Agricultural land is valued according to a formula processed at North Dakota State University. They take production from 1995 to 2004, including government payments, and come up with an average value per acre.

This will put the value within the tolerance the State Board of Equalization will accept.

The lower that rate goes, the higher our valuation goes. The Legislature put a floor on it of 8.3 percent; otherwise, it would be 7.4 percent.

Some school districts are at their maximum mill levy. They will see a 5.5 percent increase.

We wanted to acknowledge all our relations, which include this land that the university is built upon and every tree and animal that lives here. We also wanted to acknowledge unity among all nations and challenge the political borders that have been imposed on our land and peoples.

Colorado State is setting the standard for the 21st century land-grant university by seeking new ways to provide research, knowledge and information to the industries that drive our state economy. The Competitive Edge newsletter is one way to get the latest research on industry and issues directly to the people who can best use that information.