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COST CALCULATIONS: Please register each person (x) for speciďŹ c days; One day $25, Entire Conference $50. Spouse is $10/day or $30 Entire Conference. Please indicate which days you will attend. Thank you!
Please let us know if you have special needs due to disabilities. Call Maxine at 719-852-7381 by February 2nd. Conference Sponsored By: Colorado State University Extension Trade Fair Sponsored By: Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce
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Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
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What’s new at the SRM Ag Conference in 2018 Free to everyone B Y M ARVIN R EYNOLDS Area Extension Director, San Luis Valley Area Tuesdays’ Cattle Management Program at Vali 3 Theater The program will focus on issues important to cattle ranchers. The morning will start at 10:45 a.m. This will allow ranchers time to feed before coming to town. The programs for ranchers are: • Value Added Cattle Marketing, Ralph Hinton with IMI Global Alternative marketing opportunities are an opportunity to increase income on a ranch. Hinton will share some ways to add value to the cattle being sold. Some of the value added ideas shared may be new to many producers. This program should offer something for most ranchers. • How Rangeland Monitoring Helped Our Ranch, Tim Canterbury of Canterbury Ranch Canterbury has used his rangeland monitoring program to help show how they are properly using public lands for grazing. Having his own monitoring program helped him maintain his livestock numbers by proving he was using good land management techniques with his cattle grazing program. • Nutrition at Calving and Its Impacts on Rebreeding, Eric McPhail, CSU Extension Gunnison County As we approach calving season it is important the animals be in good condition and they remain in good condition thru the rebreeding season as well. McPhail will share information on the nutritional needs of animals and how those needs can be met efficiently and economically. • San Luis Valley Calving School, Dr. Tyler Ratzlaff and Dr. Curtis Crawford, Alpine Veterinary Clinic With calving season approaching fast it is good to have a reminder of what to watch for during calving to know when to provide assistance. There are signs a person can watch for to know when to assist a cow with calving. There are also times it is necessary to call your Veterinarian. Drs. Ratzlaff and Crawford will share information on when to assist and when to monitor the cows. Whether you are new or experienced, the refresher is always a good idea. Wednesday’s Hemp Production Program Raising hemp is a new farming enterprise in Colorado, including the San Luis Valley. This program will provide information directly related to growing and marketing hemp. We’ll also hear about the history of hemp and where it might be going. Hemp also has some unique problems related to the rules and regulations around growing and marketing hemp. We’ll hear about the rules and regulations. There are special seed classification we’ll learn about as well. This program will start at
8:30 a.m. Programs on Hemp Production and Marketing • Hemp History and Contemporary Market Opportunities, Dr. Rich Fletcher, New West Genetics Understanding the history of hemp is both interesting and important to understanding how hemp became regulated the way it is. Dr. Fletcher will share information on the history of hemp and discuss marketing opportunities for hemp. • Rules and Regulations, S e e d Av a i l a b i l i t y a n d S e e d Classification, Duane Sinning or another Representative from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The CDA will share information on the rules and regulations of producing hemp. CDA administers the rules related to raising hemp in Colorado. They also have a program for hemp seed certification, the first in the USA. They will share information on the hemp seed certification program and how it benefits growers. There is a hemp seed classification program that CDA will share. • Growing Hemp, Soils, Fertilization, Variety Selection and their Challenges, Maya TerKuileMiller, Cactus Hill Consulting While the program schedule says Marvin Reynolds would be the speaker, Maya has direct
experience working with multiple growers for several years. She will share her experiences on what works in the San Luis Valley. • Grower/Processor Panel on Growing, Harvesting and Marketing Hemp, Panel of Knowledgeable Individuals Willing to Share their Experiences This program will give people an opportunity to ask those who have been growing, processing and marketing hemp for a few years about their experiences. While there was a livestock program at the SRM Ag Conference in 2017, this year’s program is an expansion on what we had last year. The hemp program is new in 2018. These programs are no cost to the participants. However, if someone wants to eat lunch they will need to pay the registration fee for the day at Ski-Hi Park. Registrations will be taken at the door where you enter the education program area of Ski-Hi Park. If you want to pay ahead of time you can pay be going to the computer/phone link, www. coloradopotato.org/agconference For more information, contact the Colorado State University Extension Office at 719-8527381 or look at the web page for the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce at https://www. m o n t e v i s t a c h a m b e r. o r g / a g conference-2018.html.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
‘Magic of Communication’ headed to annual conference SAN LUIS VALLEY—Magician and entertainer Joshua Lozoff will be the featured speaker at this year’s Southern Rocky y Mountain tural Conference, performAgricultural dnesday afternoon— ing on Wednesday “The Magicc of Communication.� ff ha as been studying and Lozoff has mag gic around the world sharing magic for more than re tha an 15 years. He reguerforrms at public events larly performs rporate & private funcand corporate tions throughout hrou ughout the U.S., and nd even even Japan, Europe and d across Latin America. meriica. H i s p e r f o rmancess co commbine hiss lov love ve for thee art ar t of magic and his fas-cination with n wi ith psychology, logy y, the powers of observao tion and uence. d infl fluence. In one mom moment, ment, he makes a dr drawing rawing come to life o lif fe just by pointing; ting;; in the next he pred predicts dicts an audiencee me members embers choicess eve even en be-
fore she knows them herself. Lozoff’s magic and mental demonstrations enliven any event, and his passion for magic p g and respect for his audience com come across in every pe per performance. L o z o ff ’s s t a g e show combines amazi in illusions amazing developed in his devel lo travel ls around the travels world, with mental that feats th ha explore the possibilities of the possibi il human hum ma mind. The show is hhighly interactive, and Joshua always JJo makes good m oon his promise tto treat every participant with respect, w ccreating moments me en of joy and amazement amazem me that last Please see LOZOFF on Page 10 Magician and entertainer Joshua Lozoff Courtesy photo
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Colorado FFA Foundation celebrates FFA Day at the Denver Stock Show
DENVER— The Colorado FFA Foundation presented FFA members and FFA Chapters from all across Colorado with grant funds to assist FFA members and chapters improve agricultural experiences in their local communities. Students and chapters were presented grant funds for four different programs that the FFA Foundation and the Colorado FFA Association host each year. Those programs are: Heifer Wrangle—participants use grant funds to purchase a heifer and throughout the course of the experience learn all aspects of the beef industry. Breeding Animal program –participants use grant funds to purchase any type of breeding animal. They learn how to care for the animal(s) and experience the life cycle of animals. Innovation Agricultural Experience program—participants use
grant funds to develop any type of agriculture entrepreneurship experience with an emphasis on innovation. School based Agricultural Experience Program—participating schools use grant funds to establish or enhance school based experiences so that all students in the chapter can participate and learn business operations skills. Chapter Improvement program—participating programs use grant funds to purchase equipment, supplies, or curriculum that will benefit the total agricultural education program and help students prepare for a career in agriculture. All programs were made possible through generous donations of foundations, companies, organizations and individuals that value and support youth in agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education Division within the Colorado Community
College System. The Colorado FFA Association currently has enrollment of over 6,200 members and 112 chapters. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information about Colorado FFA, visit www.coloradoffa.org or www.coloradoffafoundation.org. Donors and participants from the San Luis Valley were: SAE Breeding Animal Program Recipients Kane Absmeier, Alamosa FFA Chapter, sponsor Animal Health International/Erica Osborn Bryton Burkhart, Sargent FFA Chapter, sponsor Animal Health International/Erica Osborn Colby Harris, Sangre de Cristo FFA Chapter, sponsor Animal Health International/Erica Osborn
Mattive appointed to FSA State Committee WA S H I N G T O N , D . C . — Recently U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a slate of Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee Appointees. State committees are selected by the secretary, serve at the pleasure of the Secretary, and are responsible for carrying out FSA’s farm programs within delegated authorities. “The State Committees will help to ensure USDA is providing our
farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural producers with the best customer service,” Secretary Perdue said. “They serve as a liaison between USDA and the producers in each state across the nation by keeping them informed and hearing their appeals and complaints. The committees are made up mostly of active farmers and ranchers, representing their p e e r s a n d e n s u r i n g U S D A’s programs are supporting the American harvest.”
Appointees for Colorado included Robert Mattive of the San Luis Valley. State committees are appointed for a one-year term which began on January 1. Each state committee has five members, one chairperson and four members.
27th Annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture set DENVER—The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program is proud to host the 27th annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture, titled “Colorado’s Agricultural Impact: Economic, Environmental, Social” on Feb. 21 at the Renaissance Hotel in Denver. This year’s theme will bring together producers, consumers, experts, and other ag stakeholders to examine how each of those sectors converge to make agriculture one of the leading influencers in the state. Stories can create divisive boundaries in agriculture between organic and conventional; urban and rural; large-scale and smallscale. The Forum will instead
focus on the powerful impact agriculture has economically, environmentally and socially to make agriculture in the state of Colorado the second largest driver of our economy. It will challenge and equip attendees to seek out novel alliances and ideas to benefit their own operations, the industry statewide, and beyond. Registered attendees of the forum are also invited to a pre-forum reception, taking place from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion (400 E 8th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203). Find registration info at http:// www.governorsagforum.com.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association recognizes Center ranch
DENVER—The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) held the Mid-Winter Conference on Jan. 15-17 in Denver, focusing on agriculture-related issues that will be addressed during the 2018 session of Colorado’s General Assembly. Committee meetings were also held during the conference, which help establish the organization’s policies and stance on a wide range of legislative and regulatory topics impacting Colorado’s beef industry. CCA members gather for the conference to gain knowledge about their industry, create policy that drives their trade association and present awards to those who have served the state’s beef industry in an exemplary fashion. The T-Heart Ranch, owned and operated by Shane and Beth Temple of Center were named the 2017 Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year. The Temples had a humble start when they purchased 30 commercial
cows in 1995 to today having a 2800 head ranching operation and feedlot near Center. T-Heart Ranch currently maintains the registered Simmental and SimAngus cowherd to produce their replacements and the registered SimAngus bulls for their annual High Altitude Bull sale held each March. The historic L-Cross ranch runs a mostly commercial cowherd of Angus and SimAngus cattle to produce bred replacement females that they market each December through the High-Altitude Female Sale. They are located in the high elevation of the San Luis Valley where their feedlot is at 7,680 feet, so the Temples are very conscious of High Altitude Disease. Since the heritability for this disease is high, they are carving out a market needing genetics that can survive the harsh conditions of high elevations. The Temples, as well as their four Courtesy Photo children, Shelby, Lindsey, Ashley The T-Heart Ranch, owned and operated by Shane and Beth Temple of Center were named the 2017 and Coy; are a genuine ranching fam- Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Mid-Winter Conference ily and run an impressive operation. held Jan. 15-17 in Denver.
Perdue announces USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles
MIFFLINTOWN, PA — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018 during a town hall at Reinford Farms in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. “Since my first day as the Secretary of Agriculture, I’ve traveled to 30 states, listening to the people of American agriculture about what is working and what is not. The conversations we had and the people we came across helped us craft USDA’s Farm Bill and Legislative Principles for 2018,� said Secretary Perdue. “These principles will be used as a road map – they are our way of letting Congress know what we’ve heard from the hardworking men and women of American agriculture. While we understand it’s the legislature’s job to write the Farm Bill, USDA will be right there providing whatever counsel Congress may request or require.� USDA’s 2018 Farm Bill and Legislative Principles: FARM PRODUCTION & CONSERVATION Provide a farm safety net that helps American farmers weather times of economic stress without distorting markets or increasing shallow loss payments. Promote a variety of innovative
crop insurance products and changes, enabling farmers to make sound production decisions and to manage operational risk. Encourage entry into farming through increased access to land and capital for young, beginning, veteran and underrepresented farmers. Ensure that voluntary conservation programs balance farm productivity with conservation benefits so the most fertile and productive lands remain in production while land retired for conservation purposes favors more environmentally sensitive acres. Support conservation programs that ensure cost-effective financial assistance for improved soil health, water and air quality and other natural resource benefits. TRADE & FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS Improve U.S. market competitiveness by expanding investments, strengthening accountability of export promotion programs, and incentivizing stronger financial partnerships. Ensure the Farm Bill is consistent with U.S. international trade laws and obligations. Open foreign markets by increasing USDA expertise in scientific and technical areas to more effectively monitor foreign practices that impede
U.S. agricultural exports and engage MARKETING & REGULA- to bolster biosecurity, prevention, with foreign partners to address them. TORY PROGRAMS surveillance, emergency response, and Enhance our partnerships and the border security. FOOD, NUTRITION AND CON- scientific tools necessary to prevent, Protect the integrity of the USDA SUMER SERVICES mitigate, and where appropriate, eradi- organic certified seal and deliver efHarness America’s agricultural cate harmful plant and animal pests ficient, effective oversight of organic abundance to support nutrition assis- and diseases impacting agriculture. production practices to ensure organic tance for those truly in need. Safeguard our domestic food sup- products meet consistent standards for Support work as the pathway to self- ply and protect animal health through all producers, domestic and foreign. Please see USDA on Page 10 sufficiency, well-being, and economic modernization of the tools necessary mobility for individuals and families receiving supplemental nutrition asLENCO Justin Pepper - President sistance. GRIMME (719) 850-0126 Cell Strengthen the integrity and effiSPUDNIK NEW HOUSE ciency of food and nutrition programs Greentronics to better serve our participants and Agparts protect American taxpayers by reducy Black Ace a w ing waste, fraud and abuse through Broad 81144 Broekema . N 1 Kryptane 12 CO shared data, innovation, and technolVista, -0299 Noffsinger e t n o 2 ogy modernization. M 85 Lemken ) 9 1 7 ( Encourage state and local innovaHydraulic Systems tions in training, case management, * Committed to Quality & Service and program design that promote selfsufficiency and achieve long-term, stability in employment. Assure the scientific integrity of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Eric Kimberling & Brett Hemmerling process through greater transparency and reliance on the most robust body Offering of scientific evidence. Spring Triticale, Oat & Cover Crop Seed Support nutrition policies and Ranchway programs that are science based and Feeds! data driven with clear and measurable Large selection of Alfalfa Seed & Bailing Twine Serving the San Luis Valley Farmers Since 1990 outcomes for policies and programs.
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COLORADO – In the race to develop a successful, viable hemp industry, Colorado is now home to the first U.S.-bred hemp seed to qualify as Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) certified seed. “This is an exciting time for the industrial hemp industry. It seems breeding, technology, and information advances are happening at the speed of light; this is a giant step for American hemp farmers,” said Duane Sinning, CDA’s Division of Plant Industry assistant director. New West Genetics, Ft. Collins, submitted a variety trademarked as NWG-ELITE. The variety is the first U.S.-bred hemp seed to pass the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s hemp trials and qualify as AOSCA certifiedseed.Accordingtotheirwebsite, “NWG uses genomic technology and data-driven discovery to create largescale, harvestable cannabis, greatly enhancing the sustainability of the industry and paving the way for largescale product development….The large scale production of cannabis that we enable serves our mission of improving patient access and affordability and increasing options for farmers looking for rotational crops that offer a better return than other commodity crops.” In 2016, the Colorado Department of Agriculture launched the first certified hemp seed program in the country to grow hemp across Colorado’s diverse growing conditions to discover which seeds would grow crops that fall within industrial hemp THC requirements. CDAApproved Certified Seed provides growers with the confidence they expect in seed quality. The program tests industrial hemp requirements set by Amendment 64 in the Colorado constitution, which closely mirrors the federal Farm Bill. Colorado state law requires that industrial hemp tests at or below 0.3 percent THC concentration on a dry weight basis. All varieties tested were accepted by the Colorado Seed Growers Association’s Variety Review Board and these varieties passed the THC validation trials.
Once approved through validation trials across Colorado’s diverse growing environments, CDA approves the variety to be produced by the Colorado Seed Growers Association according to AOSCA standards and receive the CDA Approved Certified Seed label. Seed varieties are grown and tested in the northeast, Arkansas Valley, Front Range, the San Luis Valley and on the western slope. These five locations with distinct differences in daytime and nighttime temperatures, in altitude, length of growing season, and soil types, provide the CDA with a broad representation of Colorado’s growing conditions. A list of all CDA-Approved varieties is below. For seed availability, contact the seed companies listed. As per the DEA it is still federally illegal for hemp seed to cross state lines. In order for growers to document the planting of CDA-Approved seed, they must provide purchase order receipts and/ or bag tags for CDA verification. The CDA Approved Certified seed program requires that all individual seed packages be tagged with both CDAtags and AOSCA or OECD official tags. For more information, visit CDA’s industrial hemp program webpage, www.colorado.gov/pacific/agplants/ industrial-hemp All CDA Approved Varieties Variety/Breeding Company: 2016 CREA, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Italy Variety/Breeding Company: Eletta Campana/Schiavi Seeds LLC (Lexington, KY); Origin Italy; Flowering Dioecious; Use Fiber Variety/Breeding Company: Fibranova/Schiavi Seeds LLC (Lexington, KY); Origin Italy; Flowering Dioecious; Use Fiber Breeding Company: Institute of Field & Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, Serbia Variety/Breeding Company: Helena/ Schiavi Seeds LLC (Lexington, KY); Origin Serbia; Flowering Monoecious; Use Grain
Variety/Breeding Company: 2017/ Variety/Breeding Company: Elite/ The Polish Institute of Natural Fibers, New West Genetics (Ft. Collins); Origin Poland USA; Flowering Dioecious; Use Grain Variety/Breeding Company: Beniko/ Schiavi Seeds LLC (Lexington, KY); Origin Serbia; Flowering Monoecious; Use Fiber Variety/Breeding Company: Tygra/ Schiavi Seeds LLC (Lexington, KY); Origin Poland; Flowering Monoecious; Dual use Breeding Company: The Polish Institute of Natural Fibers, Poland Variety/Breeding Company: Bialobrzeskie/International Hemp Solutions; Origin Poland; Flowering Monoecious; Use Fiber Breeding Company: Bija Seed (Denver) Breeding Company: New West Genetics (Ft. Collins)
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Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Photo contest winners showcase Colorado agriculture Valley entries place
COLORADO— Across the seasons and across the state, Colorado provides picturesque agricultural landscapes for photographers. From families farming together, sheep amongst fall colors, and an aerial view of harvested fields, winning entries in the 20th annual “Colorado...it’s Agricultural” Photography Contest showcase the spirit of Colorado agriculture. “We received more than 110 entries featuring agriculture from every corner of the state,” said
Wendy White, marketing specialist at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “It is always exciting to see how photographers capture Colorado farms and ranches.” The winners were selected based on relation to Colorado agriculture, creativity and technical quality. The grand-prize winner is Brian Biesemeier of Sedgwick, Colo., with the entry entitled “Farming with Dad.” The winning photograph shows a young boy with his toy tractor in a field with his Dad’s tractor in the background. Other top finishers include Travis Harvey of Castle Rock, Colo., first place in the crops category; Carolyn Keller of Monte Vista, Colo., first place livestock; Dave Ritchey of Kit Carson, Colo., first place wildlife in agriculture; and Leah Hartman of Palm Beach
Gardens, Fla., first place open professional. Individuals receiving an honorable mention include Dan Harvey, Monte Vista, Colo.; Savannah Schlaufman, Manassa, Colo.; Holly Kaye, Byers, Colo.; Bill Chiles, Hooper, Colo.; Ryan Kanode, Haxtun, Colo.; Matthew Lahn, Fountain, Colo.; and Karen Mack, Craig, Colo. Started in 1998, the “Colorado... It’s Agricultural” Photography Contest is sponsored by the AgInsights Committee, Colorado Department of Agriculture and Northeastern Junior College. Wi n n i n g p h o t o g r a p h s w i l l be displayed in the BeedeHamil Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo. They are also available online at www. coloradoagriculture.com.
Carolyn Keller of Monte Vista won first place in the livestock division of the “Colorado...it’s Agricultural” Photography Contest with this photo taken in Monte Vista and titled “Beautiful Fall Day.” Courtesy photos
Dan Harvey of Monte Vista took this photo entitled “Fog,” which earned an honorable mention in the crops division.
Manassa’s Savannah Schlaufman’s“Potato Harvest” “Rocky Mountain Potato Promises” is the title of this received an honorable mention in the statewide photo submitted by Bill Chiles of Hooper, winning honorable mention in the open professional category. agricultural photo contest’s crops division.
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Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Ag Conference Schedule
Potato Management Seminar (& Alfalfa)
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Some classes are held at Ski Hi Park and others at Vali Theater 7 a.m. BREAKFAST Sponsored by: Monte Vista CO-OP 8 a.m. Welcome/Opening Comments, Tyler Thompson, Extension Specialist, San Luis Valley Research Center, Center, Colo. 8:05 a.m. CSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Update, Dr. Jessica Davis, Professor, Department Head, Horticulture and Landscape and Agriculture, CSU 8:20 a.m. National Potato Council Update on Policy Issues, John Keeling, Executive Vice President, National Potato Council 8:50 a.m. Nightshade, Foxtail and Other Weed Issues in Potato Production, Pamela Hutchinson, Potato Cropping Systems Weed Scientist, University of Idaho, Aberdeen R&E Center 9:20 a.m. New Approaches to Developing Potato Cultivars, Dr. David Holm, Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, CSU/SLVRC, Center, Colo. 9:50 a.m. Managing Nitrogen with Economic Implications in Early and Late Colorado Russet Potatoes, Dr. Samuel Essah, Associate Professor, Horticulture and LA, Extension Specialist and Physiologist; CSU/SLVRC, Center, Colo. 10:20 a.m. Refreshment Break (Trade Fair) Sponsored by: U.S. Tractor & Harvest 10:35 a.m. Bus to Vali Theatre, Jerry Clare, driver, Bus provided by City of Monte Vista **Concurrent Sessions** **At Ski Hi Park: 10:40 a.m. Primus vs Global Gap, Kay Harmon, Owner, Ag Check Compliance Services 10:50 a.m. How to Reduce Shrinkage in a Potato Storage Facility, Dr. Sastry Jayanty, Associate Professor, Extension Specialist, Post-Harvest Physiologist, Horticulture and LA, CSU/SLVRC, Center, Colo. 11:15 a.m. The Economic impacts of PVY, Implications for Seed Certification and Commercial Production, Christopher McIntosh, Professor, University of Idaho 11:45 a.m. Overview of the Frozen Potato Market, Dale Lathim, Executive Director, Washington Potato Growers for United Potato Growers of Colorado
Livestock Management Seminar
**At Vali Theater: 10:45 a.m. Value Added Cattle Marketing, Ralph Hinton, Feedlot Customer Verification Specialist, IMI Global 11:35 a.m. How Rangeland Monitoring Helped Our Ranch, Tim Canterbury, Rancher, Canterbury Ranch 12:05 p.m. Bus back to Ski Hi Park 12:15 p.m. LUNCH And VISIT TRADE FAIR Sponsored by: Frontier Bank (at Ski Hi Park) 1:30 p.m. Bus to Vali Theatre
**At Vali Theater: 1:40 p.m. Nutrition at Calving and It’s Impacts on Rebreeding, Eric McPhail, County Director, Gunnison County Extension, CSU 2:10 p.m. SLV Calving School, Tyler Ratzlaff and Curtis Crawford, Veterinarians, Alpine Veterinary Clinic 2:45 p.m. Bus back to Ski Hi Park
**At Ski Hi Park: 1:45 p.m. Vendor Presentation 1:55 p.m. Mustard Bio fumigation in a Vegetable Rotation System, Mark Uchanski, Assistant Professor, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, CSU 2:25 p.m. Plant Parasitic Nematode Control Using their Natural Microbial Antagonists and Free-living Nematode Competitors, Daniel Manter, Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS 3:15 p.m. Refreshment Break (Trade Fair) 3:35 p.m. 2017 Post Harvest Test update and Dickeya Survey Update, Andrew Houser, Manager, (Potato Certification), Horticulture and LA, CSU/SLVRC, Center, Colo. 4:05 p.m. Potato Market Trends and Update, John Toaspern, Chief Marketing Officer, Potatoes, USA 4:50 p.m. Interactions Between Potato Cropping Systems, Soil Health and Microbial Structure, Dr. Courtney Jahn and Dr. Jane Stewart, Assistant Professors, Bio agricultural Sciences and Pest Management, CSU 5:20 p.m. Vendor Presentation 5:30 p.m. SOCIAL HOUR Sponsored by: Sunϔlower Bank
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Potato/Small Grains/ Alfalfa/Soil Health
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Some classes are held at Ski Hi Park and others at Vali Theater 7 a.m. BREAKFAST Sponsored by: Ciello/SLV Rural Electric CO-OP
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
Page 9
Ag Conference Schedule 8 a.m. 8:05 a.m. 8:20 a.m.
Welcome, Tyler Thompson, Extension Specialist, San Luis Valley Research Center, Center, Colo. Fertilizer options for Organic Production, Bill Crowder, Agronomist, Agro Engineering, Alamosa, Colo. Bus transportation to Vali Theater, Jerry Clare, driver, Bus provided by City of Monte Vista
**Concurrent sessions** **At Ski Hi Park: 8:30 a.m. Bio-fungicides in organic and Conventional Potato Production, Steven McKechnie, Agronomist, Agro Engineering, Alamosa, Colo. 9 a.m. Management Guidelines for Blackleg and Tuber Soft Rot in the San Luis Valley, Andrew Houser, Manager, (Potato Certiϔication), Horticulture and LA, CSU/SLVRC, Center, Colo. 9:30 a.m. Silver Scurf and Black Dot, Franz Lichtner, Graduate Research Associate, Department of Bio-agriculture and Pest Management, CSU 10 a.m. Vendor Presentation 10:10 a.m. Refreshment Break (Trade Fair) Sponsored by: Valley Wide Welding 10:20 a.m. Bus transportation to Vali Theater **At Ski Hi Park 10:30 a.m. UAV and Ground Based Remote Sensing Technologies, Kendall DeJonge, Agricultural Engineer, ARS, Fort Collins 11:10 a.m. Regenerating the Diversity of Life in Soils—Hope for Farming and Climate, Dr. David Johnson, Microbial Biologist, New Mexico State University
Hemp Production And Marketing
**At Vali Theater: 8:30 a.m. Hemp History and Contemporary Market Opportunities, Dr. Rich Fletcher, Director of Breeding, New West Genetics 9:10 a.m. Rules, Regulations, Seed Availability, Seed Classification, Duane Sinning, Seed Coordinator, Colorado Department of Agriculture 9:55 a.m. Vendor Presentation 10 a.m. Refreshment Break (at theater) Sponsored by: Mystic Biscuit, Del Norte, Colo. 10:10 a.m. Growing Hemp, Soils, Fertilization, Variety Selection and their Challenges, Marvin Reynolds, Director, CSU Extension, San Luis Valley Area 10:50 a.m. Grower/Processor Panel on Growing, Harvesting and Marketing Hemp, Shannon Wright and Dion Oakes, Owners, Wright-Oakes Farms, Corbet Heffner, General Manager, Power Zone Equipment, Matt Birkholz, Owner, Colorado Hemp Works, Monte Robertson, Owner, San Luis Valley Hemp Co. 11:45 a.m. Vali Theater group bus back to Ski Hi Park
**At Ski Hi Park 12:10 p.m. LUNCH And VISIT TRADE FAIR Sponsored by: Farm Credit of Southern Colorado 1:30 p.m. Guest Speaker—The Magic of Communication, Joshua Lozoff—Magician and Entertainer, Sponsored by: Farm Credit of Southern Colorado 2:30 p.m. Refreshment Break (Trade Fair) 2:50 p.m. Vendor Presentation 3 p.m. Alfalfa Weed Control, and Herbicide Resistance, John Spring, Area Extension Agent, Agronomy/Weed Science, Golden Plains Area, Sedgewick, Colo. 3:30 p.m. Ecology and Epidemiology of Ergot Infecting Barley, Kirk Broders, Assistant Professor, Bio-agriculture Sciences and Pest Management, CSU 4 p.m. Recent Past Weather and a Look Ahead, Nolan Doesken, Climatologist, Colorado Water Institute, CSU 4:35 p.m. Denver Food Hub/Blueprint for Ag and It’s Impact on the San Luis Valley, Dr. Becca Jablonski, Assistant Professor and Dawn Thilmany, Professor, Agricultural and Resource Economics, CSU 5:25 p.m. Vendor Presentation 5:35 p.m. SOCIAL HOUR Sponsored by: SLV Federal Bank
SLV Water Management
Thursday, Feb. 8
7 a.m. 8 a.m. 8:05 a.m.
9:05 a.m. 9:55 a.m. 10:05 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 11:25 a.m.
12 p.m. 1 p.m.
BREAKFAST Sponsored by: Rio Grande Savings & Loan Opening Comments, Marvin Reynolds, Director, CSU Extension, San Luis Valley Area Rio Grande Water Conservation District Update and Update on the SLV Doppler Radar Program, Cleave Simpson, Executive Director, Rio Grande Conservation District Water 2018, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Pat McDermott, Division 3 Staff Engineer, Colorado Division of Water Resources Vendor Presentation Refreshment Break (Trade Fair) Nozzle Consideration in Sprinkler Irrigation, Michael Curtis, Engineer, Agro Engineering, Alamosa, Colo. RGHRP: Partnering with Irrigators to Restore the Rio Grande, Emma Reesor, Executive Director, Rio Grande Headwater Restoration Project Challenges of Weather Forecasting in South Central Colorado, Jennifer Stark, Meteorologist, National Weather Service, Pueblo, Colo. LUNCH And VISIT TRADE FAIR Sponsored by: First Southwest Bank Seven Core Credits of Pesticide Applicators, Don Henderson, Owner, DP Ag Products, Sponsored by: Mosca-Hooper Conservation District
Thank you for coming! Have a safe trip; see you next year!
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Page 10
Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Farm Service Agency County Committee shares election results for SLV
SAN LUIS VALLEY— The election of agricultural producers to Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers. FSA encourages every eligible producer to participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). County committee (COC) members are a critical component of the operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers and ranchers
who serve on county committees help with the decisions necessary to administer the programs in their counties. They work to ensure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. FSA county committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws and committee members apply their judgment and knowledge to make local decisions. The results for this past 2017 County Committee elections for the following counties and respective (LAA) Local Administrative Areas are:
USDA
Continued from Page 4 Ensure USDA is positioned ap- infrastructure for modern food and propriately to review production agricultural science. technologies if scientifically required Prioritize investments in education, to ensure safety, while reducing regula- training and the development of human tory burdens. capital to ensure a workforce capable Foster market and growth opportu- of meeting the growing demands of nities for specialty crop growers while food and agriculture science. reducing regulatory burdens that limit Develop and apply integrated their ability to be successful. advancement in technology needed to feed a growing and hungry world. FOOD SAFETY & INSPECTION SERVICES RURAL DEVELOPMENT Protect public health and prevent Create consistency and flexibility in foodborne illness by committing the programs that will foster collaboration necessary resources to ensure the and assist communities in creating a highest standards of inspection, with quality of life that attracts and retains the most modern tools and scientific the next generation. methods available. Expand and enhance the effecSupport and enhance FSIS programs tiveness of tools available to further to ensure efficient regulation and the connect rural American communisafety of meat, poultry and processed ties, homes, farms, businesses, first egg products, including improved responders, educational facilities, coordination and clarity on execution and healthcare facilities to reliable of food safety responsibilities. and affordable high-speed internet Continue to focus USDA resources services. on products and processes that pose Partner with states and local comthe greatest public health risk. munities to invest in infrastructure to support rural prosperity, innovation RESEARCH, EDUCATION & and entrepreneurial activity. ECONOMICS Provide the resources and tools Commit to a public research agenda that foster greater integration among that places the United States at the fore- programs, partners and the rural defront of food and agriculture scientific velopment customer. development. Develop an impact evaluation apNATURAL RESOURCES & proach, including the use of industry ENVIRONMENT panels, to align research priorities to Make America’s forests work again invest in high priority innovation, through proactive cost-effective mantechnology, and education networks. agement based on data and sound Empower public-private partner- science. ships to leverage federal dollars, Expand Good Neighbor Authority increase capacity, and investments in and increase coordination with states
LOZOFF
long after the evening is over. An event planner recently wrote, “We had more compliments on Joshua than we have ever had on an entertainer. An over-the-top professional, he was also extremely personable with our guests. His interaction with them was so genuine, and that only added to his amazing performance.� Lozoff’s motto is “Life is Magic.� He says, “the most beautiful thing about magic is how it appeals to everyone. I can go from a black-tie gala to a backyard barbeque, and everyone has a few moments in time which transcend our ordinary reality; moments of awe, of astonishment, and just a flat-out fun time.� Recently, Joshua had the honor of being one of only two magicians to receive an invitation to perform at the World’s Fair in Japan. He spent two weeks as a featured performer for the USA Pavilion, entertaining Fair visitors from around the globe. In 2006, the award-winning docu-
Continued from Page 2 mentary Metacarpus, about the power of the human hand, featured Joshua’s sleight-of-hand mastery alongside an orthopedic surgeon and sign language interpreter. For several years straight, his one-man show broke box office records by selling out every single performance, garnered rave reviews, and ended up on several “Best of the Year� lists. Before turning his attention to magic, Joshua was a professional actor in Los Angeles, including a notable recurring role on the TV show Cheers, as Gino Tortelli and as Logan in the movie Clueless. You can even see Lozoff’s martial arts prowess on display (he holds a second degree black belt in Aikido) in the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! After 14 years as a professional actor, Lozoff left Los Angeles to regain his sanity and devote more time to service work, including volunteer stints throughout Latin America.
Alamosa County, LAA 3 – Lisa Sykes, representing the area south of Stanley Rd and east of Hwys 17 & 285 of Alamosa County Conejos County, LAA 3 – Miranda Sandoval, representing the area south of CR N in Conejos County Costilla County, LAA 3 – Stephen Lucero, representing the area north of CR X in Costilla County Saguache, Rio Grande, Mineral & Hinsdale Counties, LAA 1 – Anthony Lobato, representing he north portion of Saguache County and LAA 6 – Carol Dove, representing the northwest portion
of Rio Grande County. The Alamosa COC meets, as needed, the third Tuesday of the month at 1 pm. The Conejos COC meets, as needed, the third Friday of the month at 1 pm. The Costilla COC meets, as needed, the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am. The Saguache, Rio Grande, Mineral & Hinsdale COC meets, as needed, the first Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm. For more information, contact your local FSA office or visit www. fsa.usda.gov
to promote job creation and improve forest health through shared stewardship and stakeholder input. Reduce litigative risk and regulatory impediments to timely environmental review, sound harvesting, fire management and habitat protection to improve forest health while providing jobs and prosperity to rural communities. Offer the tools and resources that incentivize private stewardship and retention of forest land. MANAGEMENT Provide a fiscally responsible Farm Bill that reflects the Administration’s budget goals. Enhance customer service and compliance by reducing regulatory burdens on USDA customers. Modernize internal and external IT solutions to support the delivery of efficient, effective service to USDA customers. Provide USDA full authority to responsibly manage properties and facilities under its jurisdiction. Increase the effectiveness of tools and resources necessary to attract and retain a strong USDA workforce that reflects the citizens we serve. Recognize the unique labor needs of agriculture and leverage USDA’s expertise to allow the Department to play an integral role in developing workforce policy to ensure farmers have access to a legal and stable workforce. Grow and intensify program availability to increase opportunities for new, beginning, veteran, and underrepresented producers.
It was during his travels that a chance encounter with a street magician sparked a new passion, and he began his training. Traveling around the world, Joshua studied with master magicians on several continents. After years of full-time training, he began sharing his craft with others. Now Joshua is regarded as one of the top magicians working today. Last year, he logged over 200 private and public performances— at events ranging from small private parties to corporate banquets and gala balls, and even wedding receptions. Lozoff loves sharing his craft with people in every setting, and his love and respect for magic come across in every performance. A few moments spent with him can truly inspire, amaze and entertain. As a client recently wrote: “His passion for what he does really comes through and his humor is infecĆ&#x;ous. Many, many thanks for a job well done!â€?
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
High altitude alfalfa harvest
Page 11
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Alfalfa bales wait to be stacked in a field in Saguache County.
Alamosa/La Jara Response Area subdistrict petition drive about to close
SAN LUIS VALLEY — Under the Division of Water Resources proposed groundwater rules, which were filed with the court in September of 2015, non-exempt wells in Division No. 3 will be required to either join a subdistrict, obtain an individual plan for augmentation or cease the nonexempt use of the well. It is very important for non-exempt well owners to understand their options under these proposed rules. Over the past year and a half, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District has been gathering petitions from non-exempt well owners in the Alamosa-La Jara Response
Area (also known as Subdistrict No. 6), which is located in parts of Alamosa, Conejos and Rio Grande Counties, who wanted to be included in the subdistrict. The Alamosa-La Jara Response Area petition drive is now nearing the end. The district’s staff is currently sending out letters to those nonexempt well owners who have not yet completed a petition to join the subdistrict to offer them the opportunity for inclusion. Any non-exempt well owner in the Alamosa-La Jara Response Area who has not received either a phone call or a letter from the district regarding their non-exempt
well should contact the district’s office immediately to discuss their options. The district is preparing to file the petition for the formation of Subdistrict No. 6 in the very near future. Anyone wanting to be included in this subdistrict should contact the district before February 28th so staff can prepare the necessary petition(s) for signature. To include a non-exempt well in this subdistrict, please contact the Rio Grande Water Conservation District at (719) 589-6301. More information on this subdistrict can also be obtained by visiting the District’s website at RGWCD.org.
Ag Conference Sponsors Platinum $500 DuPont Crop Protection Syngenta Innovak Global Gold $300 Colorado Seed Rocky Mountain Ag Inc. Royal Electric Community Banks of Colorado Bayer Crop Science Secura Insurance Company Silver $250 Winfield United-Croplan Bronze $200 Buffalo Brand Seed
Break Sponsors Mystic Biscuit US Tractor & Harvest Inc. Valley Wide Welding
Other Contributors Adolph Coors Company City of Monte Vista Colorado Potato Administrative Committee Meal & Social Hour Sponsors Colorado Work Force Center Farm Credit of Southern Colorado MDS Waste & Recycle First Southwest Bank Monte Vista Parks & Recreation Frontier Bank Waste Management Monte Vista Cooperative Special Thanks for support Rio Grande Savings & Loan Monte Vista Co-op San Luis Valley Federal Bank SLV Research Center Ciello/San Luis Valley Rural Farm Credit of Southern ColoElectric rado Sunflower Bank
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Page 12
Southern Rocky Mountain Agricultural Conference & Trade Fair
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
MV hosts first potato business summit STAFF REPORT
MONTE VISTA— In the first San Luis Valley Potato Business Summit, held Monday in Monte Vista, topics focused more on economics, future strategies and technology than varieties, diseases and rotations. Speakers in what organizers hope to be an annual event talked about markets, the economy, digital agriculture and setting goals for the future. For example, Sterling Liddell, with Rabobank, the largest global agricultural lender, discussed economic cycles in relationship to the potato industry. “We need to be better at strategy. We need to be better at long term,” Liddell said. He pointed attendees to commodities and the global markets. “What we are looking at is a cycle in agriculture,” he said. He said the economy in general is improving, with the U.S. economy performing generally better than the world economy. The DOW just experienced the fastest 1,000 point climb. “We are doing $2.5 billion per week in high risk lending activity,” Liddell said. “That’s a substantial amount of money in high risk lending. There’s a lot of money going into securities that are also very high risk.” Why this matters to crop farmers, he said, is because when the pendulum swings the other direction and hedge fund managers seek a “flight to safety” away from high risk securities and towards commodities, they will turn to real estate, particularly agricultural land. “That has not happened yet, but at some point …” Liddell said. While in general the U.S. economy is improving, from a farming perspective, “it’s been rough,” Liddell said. Some farmers have not been able to repay their debt and are taking out debt to cover debt. That’s consistent across many crops, Liddell added. Because of that, many farmers will be looking at alternatives such as doing something else with their land, growing alternative types of crops or getting out of the business entirely. He estimated a little more than 5 percent would be in that last category and discontinue farming in the future. Although that sounds dismal, Liddell said, it is part of the cycle, and “this cycle is manageable. It takes understanding the business, understanding the cycle.” Farmers can move forward by applying capital in a way that’s going to be most efficient and successful. They might want to consider decreasing acreage, entering a fallowing program or liquidating assets that are not productive, Liddell said. He said this is a pivotal year for commodities, and 2019 could experience price recovery. Liddell said the U.S. agricultural industry is becoming more and more reliant on exports. In the past the cattle industry exported 10 percent of its products, and this year the U.S. will be exporting 11 percent. In the next five years exports will comprise 12-13 percent of the cattle industry. “That doesn’t sound huge, but it’s very large,” Liddell said. Likewise, the U.S. is exporting 26-27 percent in the hog industry. What happens in animal agricul-
Photos by Ruth Heide
Armando Valdez ture is driving what happens with grain, Liddell added. He expected to see growth in the cattle industry, which will mean an increase in the demand for grain. “There’s still an unfilled demand on the grain side,” he said. Soybeans are the strongest market followed by corn and wheat, but barley is also shaping up to be stronger, he said. There is a need for more acreage to be planted in barley, he added. He said there is a potential for improvement in commodity prices. What is happening in this market affects the potato industry, he added. “There’s some potential for potato acres to at least be stable,” he said. Hay prices will likely increase, some of it due to increased demand for hay in states that experienced colder and harsher winters this year, and that will also put pressure on potatoes, Liddell explained. He encouraged farmers to understand their financial position, look towards the future and work with lenders who understand their industry. “If you don’t have a banker that understands your business, then get one,” he said. When asked about the future of NAFTA (The North American Free Trade Agreement), Liddell said in meeting with governors of agricultural states that are working on that agreement, they related that al-
Sterling Liddell
though there is some sword rattling, Become vision-driven “we are going to keep a relationship, San Luis Valley rancher and we have to keep a relationship between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico Adams State University professor … We don’t think NAFTA is going Armando Valdez spoke to the group about setting and achieving specific to be severely disrupted.” goals for their farming businesses. It’s important to have a vision and Technology vital to ag Technology is more integral to develop strategies to get there, he farming, especially considering that encouraged the attendees. Too many by 2030 75 percent of the growers farmers and ranchers are looking will be people born after the late 1990’s, Liz Hunt from Syngenta told summit attendees. She said the millennial farmers have grown up with digital “always being there.” “The digitization of agriculture is happening now,” she said. She said there are many options and opportunities as well as advancements such as robotics and sensors. She pointed to how much the cell phone itself has changed in just the last 10-15 years in the way texts can be sent, for example, and videos viewed. Farmers can use this technology to their advantage, she said, and find the right system to manage their technology needs and data and input requirements. Being able to share their data with consumers will become more important as well, Hunt said. Consumers are more interested in where their food came from, she said. “Being able to tell that story to consumers is very important to them,” she said.
Liz Hunt
only at one season at a time, he said, but their vision needs to be three years out. Once that vision is achieved, they can set another for the next three years. Sponsoring the potato business summit were the Monte Vista Cooperative, Stone’s Farm Supply, Farm Credit, Poole Chemical, SLV Rural Electric Cooperative and Sunflower Bank.