Nevada Farm Bureau®
Volume 67, Number 8 August 2015
Agriculture & Livestock
Journal
Ranchers’ Rights Forgotten: Examining the Impact of the Basin & Range Monument Developing Policy to Address Ag Issues • Nevada Farm Bureau Update • 2015 Annual Meeting
Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture and Livestock Journal August 2015 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 12 13 14 15
Farm Bureau Perspectives - James “Hank” Combs Developing Policy to Address Ag. Issues Nevada Farm Bureau Update County Corner 2015 Annual Meeting Schedule & Sponsorship Ranchers’ Rights Forgotten Examining the Impact of the Basin and Range Monument Farmers & Ranchers of Nevada Joyce Hartman 2015 Photo Contest Nevada Agriculture News Contact Your Local COUNTRY Financial Agency The Ag Agenda - Bob Stallman Time to Get to Work with Tools for Trade Classified Ads
Cover Photo taken by Patrick Boyle in Coal Valley, Nevada. (Cropped for journal cover.)
Meeting & Event Calendar
Aug. 6-8 Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo Lincoln County Fair Grounds Panaca, NV 89402; Details: http://www.lcnvfair.org/ Aug. 8 Lyon County YF&R BBQ Social, 4 Hall Lane, Yerington, NV 89447 Details: Darrell Pursel, 775-741-4906, or Dennis Hellwinkel, 775-303-2385 Aug. 13-16 Lyon County Fair, Rodeo & Silver State Livestock Show Lyon County Fairgrounds, Yerington Aug. 21-23 White Pine County Fair and Horse Races, White Pine County Fairgrounds, Ely Aug. 25 Nevada Farm Bureau Board of Directors Meeting, via video-conference Details: Clay McCauley, 775-674-4000 Sept. 3-7 Elko County Fair & Rodeo, Elko County Fairgrounds Details: http://elkocountyfair.com/ Sept. 4 Elko County Young Farmers & Ranchers Hosted BBQ, Elko County Fairgrounds at 6 p.m.; Details: Jordan Brough, 775-752-0760 Sept. 4-7 Fallon Cantaloupe Festival and Country Fair, Churchill County Fairgrounds Details: http://falloncantaloupefestival.com/ Dec. 6-9 NVFB and CFBF Joint Annual Meeting, Peppermill Resort Hotel Details: http://nvfb.org/annual-meeting If you would like to include a meeting or event on the calendar, please contact Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org.
Connect with Nevada Farm Bureau Federation nvfb.org
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“The Agriculture & Livestock Journal” (ISSN 0899-8434) (USPS 377-280) 2165 Green Vista Dr. Suite 205 Sparks, NV 89431 Phone: (775) 674-4000 Fax: (775) 674-4004 Publisher: Nevada Farm Bureau Federation Editor: Jessica Fagundes The Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal is published monthly by the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation. Subscriptions are available to Nevada Farm Bureau members at an annual subscription price of $1, which is included in yearly dues. Periodical postage is paid at Reno, NV and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal, 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431
Officers President James “Hank” Combs, fbcombs@cox.net Vice President Bevan Lister, blister8@yahoo.com Women’s Leadership Chair Cindy Hardy, hardyc@comnett.net District 1 Director Jamie Perkins, panacaperkins@gmail.com District 2 Director Craig Shier, snoopyisa55@yahoo.com District 3 Director Carla Pomeroy, carlapomeroy14@gmail.com Executive Vice President Clay McCauley, cmccauley@nvfb.org
Board of Directors Central County Carl Newberry, hubertcarlnewberry@gmail.com Churchill County Julie Wolf, wolfpack@cccomm.net Clark County Jim Hardy, hardyj@comnett.net Douglas County Woody Worthington, woody@bentlyranch.com Elko County Jonathan Dahl, dahlangusranch@gmail.com Humboldt County Martin Muratore, disasterfarms@live.com Lander County Paul Young, yoyoungs@yahoo.com Lincoln County Paul Mathews, pntmathews@gmail.com Lyon County Darrell Pursel, darrellpursel@gmail.com Washoe County Louis Damonte Jr., damonteranch@charter.net White Pine Tom Baker, tombaker125@hotmail.com YF&R Chair Anna-Lisa Laca, annalisa.giannini@gmail.com
August 2015 | Page 2 | www.nvfb.org
Farm Bureau Perspectives Developing Policy to Address Ag. Issues By James “Hank” Combs President, Nevada Farm Bureau
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he past month has been a busy one as many of our counties faced highly debated agriculture issues, including private property rights, drought and federal land use. I would like to discuss a few of these events to highlight the importance of county Farm Bureau policy development for topics like these. Protecting Private Property Rights Last spring, the Park family, who ranches in Douglas County, applied for a special use permit to place solar panels on their property. The Douglas County Planning Commission initially granted the 260-acre permit. That decision was later appealed by several local residents, leading Douglas County commissioners to deny the permit this past July. Despite the Park family’s ownership of the land and their compliance with the steps to apply for a permit, the county denied their rights as private property owners because of public opinion. Nevada Farm Bureau supports private property rights for our farmers and ranchers through American Farm Bureau (AFBF) policy. “We believe in the American capitalistic, private, competitive enterprise system in which property is privately owned, privately managed and operated for profit and individual satisfaction. Any erosion of that right weakens all other rights guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution. Any action by government that diminishes an owner’s right to use his property constitutes a taking of that owner’s property.” Private property issues like these
present the opportunity for policy development specific to our state this fall. Drought & Agriculture Water Rights In February, farmers in two valleys in Lyon County faced a 50 percent water curtailment issued by the state water engineer of all supplemental rights. After appealing the decision, which led to a stay of the curtailment, farmers in the valley once again faced curtailment discussion for the 2016 irrigation season in July. No decision will be made on a curtailment until this October, but it does present an issue important to our farmers and ranchers. Current Nevada Farm Bureau policy supports agriculture water rights over other use rights (Policy 275), but does not address water curtailment or the processes that state government should take to ensure farmers and ranchers livelihoods are protected. This also allows for another opportunity to develop policy for future situations similar to this one. Federal Land Use in Southern Nev. One final issue, which you can read full details about on page 8 and 9, is the recent designation of the Basin and Range National Monument in Lincoln and Nye County. In July, President Obama designated 704,000 acres as a national monument in southern Nevada. This designation jeopardized the future for ranchers in Lincoln and Nye County who will now be forced to comply with additional government regulations when trying to graze on BLM lands. Current Nevada Farm Bureau policy supports the utilization of the multiple-use concept on federal lands, August 2015 | Page 3 | www.nvfb.org
which in this case will be threatened by the designation. This threat further enforces the need for policies protecting our farmers and ranchers who rely on federal lands to raise their livestock. Policy Development Looking at these hot topics should remind members of the importance of Nevada Farm Bureau policy. Policy guides our organization’s lobbying and outreach efforts on controversial issues like these. It is crucial for our membership to draft policy statements for the hot topics at hand each year so that we can have grassroots guidance on future situations. As a reminder, our policy development will begin this fall with county resolutions meetings. Be sure to meet with fellow board members to discuss policy issues. Send your vice president to our resolutions meeting before the annual meeting. Most importantly, fill your delegate seats for the annual meeting in December. Our policy development is completely dependent on you all as farmer and rancher members. Share your opinions and help guide our policy for the coming year.
Nevada Farm B
Nevada Farm Bureau Update
Heritage Foundation awards Marshall Continuing Ed. scholarship
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he Nevada Heritage Foundation announced this month that Leandra Marshall, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry, will receive a $1,000 agriculture scholarship this fall.
The foundation awarded Marshall the 2015 Continuing Education Scholarship. Marshall is originally from Eureka, Nev. She attends Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Marshall plans to become a researcher in the field of plant pathology/immunology. She wants to work in the industrialized agricultural industry to bioengineer a costeffective and marketable strain of a crop plant. “We are excited to assist Marshall as she pursues a degree and future profession in agriculture. We strive to promote agriculture, and supporting students is one of the best ways to reach this goal,” said Nevada Heritage Foundation President Jill Combs. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to students currently enrolled in either traditional or non-traditional postsecondary programs. Students must be from a Farm Bureau member family and preference is given to students
pursuing career goals in agriculture or the agribusiness industry.
The scholarship is paid for by generous donations to the Nevada Heritage Foundation from COUNTRY Financial and individual donors. The Nevada Heritage Foundation is the non-profit associated with the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation through which individuals can donate to scholarships and programs such as Ag in the Classroom and the Young Farmers & Ranchers. Interested individuals can send donations to the Nevada Heritage Foundation at 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, Nev. 89431 or online at http://nvfb.org/donate.
Support the Nevada Farm Bureau Legal Defense Fund
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he Nevada Farm Bureau Legal Defense Fund was initiated in 2015. The primary objective in using this fund is to implement Farm Bureau agricultural and rural policy issues through the state and federal court systems. Farm Bureau uses these funds to participate in legal actions either as a party, intervenor, as an amicus curiae (friend of the court) or as a financial contributor to policyrelated litigation efforts of others. The NVFB Legal Defense Fund cannot be used to provide legal advice to individuals but is used in cases that involve Farm Bureau policy issues. Voluntary contributions
support legal action concerning agricultural issues and other matters of a statewide nature and importance to Farm Bureau members. Fund distribution is governed by the NVFB Board of Directors. The NVFB Legal Defense Fund seeks contributions to help fund its efforts. Visit nvfb.org/support to make a donation or call our office for more information at 800-992-1106.
Case IH Discounts Added as Nevada Farm Bureau Benefit
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evada Farm Bureau members save $500 per unit on Case IH Maxxum® tractors, Farmall® C and U series utility and 100A series tractors, self-propelled windrowers and large square balers. A $300 per unit incentive is available for Case IH compact Farmall® B and C series tractors, Case IH Scout® utility vehicles and other hay tools, including round balers, small square balers, disc mower conditioners and sickle mower conditioners. Combine the Farm Bureau incentive with other discounts, promotions, rebates,
or offers that may be available from Case IH or a Case IH dealer. Go to fbverify.com/caseih to print your membership certificate. Must present certificate prior to equipment delivery to apply.
August 2015 | Page 4 | www.nvfb.org
County Corner Check out what’s happening around the state!
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ounty Corner is a section of the Agriculture & Livestock Journal that gives counties an opportunity to share their activities. Please email us your stories at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org or call Jessica at 775-674-4000.
CHURCHILL COUNTY Annual Picnic
tri-tip and pork as well as a wide variety of side dishes and desserts. Dan Wolf, social chair for Churchill County Farm Bureau, raffled off prizes from local sponsors to the members. A big thank you to all attendees and everyone who helped make this event possible.
ELKO COUNTY
Participate in the 7th Annual Photo Contest
More than 230 members and guests enjoy home cooked food during the picnic.
On July 11, Churchill County Farm Bureau hosted their annual picnic at the home of Norm and Sue Frey. More than 230 members and guests attended the event, including NVFB President Hank Combs and his wife Jill. Several state legislators and local officials also joined the picnic. The Nevada Farm Bureau hosted a booth and educated members about the Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers & Ranchers program. Attendees enjoyed
Elko County Farm Bureau is hosting their seventh Annual Photo Contest. Photographers best depicting Elko County ranch and farm families and friends at work will receive cash prizes for first through third place, $100, $75 and $50, in three age divisions. To request an entry form or to enter, please send an email with 2015 FB PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line to: slicht@elkonv.com. Entries must be received by Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. via email or postmarked by Aug. 19. Call 775-753-6993 for more information.
August 2015 | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org
Reg Visit istration nvfb .org/ coming s o annu al-m on! eetin g
96 NEVADA FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING TH
December 6-9 • Peppermill Resort Spa Casino • Reno, Nevada 2015 Annual Meeting Schedule (TENTATIVE) SUNDAY, DEC. 6 • 7:30 a.m. Buses load for California Farm Bureau (CFBF) Ag Tours* • 2:30 p.m. CFBF Discussion Meet Finals • 4 p.m. CFBF Trade Show Open • 5 p.m. CFBF Trade Show Reception* MONDAY, DEC. 7 • 7:30 a.m. CFBF Registration Opens • 8:30 a.m. - Noon CFBF General Session • 10 - 10:30 a.m. CFBF Coffee Break • Noon - 2 p.m. CFBF Luncheon* • 12:30 p.m. CFBF Tradeshow Opens • 1 - 5 p.m. Annual Meeting Registration • 1:15 - 2 p.m. CFBF Trade Show Ice Cream Blast • 2 p.m. CFBF Breakout • 3:30 p.m. CFBF Breakout *An additional cost is associated with this event.
• 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Nevada Heritage Foundation Meeting • 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting • • • • • • • • • •
TUESDAY, DEC. 8 7 a.m. Trade Show/Silent Auction Set-Up 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Registration 7 - 8 a.m. Young Farmers & Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Committee Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Trade Show Opens 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. General Session 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Breakout Session 1 10:30 - 10:45 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Prep Meeting 11 - 11:45 a.m. YF&R Discussion Meet Noon - 1:30 p.m. Luncheon 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. YF&R Discussion Meet
• • • • • • • • • • • •
2:45 - 3:30 p.m. Breakout 2 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Food & Beverage Break 3:45 - 4 p.m. County Caucus 4 - 4:25 p.m. Nomination Committee 4:25 - 5:45 p.m. Open Resolutions Session 6 - 7 p.m. Social Hour 7 - 9 p.m. Annual Banquet WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Elections 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Discussion Meet Finals 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adoption of Policy Resolutions 10 a.m. Food and Beverage Break Immediately following Delegate Session - State Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting
2015 Sponsorship Levels Platinum Sponsor-$5,000 Banquet Sponsor-$3,000 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Individual Sponsor display board • Individual slides on Sponsor’s Powerpoint • Premium Booth Location • Recognition at General Session • Recognition as the Break Out Session Sponsor • 6 conference registrations*
Silver Sponsor-$1,000 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Logo on Sponsor display board • Name on Sponsor’s Powerpoint • 2 conference registrations*
• 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Logo on Sponsor display board • Logo on Sponsor’s Powerpoint • Premium Booth Location • Signage at annual banquet and recognition during program • 4 conference registrations* (1 available)
Bronze Sponsor-$500 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Logo on Sponsor display board • 1 conference registration*
Gold Sponsor-$2,000 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Logo on Sponsor display board • Logo on Sponsor’s Powerpoint • Premium Booth Location • 3 conference registrations*
Break Sponsor -$1,500 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Logo in Convention Program • Logo in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Logo on NVFB website • Logo on Sponsor display board • Name on Sponsor’s Powerpoint • Break station signage • 2 conference registrations* (2 available)
Exhibitor-$300 • 1 day booth space on Dec. 8 • Name in Convention Program • Name in Ag. & Livestock Journal • Name on NVFB website • Name on Sponsor display board • 1 conference registration*
*Note: Registration includes admission to all conference activities on Dec. 8 including the luncheon and banquet. August 2015 | Page 6 | www.nvfb.org
96th Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting December 6-9 • Peppermill Resort Spa Casino 2165 Green Vista Dr., Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431 1-800-992-1106 | www.nvfb.org Reno, Nevada 2015 Sponsorship Information Nevada Farm Bureau Federation®
Deadline for Sponsorship: November 13, 2015 Company/Organization: Contact Name: Address:
Phone: ( )
-
Email: Company/Organization Web URL: We would like to sponsor at the following level: ☐ Platinum Sponsor - $5,000 ☐ Banquet Sponsor - $3,000 ☐ Gold Sponsor - $2,000 ☐ Break Sponsor - $1,500 ☐ Silver Sponsor - $1,000 ☐ Bronze Sponsor - $500 ☐ Exhibitor - $300 Please answer the following questions below: 1. Will your company/organization use a booth space? YES NO 2. Provide the names of registrants based on sponsorship level. Indicate their attendance plans for Dec. 8 from the choices below.* Name Luncheon & Banquet Luncheon ONLY Banquet ONLY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. *Note: Registrations limited to number specified for each sponsorship level. Additional registrations can be purchased at a discounted rate by calling Jessica Fagundes at 775-870-2263.
Payment
Return form and payment to: 2165 Green Vista Dr, Ste 205, Sparks, NV 89431 Make checks payable to: Nevada Farm Bureau Federation Make a credit card payment over the phone to: Jessica Fagundes at (775) 870-2263
Additional Information/Hotel Arrangements
Visit nvfb.org/annual-meeting for full event details. Contact Jessica Fagundes at 775-870-2263 or jfagundes@nvfb.org with any additional questions or concerns and to receive discounted hotel rates for the annual meeting.
Please email a high resolution logo to jfagundes@nvfb.org as soon as possible for inclusion in promotional materials. August 2015 | Page 7 | www.nvfb.org
Tonopah Test Range
Ranchers’ Rights Forgotten
Examining the Impact of the Basin and Range Monument By Jessica Fagundes, Nevada Farm Bureau Director of Communications
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resident Barack Obama proclaimed last month that the Basin and Range monument, a 704,000-acre area in Lincoln and Nye County, will be a national monument. The designation was made, using the Antiquities Act of 1906, which gives the president power to declare “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” on federal lands.
La
Basin and Range National Monument
President Obama’s designation comes after Senators Harry Reid and Dina Titus failed to pass legislation to protect the area. This designation is the second one made by the president in eight months in Nevada. The monument, which is 1,100 square miles, includes Garden Valley and Coal Valley. It is the location of “City,” a massive earthen sculpture created by Michael Heizer that is located in Hiko, Nev. It is also home to 20 ranching operations and private property of an additional 40 residents.
The Basin and Range National Monument, indicated by the black shape above. Source: Bureau of Land Management
For many stakeholders and government officials in Nevada, the monument designation is disappointing and shocking because it does not take into consideration the opinions of the local public or their local efforts to protect the land.
Governor Sandoval, members of Congress and the Nevada Farm Bureau express similar concern for the way the designation was handled.
“From our perspective, we kind of felt like it was difficult to ever even know what was moving or what was happening on this because the other side was not including the stakeholders,” says Paul Mathews, Lincoln County commissioner and county Farm Bureau president.
“The Basin and Range Monument designation bypassed Congress on a public lands issue in which Nevada and our entire delegation should have had a primary role in working collectively to build consensus as we have done successfully in the past,” Sandoval says.
According to Mathews, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners collected the opinions of ranchers and other stakeholders who would be affected by a designation. Their discussions also included the county water district and stakeholders interested in development of oil and gas.
“With the stroke of a pen, President Obama has bypassed Congress and unilaterally restricted the use of over 700,000 acres of Nevada’s public land. I have always been forthright with my position that any federal action to change access on our public lands should be discussed in an open and transparent process incorporating the input and support from local communities,” Senator Dean Heller says.
Despite a strong concern from many individuals about the repercussions of a designation, proponents of the Basin and Range monument did little to work with local officials.
“They didn’t come and worry about the local government or the local people.”
-Paul Mathews, Lincoln County Farm Bureau
“They had their discussion in Las Vegas and other areas distant from us where we were never invited to that discussion,” Mathews says.
“Nevada Farm Bureau policy calls for the collaboration of livestock production, agriculture advocacy and other impacted groups to coordinate strategy on Nevada federal land issues. This decision eliminated local input of those individuals who are directly affected by the designation and who possess the expertise to make decisions about lands in Nevada,” Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs says. In addition to not taking local opinions into account,
August 2015 | Page 8 | www.nvfb.org
the designation fails to recognize county efforts to protect the lands and to promote a multiple use concept for all stakeholders involved. “Lincoln County has worked for years with Senator Reid, with the BLM and with the federal government through the Lincoln County Land Act and other acts to do designations of wilderness area and all of the things that need protected for long periods of time here in the county,” Mathews says. “With all of the parties involved, we did everything that needed to be done to make those designations just a few short years ago. After that point and that act was passed, we thought that the rest of the resources from the county were The national monument covers 1,100 miles2 in two counties. Source: Bureau of Land Management secure from being designated.” in 1996, President Bill Clinton designated the Grand The United States Department of Interior claims that, Staircase-Escalante monument, using the Antiquities Act. “the proclamation will not affect grazing operations in At 1.8 million acres, it encompasses the largest land area of the monument, including use of motorized vehicles, all United States national monuments. construction and maintenance of water infrastructure, Clinton’s designation promised to protect ranching similar and construction of fences and other range improvements to promises made regarding the Basin and Range National relating to grazing operations.” Yet, ranchers and other Monument. And despite this promise, ranchers faced stakeholders must work diligently to ensure that their restrictions due to the concern of environmental groups. livelihoods are still viable now that the designation has been made. “It has always just been very restrictive as we’ve gone along,” says John Keeler, southern regional manager for the According to Mathews, a committee of stakeholders and Utah Farm Bureau. “There was so much controversy over government officials through the Caliente Bureau of Land the way they wanted to do things, and the way ranchers Management office will manage the monument. This were used to doing things.” governing body is more ideal, he says, than having the Parks Department manage the land, but it still presents Utah ranchers have waited for years for the BLM to challenges for ranchers and private property owners. develop a grazing plan that would indicate how much land they can use and how they are allowed to use it. According “Ranchers are still discouraged about that because we to Keeler, the plan has not yet been announced, almost might have one seat at the table, but there might be 15 20 years after the designation, but will be in the coming other seats from the park foundation, wildlife protection months. It holds within its pages Utah ranchers’ future. groups and environmentalist groups from around the country that all have an opposing voice,” Mathews says. “The plan really has boiled down to four or five alternatives “They’re still worried about their ability to have the that basically would specify how much land is available freedoms they need to manage their water systems and the for grazing and how much isn’t, and it varies by a couple cattle out there in the way that they need to.” 100,000 acres,” Keeler says. “A lot of times with the restrictions of the historical uses, the restrictions that apply to us are so far reaching that the ranchers’ hands are basically tied. They don’t have the freedom that they need to prepare water systems and move cattle in a timely matter and to do the things that they need to do to ranch effectively,” he adds. Their concerns are warranted especially since similar monument designations in neighboring states have restricted ranchers and other stakeholders. In Utah
Nevada ranchers face the same unknowns with the Basin and Range monument and fear that the restrictions will prohibit them from completing necessary tasks to run their operations. “They have a lot of purchased rights out there. They have loans on cattle; they have loans on purchasing those AUMs. Their financial lives are on the line when it pertains to this project,” Mathews says.
August 2015 | Page 9 | www.nvfb.org
Farmers & Ranchers of Nevada Joyce Hartman
By Jessica Fagundes, Nevada Farm Bureau Director of Communications
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oyce Hartman can list 100 reasons why working as a farmer is a rewarding experience. Even never having a summer vacation doesn’t seem like a downside to her. “I love the smell of the hay. There’s nothing about farming I don’t like really. I mean when you have to hit it, you hit it, and then in the winter, you slow down and get to catch up with things. People here are really nice. Everybody pretty much knows who everybody is.” Joyce’s interaction with agriculture began as a child when her father worked as a hay grower for five years in southern California. She joined 4-H at the age of 9 and showed animals until she was 18 years old. Her initial experiences with farming turned into her profession when she met her husband Bill. “I married a farmer. And we’ve been farming for 53 years.” The couple purchased a 330-acre farm in Fish Lake Valley in 1971 while they did custom hay work in Apple Valley, Calif. They moved shortly after to grow hay at their new farm. “We moved up here in 1973. It was just sagebrush. It is in the middle of nowhere, and I thought what are we going to do in the middle of nowhere. I really love it now, and I wouldn’t want to live any place else.” Joyce and Bill now run a 120-acre hay operation called Alfalfa King in Fish Lake Valley near Dyer, Nev. They also grow hay for dairies, wine grapes and lavender, and they recently opened a bed and breakfast on the farm. Joyce and Bill started Alfalfa King in 2001. The business sells double-compressed hay for small animals and pets, including alfalfa hay, timothy grass and a forage mix of oats, wheat and barley. “I had always wanted to start a business. Due to the fact that we are now a global market place, it just made sense to get something going,” Joyce says, adding that their business sells to 10 different countries around the world. Around the time they started shipping their hay internationally, Joyce stumbled upon a federal grant for drought-resistant crops.
From left to right, Mark Hartman, Fred Hartman, Bill Hartman, Joyce Hartman and Darrell Hartman.
“Well I happened to look at it, and I saw they had lavender and wine grapes on it. I called our middle son Mark and said, ‘Hey what do you think? Should we apply for this?’ We had no idea if any of this would grow here.” Joyce and her family submitted an application and were given a matching grant two years later to grow grapes and lavender. They started a test plot of grapes and after finding that the crop grew successfully in Fish Lake Valley, they expanded to eight varieties of red and white grapes. “They have done just phenomenal. We have a 30 to 40 degree temperature change, and it turns the grape into a sugar factory. It is just absolutely amazing the amount of fruit that we get and how well they do.” Using the matching grant, they also planted 400 lavender plants. They grow four types of lavender, one variety for oil and scent and three for food. Commercial wine grape production will take five years, and Joyce and Bill continue to plant vines to one day reach that goal. “Last year we planted an additional 600 riesling vines, and this year we planted 1,000 sauvignon blanc and another 500 riesling. Next year, we are planting 2,300 malbec and 1,000 chardonnay,” Joyce says. Joyce and her husband not only grow hay and droughtresistant crops. They also have turned their farming operation into an agri-tourism opportunity. When Joyce’s
August 2015 | Page 10 | www.nvfb.org
husband built a home several years ago, she was surprised to see the layout of the bedrooms. “I said, ‘Where are the closets?’ And he said, ‘There aren’t any.’ And I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Because nobody stays long enough to need a closet.’” The house would become the Queensland Vineyard Bed & Breakfast. Guests stay on the farm, enjoying views of the fields, vineyard and mountains. The Hartman family also uses the location to host weddings and other events. The B&B has allowed Joyce to meet a wide variety of people. “We’ve had guests from France and from the Netherlands and some super interesting people.” Along with their other pursuits, Joyce and Bill have been active members of their county Farm Bureau since 1993. Joyce has held leadership positions in Central Nevada County Farm Bureau since her children were young, including county president, and her husband was a district director for several years as well. Day-to-day on the farm, Joyce finds two large challenges. “The biggest challenge is weather and of course hay prices. Sometimes there are circumstances that nobody has any control over. Every year is a new year. You’ve got to stay abreast of what is going on as far as testing hay, fertilizers and herbicides. It’s not like something you just do and hope for the best.”
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And despite the challenges and their always-busy schedules, Joyce still feels the agriculture life is the one to live.
“We like to see the stars at night and have clean air. We are super blessed to be able to live here. It’s beautiful.”
-Joyce Hartman, Central Nevada County Farmer
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August 2015 | PageAAC_All_Intermountain_Dividend.indd 11 | www.nvfb.org
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2/20/2015 9:36:24 AM
2015 Photo Contest Sponsored by Women’s Leadership Committee
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ugust 24, 2015 is the third deadline for photos in the 2015 Photo Contest. This year’s contest will consist of four categories: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. The photo contest is open to all Nevada Farm Bureau members and their families. It includes two divisions: Youth and Adult (18+). All photos will be judged after the final deadline and prizes will be awarded for each division. This year’s prizes are $100, $75 and $50 for first, second and third place photographs. In addition to overall winners, the top photo from each season category will receive a $10 cash prize. Winning photos will be printed as postcards available for sale to all Farm Bureau members. Deadline to Submit Photographs Summer pictures: August 24, 2015 Fall pictures: October 26, 2015 General Rules: • Photographs need to represent Nevada agriculture, rural life or Nevada scenery. • Title your photo and indicate adult or youth entry. • Submit as many pictures as desired; however, only one cash prize will be awarded per person. (Photos that win their category will be reentered for the grand prize.) • Submit photos to nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org.
Nevada Agriculture News
Apply for an Ag in the Classroom Grant Now!
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HS Inc. and National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) are offering five $1,500 classroom grants to certified, core academic teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade who wish to use agriculture concepts to teach core subject areas and enhance students’ understanding of agriculture. The online application is located on NAITCO’s website at http:// goo.gl/NBE15U. The funds can be used for projects that educate K-12 students in general education classrooms about the source of their food, fiber and fuel. Recipients will be required to use lessons from either NAITCO’s National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix or lessons from their state AITC programs. In addition, they are required to involve a farmer, rancher, grower or agriculture industry representative in the project as either a helper or speaker. One $1,500 grant will be awarded to teachers in each of the Eastern, Southern and Western regions of the United States and two $1,500 grants will be awarded to teachers in the Central Region. The application deadline is Sept. 15, 2015. Recipients will be notified by email on or before Oct. 1, 2015. Please contact Amber Smyer at asmyer@agri.nv.gov with any questions.
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August 2015 | Page 12 | www.nvfb.org
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Contact your local COUNTRY Financial representative today and grow your own way!
• 1805 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134, 702-873-6442
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• 206 S. Division St. Ste. 2, Carson City, NV 89703, 775-841-6316 • 150 East Main, Ste 210, Fernley, NV 89408, 775-835-0100 • 585 5th Street, Elko, NV 89801, 775-738-1744 • 1082 Lamoille Hwy., Elko, NV 89801, 775-738-3757 • 364 Aultmann St. Ely, NV 89301, 775-289-2886 • 560 W. Williams Ave., Fallon, NV 89406, 775-423-7168 • 311 S. Bridge St. Ste. G Winnemucca, NV 89445, 775-623-6677 • 1664 Hwy. 395 #104, Minden, NV 89423, 775-782-8363 • 143 S. Nevada St. Yerington, NV 89447, 775-463-2642 • 10615 Professional Circl, Ste 200, Reno NV 89521, 775-829-1011 • 1255 N. McCarran, Sparks, NV 89431, 775-626-3100 • 6490 S. McCarran Blvd. #14, Reno, NV 89509, 775-828-2930 • 515 Double Eagle Court Ste 110, Reno, NV 89521, 775-853-6586; 775-853-6535 August 2015 | Page 13 | www.nvfb.org
The Ag Agenda Time to Get to Work with Tools for Trade By Bob Stallman President, American Farm Bureau Federation
A
s farmers and ranchers, we know it’s tough to get the job done without the right tool. Earlier this year, Farm Bureau members spoke up to urge Congress to give U.S. trade negotiators an important tool to get the job done on trade agreements: Trade Promotion Authority. Congress listened, worked across party lines and passed TPA this summer. Now it’s time for the administration to put this tool to good use.
enjoyed with our close neighbors. It’s time to open up those markets and give farmers, ranchers and consumers flexibility in buying and selling quality, healthful food.
TPA legislation has unlocked the door to ambitious new trade agreements, and America’s farmers and ranchers have a major stake in what happens next. Our ability to reach markets around the world directly boosts the economy here at home. What we do each day on our farms and ranches creates and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in food production, energy and manufacturing across the country. U.S. agriculture exported a record $152 billion in food, fiber and energy products last year alone. But that number could soon drop off—by as much as $12 billion—if we can’t keep reaching new customers.
Science-Based Rules U.S. agriculture is also ready for serious growth in markets on the other side of the Atlantic. For too long, the European Union has let politics rather than science set trade standards. U.S. farmers and ranchers grow safe, high-quality food. But the EU has decided it can reject our products—products that have already met both U.S. and World Trade Organization safety standards—based on the EU’s so-called “precautionary principle.” Any animal treated with antibiotics for its health or fed biotech grain cannot become part of a meal in Europe, despite the proven safety of those methods—and the complete lack of proof to the contrary. Europe’s habit of ignoring science needs to stop. Last year, U.S. farmers and ranchers exported $12.7 billion in products to the EU, while the EU exported $18.7 billion worth of agricultural products to the U.S. It’s time to even out that trade balance with scientific standards and fair labeling guidelines.
Breaking Down Barriers The Trans-Pacific Partnership is in sight now and could open new markets from Asia to Canada. But the agreement can’t be a success without first breaking down some longstanding trade barriers to U.S. agricultural products. Japan’s high tariffs have, for too long, limited American agricultural products like beef, pork, rice and dairy. Japan’s outrageous 770 percent tariff on rice has effectively shut out all competitors. Much closer to home, Canada’s high tariffs on poultry and dairy are keeping those markets closed. Canada’s 200 percent tariff on dairy is not in line with the goodwill and good trade relations we have long
America’s farmers and ranchers are ready to get to work in new markets across the globe. But Congress and the administration must continue to work together to complete agreements that will keep U.S. agriculture moving forward. The tools are in place, the roadmap is clear and it’s time to get the engine running.
August 2015 | Page 14 | www.nvfb.org
Classified Ads Animals
For Free
Domestic Geese for Free White, gray, mixed -- FREE TO A GOOD HOME. Call 775-786-1532 or 775-560-1532.
Property
For Lease
20 acres Horse/Cattle Pasture $5,000 annually, excellent location near Genoa and Minden. Surface water. Available now: 831-512-3225
Animals
For Sale
Belted Galloway Yearling Heifers 5 heifers. $1,500 each. Call 775-8822027. Bluetick, Redbone Cross Hounds Two male, one female Bluetick, Redbone cross Hounds for sale. One male has papers. Price negotiable. 775-293-4463 day only Livestock Guardian Dogs Proven crosses, working parents. Puppies raised on sheep. Spanish Mastiffs, Pyrenean Mastiffs, Maremma/Anatolian crosses. Winnemucca. Brenda M. Negri 775-931-0038 www.lgdnevada.com Sheep and spring lambs - Cheviots Born late March- early April, 2015. 16 lambs - $150 each. 10 ewes, 3 to 6 years - $125 each. Ram - 3 years old- $300. Entire herd - $3,500. Will send photos to your email address. Contact John at (775) 972-8915.
Equipment/ Vehicles
3 Point Cultivator 14 ft. wide, S-tine with gauge wheels, extra s-tines. Great shape. $1,300. 775-771-9612 8” Irrigation Discharge Head 1 1/2” shaft. Call 775-224-3283 125 HP Motors 1-US 125 hp motors, new re-wind: $8,200; 1-GE 125 hp motor, used: $5,500; Call 775-224-3283 2004 John Deere Swather 3520 hrs. 16’ header with steel conditioner. Header 2772 hrs, 182 hp, AC Good Condition, $49,500 Call 775-538-7336 2014 Maverick Steel 16 Ft. Trailer 16 Ft. Stk GN. 7 ft. wide. Center gate, combo rear gate, Mats and spare. LED lights. $9,300 Call 775-463-3430
DEADLINE: Ads must be received by August 16 for next issue.
For Sale Equipment/ Vehicles
Capri Camper Has hydraulic jacks, AC Unit, Shower and electric water heater. Asking $3,000. Call Clint: 775-225-4527 Caravan Campershell For Dodge Ram 2009 & up. Double door, slider window, silver. Like new - $3,000. Call 775-225-2431 Drolet Classic EPA Wood Stove 3 years old. $400. Call 775-578-3536. Exis Gooseneck Trailer Very Good Condition. 2 axle middle divider - 20 ft. - 4 ft. tackroom. 4 saddle racks. Only pulled about 3,000 miles. $14,500. Call Elaine: 775-217-2148 Freeman 330 3 Twine Baler Gas Engine, $5,000. Call 775-4275056 Freeman 330 Baler Parts and Case IH Windrower Parts New and Used. For parts list and prices, email Shabbor@aol.com. Call 775-265-3185 New Holland 1112 Swather 16-foot header. Good backup machine. $3000 OBO at Washoe Valley. Call 775-888-9877 or e-mail jimgreil@clearwire.net. New Holland 116 Swather New Holland 116 pull type swather. $3000. 775-572-3337
Property
For Sale
Property
5 acres Agritourism Opportunity Washoe Valley 2047 sq. ft. custom cedar home. USDA certified organic u-pick apple orchard. Water rights, barn, shop, chicken pens, playhouse, greenhouse, garden area, seasonal stream, RV hookup & fully stocked gift shop. $685,000. 775-720-2904
For Sale
37 acres (House w/ water rights)Wellington 1846 sq. Ft., 2 bed 2 bath, recently remodeled w/ new windows/ flooring. Numerous out buildings, covered hay barn, corrals. $425,000. Call 775-465-2252 or 775-720-1388 or e-mail caroleobanion@gmail.com.
6.4 Acres (Residence, 3 bd. 2 bath) Diamond Valley 1,600 sq. foot w/ hot tub room on 6.4 acres. 532 sq. ft. detached garage, 841 sq. ft. hay shed & 877 sq. ft. 3 bay carport w/ storage room & extensive corrals w/ heated Ritchie waterers. Includes fenced pasture. Call 775385-3334. 10 Acres (Commercial Building) – Diamond Valley 7500 sq. ft. w/ 2 loading docks and large automatic 14 ft. door in Diamond Valley, large office 1,440 sq. ft.. Pad & hook-up for doublewide residence, 10 acres, fenced on 3 sides. Call 775-385-0030 or email lisamarshall278@gmail.com.
315 acres -Central NV Alfalfa Farm Approx 315ac/240ac under 2 Zimmatic pivots. 2 100KW wind generators. 1620 sqft 3bd/2 bath, 484 sqft detatched garage, 2650 sqft shop, 248 sqft greenhouse. $1.1 million. 775-867-2995 or 775-217-1999 www.CandeeFarms.com
Equipment
Wanted
3 Point Weed Hog Preferably 4 ft.. cutting. 813-512-3225 Used Roterra Used Lely Roterra that is in working condition, or needs minimal work to be field ready. Cary 775-691-7655. cyamamoto@charter.net
25 acres (Ranch w/ surface water) – Near Genoa $1.5 million, 25 acres with rich soil, surface water, 2 wells and 3 houses. Near Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Minden, Douglas High School and Wally’s Hot Springs. 831-512-3225.
Windmill Working or easy fix windmill, with or without tower. And 20’/30’ nonleaker container. Call 775-557-2804.
Property
Pasture Wanted Pasture Wanted for 20-40 pair in Northern Nevada. 775-287-6978
New Holland 1431 Swathers 2 New Holland 1431 pull type swathers for parts. Call 775-5783536. New Pipe and Wood Stall Fronts 2 New, Never Installed Fronts. Paid $1,500. Sell both for $750. Ask for Jim - 775-720-4634, 775-465-2936.
Feed
Alfalfa Hay For Sale 3x4 bales. Several grades: nice green-rain damaged feeder, 53-47 TDN & 18-17 Proteins. No weeds. Triticale Grain Hay available. Stacks located 80 miles East of Tonopah. elar200@gmail.com 775-863-0321
Other
Certified Appraiser Wes Wilson: Certified Livestock and Equipment Appraiser for banking, insurance and other needs. Serving Nevada and surrounding states for over 14 years. Call 435-632-9941.
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS Non-commercial classified ads are free to Nevada Farm Bureau Federation members. Must include membership number for free ad. Forty (40) word maximum. Non-member cost is $0.50 per word. You may advertise your own crops, livestock, used machinery, household items, vehicles, etc. Please specify how long ads should run or they will run one time We reserve the right to refuse to run any ad. Please type or print clearly. Proofread your ad. Mail ad copy to: Attention: Jessica Fagundes Nevada Farm Bureau Federation 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431 or email ad copy to Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org.
Name: Address: City / State / Zip Code: Phone: Ad Copy:
August 2015 | Page 15 | www.nvfb.org
Membership No.
Nevada Farm Bureau Federation®
2165 Green Vista Dr., Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431 1-800-992-1106 | www.nvfb.org
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