Colorado Corn

The deadline for the 2013 (and final) Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program is June 3. There are a number of reasons why growers may want to consider enrolling this year. Below is a summary from the Colorado State University Extension Office provided by John Deering of Washington County Extension.  John is willing to address any questions that producers may have and can be reached at (970) 345-2287.

Why Consider ACRE Signup in 2013?

This weekend's edition of FarmCast Radio includes interviews with Rep. Randy Fischer on the end of the 2013 CO General Assembly, and crop progress with Bill Meyer of Colorado Ag Statistics Service.

FarmCast Radio

The Colorado Corn Growers Association earlier this week sent a letter to the National Corn Growers Association regarding a dissenting position over the NCGA Farm Bill policy development.

MILC, SURE, and NAP will restart on May 8

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2013 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia announced today that farm payments, which had been temporarily suspended due to sequestration, are scheduled to resume today, May 8. This includes payments for the 2011 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) and the Milk Income Loss Contract Program (MILC).

Colorado Corn Growers Association Public Policy Chair Rick Palkowitsh was among a handful of agricultural representatives to meet with Gov. John Hickenlooper on Wednesday to ask him to veto SB252. The meeting was arranged with the Governor through Representative Jerry Sonnenberg at the urging of the CCGA Public Policy Committee.  

The Colorado Corn Growers Association has thanked Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall for signing on to a letter from the National Corn Growers Association supporting the use of biotechnology.

Below is an announcement from the NCGA on the letter:

Northern Colorado Clean Cities (NCCC) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announce the launch of Refuel Colorado Fleets, a pilot project to help owners of vehicle fleets and auto dealers take advantage of vehicles that use clean, domestic fuels as an alternative to petroleum.

This pilot project will involve at least seven communities to be selected across Colorado. It is aimed at accelerating the deployment of alternative fuels, reducing petroleum imports, and increasing fuel cost efficiency in public and private sector vehicle fleets.

Member Services Committee Member and Yuma County Director Rod Hahn recently conducted an interview for KSIR. He talked about his farm operation as well as new Colorado Corn membership options and the benefits of being a member. Listen Here.

The USDA Rural Development Office offers a 25% cost share grant for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

 The grant does NOT have to be repaid

 The grant is available to agriculture producers and rural businesses.

An opinion piece on Politico.com says it well:

Holly farmer Doug Melcher began his second year of a two-year term as  Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) president last week by presiding over the election of his fellow officers for the coming year.

In open nominations and elections, the CCGA board voted to re-elect Rick Palkowitsh of Burlington as vice-president, Dave Eckhardt of LaSalle as treasurer and Ken Helling of Idalia as secretary.

While the drought of 2012 was certainly the story of the year, Colorado's corn farmers remained country strong through research, public policy, market development and outreach.

See all of it and more in the 2013 annual meeting video here. 

Holly farmer Doug Melcher began his second year of a two-year term as  Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) president last week by presiding over the election of his fellow officers for the coming year.

In open nominations and elections, the CCGA board voted to re-elect Rick Palkowitsh of Burlington as vice-president, Dave Eckhardt of LaSalle as treasurer and Ken Helling of Idalia as secretary.

The election was part of the regular meeting of the CCGA and the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee boards.

Colorado Corn's Public Policy Committee has voted to oppose HB 1192, which would force labeling of all foods containing genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs).

Every credible study has shown no significant health difference between GMO and non-GMO foods so labeling provides no benefit to consumers while increasing the costs on all foods and expenses to state government. Consumers can already purchase foods which are voluntarily labeled as non-GMO.

Opportunity to Provide Input on State Energy Programs for Colorado Farmers

This weekend's edition of FarmCast Radio includes interviews with State Rep. Randy Fischer, CO Farm Bureau's Nick Colglazier and Governor John Hickenlooper's address at the Governor's Forum on Ag.

Click Here for FarmCast Radio
Click Here to watch video of the Ag Forum from Barn Media

CCGA Public Policy Committee voted to support SB13-074. 

Senate Bill 13-074 provides needed certainty and objectivity for determining the number of acres intended to be irrigated by holders of early decrees which did not contain language specifying an acreage amount.