December 2013Newsletter

RMAA 2014 Winter Meeting

RMAA couldn’t be more excited for the 62nd Annual Convention & Trade Show January 14-16, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel DIA. This annual Winter Meeting will feature a variety of speakers who will address key industry trends. RMAA members will also have a chance to build their network of agribusiness professionals. Earn CEC/CCA credits for 2014 and foster professional relationships at the same time. You can still register at www.rmagbiz.org and download the full conference agenda.

From the Board

Lisa Angerami, RMAA secretary/treasurer, discusses the role of social media in communication.

Legislative Tours

When RMAA members and state legislators get together, good things happen. Hear about the most recent legislative tour and how it will affect local agribusiness.

Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture

Governor John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program present the 23rd annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture.

See Forum Page 6See 2014 Winter Meeting on Page 2

See From the Board Page 5See Tours Page 3

Feb. 27, 2014Renaissance Denver Hotel

Senate Agriculture Committee Appointments

DemocratSenator Gail Schwartz (Chair)

Senator Matt Jones (Vice Chair)Senator Lois Tochtrop (Member)Senator Lucia Guzman (Member)

RepublicanSenator Greg Brophy(Ranking Republican)Senator Ted Harvey

Senator Ellen Roberts

RMAA is proud to host the 62nd Annual Convention & Trade Show. This annual Winter Meeting provides you with a crucial opportunity to build relationships and learn from experts in the industry, so add it to your calendar today!

With the start of the New Year, it’s time again to maintain your certification and begin earning credits. RMAA’s Winter Meeting provides one-on-one networking opportunities with the nation’s top owners and managers, making this annual gathering the place to get to know the industry’s decision makers on a personal, individual basis.

You’ll hear from industry leaders and top educators from: Brigham Young University, Colorado State University, Kansas State University, Texas A&M University and University of Nebraska.

Jeff Tichota, Monsanto, will give a presentation on the development of drought tolerant corn products from the perspective of three major corn hybrid producers. “Monsanto spends a lot of time researching tillage practices and corn root development,” said Mike Dodge, RMAA president.

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2014 begins with RMAA“I believe their knowledge of these topics will offer attendees a better understanding into the future of corn production here in Colorado.”

Additional speakers will offer their insight on a variety of topics including: the 2014 climate forecast, pollinator protection, weed identification, drought-tolerant corn products, spider mite management and updated CDA regulations.

Educators from Colorado State University will discuss soil-dwelling organisms, pest and disease management, farm survey results and innovations in the detection of nutrient-deficient crops.

January 14-16Crowne Plaza

Hotel DIA

Find more Winter Meeting info at www.rmagbiz.org

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RMAA hosted its second legislative tour in an effort to educate state representatives on key issues and concerns in the industry.

Local agribusiness relies on local legislators to fight for the best interests of the industry. Colorado’s population is expected to double by 2050, and legislative tours give lawmakers the opportunity to witness first-hand how agribusiness maximizes production while minimizing pollution.

In November, RMAA board members Keith Devoe and Larri Tappy led several state legislators along a tour of flour facilities in Commerce City. “The importance of collaboration within agribusiness can’t be overstated,” said Tappy, senior relationship manager with CoBank. “Legislators need us for education and we need legislators to remember RMAA when it’s voting time at the Capitol.”

House Minority Leader Brian DelGrosso and Reps. Kathleen Conti, Steve Humphrey, Polly Lawrence, Kevin Priola, Jerry Sonnenberg, Spencer Swalm and Libby Szabo were accompanied by Chief of Staff Bill Skewes, Policy Director Gabby Reed, Communications Director Joel Maleka and Press Secretary Braden Wahr from the Colorado House Republicans.

“As a legislator I have to keep in mind that I don’t represent just my district, but took an oath to

RMAA’s legislative tours strengthen the voice of agribusiness at the Capitol

represent the entire state,” said Rep. Szabo. “Colorado has a very diverse landscape; I need to make sure that I am listening to the needs in all areas of the state. The tour helped me better understand the impacts of certain legislation on the grain industry.”

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, a Colorado native and president of the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program, has been farming and ranching since 1979.

“It was nice to see how my wheat is handled when I deliver it to Denver,” said Rep. Sonnenberg. “The work that they do to move our production to the kitchen has been underappreciated.”

Rep. Kevin Priola believes legislative tours are especially important considering “most legislators have little experience directly with agriculture issues,” he said.

“The tour was informative to me on a personal level in that I was able to see and understand what a neighbor of mine in Commerce City did and how they did it,” said Rep. Priola.

With the population growing, and with more than 37,000 farms and ranches covering 31,604,911 acres across Colorado, legislators can’t afford to overlook the economic impact of agribusiness. As the third largest industry in Colorado,

See Tours on Page 4

Rep. Kathleen Conti (House District 38)

Rep. Brian DelGrosso (House District 51)

Rep. Steve Humphrey (House District 48)

Rep. Polly Lawrence (House District 39)

Rep. Kevin Priola (House District 30)

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Tours (cont. from Page 3)

“These tours are an important way to educate our urban cousins on the importance of agriculture and what farmers and ranchers contribute to the economy of Colorado,” Rep. Sonnenberg said.

RMAA provides a unified front where agribusiness-related policies are created and monitored at each legislative session. State legislators rely on RMAA for education on industry practices so they can make informed policy decisions on the hundreds of Ag-related issues they see annually. We are dedicated to all facets of agriculture and deliver peace of mind to those who are familiar with the challenges the industry can present.

“Legislators need us for education and we need legislators to remember RMAA when it’s voting time at the Capitol.”

– Larri Tappy, RMAA director

ensuring sustainability and growth for Colorado’s agricultural sector is RMAA’s priority. We represent 350 members and 150 businesses that support producers.

“Agriculture is big business in Colorado,” said Mike Dodge, RMAA president. “The more lawmakers know about the industry, the better prepared the state will be to confront future challenges.”

Rep. Szabo added that “the tour and dialogue with industry leaders provide a focused time to truly listen to the issues and understand how the legislature can be helpful.”

During another tour in July, RMAA members Keith Devoe, Larri Tappy and Chip Marks, along with Shayne Madsen and Sally Kline, led state legislators Perry Buck and Lori Saine on a tour of the facilities of Agfinity, Inc., and Roggen Farmers Elevator Association. Their efforts demonstrate the willingness of local legislators to learn more about the Ag industry and the progress that can be made when RMAA members work together.

Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (House District 65)

Rep. Spencer Swalm (House District 37)

Rep. Libby Szabo (House District 27)

From the Board

RMAA social media revampBy: Lisa Angerami RMAA Secretary/Treasurer

The strength of RMAA relies largely on our ability to communicate quickly, effectively and to large audiences. Thanks to social media, RMAA can do all of the above.

RMAA is taking steps to ensure that the voice of agribusiness is heard on all of the most popular social media platforms. In addition to RMAA’s existing Twitter profile, we are introducing new RMAA Facebook and LinkedIn pages. We encourage you to add these connections to your networks as well by liking our Facebook page, following our Twitter account and connecting with us on LinkedIn.

The Ag industry never sleeps and, thankfully, neither does social media. Our busy, often conflicting, schedules can sometimes make it difficult to stay engaged with RMAA news and updates. Fortunately, social media provides a forum to connect instantaneously no matter where you are. Each of these social media venues can be used to connect with colleagues and network within the digital realm.

RMAABoard of Directors

PresidentMike Dodge

Van Diest Supply Company

Vice PresidentKeith Devoe

Roggen Farmers Elevator Association

Secretary/TreasurerLisa Angerami

Loveland Products, Inc.

Past President - Ex OfficioTony Leighty

Tempel Grain Elevators

DirectorsWill Eitzman

Panhandle Cooperative Assoc.

Kevin FreundStratton Equity Coop

Tom HersheyPoole Chemical Co., Inc.

Lanny HustonCrop Production Services

Bob LeisyBASF

Chad MaranvillePro Ag Solutions

Sandra McDonald, Ph.D.Mountain West P.E.S.T.

Mark ReinertAgfinity, Inc.

Larri TappyCoBank

Ex OfficioDr. James Pritchett

Executive DirectorGary Leeper

If you would like to take an active role in a RMAA committee, contact

RMAA at www.rmagbiz.org.

The combined use of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter will give RMAA a variety of communications options that will be available to members and nonmembers alike. We will be able to post industry news, articles, tips and more in a convenient and user-friendly manner. These channels will further our efforts to advocate, educate and network with our members, partners and supporters.

In the agricultural setting, social media can help build connections with businesses, trusted contacts and vendors. Using RMAA’s social networking sites will provide the opportunity to exchange knowledge, ideas and connections with a broader network of professionals.

Don’t hesitate to begin connecting with RMAA’s social media profiles so you can continue to expand your agribusiness network.

Check Us Out

www.facebook.com/rmagbiz

http://linkd.in/1g7EJyb

www.twitter.com/rmagbiz

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Governor John Hickenlooper and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program, in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado State University present the 23rd annual Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture.

“RMAA has benefited greatly from the work of CALP and our leaders in government,” said RMAA President Mike Dodge. “This year’s forum provides yet another opportunity for Colorado Ag leaders to be involved in a unique and educational program. We’re proud to sponsor the event.”

Colorado’s Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) is focused on developing Colorado’s future agricultural leaders. CALP is committed to presenting a program that is insightful, dynamic and engaging for agricultural professionals, academia, government and agriculture producers.

The program, “Farm to Table: What do consumers really want?” will explore current

consumer preferences for food and agricultural products. The forum is intended to provide agriculture professionals a greater insight into the thoughts and values consumers draw upon while selecting the food they purchase.

Producers, processors and marketers alike can benefit from understanding consumers’ purchasing patterns and preferences. Keeping up with current trends and consumer demands will help agriculture producers better meet the needs of consumers when marketing their products.

Forum participants will be issued a wireless “clicker” and will be given multiple opportunities to respond to the information presented. There will also be a focus group that will discuss consumer purchasing decisions.

The 2014 Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture is a way for RMAA members to get a better grasp on today’s market.

*To order a member directory, go towww.rmagbiz.org

Rocky Mountain Agribusiness Association3030 W. 81st Avenue

Westminster, CO 80031

Farm to Table: What do consumers really want?

2014 Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture

RMAA’s annual election will take place this month

with representatives announced at the Winter

Meeting in January.

2014 Board Candidates

Lisa Angerami (Loveland Products)

Mel Domine(CHS dba M&M

Cooperative)

Andrew Edson (J.D. Heiskell)

Will Eitzman (Panhandle Coop)

Kevin Freund (Stratton Equity Coop)

Larri Tappy (CoBank)

Board elections went out to all voting members on Nov. 21.

Members have until Dec. 31 to vote.