• February 1    Applications for Colorado submitted to Mary Manly, Scholarship Chair
• March 1    State Applications MUST be submitted to the Area Chairs
• March 30    Area Selections MUST be completed
• April 1        Area Chairs shall notify the Area Winners
• April 15    Area Winners MUST be submitted to the NASCOE Chair
• April 20    NASCOE Scholarship Chair shall print certificates
• May 30    NASCOE Scholarship Winner MUST be selected
• June 10    Notify the NASCOE Winner and the Area Exec.
• Please check out rules and applications on either cascoe.org or nascoe.org

CONGRATULATIONS COLORADO FOR THE 2011 LARGEST INCREASE PERCENTAGE IN MEMBERSHIP. 

Be sure to visit the MIDAS website and view the demos at the link provided below.

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/midas?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing&utm_source=spotlight&utm_medium=click&utm_content=rotation5&utm_campaign=midaseducation

Jeff Wilson, CED, Weld County FSA

We’ve seen alot of changes in recent weeks and months.  Changes in the way we do things and changes as folks say good bye.  Those that have been with this outfit for awhile will obviously note these changes the most.  I sometime think back of programs such as ARP and folks that have long retired or passed on.  We still work for a great agency.  It’s the people who make it great and solid representation that holds us COF employees together.  Straight out, if you’re not a member of CASCOE, we ask that you consider becoming one.  Together, we are FSA Colorado.

With regard to our CASCOE outreach, the officers and directors have been faced with the challange of figuring out how to get the word out to the field regarding CASCOE/NASCOE information.  Do to the unavailability of the office computer send short notes of information, we have decided to go backward to a simpler format………the mailed out paper newsletter.  We’re all busy, but our intentions are to send this out monthly and to the county office.  Being monthly, they’ll be shorter and to the point.  We also ask that the management and staff of each office pass the news letter around for sharing rather than file 13.  A copy may be emailed to you as well at your home address.

The CASCOE website: Be remindered that our website, cascoe.org, remains open and available. Check it out and thanks to Linda Lowitz of Delta County for maintaining that site.

The CASCOE state convention is coming up soon, October 14-15.  This year Otero County is hosting and we will be meet in Rocky Ford, touring Bents Fort along with our annual meeting and activities.  The invitation is open to all and an informational flyer will be out soon.  We strongly encourage anyone and everyone to consider attending.  It is a great opportunity to be heard and share with others.

Respectfully, Kevin Reeves, President, CASCOE

Check back soon for a copy of the brochure and registration.

I think it is important to remember what CASCOE is about.  Taken directly from the by-laws: “To strive to maintain and improve the confidence, esteem, and respect of the public for Farm Service Agency county office employees, and to promote the welfare of the employees.”  Now; when things are changing so fast it is even more important to remember how important employee associations can be.  Now; in the midst of budget turmoil, it is even more important that our voices be heard. Now; is the time to step up and participate.  No matter how small or insignificant you think your statement may be, it is important, it could make a difference.  Those individuals in Management, Top Management will never understand what is important and what is needed unless they hear from the employees.  CASCOE through NASCOE is the perfect way to make a difference.  Don’t get frustrated when changes don’t happen right now, some things take time.  Change will happen, let us all work together to make being a FSA employee something to be proud of.

Election Time!

This year positions are available for Secretary/Treasurer, District Director 1 and District Director 3.  Any active leave earning county FSA employee is eligible to hold these offices.  Members may submit nominations at least two weeks prior to the annual convention (October 14-15, 2011) and at the annual convention.  All elected officers will take office on January 1 and must submit a written agreement to serve.

I recently sat in on the NASCOE SW Area State President’s teleconference, with Kevin Dale.  Following is a report of that call.

Farm Bill – Currently – Department  of Ag is in a tough environment.  Long term outlook is not bright with the proposed budget situation.  State SED’s have been working on plans to deal with the projected cuts.  The Administrator has encouraged SED’s to consult with State Associations with the plan development.  NASCOE encourages states to have some involvement.  Kevin urged Presidents to make contact with the SED if they haven’t contacted you.

Legislative update:  CAPWIZ put out an alert recently  regarding the Administration’s  efforts to set reduction numbers for the 2012 FY prior to even receiving the budget allocation.  Many felt that setting these ceilings was premature and might hurt us in the future.   NASCOE is urging caution to ensure that we’re not cutting prematurely at the expense of our employees.

An alert last week posted by NARFE concerned proposed changes to the COLA process.  They determined a huge effect on retirees and future retirements.  A potential reduction of over $200 a month in certain situations was mentioned.  The big $ impact was the potential increase on taxes on withheld health benefits.  All were encouraged to check into this and contact their representatives.  The NARFE site can be used just as the CAPWIZ site.

They discussed the Big Three Hot Issues -  2012 Farm Bill – Budget Talks – Debt Ceiling negotiations

Debt Ceiling:  Talks are leaning toward a larger package with great effect on Agriculture and our employees.  The August 2^nd deadline in coming fast.  Agriculture subsidies and Employee benefits are laying on the butcher block.

Vilsack was out meeting with commodity groups and has discussed potential extensions of portions of the current farm bill.  The Secretary apparently voiced concerns regarding the considerations of extensions.   There is some thoughts that if considering an extension that they should be for longer periods to help reduce the insecurity and to add stability and also this would help in the long-term budgeting process.

NASCOE is monitoring all these aspects and wants the membership to know that this is just a start and that this is going to be a long tough process.

Question was raised regarding a Legislative Conference this fall?   Much depends on the process of the Farm Bill.  With all the issue’s on the Hill, NASCOE assures its membership that they are working to insure that the membership is represented and that the legislators are informed of the impacts that their actions will have on American Agriculture and our employees!

Kevin pointed out that we all must stay engaged!

They allowed the two candidates for Vice President to each speak for a few minutes, Mark Van Hoose from OH and Cindy Hall from NE.  Each provided a little background info and covered their thoughts on a couple of issues.   Both reviewed their past involvement with NASCOE and their qualifications regarding their candidacy.

They provided a couple of updates on the convention.  There’s  42 completed  Non -Texas registration attendees and 110 registrations from Texas.  The National Convention is August 8-13, in Corpus Christi, TX.  Janae Rader and I will be attending representing CASCOE.

CASCOE Convention:  I want to remind every one of the upcoming State Convention on October 14-16^th in Rocky Ford.  Registration forms and flyers should be available on the CASCOE website as well as in mailings to COF’s.

Budget Cut’s!  Drought, Fires, Too much rain!

Take your pick!  For either farmers or COF employees that last year has been quite a ride.  This may be the beginning of one of the most important times for CASCOE.  With the changes in federal programs and federal employment, your involvement in this process is becoming more important than ever!    I hope that all of our employees will take the opportunity to tell their CASCOE representatives what on their mind, provide guidance and suggestions.

Chuck Hanagan, V.P.