107th Annual Field Day June 11 in Akron

The 107th Annual Field Day, "Dryland Farming Strategies that Match Extremes in Climate Variability," will be held Wednesday, June 11 at the USDA-ARS Central Great Plains Research Station, 4 miles east of Akron on Highway 34. Join a tour of dryland research and come see and hear what the scientists have been busy with the past year. Lunch will be provided. Registration runs from 8:30-9am with the talks starting at 9am.

Colorado Centennial Farms Seeks Nominations for 2014 Awards

***Press Release***

April 30 deadline!

 

 

DENVER — Families who have owned and operated their Colorado farm or ranch for 100 years or more are encouraged to submit a nomination to receive a Colorado Centennial Farms award. Selected nominees will be honored at the 28th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colo., in August 2014. Farmers and ranchers nominating their property for this award must submit an application providing information about the history of their farm and its buildings by close of business on Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

 

 Nominees must meet the following requirements to be selected as a Colorado Centennial Farm:

• Farming or ranching properties must have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years
• Each property must still operate as a working farm or ranch­­­
• Farms or ranches must have a minimum of 160 acres
• Properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales

History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture created the Colorado Centennial Farms Program in 1986 to recognize the important role that agriculture has played in the state’s history and economic development.

 

How to nominate: Download a Colorado Centennial Farms application, or call Lyle Miller at 303-866-2779.

 

Due Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

 

Centennial Farms Awards:

 

The 2014 Colorado Centennial Farms awards will be presented at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo in August. At the ceremony, award recipients will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a sign to display on their property. 

To date, nearly 500 Colorado farms and ranches representing 61 counties across the state have received the Centennial Farms award. The majority of these farms were established between 1880 and 1895.

Questions: Lyle Miller, 303-866-2779 or email lyle.miller@state.co.us

Brush Chamber Ag Appreciation Dinner March 14

The 2014 Brush Chamber Ag Appreciation Dinner will be held Friday, March 14 at Brush High School. Social begins at 5:30pm, meal at 6:30pm, and the program begins at 7:30pm. Chuck Larsen, cowboy poet, humorist, and storyteller will provide the entertainment. Free tickets are available from any sponsoring business, or at the Brush Chamber office.

Cattlemen's Day Program Moved to Feb 12 in Burlington

The Cattlemen’s Day Program presented by CSU, UNL, and KSU will now be held in Burlington, CO on Wednesday Feb. 12. 

The program in Holyoke on Feb. 13 has been canceled.

Program Title: East Central Cattlemen’s Day

When: Wednesday February 12 from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Where: Burlington Community & Education Center, 340 S 14th St., Burlington, CO.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FLYER! REGISTRATION FEE = $5

Or… Register by Clicking Here

This program was developed for both new and experienced cattlemen. The present economic situation requires cattlemen to be on top of the latest technology and research-based information in order to keep their operations profitable. This program presents information to help improve pasture management, improve forage production, improve animal health, and reduce operation costs. In addition to lunch and informational handouts, participants will receive a copy of:

1) The Colorado Resource Monitoring Guide and...

2) The Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savannas: Vol. I.

This program will feature Extension Professionals from CSU, UNL, and KSU.

This program is brought to you by Burlington, Flagler, and Cheyenne Wells Conservation Districts as well as Colorado State University Extension and in part by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Kansas State University Extension.

AGENDA (10 AM to 2 PM)

Grass and Grass-like Pasture Plant ID - Casey Matney, CSU Ext. Spec. Range Mgmt.
Forage Crops for Cattle in NE Colorado - Ron Meyer, CSU Ext. Agronomy & Plant Sci.
Nutrition for Profit - Randy Saner - UNL Ext. Educator
Lunch - Poisonous Plants and Livestock (Recorded Webinar) Anthony Knight, CSU
Buying Replacement Cattle: What to Look For - Marty Fear, KSU Ext. Agent
Supplementation for Calves - Chris Shelley, CSU Ext. Livestock Agent
How We Survived the Drought - (Local Producers) Rhoades Bros. and Mike Livingston

If you are a person with a disability and require any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this program, please contact (970) 345-2287 at least 5 days prior to the event. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Colorado State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating.

“The Farming Evolution-Where Do You Fit?” workshop Feb 13 in Holyoke

February 13, there will be a “The Farming Evolution-Where Do You Fit?” workshop in the big room in the Event Center at the Fairgrounds in Holyoke. Registration will begin at 7:30am and the workshop will start at 8am. The workshop will conclude at 3:30pm. Refreshments and lunch will be provided and there is no registration fee.

Attendees will hear some of the exciting discoveries about how soils work, see a rainfall simulator, hear about cover crops in Phillips County, technology on the farm, and some economic considerations of tillage changes. The workshop will close with a panel of no-till farmers including Scott Ravenkamp, Dietrich Kastens, and Steve Tucker. They will share how they moved from conventional tillage to where they are today. There will be plenty of time for questions.

To save a lunch, contact the Haxtun Conservation District in Holyoke, the Yuma County Conservation District in Wray, CO, or the Upper Republican NRD in Grant, NE, by Thursday, February 6. For a full article and flier, go to www.ycconservation.com. There is no registration fee. Late registrations and walk ins are welcome, but will not be guaranteed lunch.

NJC livestock judging team excels in Texas

***Press Release***

Jaylinn Lohr captures high Individual award

The Northeastern Junior College (NJC)  Livestock Judging Team competed in early December at The West Texas Livestock Judging Contest held in Canyon and came home with some impressive scores.

This was a junior college contest in which freshmen and sophomores competed against each other. Having undergone a one year hiatus to regroup, the NJC team is comprised heavily of freshmen  this year.  If this contest is an indication of what’s to come, northeastern Colorado should be excited about the future. NJC  student swept the team contest and were named the High Team Overall.  The NJC team is comprised of the following students:  Jaylinn Lohr, Gill, CO; Samantha Trehal, Kiowa, CO;  Bailey Jago, Calhan, CO; Caleb Christensen, Akron, CO;  Zac Abushaban, Colorado Springs, CO; and Annie McNeel, Newcastle, CO .

Another exciting aspect of the contest was that NJC’s Jaylinn Lohr  captured the overall high Individual award as well.  Two other NJC judgers were listed among the top 10 high individuals.

NJC’s team scored  first in swine, third in sheep, fourth in cattle and first in oral reasons to win the top team award.  Individual judgers made excellent showings, as follows: High Individual in Swine judging: 3^rd Jaylinn Lohr,  4^th Samantha Trehal, 8^th Caleb Christensen. High Individual in Sheep Judging: 1^st Jaylinn Lohr. High Individual in Beef Judging:  2^nd Jaylinn Lohr, 4^th Samantha Trehal.  High Individual Oral Reasons:  2^nd Jaylinn Lohr,  5^th Samantha Trehal, 9^th Caleb Christensen. High Individual Overall:1^st Jaylinn Lohr, 5^th Caleb Christensen, 7^th Samantha Trehal.

In his first full year of coaching livestock judging at Northeastern is Animal Science Instructor Randell Von Krosigk.  The students are practicing on a regular basis and preparing for some other upcoming contests, many which will put them up against upper classmen, including junior and seniors at other universities. 

West Central Cattlemen's Day December 12 in Wray

The Sixth Annual West Central Cattlemen's Day will be held in Wray from 10am-2pm at the Roundhouse at Wray City Hall, 245 W. 4th Street in Wray on December 12. The program was developed for cow/calf producers. The present economic situation requires cattlemen to be on top of the latest research and technology to keep their operations profitable. This conference should help you find ways to reduce cost while helping to improve your overall profitability. Attendees will also receive a copy of Colorado Resource Monitoring Guide and Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savannas—Volume I. The fee for the event is $5 if you register by Dec. 10 or $10 if you pay at the door. Click Here to REGISTER or View the FLYER

NJC to showcase fodder system on Monday

***Press Release***

October, 2013–Dyersville, IA–On November 4^th, 2013 from 10 AM to 3 PM, FarmTek’s Controlled Environment Agriculture display trailer showcasing a fodder feed system will be making a stop at Northeastern Junior College. This event will feature interactive instruction and demonstrations featuring the latest techniques in hydroponic growing. Discover the benefits of controlled environment agriculture and see these systems actively growing up close and personal. Speak to FarmTek’s knowledgeable hydroponic specialists, ask questions and learn how a hydroponic system can benefit any farm or operation.

FarmTek has developed this controlled environment on wheels to showcase their FodderPro Feed Systems, hydroponic growing systems and the controlled environment solutions they offer.

Controlled environment agriculture is becoming increasingly popular as farmers, businesses and home owners are looking for ways to get on board with the local food movement. Controlled environment agriculture is an eco-friendly, sustainable and efficient means of growing vegetables, fruit, livestock feed and more at a lower cost than traditional agriculture. It gives control to the grower and allows them to produce healthy, fresh food year round.

“Growing in the field, dealing with the unpredictable elements that Mother Nature can throw at you, knowing that even something small ruin the entire growing season, is not a comfortable feeling,” said Jon Kozlowski, lead grower at FarmTek’s Technology Center East. “Removing the unpredictable aspects of growing and controlling the environment allows you to produce better, higher quality yields and make more money without the constraints of a growing season.”

The trailer will be in the parking lot of the college’s North Campus, just off Pioneer Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday. The exhibit is open to everyone and it is totally free.  

21st Century Equipment Acquires MV Equipment

***Press Release***

BRIDGEPORT, NE – 21^st Century Equipment, a regional John Deere Dealership group headquartered in Bridgeport, NE, has announced the acquisition of MV Equipment, a John Deere Dealership organization with five locations in eastern Colorado.  This acquisition will extend the 21^st Century brand to the Colorado towns of Sterling, Burlington, Yuma, Wray and Holyoke.

“We are very excited to increase our presence on the eastern Colorado plains and strengthen these new locations with our four existing operations in the same area” said Owen Palm, CEO of 21^st Century Equipment.   “At 21^st Century Equipment, we are focused on reducing our customer’s risk, improving their profitability and increasing their competitive advantage in this rapidly changing agricultural environment.  Our goal is simply to make farming easier.”

Palm acknowledged the success of MV Equipment.  “We intend to build on the track record of MV Equipment for providing outstanding customer service.   They have very talented people in their organization,” he said.  “This is a strong organization, which is why we were interested in this acquisition.”

According to Palm, 21^st Century Equipment will further strengthen the new dealerships with the establishment of a local store management structure.  This structure provides strong community involvement and empowers local decision-making as shown at other locations in the 21^st Century Equipment organization.  “We are dedicated to staying on the leading edge of precision agriculture technology and data management,” Palm added.  “Our Integrated Solutions Team is known for innovation and introducing industry-leading production technology.   We fully intend to deploy these resources to these new locations to the benefit of our new customers.”

21^st Century Equipment also maintains an aggressive recruitment and training program designed to continually grow and train its service technicians, parts professionals and sales staff.  “We have a strong commitment to the John Deere Ag Tech program at participating Community Colleges and offer tuition assistance.  Also, we have an active college internship program….both are designed to recruit and return young people back into the local communities we serve,” Palm said.

From the smallest lawn mower to the largest tractor, we are here to serve you.  In addition to the new Colorado locations, 21^st Century Equipment has John Deere dealerships in Akron, Cheyenne Wells, Flagler and Fort Morgan, Colorado; and in Alliance, Bridgeport, Gordon, Imperial, Ogallala and Sidney, Nebraska.   For more information, visit 21stCenturyEquipment.com.

Ranchers Field Day June 11

***Courtesy of AM 1440 KRDZ and www.krdz.com***

Livestock owners, managers and land owners are invited to attend an informative Ranchers Field Day on Tuesday, June 11. You will meet for the field day at Dwight and Nancy Rockwell's headquarters just west of Wray. Registration, coffee and rolls will begin at 8:30 am and the field day will begin at 9:00 am and end by 3:00 pm. Young aspiring ranchers are particularly invited to attend. If you are leasing rangeland for your cattle, you are encouraged to bring the property owner. If you are a property owner, you are encouraged to bring your lessee. Both of you will gain valuable information from this field day to help you develop a win-win drought management strategy. For more information or to save a lunch, contact the Yuma County Conservation District in Wray by Tuesday, June 4. Please call 970-332-3173 extension 3 or go to Yuma County Conservation District website at www.ycconservation.com. You may also email julie.elliott@co.usda.gov. There is no registration fee and late registrations and walk-ins are welcome, but will not be guaranteed lunch.

Colorado Centennial Farms Seeks Nominations for 2013 Awards - April 30 Deadline To Apply

***Press Release***

DENVER — Families who have owned and operated their Colorado farm or ranch for 100 years or more are encouraged to submit a nomination to receive a Colorado Centennial Farms award. Selected nominees will be honored at the 27th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colo., in August 2013. Farmers and ranchers nominating their property for this award must submit an application providing information about the history of their farm and its buildings by close of business on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

 

 Nominees must meet the following requirements to be selected as a Colorado Centennial Farm:

• Farming or ranching properties must have remained in the same family continuously for at least 100 years
• Each property must still operate as a working farm or ranch­­­
• Farms or ranches must have a minimum of 160 acres
• Properties with fewer than 160 acres can qualify if they gross at least $1,000 in annual sales

 History Colorado and the Colorado Department of Agriculture created the Colorado Centennial Farms Program in 1986 to recognize the important role that agriculture has played in the state’s history and economic development.

 

How to nominate: Download a Colorado Centennial Farms application, or call Lyle Miller at 303-866-2779.

 

Due Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

 

Centennial Farms Awards:

 

The 2013 Colorado Centennial Farms awards will be presented at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo in August. At the ceremony, award recipients will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a sign to display on their property. In addition, the National Trust for Historic Preservation will recognize families who have maintained the historic buildings on their property that are 50 years old or older.

To date, more than 400 Colorado farms and ranches representing 61 counties across the state have received the Centennial Farms award. The majority of these farms were established between 1880 and 1895.

Questions: Lyle Miller, 303-866-2779 or email lyle.miller@state.co.us

No-Till and Cover/Alternative Crop Workshop Feb 15 in Haxtun

***Courtesy AM 1440 KRDZ and www.krdz.com***

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Yuma County Conservation District are having a 'No-Till and Cover/Alternative Crop' workshop at the Haxtun Community Center in Haxtun on Friday, February 15. Registration will begin at 9 am and the workshop will get underway at 9:30 and conclude at 4:00 pm. Refreshments and lunch is provided and there is no registration fee. To reserve a spot and guarantee a lunch register by Friday, February 8 by calling the Yuma County Conservation District at 332-3173 ext. 3 or the Haxtun Conservation District at 970-854-2812 ext. 3.

NJC Aggies oyster fry on October 11th

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. 

NJC Diesel students get access to brand new tractor

***Press Release***

Revamped CYF program provides unique teaching opportunity

With all of the manufacturer’s stickers still intact, students in the diesel technology program at Northeastern Junior College knew they were getting a brand new teaching tool in the shop last week. What’s unique about this is that students in this program don’t often get to see or interact with brand new equipment—they are usually working on something older that needs fixed. This spanking new teaching tool is a 2013 Case IH 315 Magnun tractor, delivered to the NJC diesel technology shop by Wickham Tractor Company and the national Case IH company. Students will have the unit in the shop until mid-October and during this time, they will go through the tractor’s operating systems and prepare it to go into the field for fall work.  The delivery of this tractor marks the beginning of a new win, win, win program between Case IH, NJC and the Colorado Young Farmers.

Since 1993 the Colorado Young Farmers have raised money for an annual scholarship fund through the assistance of Case IH by auctioning off blocks of use of a new tractor at their state institute. For a number of years, various Case IH dealers across the state took turns providing the new tractor. However, as field technology has advanced and tractor prices have climbed, it has been more and more difficult for many dealers to commit the availability of a new unit in the heat of the season. There was concern that the program might go by the wayside. 

Then up steps Randy Pauletto, territory sales manager for Case IH,  who decides to help champion the program. He has worked with the CYF program for several years and wanted badly to help keep the program going and if possible, expand it. He joined with Howard Wickham of Wickham Tractor Company in Fort Morgan and Sterling and the two were able to put the pieces together.  Wickham, who understands the value of the program, joined Pauletto to initiate conversation with the national Case IH company about the possibility of expanding the program to include more of an education component. In turn, Wickham Tractor Company would be able to assure the Colorado Young Farmer organization that a new tractor would be available each fall and again each spring for this scholarship program.

Beginning this year, the new tractors will be delivered to the NJC diesel technology program via Wickham, one in the fall and another one in the spring,  where they will be used as teaching tools.. Students will then be responsible for prepping the unit to go to the field to be used by those producers who have purchased the blocks of time during the scholarship auction fundraiser. This unit will go to the Alan Gerk farm for farm tillage work once it leaves the NJC shop. It will then be taken to Johnston Family Farms in Fort Morgan and to Brandon Johnston’s operation in Erie. It will be brought back to the NJC teaching facility after 150 hours of use and students will have an opportunity to go through it and see how the hours have impacted the condition of the systems. The process will be repeated in the spring with another new tractor.

Students in the diesel program will spend three weeks gaining useful knowledge and experience from a modern farm tractor as they learn how the latest technology has advanced the service life of farm tractors and how the Computerized Electronic System Technology (CEST) can be used to help schedule maintenance. The CEST has the ability to log diagnostics right down to the date and time that a malfunction might occur. Under the direction of instructor Harv Rober, students will spend time learning about the hydraulic systems, electrical systems, heavy duty powertrains and diesel fuel systems.

This type of program is not new to Case IH. The national company believes strongly in helping with educational, government or non-profit programs. When given an opportunity to get involved with programs that can impact the availability of future technicians, Cash IH is pleased to be on board. “We have a desperate need for technicians just like you,” Howard Wickham told the students when delivering the tractor. Pauletto told the students that Case IH has some technology that separates it from other companies. “We want this to be the best experience possible. We want it to be a win, win, win deal,” Pauletto said, emphasizing three wins. “Howard understands the value of having scholarships to award to students and he is a dealership that really wants to stand behind this program.”

Pauletto and Wickham admit that with this new arrangement and the redesigning of a program, the curriculum will be created over time. “We are going to make this teaching tool sustainable year after year as part of this program,” Wickham said.  During the presentation to the students, one student raised his hand and asked if they would be able to see the tractor after it has had some hours of use on it. “That’s the exact kind of feedback we want from the students,” Pauletto noted, telling the students that they will see the unit back in the shop after 150 hours of use and they will have it for two weeks before it goes back to the dealership to be sold.

The Colorado Young Farmers award five scholarships each year to college students who are freshmen through seniors.  The freshman and sophomore scholarships are open to any student studying agriculture, including diesel technology. The junior and senior awards are reserved for students completing agriculture education degrees. 

Bryson Miller of Brush, CO, State President for the Colorado Young Farmers was on hand for the presentation of the tractor. Miller said he was excited about this new arrangement and what it means for all those involved. “Education is the forefront of all that’s involved here,” he said. “The Colorado Young Farmers is education based and by changing this program the way we have, we’re able to include an even larger education component and that is exciting, not to mention how valuable the scholarships are to the students.”

Pauletto, assisted by Andrew Zink, manager of field service operations for Case IH, demonstrated for the students how the computer electronic service tool in the tractor is used for troubleshooting on the engine, transmission and hydraulic system. Zink also reviewed all of the systems available on the new Magnum 315. 

Yuma Ethanol, LLC to pay $5,850 penalty for Risk Management Program violations

***Press Release***


(Denver, Colo. - Aug 6, 2012) Yuma Ethanol, LLC has agreed to pay a $5,850 civil penalty and correct violations relating to the storage and use of toxic and flammable substances at its ethanol plant in Yuma, Colorado. An EPA inspection of the plant in October 2011 found the company had violated Risk Management Program regulations under the Clean Air Act. By agreeing to the settlement announced today, the company has certified that the facility is now in compliance with these regulations.

"These requirements ensure that facilities have up-to-date procedures in place to prevent and respond to releases of toxic chemicals used on-site,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s Enforcement Director in Denver. “Failure to comply with these requirements can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases."
Under the Clean Air Act, the Yuma Ethanol facility was required to maintain a risk management plan because it exceeded the 10,000-pound storage threshold for anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous chemical, and natural gasoline, a flammable substance used to denature ethanol. Yuma Ethanol was storing approximately 97,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at the time of the EPA inspection.

This enforcement action will benefit the community, which includes minority and low-income areas. Minority populations comprise nearly half of the residents within a five-mile radius of the facility and 45 percent are below poverty level. Approximately 35 percent of the area’s population is Hispanic.

EPA enforces the Risk Management Program regulations of the Clean Air Act with the goal of preventing accidental chemical releases and minimizing the impact of releases or other accidents that may occur. The establishment of effective risk management plans helps companies, industries and municipalities operate responsibly, assists emergency responders by providing vital information necessary to address accidents and other incidents, protects the environment by preventing and minimizing damage from accidental releases, and keeps communities safer.

For more information on the Clean Air Act and risk management requirements: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/caa_faqs.htm

NJC Aggies oyster fry Oct. 13th

The Northeastern Junior College Aggies Club is once again holding its annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at North Campus beginning at 5:00 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the Club and proceeds are used to help fund other activities such as the annual spring prospect livestock show. The Aggies Club is one of the oldest and largest clubs on campus.

The event is open to the public and the cost is $10 for those over 12 years of age and $5 for anyone under age 12 and $3 for anyone under age 3. There are chicken strips available to those who do not prefer oysters. NJC students, faculty and staff with current, valid student identification cards eat free at the event.

As has been the custom in the past, the Aggies will hold the kiss-a-pig contest and the perennial favorite Cow-Pie Bingo will be taking place in the lot outside of the building with a lucky winner walking away with half of the proceeds of the sale of the numbered squares. As for the kiss-a-pig contest, names of candidates are placed on piggy banks which are circulated around campus for coin voting to take place. The bank with the most total money in it represents the designee who must pucker up for the porker the night of the event. Last year ag teacher Larry Pollart and humanities teacher Pam Berns tied for the distinct pleasure of planting one on the pig and they doubled up, giving the little guy two smackaroos at once.

Questions regarding the event may be directed to NJC agriculture department at 521-6782.

NJC named among top agriculture schools in nation

***NJC Press Release***


Northeastern Junior College was recently named one of the Top 50 colleges in the nation in the delivery of associate degrees in agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences. Northeastern was the only Colorado college recognized in the report, which identified a combined 35 two-year colleges and 15 four-year colleges who offer associates degrees in agriculture curriculum. The study was released by Community College Week, a weekly publication which serves community colleges all over the nation. Northeastern was ranked 34th in the country. Only two other colleges in the region were also listed in the report including Casper College (Wyoming) and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (Curtis, NE).

NJC has, for a number of years, offered the most extensive undergraduate agriculture curriculum in Colorado with students readily transferring to universities in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma to pursue higher degrees in agriculture.

Newly designated Colorado Centennial Farms to be honored August 27 at Colorado State Fair in Pueblo

Annual awards ceremony recognizes Colorado’s dedicated farming and ranching families

PRESS RELEASE


Denver — Twenty-one Colorado families who have owned and operated their farm or ranch for 100 years or more will be recognized during the 24th Annual Centennial Farms Celebration on Friday, August 27 at 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held on the Pepsi Stage in Family Park at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colo., where honorees will receive a certificate signed by Governor Bill Ritter and other state officials, as well as a sign to display on their property.

Edward C. Nichols, President and CEO of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society and John Stulp, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, will make acknowledgements and present awards to family representatives.

12 of the 21 families will also receive a Historic Structures Award. The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides this additional recognition to families who have demonstrated stewardship of their historic agricultural sites by maintaining four or more structures on their property that have survived for 50 years.


2010 Colorado Centennial Farm Awardees:

Farm/Ranch Name Year Settled Town, County
1. Bellgardt Homestead Ranch 1910 Montrose, Montrose
2. Benson Homestead 1910 Sterling, Logan
3. Foghino Farm 1909 Trinidad, Las Animas
4. Harper Dairy 1910 Yuma, Yuma
5. Heath Ranch 1910 Montrose, Montrose
6. Hertneky Homestead 1892 Ramah (area), Elbert
7. Hogan Farm 1910 Wiggins, Morgan
8. Jack Sniff Ranch 1910 Hasty, Bent
9. John Bitzer Homestead 1907 Byers (area), Adams
10. Johnson Family Ranch 1910 Stoneham, Weld
11. Leonard Farms and Livestock 1878 Montrose, Montrose
12. Reed Homestead 1910 Akron, Washington
13. Schreiber Ranch 1910 Woodrow, Washington
14. Shafer Farm 1908 Otis, Washington
15. Tarabino Farm 1907 Trinidad, Las Animas
16. Thim Farm 1910 Akron, Washington
17. Vetter Farm 1905 Milliken, Weld
18. Waitman Farm & Ranch 1910 Stratton, Kit Carson
19. Walters/Vassios Ranch 1908 Boyero, Lincoln
20. William H. Johnson Family Farm 1906 Avondale, Pueblo
21. Wyckoff Farm 1910 Genoa (area), Washington

The Centennial Farms Program started in 1986. It is sponsored by History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado State Fair and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. History Colorado oversees the State Historical Fund, a grants program that supports historic preservation projects, including agricultural sites.

The awards honor Colorado’s families who have maintained ownership of their land for more than a century in spite of the economic challenges facing modern farming. At the ceremony, a brief history of each farm is presented, including stories of prosperity and hardship.

Family representatives are available for interviews at a reception following the ceremony.

“The contributions of Colorado’s long-standing farm and ranch families are significant because they have preserved important pieces of our state’s history,” said Ed Nichols, President and CEO of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society. “Historic barns and other agricultural sites around the nation are disappearing at an alarming rate. But these families have withstood the pressures of growth, changes in farming methods, drought and economic conditions to keep their way of life.”

For more information about the Centennial Farms Program or to receive an application and brochure, please call the State Historical Fund at 303/866-2825.

###

The State Historical Fund, a program of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society, awards grants to public and non-profit organizations to preserve Colorado’s architectural and archaeological treasures for public benefit. The State Historical Fund receives funds for grants through a portion of tax revenues from limited-stakes gaming in the towns of Cripple Creek, Central City, and Black Hawk. State Historical Fund grants have helped preserve hundreds of historic schools, town halls, agricultural sites and other important resources in all 64 Colorado counties since 1993.

Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit to Visit Yuma, CO August 10-12, 2010

Press Release


What: The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) is part of an educational program that showcases the latest advances in plant breeding and trait technology. It is a 53-foot long traveling unit, with 1,000 square-feet of exhibit space. This unique display is open to the Yuma, CO community for guided tours.

When: Tuesday, August 10-Thursday, August 12
9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Where: Irrigation Research Farm on Hwy 59
Yuma, CO 80759

Background: As a company whose only focus is agriculture, Monsanto is committed to developing new products and technologies that help farmers be successful. The MTU visits rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country, providing guests with a firsthand look at how Monsanto is applying advanced science to help farmers be more profitable and create new market opportunities for their crops.
This one of a kind, hands-on exhibit highlights how:

• Monsanto is committed to sustainable agriculture and its goal to double corn, soybean and cotton yields by the year 2030, while also conserving key resources by one-third.
• The company’s plant breeding and trait technology developments add value to farmers and end users, such as ethanol yield, healthier foods and improved stress tolerance.
• Monsanto seed breeders use "exotic" seed germplasm from around the world to develop new, high-performing crops for U.S. farmers.
• Enhanced molecular breeding tools can greatly increase the chances of finding an ideal combination of "high-yield" genes – one in five, compared to two in one trillion using conventional breeding.
• Various career opportunities are available in the agriculture industry.

Media: Media are invited to tour the MTU and speak with Monsanto Ag Educators.

Links: For additional information, you may visit:
• http://www.facebook.com/MonsantoMTU to follow the MTU on Facebook
• www.monsanto.com/beltwide09/mtu.asp to view video footage
• www.monsanto.com/features/mobile_tech.asp to read an article