ratified by U.S. Congress. It is called the USMCA. China has agreed to halt trade wars with the U.S. and will be buying farm goods again. The sticking point is that there is still a high 25% tariff) on ag commodities by China. Farmers are expressing concern over the lack of a new farm bill in the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The monthly survey in November asked producers how concerned they were regarding the farm bill. 75 percent of respondents said they were either somewhat or very concerned about the lack of a new farm bill with 33 percent of respondents indicating they were very concerned. Just 24 percen...

Lorrie Boyer Named 2019 NAFB President Boyer to lead 900+ members PLATTE CITY, Missouri (November 16, 2018) – Veteran Farm Broadcaster Lorrie Boyer, current farm director at KSIR in Fort Morgan, Colorado, was named 2019 president at the 75th National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Convention, held November 7-9, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri. “NAFB is honored to have Lorrie Boyer represent our association as president for the 2019 calendar year,” said Tom Brand, executive director, NAFB. “Her passion for farm broadcasting, creativity, and outgoing personality will represent our 900+ members well.” In her role with KSIR, Boyer covers issues at the local, state and national levels. “I serve my community by staying on top of ag issues impacting their bottom lines,” Boyer said. “I book and produce interviews and hourly market reports; and I offer daily ag news headlines for the KSIR audience.” Boyer also recognizes the importance of her station as well as her r...

The Colorado Noxious Weed Advisory Committee is searching to replace five positions. They are seeking to agricultural producers, a private landowner and large positions to fill the roles. The committee discusses Colorado's weed management challenges and finds solutions that best reflect public and private interests. they then make recommendations to the Colorado Department of Agriculture concerning designation of state noxious weeds, classification of state noxious weeds, development and implementation of state weed management plans and prescribed techniques for eradication, containment and suppression of state noxious weeds. Nominations are currently open until December 1. Terms are for two years. For more information, call 303-869-9034.

Producers in Morgan and Phillips counties, who suffered losses due to hail, high winds, rains and tornadoes that occurred July 28 and 29th, 2018 may be eligible for USDA emergency loans. That means that producers in contiguous counties are also eligible and those counties are Adams, Logan, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma Counties, along withe Chase and Perkins counties in Nebraska.

With hot and dry conditions in Northeast Colorado and drought and fires in Southeast and Southwest Colorado, some producers are having to make deep cull cuts according to Executive Vice President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, Terry Finkhauser. He looks for about a 20% increase in cattle runs, with 35-40% increase in stocking capacity because of less and deteriorating pasture resources.  In addition, hay resources are becoming harder to find and there is an increased amount of hay being moved into Colorado from other states. Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper has approved a change in height restrictions on hay loads, so that more hay can be transported at one time. Finkhauser says that producers are also looking to adjust rations given that there are more poor-quality feeds being given to cattle right now. CCA has activated a hay lists that has resources for hay for sale. Much of the hay that is for sale right now is from Montana, Idaho and the Dakotas.  ...

Ag News Notes this week: Colorado State Fair ends Monday, September 3. Jr Livestock sale this year netted $45K Congress will conference on the 2019 Farm Bill for the second time next week. Bills differ a lot between Senate and House. The U.S. and Mexico have found common ground in a trade deal that would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. The U.S. is trying to get Canada to do away with their dairy support program so that Canada can again be a part of NAFTA. They have not agreed to do that as of now. Silage harvest has begun in NE Colorado. There will be fewer trucks on the road in Morgan County because a lot was lost East and West of Fort Morgan due to weather and storms. Early Wheat planting has begun in NE Colorado. Need moisture to really get going going with planting.