Volume 63, Number 3 Fall 2011
NEVADA FARM BUREAU
®
CountryPolitan Unique Ag Education Program Taking Place in Washoe County...
T
he Agriculture Literacy Internship is a program at the University of Nevada, Reno, which brings undergraduates the opportunity to enter Washoe County schools and present educational materials and studies featuring agricultural information. The internship is open to all undergraduates at UNR and was created by Michelle Burrows. It was launched in Washoe County elementary schools in the Spring of 2011. The Agriculture Literacy Internship was created for undergraduates to learn about education and the connection between elementary kids and the need to understand where their food comes from. It also gives the UNR students the experience of going out into the community and participating in something that is desperately needed. To develop the program, Michelle Burrows and Dale Holcombe conducted a survey among Washoe County elementary teachers. They surveyed 407 teachers in 2009 and the results of the survey proved a need to create a program, which brought Ag Literacy and Ag in the Classroom material to Washoe County classrooms. The survey results showed that over 80 percent of Washoe County elementary teachers were unaware of Ag in the Classroom and more than 90 percent do not use Ag in the Classroom material. Not only did the research prove a lack of agriculture education, but also showed that teachers were interested in incorporating Ag in the Classroom material into their curriculum. More than 92 percent of surveyed teachers were interested in utilizing agriculture education in their classrooms.
After the research data was compiled, it was apparent that there was a need for a type of program that could serve a dual role to not only benefit elementary students but UNR undergraduates as well. So the Agriculture Literacy Internship was created. The Agriculture Literacy Internship is funded by several organizations, primarily through a grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). All of the material used by the interns in the classroom is provided by Nevada Ag in the Classroom. Additionally, Nevada Rangeland Resources and the Nevada Agricultural Foundation have provided funding for the interns. Prior to entering the classroom, Michelle trains each intern for six weeks. During the six weeks of training, Michelle teaches the interns about what is expected during the program. “We talk about education, the educational system, what’s expected of
The lessons used in the classrooms are found in Food, Land & People which is provided by Ag in the Classroom. Continued on Pg. 3
For Aspiring Farmers & Ranchers... UNCE Launches Beginner Farmers & Ranchers program University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will launch a Beginning Farmers & Rancher’s program early next year with a series of two-day workshops covering everything from field crops to producing locally grown meat. Program leader Staci Emm, the Extension Educator for Mineral County, said the workshops will likely start in March 2012 and be held periodically through September in locations all around Nevada. Emm said she has assembled a talented team of Extension faculty to teach the workshops, which are geared toward Nevada farmers and ranchers who have been involved in agricultural production for less than 10 years or who have diversified their agriculture operation within the last 10 years. “We’re pulling together faculty who are leading experts in their areas from across the country and understand the needs of people who are learning to farm and ranch,” Emm said. “Each workshop will feature experts from within and outside the state of Nevada bringing science-based knowledge that producers want.” Emm said the program will be a combination of classroom instruction and field trips to show participants the practical applications of the in-class studies. A part of each workshop will be hands-on help in developing useful business practices that help farmers become more profitable. Workshops in 2012 will focus on three areas, including:
Field Crops: Old vs. New: This program will explore the production of teff, a small grain crop that uses less water than alfalfa, as well as such traditional crops as alfalfa and grass hay. The workshop will also explore growing crops for biofuels or biomass and crops for seed harvesting. Locations: Lovelock (March 15-16) and Fallon (Sept. 27-28) Processing and Selling Locally Grown Meat Products: This workshop will focus on beef, goat, lamb, pigs and
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poultry production. Locations: Logandale (April 26-27) and Gardnerville (Aug. 16-17) So You Want to be a Produce Farmer? This session will cover such issues as regulatory compliance, food safety regulations, water rights, organic vs. all-natural and season extension strategies, such as hoop houses. Locations: Las Vegas (June 7-8) and Reno (to be announced). All two-day sessions will cost $50 and will including two lunches and snacks. Extension is launching the program with the help of a $672,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Those who qualify for the program include: • People who have never been involved in agriculture before. • Those who have been farming or ranching less than 10 years. • Family members who are entering a family agricultural operation or have been involved less than 10 years. • Experienced farmers and ranchers who want to diversify or have been producing a new agricultural product for less than 10 years. • Spouses who are joining their husband’s or wife’s farming or ranching operation or have joined it within the last 10 years. For more information about the program, contact Mineral County Extension Educator Staci Emm at 775-945-3444. Look for details about registering for the 2012 workshops in early 2012 at www.unce.unr.edu.
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From Cover
teachers, they learn about standards and then we go into agriculture and its connection to everybody”, she explained. Each lesson plan is taught over a four-week period, one hour each session. Prior to diving into the material at hand, each student is given a pre-test about the agricultural topic to be presented. Then the lessons are completed over the next four weeks. When the lessons are completed, each student takes a post-test. The posttest allows the interns to see how well the information was comprehended and how much each student learned.
The elementary students are also excited to have the opportunity to take part in the agriculture curriculum. Not only do they have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from, but the curriculum involves all aspects of elementary education, including math, reading, and science. There are fewer farms/ranches in America. Many of the kids have no background in agriculture and their parents most likely don’t either. Many are generations removed from the family farm/ranch. One teacher said, “It is amazing how little children know about where their food comes!”
During the first semester of the program, there were 17 UNR undergrad students who signed up to participate. This past spring these 17 interns visited 25 Washoe County schools, reaching 590 students. The feedback from teachers has been overwhelmingly positive according to Burrows. Many of the teachers are excited to be a part of such a unique opportunity and they are excited that their students have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from. Many teachers have already contacted Michelle to see if the interns would be available to come back this upcoming school year. One teacher said, “I would love to have you back next year. It was awesome. Also, the other fifth grade teachers would like to know more about your program.” Another said, “Just to let you know they [Agriculture Literacy Interns] were fabulous and my students loved having them.”
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Member Benefit Change Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is developing a new reservation system which will benefit Farm Bureau members. The change in the reservation system means, Nevada Farm Bureau members will need to use a new ID number to receive discounted hotel rates. The new Nevada Farm Bureau ID is 1000000507. As a Nevada Farm Bureau member you can save up to 20% at Wyndham Hotel. To view the Wyndham Hotel & Resorts member benefit and all of your other Nevada Farm Bureau membership benefits visit www.nvfb.org/memberbene.
COUNTRY Financial Opens New Sparks Office COUNTRY Financial representatives officially opened their new Sparks office at 1255 North McCarran Blvd. on Friday, September 23. The afternoon included free food, fun games, fabulous prizes and a blood drive where 15 units were donated. Leaders from the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce also joined in on the celebration. The new office is home to five financial representatives who provide a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, home, farm, life, long-term care, annuities, mutual funds and college savings plans.
Pictured (l-r) are: Jeff Davis and Eric Herzberg from COUNTRY Financial, Len Stevens, Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Nathan Stoddard, Joel McCue, Iulia Pendragon and Jeremy Peterson from COUNTRY.
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PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT Farm Bureau Members Get Special GM Discount Sparks, NV (September 14, 2011) – Eligible Farm Bureau members in Nevada can now receive a $500 discount on each qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease. This Farm Bureau member exclusive is offered for vehicles purchased or leased at participating dealerships through Farm Bureau’s—GM PRIVATE OFFER at a participating GM dealership. Twenty-six GM models are part of the program, including the Chevrolet Silverado HD, honored as the 2011 Motor Trend Truck of the Year. A broad range of other pick-up trucks, SUVs, sedans and crossovers also are included in the program. “We are pleased to announce the roll-out of the Farm Bureau—General Motors PRIVATE OFFER,” said Hank Combs, president of Nevada Farm Bureau. “This program is a strong addition to the portfolio of benefits we offer to save members money as they and their families work hard to provide food, fiber and renewable fuels for our nation.” To qualify for the offer, individuals must have been a Farm Bureau member for at least 60 days prior to the date of delivery of the vehicle selected. Members may receive the incentive for the purchase or lease of multiple vehicles, including fleet vehicles purchased through GM’s National Fleet Purchase Program. Full details and program eligibility guidelines are available by contacting Zach Allen, Nevada Farm Bureau at 1-800-992-1106 or visiting www.nvfb.org. The Farm Bureau—GM PRIVATE OFFER is the latest national member benefit offered by American Farm Bureau, Inc. AFBI was founded nearly three decades ago by the American Farm Bureau Federation to increase the economic value of membership in Farm Bureau. AFBI and GM will promote the FB PRIVATE OFFER through publications, state events including the Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and AFBF’s Annual Meeting.
Chocolate Milk Named Official Beverage of the Nevada Interscholastic Athletics Association Sparks, NV — The Dairy Council of Utah/Nevada has partnered with the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) to make chocolate milk the official beverage for high school athletes. The NIAA sanctions 13 boys’ sports and 11 girls’ sports and oversees the Nevada Association of School Councils (NASC). NIAA reaches 105 member schools throughout Nevada. NIAA estimates there are over 26,000 student-athletes in Nevada. Chocolate milk will be promoted at most high school championship games throughout the state. Approximately 7,000 student-athletes participate in the playoffs and will be able to take advantage of the recovery benefits of chocolate milk.
This unique partnership promotes a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and supports the messages associated with the new “My Plate” concept and MilkPEP’s “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” campaign. American children consistently fall short in four key nutrients including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber. Chocolate milk contains three of these “gap nutrients,” and offers an ideal combination of carbohydrate and protein for post exercise recovery. Libby Lovig, Vice President of the Utah/Nevada Dairy Council, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to reach our Nevada athletes with the healthy message that chocolate milk is the refuel beverage of choice after all sports. It is nutrient rich, tasty and affordable.” Lovig continued to say, “The Dairy Council of Utah/ Nevada and the Northern Nevada Dairymen are excited to be in partnership with the NIAA.” For more information contact Libby Lovig, RD, VP Dairy Council – Nevada, (775) 674-4015, Libby@dairycouncilutnv.com.
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Global Demand Drives Food Prices Higher in Third Quarter Strong global demand, especially for pork and other proteinrich foods, was a primary driver behind higher retail prices at the supermarket during the third quarter of 2011, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $53.12, up $1.95 or about 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2011. Of the 16 items surveyed, 13 increased, two decreased and one remained the same in average price compared to the prior quarter. “Global demand for meat and dairy products remains strong and continues to influence retail prices here in the U.S.,” said AFBF Economist John Anderson. “Many nations around the world rely on America to provide the food they need to improve their standard of living, particularly through the addition of protein to the diet. Strengthened demand for meats began in 2009, continued through 2010 and remains important as we look ahead to the close of 2011.” Other factors also came into play. “On-farm production costs for energy, fertilizer and fuel continue on an upward trend but those costs are largely borne by farmers and ranchers. But, in addition, after food leaves the farm or ranch, higher costs for transportation, marketing, processing and storage are added,” Anderson explained. “As long as these costs remain elevated, consumers will continue to feel it in the form of higher food prices at the supermarket.” Meat and dairy products accounted for about 40 percent of the quarter-to-quarter retail price increase. Boneless chicken breasts increased 24 cents to $3.33 per pound, bacon rose 23 cents to $4.41 per pound, sliced deli ham was up 17 cents to $5.43 per pound, shredded cheddar increased 14 cents to $4.70 per pound and whole milk was up 4 cents to $3.66 per gallon. Other items that increased in price compared to the second quarter were Russet potatoes, up 36 cents to $3.43 for a 5-pound bag; Red Delicious apples, up 27 cents to $1.83 per pound; flour, up 21 cents to $2.73 for a 5-pound bag; vegetable oil, up 20 cents to $3.21 for a 32-ounce bottle; eggs, up 13 cents to $1.78 for one dozen; orange juice, up 10 cents to $3.28 for a halfgallon; bagged salad, up 6 cents to $2.73 for 1-pound bag; and bread, up 2 cents to $1.88 for a 20-ounce loaf. “At the beginning of 2011, a number of factors including growing demand pointed to continued increases in retail food prices, especially for meats. But there’s always a lag time as farmers and ranchers increase the size of their herds to meet higher demand,” Anderson explained. “Extreme weather conditions around the nation have further compounded the issue, diminishing production and further increasing costs.” Most items showing an increase in retail price from quarterto-quarter also showed year-to-year increases. Compared to one year ago, Russet potatoes increased 30 percent; flour was up 27 percent; eggs and vegetable oil were each 26 percent higher. Year-to-year increases were also tallied for bacon, up 21 percent; sliced deli ham and milk, each up 16 percent; and shredded cheddar cheese, up 15 percent. The total average price for the 16 items was up about 15 percent compared to one year ago.
Two items decreased in price: sirloin tip roast dropped 20 cents to $4.28 per pound and ground chuck dropped 2 cents to $3.27 per pound. Toasted oat cereal remained the same in price, at $3.17 for a 9-ounce box. The year-to-year direction of the Marketbasket Survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http:// www.bls.gov/cpi/) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped. “In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. USDA’s new Food Dollar Series may be found online at http:// www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/. Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $53.12 marketbasket would be $8.50. AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, has been conducting the informal quarterly marketbasket survey of retail food price trends since 1989. The mix of foods in the marketbasket was updated during the first quarter of 2008. According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world. A total of 85 shoppers in 32 states participated in the latest survey, conducted in August.
Tracking Milk and Egg Trends For the third quarter of 2011, shoppers reported the average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $2.46, up 15 cents from the prior quarter. The average price for one gallon of regular whole milk was $3.66, up 4 cents. Comparing per-quart prices, the retail price for whole milk sold in gallon containers was about 25 percent lower compared to half-gallon containers, a typical volume discount long employed by retailers. The average price for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.40, up 12 cents from the last quarter, about 40 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.46). The average price for a half-gallon of organic milk was $3.71, up 6 cents compared to the prior quarter, about 51 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.46). Compared to a year ago (third quarter of 2010), the retail price for regular milk in gallon containers was up about 16 percent while regular milk in half-gallon containers rose 19 percent. The average retail price for rBST-free milk increased 1 percent compared to the prior year while organic milk was up 2 percent. For the third quarter of 2011, the average price for one dozen regular eggs was $1.78, up 13 cents compared to the prior quarter. The average price for a dozen “cage-free” eggs was $3.10, down 10 cents compared to the prior quarter but 75 percent higher than regular eggs. Compared to a year ago (third quarter of 2010), regular eggs increased 26 percent while “cage-free” eggs increased 7 percent.
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Existing Farm Bureau Bank vehicle loans are excluded from this offer. * Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and is based on automated payments (ACH) and acquiring one of the following collateral protection products: Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), Debt Cancellation (DC) or Major Mechanical Protection (MMP). Additional discounts do apply for purchasing more than one collateral protection product. The advertised APR of 2.99% is effective as of 7/15/2011. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees (such as a loan documentation fee) which may be applicable. Suppose you borrow $19,000 and there is a $50 documentation fee for a total loan of $19,050, with an interest rate of 2.99%, the calculated APR for a 36 month loan with a 45 day first payment date would be 3.17%, with payments of $554.62. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. Rates and financing are limited to vehicle models 2004 and newer. All loans are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Other rates and financing options are available. Non-member rates may be 1-3% higher than posted rates. Loans for RVs, motorcycles, trailers, ATVs, watercraft and commercial vehicles may be 1.5%-2% higher. This offer is not available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB is a service to member institution that provides banking services to Farm Bureau members. Services are not available in AL, IL, MI, MO, MS, OH or WY and may not be available in some counties or parishes. Farm Bureau, FB and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used under license by FB BanCorp and its subsidiaries, including Farm Bureau Bank FSB. FB BanCorp is an independent entity and the AFBF does not own, is not owned by, and is not under common ownership with FB BanCorp or its affiliated entities.