Lawmakers in the senate agriculture committee unanimously passed a bill that would make it easier for seasonal workers to come to Colorado. The measure now heads to the senate appropriations committee. It already cleared the House. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Considered one of the most innovative farmers in the nation for his holistic approach to farming and ranching, Joel Salatin runs Polyface Farm in Virginia. He'll present a lecture titled "Dancing With Dinner: The Dynamic of Healthy Food Chains," Thursday, January 24th. Noel Black spoke with Salatin about his "beyond organic" ranching techniques. [LISTEN]
Colorado has launched a statewide investigation into conservation easements after complaints that crooked land appraisers are over-valuing agricultural land. Government officials say Colorado could be losing millions of dollars in tax revenues. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
In the Wet Mountain Valley, about an hour west of Pueblo, haying season is winding down and ranchers are hauling in the last bales from the fields. Like other high altitude mountain valleys, the area around Westcliffe is known for producing excellent grass hay that is popular with horse owners along the Front Range. Hay is a crucial crop because it feeds the ranchers own livestock and brings in much needed income when they sell the surplus. But even during a year with good moisture like this one, farmers are in a constant struggle to get the best crop they can. KRCC's Shanna Lewis has the story.
[LISTEN]
EVENT 1: Meeting on Military Issues Affecting the Pikes Peak Region, 11:00 AM MST, Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Cascade Avenue, Chamber Conference Room, Colorado Springs, CO
EVENT 2: Meeting on Water Storage Issues, 12:30 PM MST, at the Worner Campus Center, room 213, Colorado College, Colorado Springs (NW corner of Cache La Poudre and Cascade)
Three new farmers markets got started in Denver this summer, and they've beenselling things that are grown on the grounds of three different public schools. These schools are finding out how much there is to teach and learn in a garden, and that growing plants can generate hands-on lessons in science, math and social studies. This year they are teaching students about how the garden can be a business too. KCFR's Helen Gray visited the farmers Market at a school near Washington Park and has this report.
A couple of veteran Colorado political analysts agree last week represented a major victory for the ranchers opposing expansion at the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. We talked to Bob Loevy, a political science professor at Colorado College and Cara DeGette, columnist for the Colorado Springs Independent and ColoradoConfidential.com.
On Thursday the Senate approved a military spending bill that includes an amendment to stop for one year all progress towards expanding the Army's Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site between Trinidad and La Junta. The amendment mirrors one passed in the U.S. House in June, which blocks all funding for studies related to expansion of the 235,000 acre training area. The Army says it needs 415,000 acres added to the site to meet future training needs.
The amendement itself narrowly passed, on a 47-45 vote.
The bill the Senate passed now goes to a conference committee to reconcile it with a very similar bill passed by the House. The bill that comes out of that committee will then go to President Bush. Sen. Salazar said today (Thurs., 9/6/07) that he expects President Bush to sign the bill into law.
Senator Allard voted against the amendment, but for the larger bill. He has also been appointed to the conference committee to reconcile the bill with the House.
To listen to Senator Salazar's press conference discussing the vote (13 minutes) [CLICK HERE]
Military, economic and political heavyweights from Colorado Springs met with Senator Ken Salazar Aug. 29 to lobby for expansion of the Pinon Canyon Army training site in southeastern Colorado. Ft. Carson wants to nearly triple the size of the site to some 650 square miles. That would mean buying or condemning more than 400,000 acres of private land, something landowners and local governments in southeastern Colorado vehemently oppose. That sentiment was made evident three weeks ago when Senator Salazar visited Trinidad. He got very different opinion in the Springs.
Governor Bill Ritter has issued a disaster emergency order letting more trucks haul wheat because there aren't enough commercial transports to handle this year's bumper crop. The order, issued today, allows vehicles with farm license plates to enter commercial service hauling wheat to elevators, railroad sidings or markets. Colorado law says farmers can only use vehicles with farm license plates for hauling their own crops, for farming purposes or for personal transportation. Ritter's order expands that to include commercial hauling for 45 days. Ritter said that without the order, millions of dollars worth of wheat could be damaged or lost while sitting on the ground awaiting transport. State officials said Colorado's 87-million-bushel wheat harvest is the largest in nearly 10 years, and double last year's. Good snow cover protected the crop and provided the moisture it needed. But many truck and rail carriers that once hauled wheat have gone out of business because of the drought, low wheat prices and high fuel prices, officials said.
Increased demands for nuclear power have rekindled an interest in uranium mining in Colorado. Three mines have reopened in the western part of the state in recent years and now a Canadian company has set its sites on Northern Colorado. The so-called "Centennial Project" is still in its early states but as KUNC's Brian Larson reports opposition from area residents is growing...
The restoration of state historic site in Chaffee County is nearing completion. It's the Hutchinson Homestead, one of the first working ranches in the upper Arkansas Valley, located between Salida and Poncha Springs. The ranch has been in the Hutchinson family for five generations, and last year retired veterinarian Dr. Wendell Hutchinson donated the original homestead site to the public. On Saturday, there will be a celebration at the homestead to mark the completion of the first phase of restoration, and to raise money to finish the job.
In Trinidad today, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar asked opponents of the Army's plans to expand its Pinon Canyon training area if they're willing to accept some compromises.
Colorado made national headlines last December, when federal Immigration agents raided the Swift meatpacking plant in Greeley, arresting 261 people.
Less well publicized was an immigration raid in April in the San Luis Valley. In the tiny town of Center, Colorado, federal agents arrested a couple of dozen undocumented workers at a potato plant.
The aftermath of the fallout is chronicled in the latest issue of High Country News. Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler recently spoke with reporter Eric Mack, who covered the raids. Mack says immigrants in the valley are living in anxiety in the aftermath of the enforcement action.
The state has asked that a water court ruling with potentially far-reaching effects on the oil and gas industry be put on hold, while state officials prepare an appeal.
The Army told Colorado's senators that it will go "back to the drawing board" on its plans to triple the size of its Pinon Canyon training site between Trinidad and La Junta.
In a letter, Acting Secretary of the Army Pete Geren says he shares Democratic Senator Ken Salazar's desire for a win-win solution to expanding Pinon Canyon.
The state commission that issues oil and gas drilling permits has a new mandate. It will protect public health, wildlife and the environment instead of just promoting energy development. And Governor Bill Ritter recently appointed five new commissioners. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
500 neutered male Kashmir goats spent the last week happily chewing up weeds at Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs, thanks to the efforts of the Bear Creek Garden Association. KRCC Intern Lindsey Foat paid them a visit and brought back this report.
Bark beetles are infesting close to 700 hundred thousand acres of forests in Colorado according to government figures. And the state forester says that number will rise as the beetles spread to other parts of western Colorado. The Governor recently flew over some of the infected forests. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
A press release from Ft. Carson July 6, 2007 reads: "The Army has posted the updated area of interest map with additional terrain features included for the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site proposed expansion on the main website for Fort Carson.
Other information relevant to the proposed expansion will also be posted at the site as it becomes available to update the public. The link is located at www.carson.army.mil. Click on the Piñon Canyon tab to locate the "Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site Proposed Expansion Information."
For more information contact the Fort Carson Public Affairs Office at (719) 526-4143/3420. After hours please contact the 24-hour Emergency Operation Center at 526-5500 and ask for the On-Call Public Affairs Officer.
On Tuesday four-star General Richard Cody visited Ft. Carson. At a press conference, he was asked about Senator Ken Salazar's proposed compromise on expanding the Piñon Canyon maneuver site between Trinidad and La Junta. The army wants to nearly triple its size. Ranchers and nearby towns oppose it, both because private property owners would have to give up some land, and because even the Army admits there would be no economic benefits for Trindad, La Junta or southeastern Colorado. Troops are brought to Piñon Canyon to train, and then leave immediately, there are no barracks or facilities, and soldiers don't shop or do business in the area.
Colorado senator Ken Salazar touted the Senate's recent passage of the 2007 energy bill as part of a panel addressing the country's energy future at the Aspen Institute's Aspen Ideas Festival this week. The democrat also used the national forum to scorn the Bush Administration's refusal to implement a one year freeze on oil and gas drilling atop western Colorado's scenic Roan Plateau. We also hear from Amory Lovins. Kirk Siegler reports from Aspen.
Growing food to feed the world accounts for 70 percent of fresh water consumption. But the need for irrigated crops is coming into increasing conflict with the fresh water requirements of cities, factories and a healthy environment. Shelly Schlender reports on how Colorado farmers and scientists are trying to tackle the dilemma.
It looks like Congress is taking seriously a new round of debate about immigration in the coming weeks. Democrats have advanced a new bill that observers are calling a mixed bag with something for everyone to love, or hate.
Colorado Senator Ken Salazar was a leading proponent of comprehensive immigration reform last November. A bill to overhaul immigration laws died for lack of action. The Democrat say the new bill achieves the same goals he set last time.
Republican Wayne Allard has been critical of proposals to bring the estimated 12 million undocumented workers in the U.S. into the light of citizenship ahead of a backlog of some 8 million trying to enter legally.
To offer customers the lowest prices, U.S. food retailers need to buy in volume, and that often means turning to producers who are thousands of kilometers from where shoppers fill their grocery carts. But as consumers grow more concerned about fossil fuel consumption and sustainable agriculture, they're demanding more locally grown food on their store shelves. And some retailers are responding. Reporting on how this trend is taking hold in Colorado, here's Shelly Schlender.
Click to enlarge.There is a new development to report in a decade long fight between environmentalists and the energy industry in western Colorado. Two of Colorado's democratic congressman are pushing a measure that would stop oil and gas drilling atop the Roan Plateau, between Rifle and Grand Junction. Congressman John Salazar - whose district includes the Garfield County landmark - and congressman Mark Udall hope to slip in what's called a funding limitation in the 2008 Appropriations bill. The measure aims to freeze any public money from being spent on leasing of the Roan to energy companies.
Aspen Public Radio's Kirk Siegler has details: [LISTEN]
More than 1,500 people marched in Denver today to call for reform of America's immigration policies. The turnout, estimated by the Denver Post, was far smaller than last year, when an estimated 75,000 people marched in Denver. Nationwide it's estimated that more than a million people gathered to call for immigration reform last year.
Among those at the March in Denver today was Joe Barrera, co-chair of the Colorado Springs Black Latino Leadership Coalition. We talked to him at the event a little after one this afternoon.
WHITNEY: Colorado Springs is getting an ICE office. ICE being the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Some local elected leaders, including Sheriff Terry Maketa, have been lobbying for a federal Immigration enforcement office here for more than a year. Today Senator Wayne Allard said he received a report from the agency saying it plans to open ICE offices in Colorado Springs and Greeley. Allards office says they could open within months. Steve Wymer, a spokesman for the senator, says the agency will use existing funding to shift resources to the Springs and Greeley.
As spring flowers begin to emerge it's time for bees to start getting busy, but nationwide, beekeepers are reporting a die off of the insects beyond anything they've seen before. It's being called colony collapse disorder, and it's proving a significant threat to agriculture in Colorado. From KUNC in Greeley, Brian Larson reports.
Lawmakers say the army's plans to expand the Piñon Canyon training facility in southeast Colorado would devastate the state's agriculture industry and heritage. A bill to try and stop the army from using eminent domain powers to seize ranches passed the senate Wednesday. Governor Bill Ritter would not say whether he would sign the measure. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
The media mogul and multi-billionaire was in Colorado Springs Tuesday to accept the inaugural "Champion of the Rockies" award from Colorado College. He spoke for about half and hour and took questions from students and others at the school.
Stopping global warming is going to take more than expensive, high-tech solutions, it's going to take a new way of making decisions. So says research biologist Allan Savory, founder of Holistic Management International. He says changing the overabundance of carbon dioxide in the air starts with choosing better ways to manage the soil under our feet.
Alan Savory speaks tonight at 7:30 p.m., in Gates Common Room, third floor of Palmer Hall on the Colorado College campus, 1025 N. Cascade Ave. (east of Tutt Library) free.
archivesPROFILE OF A BEEKEEPER AT HARVEST TIME For most working people, the change of season is something that happens beyond our workplace, outside the office windows. But for people of agriculture - farmers, ranchers and even beekeepers - the move from summer to fall often represents payday, the time when harvests come in and they see the return on all the time and effort they've invested. Sometimes those returns are small, due to unpredictable weather and other factors, so it helps that most farmers love what they do, and take satisfaction in working with the natural processes. KRCC's Shanna Lewis introduces us to one such person, a beekeeper in the Wet Mountains near Rye. [LISTEN] []
archivesSHEEP DOGS COMPETE FOR $20,000 IN MEEKER Most of the year, Meeker, up in northwestern Colorado, is a quiet little ranching town of 2,000, but it swells to 10,000, when fans flock to the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trial. Hundreds of volunteers, a beautiful setting and $20,000 in prize money make the Meeker Classic one of the world's most popular dog trials. [LISTEN] []
archivesBIRD FLU - THE THREAT TO COMMERCIAL POULTRY The threat of bird flu has been out of the headlines lately, but that doesn't mean that it's gone away. People who raise birds commercially are keeping a close eye on the latest information, and they're worried. [LISTEN] []
archivesSPINNING - IT'S NOT JUST FOR GYM JOCKS ANYMORE A report from the Pacific Northwest says the ancient craft of turning wool, and even roadkill, into yarn, is making a comeback. [LISTEN] []
archivesCONSERVATION ADVICE: MONGOLIAN HERDERS VISIT EL PASO COUNTY One of the nation's most well preserved shortgrass prairies lies just a few miles east of Colorado Springs, at the Nature Conservancy's Bohart Ranch. The Ranch draws local kids on school trips . . . and visitors from around the world. Recently, a team of scientists traveled here from Mongolia, to study how conservation methods used on the ranch might slow the expansion of the Gobi Desert. Shelley Schlender reports. [LISTEN] []
archives"NEW RANCHERS" TRYING FOR PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH CONSUMERS Of every dollar you spend at the grocery store, how much does the farmer get? Half? Hardly. Try 19 cents, and that's down more than a dime since 1980. As making a living in agriculture gets increasingly tough for small operators, many are getting out. But a handful are trying to hang on by marketing their products and services directly to consumers. Colorado College student Molly Adams reports on their reception at this year's state of the rockies conference at CC. [LISTEN] []
archivesWHAT'S IN A SONG: SAGEBRUSH TO STEPPE Today we wrap up our series on western music. All the stories have been produced by the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada. The Center is most well known for putting on the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering every year. A few years ago, that event drew a delegation of animal herders from Mongolia. In 2005, a group of American cowboy musicians went to Mongolia to complete the cultural exchange. Radio Producer Hal Cannon went along and brought back this story. [LISTEN] []
archivesFARMERS UNION CONVENTION PREVIEW This weekend, Denver will host the 104th anniversary convention of the National Farmers Union. The agenda will cover the big topics of the day for farmers and ranchers: renewable energy, trade, and the federal budget. Stephen Raher talked with the President of the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union about what's on tap. [LISTEN] []
archivesJAPANESE BEEF EMBARGO RETURNS In this second and final part of our coverage of the beef industry, we take a look at an ongoing trade dispute with Japan. The Japanese embargo on U.S. beef that was lifted several weeks ago is back, due to problems with U.S. meat inspection. Stephen Raher reports. [LISTEN] []
archivesPACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS Cattle ranchers in Colorado received a double dose of bad news over the past few days. Japan announced a revival of its ban on US beef; and, federal investigators said last week that the Agriculture Department has been asleep at the switch when it comes to protecting ranchers. In the first of two reports, Stephen Raher examines how these events are impacting Colorado's $3.3 billion cattle industry. [LISTEN] []
archivesHIGH COUNTRY NEWS TALKS AGRICULTURE Eric Whitney talks with Paul Larmer, Executive Director of High Country News about new agricultural trends in the west. [LISTEN] []
archivesQUIVARA COALITION INTERVIEW The 1990s was a time of fierce conflict about livestock grazing on public lands in the West. Environmentalists and ranchers argued vigorously over what the solution was. But the grazing wars also gave birth to a new organization whose mission is to find the common ground between ranchers and environmentalists. It's called the Quivara Coalition, and it calls its position "the radical center." Recently, on a science show called "How On Earth" produced at KGNU in Boulder, Ewan Callaway spoke with the Quivara Coalition's founder, Courtney White. [LISTEN] []
Lawmakers in the senate agriculture committee unanimously passed a bill that would make it easier for seasonal workers to come to Colorado. The measure now heads to the senate appropriations committee. It already cleared the House. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
Considered one of the most innovative farmers in the nation for his holistic approach to farming and ranching, Joel Salatin runs Polyface Farm in Virginia. He'll present a lecture titled "Dancing With Dinner: The Dynamic of Healthy Food Chains," Thursday, January 24th. Noel Black spoke with Salatin about his "beyond organic" ranching techniques. [LISTEN]
Bark beetles are infesting close to 700 hundred thousand acres of forests in Colorado according to government figures. And the state forester says that number will rise as the beetles spread to other parts of western Colorado. The Governor recently flew over some of the infected forests. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
On Tuesday four-star General Richard Cody visited Ft. Carson. At a press conference, he was asked about Senator Ken Salazar's proposed compromise on expanding the Piñon Canyon maneuver site between Trinidad and La Junta. The army wants to nearly triple its size. Ranchers and nearby towns oppose it, both because private property owners would have to give up some land, and because even the Army admits there would be no economic benefits for Trindad, La Junta or southeastern Colorado. Troops are brought to Piñon Canyon to train, and then leave immediately, there are no barracks or facilities, and soldiers don't shop or do business in the area.
Colorado senator Ken Salazar touted the Senate's recent passage of the 2007 energy bill as part of a panel addressing the country's energy future at the Aspen Institute's Aspen Ideas Festival this week. The democrat also used the national forum to scorn the Bush Administration's refusal to implement a one year freeze on oil and gas drilling atop western Colorado's scenic Roan Plateau. We also hear from Amory Lovins. Kirk Siegler reports from Aspen.
Growing food to feed the world accounts for 70 percent of fresh water consumption. But the need for irrigated crops is coming into increasing conflict with the fresh water requirements of cities, factories and a healthy environment. Shelly Schlender reports on how Colorado farmers and scientists are trying to tackle the dilemma.
To offer customers the lowest prices, U.S. food retailers need to buy in volume, and that often means turning to producers who are thousands of kilometers from where shoppers fill their grocery carts. But as consumers grow more concerned about fossil fuel consumption and sustainable agriculture, they're demanding more locally grown food on their store shelves. And some retailers are responding. Reporting on how this trend is taking hold in Colorado, here's Shelly Schlender. 
As spring flowers begin to emerge it's time for bees to start getting busy, but nationwide, beekeepers are reporting a die off of the insects beyond anything they've seen before. It's being called colony collapse disorder, and it's proving a significant threat to agriculture in Colorado. From KUNC in Greeley, Brian Larson reports. 
Lawmakers say the army's plans to expand the Piñon Canyon training facility in southeast Colorado would devastate the state's agriculture industry and heritage. A bill to try and stop the army from using eminent domain powers to seize ranches passed the senate Wednesday. Governor Bill Ritter would not say whether he would sign the measure. Bente Birkeland reports from Denver.
The media mogul and multi-billionaire was in Colorado Springs Tuesday to accept the inaugural "Champion of the Rockies" award from Colorado College. He spoke for about half and hour and took questions from students and others at the school. 
