Nevada Farm BureauÂŽ
Volume 66, Number 2, February 2014
Agriculture & Livestock
Journal
Lawsuit Filed Against BLM For Management of Nevada’s Wildhorses & Burros Pg. 4
Farm Bureau Members Travel to San Antonio for AFBF Annual Convention Pg. 6
Meeting & Event Calendar February 11 Agritourism Working Group 10 am - 11:30 am Jeanne Dini Cultural Arts Center 120 N. California St., Yerington RSVP: ann.louhela@wnc.edu or 775351-2551. February 11 Social Media Workshop Noon - 2:00 pm Jeanne Dini Cultural Arts Center 120 N. California St., Yerington RSVP: ann.louhela@wnc.edu or 775351-2551. February 15 Fallon All Breeds Bull Sale www.nevadacattlemen.org February 18 Deadlines due for Nevada Rangeland Resource Commission funding opportunities. nevadarangelands.org
February 20-23 Eagles & Agriculture www.carsonvalleynv.org/pages/ EaglesAg. February 20-22 Nevada Small Farm Conference John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Sparks www.nevadasmallconference.com February 26-28 AFBF Western Leadership Conference Las Vegas February 28 - March 1 Mason Valley Beekeepers’ Conference Registration is due by February 15. Pioneer Crossing Convention Center, Yerington www.masonvalleybeekeepers.org March 4 Nevada Rangeland Resources Commission meeting 1 pm. Winnemucca
(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: Zach Allen The Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal is published monthly by the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation. Subscriptions are available to Nevada Farm Bureau members, only, 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.
February 2014 | Page 2 | www.nvfb.org
April 10-13 Clark County Fair & Rodeo Logandale, NV April 16 UNR/NWRA Spring Dinner Forum Best Western Plus Airport Plaza Hotel 1981 Terminal Way Reno, NV 89502 The reservation deadline is Monday, April 7, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. www.nvwra.org Wolf Pack Meats Slaughter & Processing Certification Program 2014 Slaughter Classes: 6:30 am- 1 pm February 6, February 13, April 3, April 10. 2014 Processing Classes: 6:30 am-1 pm February 18, February 25, April 15, April 22. 775-945-3444, Ext. 12. Cost is $100/ person and included lunch.
Farm Bureau
Perspectives By James “Hank” Combs President, Nevada Farm Bureau
2014 Off To A Fast Start
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evada Farm Bureau has had a busy beginning of 2014 with Farm Bureau carrying out its grassroots efforts in Nevada and across the
The American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention was held January 12-15 in San Antonio. In total, 13 people from Nevada attended the annual convention. Nevada has two voting delegates, which are Vice President Bevan Lister and me. At the AFBF Annual Meeting, 357 voting delegates, representing every crop and livestock sector in the United States, deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization throughout 2014. I was re-elected to the AFBF Board of Directors and I will begin my second two-year term representing the western states on the Board. In addition to being re-elected to the Board, I was appointed to serve on AFBF’s Trade Advisory Committee. During the convention it was announced that Nevada Farm Bureau won three State Awards of Excellence. The organization was awarded for Public Relations & Communications, Member Services and Ag Education and Promotion. The Women’s Leadership Committee unveiled a new program called “Our Food Link” during the convention. “Our Food Link” is a new year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to reach consumers of all ages and backgrounds with
information about today’s agriculture. Participation is open to all Farm Bureau members. The Young Farmers & Ranchers committee is off to a great start in 2014 as well. They have been holding monthly conference calls and are organizing activities in 2014. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership conference is in Virginia Beach this year and Washoe County Farm Bureau member and UNR student Cory Shrecengost will represent Nevada in the Collegiate Discussion Meet. Coming back from San Antonio, news broke about the NACO lawsuit against the BLM for the management of Nevada’s wild horses & burros. Nevada Farm Bureau joined NACO in the litigation. The management of wild horses & burros is a sensitive issue for many people throughout Nevada and across the country. While people advocate for the protection of wild horses, it is important that they are managed at populations the land can sustain. Nevada Farm Bureau policy calls for wild horse and burro populations to be managed at the AML levels, which the BLM sets annually. The overpopulation of wild horses and burros in Nevada have had a dramatic impact on the ability to manage Nevada’s rangelands and rangeland health and a thriving natural ecological balance. Not only does the overpopulation of wild horses and burros negatively affect the land, the horses are also negatively affected, as they have to fight for food and water. With Nevada suffering from severe drought, examples of unhealthy and dying horses will only continue to increase.
February 2014 | Page 3 | www.nvfb.org
Nevada Farm Bureau Joins NACO In Lawsuit Against BLM To Manage Nevada’s Wild Horses & Burros
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eeing wild horses & burros in Nevada is common, they are a part of Nevada’s vast landscape. In the eyes of many, wild horses are majestic and play an important role in the history and heritage of the Silver State. Nevada is home to the largest population of wild horses and burros in the United States. They roam public lands, which are managed by the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Not only is Nevada home to the most wild horses and burros, our state also has more government owned land than any other state, over 80%. In December, it was announced that the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) along with the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NVFB) filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court of Nevada seeking an order to require the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management to comply with the requirements of the Wild Free-Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act (WFRWH&BA) of 1971 as Amended. This lawsuit is not about the complete
removal of wild horses and burros from Nevada’s vast rangelands. This is about the BLM doing their job and managing the balance of species and multiple uses on public lands. A job they have not been doing. The BLM sets Appropriate Management Levels (AMLs) for wild horses and burros. These levels are aimed to protect the land and the wild animals, thus maintaining a thriving ecological balance on the range. As wild horse and burro populations have grown, management of their population compared to established AMLs have not been proportional. There is an overpopulation of wild horses and burros, which is harmful to the horses and harmful to the limited resources available on the land. The lawsuit will ask the Court to issue an injunction and/or Writ of Mandamus requiring the DOI to promptly and fully comply with all the provisions of the Act and specifically to do the following: •
Conduct gathers of all excess animals on public lands in Nevada, which exceed currently established AMLs, both inside and outside on established Herd Management
February 2014 | Page 4 | www.nvfb.org
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Areas (HMAs). On a continuing basis, no less frequently than every two months, determine the current populations of animals in Nevada and promptly conduct gathers of excess animals on public lands. Cease the long-term warehousing of animals removed from excess populations of animals on public lands in Nevada and to instead promptly and without delay proceed to auction, sell and otherwise properly dispose of such animals in accordance with the Act. Adhere to multiple use principles in carrying out their responsibilities under the Act in Nevada, including, but not limited to, compliance with the laws of the State of Nevada as they pertain to water rights. Cease interfering with Nevada water rights owned by third parties by preventing their owner’s access to and use of waters and to cease favoring horses and burros, particularly excess animals, over other users of the land including wildlife.
Nevada Farm Bureau joined NACO in this lawsuit as a measure to
uphold the organization’s grassroots member-developed policy. Nevada Farm Bureau policy advocates for proper management of wild horses and burros, which is the goal of this lawsuit. Nevada Farm Bureau policy calls for excess wild horses & burros to be removed before any livestock reductions are enforced. Policy also states that if livestock reduction does occur due to the destruction of native forage caused by the overpopulation of wild horses and burros, then affected permittees or grazing allotment owners must be compensated for their loss. “Nevada Farm Bureau policy states that wild horse and burro populations need to be kept at or below AMLs on a statewide level and in each Herd Management Area,” Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs said. “We understand that this is a sensitive issue, but we also understand that the overpopulation of wild horses
Fast Facts • Nevada’s Wild Horse and Burro population was at 20,151 according to FY 2013 data. • High AML in 2013 was 12,789 combined for wild horses and burros, FY 2013. • Herds grow on an average of 17%-23% annually. The Battle Mountain BLM District applies a rate of 17.5%, which has been shown to estimate the post-foaling increase each year.
“Bay mare attempts to keep up with the herd as they leave the seep in the early morning hours.” Taken during Seaman Herd Area Emergency Gather. Photo by BLM Nevada. and burros has negative impacts on the rangeland, native wildlife and vegetation, and the horses.”
that being said, horses compete with themselves and other wild animals for limited water and food.
Nevada’s public land is home to wildlife including deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and of course the much discussed Sage Grouse. Land is also used by ranchers who graze cattle and sheep on public lands. Grazing on public lands is beneficial to the range, as livestock will graze forage that would otherwise only be used as a fire igniter.
Pictures of unhealthy, starving, dying horses are all too common. They are quite disturbing in many ways. Many will say “let nature takes its course” - however, nature can be very unforgiving.
The impact of overpopulation of wild horses and burros in Nevada has been well documented. NACO states the overpopulation of wild horses and burros affects counties by creating “serious environmental concerns for horses, wildlife, and ecology of rangelands, and creates both direct and indirect impacts.” Overpopulation of wild horses and burros has proven to be harmful to rangelands, but it is equally, if not more so, harmful to the horses. There are limited resources available - water and forage - two basic ingredients that are required for life. Nevada is the most arid state in the Union. With February 2014 | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org
With Nevada suffering from extreme drought conditions in 2013, and with 2014 beginning with lack luster precipitation in both the mountains and valleys, drought conditions could far surpass 2013 leaving less water and forage available for wild horses and burros and native wildlife that depends on those limited resources. Both NACO and Nevada Farm Bureau, don’t wish and are not advocating for the complete removal of wild horses and burros in Nevada. Instead, we are asking the government to do their part and uphold the law. If successful, this lawsuit will prove to be beneficial to the land, the horses, and to everyone who uses public lands ranging from recreation uses to grazing cattle and sheep.
2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention
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n estimated 7,000 farmers and ranchers from across the nation attended the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Antonio.
The American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention was held January 12-15 in San Antonio. In total, 13 people from Nevada attended the annual convention. President Hank Combs and Vice President Bevan Lister served as Nevada’s two voting delegates. Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Cindy Hardy and Vice Chair Marlene Shier served as Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Committee voting delegates. The purpose of the annual convention is for voting delegates to adopt grassroots policies and select leaders to guide the organization throughout the year. The annual convention also includes a number of breakout sessions designed to inform, update and educate attendees.
State Awards of Excellence
During the annual convention, winners of the State Awards of Excellence were announced. Nevada Farm Bureau won three awards in Public Relations & Communications, Member Services, and Ag Education & Promotion.
President Combs carrying the Nevada flag during the opening general ceremony. Photo courtesy of AFBF.
“We are happy to have earned these awards. Nevada Farm Bureau has great leaders and volunteers that work well with Nevada Farm Bureau staff to effectively promote Nevada Farm Bureau and Nevada agriculture,” Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs said. Nevada Farm Bureau submits applications to the awards program annually. State Farm Bureaus can apply for awards in five categories. The award applications are then judged by state Farm Bureaus that are in a different membership grouping.
The Nevada group at the 2014 AFBF Annual Convention in San Antonio. February 2014 | Page 6 | www.nvfb.org
Farm Bureau Delegates Set Public Policy Positions for 2014
V
oting delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual meeting today approved resolutions that will provide the organization with authority from its grassroots members to push Congress toward the goal line on unfinished issues like the farm bill and ag labor. “Securing victories on those issues is critical to our competitiveness as individual farmers and ranchers, and to our nation’s success as a food producer,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, who was re-elected to his eighth two-year term as the organization’s president. “Farm Bureau made progress on our priorities this past year, more so than most other organizations, and this year, our delegates have provided us direction to work with Congress to complete this agenda.” On the farm labor front, delegates reaffirmed their strong support for meaningful ag labor reforms that ensure farmers and ranchers have access to workers when they are needed. Delegates also voted to support flexibility that would allow the employment of workers by more than one farmer “Farmers and ranchers need a reliable supply of labor,” Stallman said. “That is a simple truth. It’s about availability and flexibility – neither of which have been hallmarks of the system our farmers, ranchers and growers have operated under for many years. We must have a workable ag
labor program.” With congressional farm bill action nearing completion, delegates reaffirmed Farm Bureau’s policy, overwhelmingly determining that now is not the time to make changes. “Congress is still haggling over dairy policy, but for the most part, they are very close to completing a five-year farm bill,” Stallman said. “It has been a long process, but substantial reforms have been made. Crop insurance has been strengthened so that farmers can play a role in determining the level of their safety net, and how much they are willing to invest for that coverage.” Specifically on dairy-related issues, delegates reaffirmed policy supporting changes to the dairy safety net, including margin insurance programs On another livestock-related issue, delegates maintained their support for country of origin labeling and reiterated that it needs to be compliant with World Trade Organization rules. They also voted to support efforts to lengthen the term of grazing permits from 10 years to 20 years. On other issues, delegates adopted new policy that supports the use of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial agricultural, forestry and other natural resource purposes. They also supported the requirement for drone users to gain the consent of the landowners, if operating below navigable airspace However, delegates opposed federal agencies’ use of drones for regulatory enforcement, litigation or natural resource inventory surveys.
View of the delegate floor. Photo courtesy of AFBF. 2014 AFBF Annual Convention
Delegates approved new policy supporting the protection of proprietary data collected from farmers and maintaining that such data should remain their property. Delegates also voted to support efforts to educate farmers regarding the benefits and risks of collaborative data collection systems. They also approved policy stating that farmers should be compensated if companies market their propriety information, and that farmers should have the right to sell their proprietary data to another producer, such as in the case of a land sale. Delegates voted to oppose farmers’ data being held in a clearinghouse or database by any entity subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Delegates also reaffirmed their support for the renewable fuels standard and approved a policy supporting renewable fuels tax incentives for the production of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol and installation of blender pumps. Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs and newly elected Vice President Bevan Lister served as Nevada’s two voting delegates. At the AFBF Annual Meeting, 357 voting delegates, representing every crop and livestock sector in the United States, deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization throughout 2014.
Food Link Consumer Outreach Program Launched “Our Food Link,” a new yearround program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to reach consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture, was launched today during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Convention. “Consumer outreach is more important than ever because the average American is now at least three generations removed from the farm,” said Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer and chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. Farm and ranch families make up less than 2 percent of the U.S. population today. The roll-out of the program included the distribution of a planning toolkit to help Farm Bureau members
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start thinking about projects that will engage people in their communities Suggested “Our Food Link” activities range from outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events, speaking with lawmakers and neighbors about food and visiting classrooms to help students understand agricultural topics. Other program ideas include: an Adopt-a-Farmer program, fun runs, garden projects and “Zest ’n Zing” or other foodie events. “Our Food Link” activities may also include the collection of food and monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities or other charities. “With the launch of this flexible new program, we hope to enhance and energize the efforts of Farm Bureau
members as they help people connect with sources of clothing, food, shelter and energy in their communities,” Gilbert said. The launch of ”Our Food Link” was spearheaded by the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee, with participation open to all Farm Bureau members.
Farm Bureau Women: Growing Strong
ctive participation in the Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program and Farm Bureau as a whole empowers women to be strong and effective leaders in agriculture, according to Terry Gilbert, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Gilbert, a cattle and corn farmer from Kentucky, highlighted program successes during the annual business meeting of the AFB Women, held at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th Annual Convention. Gilbert challenged women in Farm Bureau to strive to improve their communication and leadership skills and find more opportunities to get involved in policy issues important to agriculture. “Learn as much as you can about issues that affect farmers and ranchers, such as the farm bill and the need for immigration reform,” Gilbert said. “Step up and use your listening and communication skills.” Gilbert announced “Growing Strong” as the 20142015 theme for the program of work of the AFB Women’s Leadership Program. “Women have always been a powerful force in agriculture, in business, as entrepreneurs and in our communities,” said Gilbert. “Our new program of work reflects this reality and provides a strategic platform for Farm Bureau women to improve their skills and become compelling advocates in sharing the importance of modern agriculture.” At the convention, Gilbert and the AFB Women’s
NVFB Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Cindy Hardy with Terry Gilbert, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Photo courtesy of AFBF. Leadership Committee introduced “Our Food Link,” a new year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to reach consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture. The roll-out of the program included the distribution of a planning toolkit and publicity tools (available for download at http://bit. ly/1j1jH5H) to help Farm Bureau members start thinking about projects that will engage people in their communities.
February 2014 | Page 8 | www.nvfb.org
Nevada Young Farmers & Ranchers Donate to Feeding America Food Banks
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s part of the Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Harvest for All campaign, donations of $1100 each were made to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas. On January 14, state YF&R Chair Anna-Lisa Giannini presented the donation to Jocelyn Lantrip of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is very excited to be able to provide 3,300 meals with this very generous donation of $1100 and that will feed a family of four for 275 days,” Lantrip said. According to the Food Bank, $1 will purchase 3 meals.
State YF&R Chair Anna-Lisa Giannini (L) presents a donation of $1100 to Jocelyn Lantrip of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
On January 17, state YF&R committee members Lacey Sproul-Tom and Kaluna Aki along with Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs and Clark County Young Farmer & Rancher Clayton Combs presented the donation to Tiffany Keegan of Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas.
“On behalf of the over 100,000 hungry men, women and children we serve each month in Southern Nevada, I would like to thank the Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers for your recent gift of $1,100.05 to Three Square,” Keegan said.
Clayton Combs, Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs, state YF&R Committee member Lacey SproulTom, Tiffany Keegan of Three Square and state YF&R committee member Kaluna Aki presented a donation of $1100 to Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas.
The Harvest for All campaign includes activities organized by state and county Farm Bureaus in connection with local Feeding America affiliates across the country. In Nevada, the two food banks affiliated with Feeding America are the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas. Through the campaign’s 10-year history, YF&R programs across the country have donated their food, money and their time to provide more than 83 million meal equivalents to hungry Americans.
More than 50 million Americans – that’s 1 in 6 – including nearly 17 million children, are food insecure, meaning they live at risk of hunger. “We are thrilled to donate these much needed funds to such a great organization on behalf of Nevada Farm Bureau members,” Giannini said. Our ongoing partnerships with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Three Square Food Bank provide a unique opportunity for all Nevadans, not just farmers and ranchers, to donate money and help support those in need right here in our own communities.” Nevada Farm Bureau members from throughout the state generously donated money to the Harvest for All project. To learn how to become part of the Harvest for All campaign visit our website, www.nvfb.org. February 2014 | Page 9 | www.nvfb.org
Women’s Leadership Committee Announces 2014 Contests Photo & Video Contests Promote Nevada Agriculture Time to get the cameras, video camera, smart phones out and starting sharing Nevada agriculture through the Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Video and Photo Contests.
VIDEO CONTEST
The video contest is open to all high school students and adults (18+). Categories for 2014 are “How does Nevada agriculture affect the world?” and “How does agriculture affect your local community?”
•2014• Women’s Leadership Committee
Video Contest
New for 2014, contestants will be able to shoot and upload their video directly to You Tube, alleviating the need to burn the video onto a DVD and submitting the video by mail. “With so many people having smart phones and tablets, and shooting video on these mobile devices and uploading directly to You Tube will make easier and more accessible to more people,” Women’s Leadership Chair Cindy Hardy said. To upload to You Tube, contestants will need to tag their video “2014 NVFB Video Contest.” The tag needs to include the quotations - if the video is tagged incorrectly, we won’t be able to find your video. For all entries, please include a video title, short description of the video, and who made the video. Prizes for winning videos will be $100, $75 and $50 for both the high school and adult divisions. The deadline to upload videos or to mail a physical copy is October 31. To submit a video by mail send to Cindy Hardy, PO Box 112, Logandale, NV 89021.
PHOTO CONTEST
For the first time, photographers will submit photos based on seasons. The best photographs from each season will be selected and judged in October for cash prizes. Deadlines to submit photographs from each season are: Winter pictures: March 19 Spring pictures: June 2 Summer pictures: August 22 Fall pictures: October 1 Cash prizes will be awarded to the best photographs submitted for both adult and youth categories. Prizes will be $100, $75 and $50 for first, second and third place photographs. Photographs need to represent Nevada agriculture, rural life or Nevada scenery. Photographers may submit as many photos as desired, however only one cash prize will be awarded per photographer. Photos may be submitted by email to nvfarmbureau@nvfb. org. Winning photographs will be featured during the 2014 Nevada Farm Bureau Convention, on the Nevada Farm Bureau website and in the monthly “Agriculture & Livestock Journal.” Exceptional high-resolution photographs may also be featured in the “Rural Tour,” Nevada Farm Bureau’s annual calendar. February 2014 | Page 10 | www.nvfb.org
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February 2014 | Page 11 | www.nvfb.org
On the Horizon of a Successful New Year By: Anna-Lisa Giannini, State YF&R Chair
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s the New Year rolls around many of us decide on things we want to change. It seems like everyone is on a new diet, cutting out certain foods, striving to exercise, vowing to get more sleep and the like. Not only is the New Year a great chance to improve your health, but it’s also a time to do some goal setting. This year the Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers have set goals we hope will improve involvement throughout the state and will also help all Nevadans understand the important role of agriculture. A major outreach opportunity that we have participated in for years is a national program called Harvest for All. This food drive program engages YF&R members to gather food and money for the two Feeding America food banks in Nevada, Three Square in Las Vegas and the Northern Nevada Food Bank in Reno. We are looking forward to having more participation in the coming year. Last year the group in Clark County even had a “milk cow” outside the store where they set up their drive. Not only is Harvest for All a great opportunity to gather food for needy families in Nevada, but it’s also an opportunity to share agriculture’s story with our urban dwelling counterparts.
by the American Farm Bureau Federation and then young farmer and rancher members take the books to classrooms of local schools, read the book to the class and then donate them to the classroom’s library. What a great opportunity to share information about farming and ranching with young people! This month, Cory Shrecengost will represent Nevada at the National Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet in Virginia Beach, Va. Another YF&R committee member, and a member of NVFB staff and I will attend the National convention as well. We hope to come back with new ideas, tons of energy and excitement to have a great year!
IT’S NOT JUST CATTLE IT’S YOUR LIVELIHOOD
Another important program we are ramping up this year is the Agriculture Literacy Project. Through this program, Nevada Farm Bureau purchases accurate agriculture books that have been selected
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the
Ag Agenda
by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau
Ag Labor: Congress Needs to get the Job Done
W
ith high expectations that Congress will finalize both the farm bill and Water Resources Development Act early this year, farmers are optimistic Congress will next turn its sights to moving immigration reform to the front burner. Farmers and ranchers can’t wait any longer for effective, long-term solutions to the agricultural labor crisis, which has forced growers to leave millions of dollarsworth of crops unharvested and threatens the country’s food security. Farmers and ranchers need effective, long-term solutions to agricultural labor shortages. And Congress needs to get the job done. A Crisis in Farm Country It’s not as if Congress would be starting from scratch. The Senate in June passed a balanced, Farm Bureausupported immigration reform bill that includes a fair and workable farm labor provision. The House took a piecemeal approach, passing a series of immigration reform bills at the committee level, including an agricultural guest worker bill. As this is the second session of the 113th Congress, these bills are still in play. Passage of the Senate bill last year gave farmers great momentum. And while the House may be doing things differently, farmers and ranchers will be right alongside lawmakers throughout the process making sure they understand how critical this issue is to agriculture and all consumers who count on U.S.-grown food. From a Colorado potato grower to a Pennsylvania fruit farmer, and from a South Carolina peach farmer to a Tennessee tobacco grower, farmers all across the country are facing a labor crisis. And then there is California, the top fruit and vegetable
producing state. A survey by the California Farm Bureau found that 71 percent of tree fruit growers and nearly 80 percent of raisin and berry growers were unable to find enough employees to prune trees and vines or pick crops. When you have that many farmers unable to get the workers they need, you have a crisis in farm country. That also means a crisis for Americans who want their food grown in the United States. A Simple Truth The current H-2A temporary agricultural worker program is broken. It artificially raises wages above the market rate, and often does not bring workers to the farm until after the need for them has passed—after the crops have already started to rot. That’s why at the American Farm Bureau’s 95th Annual Meeting in January, delegates reaffirmed their strong support for meaningful ag labor reforms that ensure farmers and ranchers have access to workers when they are needed. Delegates also voted to support flexibility that would allow the employment of workers by more than one farmer. Farmers and ranchers need a reliable supply of labor. That is a simple truth. It’s about availability and flexibility—neither of which have been hallmarks of the system our farmers, ranchers and growers have operated under for many years. Congress has known about these problems for more than 30 years. It’s time for Congress to put the nation’s needs above politics and work toward finding solutions. It’s time for Congress to get the job done.
February 2014 | Page 14 | www.nvfb.org
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FOR SALE: 2014 Maverick Steel 20 Ft. Stk GN. Rear slider, split center gate, calf gate, mats and spare. Slate gray color. $10,150. Call 775.463.3430 Residence 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,600 square foot with hot tub room on 6.4 acres with several out buildings including a 532 square ft detached garage, 841 square foot hay shed, and 877 square feet three bay carport with storage room, and extensive corrals with heated Ritchie waterers. Acreage includes fenced pasture. For more information call 775-3853334. Commercial or Industrial Building 7500 square feet with two loading docks and large automatic 14 ft door in Diamond Valley Nevada with large office 1,440 sq.ft. Also includes pad and hook-up for a doublewide residence, 10 acres, fenced on three sides. For more information 775385-0030 or lisamarshall278@gmail.com. 2009 Flail Mower/Shredder – Gearmore Inc. Flail Mower/Shredder. Model GOL89Y. Mowing width 89” with overall width of 99”. 21 knives with a minimum of 65HP required. Weighs 1900 pounds. Maximum HP 90. Will mow up to 4” diameter material. Bought new in 2009. Used 5 times to restore pastures. Paid $9,900. Selling for $7,900 OBO. Stored in barn. Excellent condition. Call 775.530.1171 with questions. Located in W. Washoe Valley. FOR SALE 2009 Massey 3635 Tractor in very good condition. 1995 2550 New Holland Swather - in good condition. 2012 H&S Carted Rake - in like new condition. All equipment very well maintained. Appraisal $63,599 Must sell as unit: $60,000 - For questions call 775-830-1759 FOR SALE 3rd cutting $195/ton 246 big bales - 1200# 2nd cutting $185/ton 225 big bales - 1200# 1st cutting $185/ton small bales - 16 dumps 75 tons Call - 775-830-1759 For Sale Fresh split white cedar, 8’ posts, 50 or more. $9.25. Can be delivered. 775423-3818. Leave message. Egg Business For Sale RenoEgg.com is for sale. It comes complete with everything you need to start making money right away - it even includes all current clients and we sell out almost every week. The business is completely portable so it can all be moved to your property. Our land and home are not included in the sale. Some of what is included are +/-1,100 laying hens, housing and fencing for all of them, a cargo container for storage and a commercial refrigerator. Everything else related to the business goes along with it too, like the egg washing machine, cartons, feeders, heaters, brooder lamps, a half ton of bedding hay and way too much other stuff to list. I have all of the business processes in place and we will teach you how it is done and introduce you to all of your new clients. We have been in business in the Reno area for 4 years and have a great reputation - you would be buying the name and the brand too. Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a VERY cold winter and the chicken houses are insulated better than most people’s so the birds will stay safe and warm in them. It is a great package deal and the best offer takes it. Check out RenoEgg.com for more info then send me an email at dawn@renoegg.com for more info and a showing. We are located in Silver Knolls, 3 miles off Red Rock. House and Pasture For Rent House and pasture for rent. Close in location to Genoa and Minden. For more information call 831-512-3225
For Sale Alfalfa grass hay 3X4 (1200 lb) bales 334 ton first cutting alfalfa/orchard w/ cheat and mustard $130 fob 240 ton second cutting 75% alfalfa 25% orchard grass no weeds $170 fob. Can arrange trucking, will load. Located in Nyala , Railroad Valley, NV. Contact Elar: 775-863-0321 or 801-718-7429 Wanted 3 PTO weed hog, preferably 4ft. cutting. 813-512-3225 Wanted: Lely Roterra- looking for a used Roterra that is in working condition, or needs minimal work to be field ready. Cary 775-691-7655. cyamamoto@charter.net Dairy Facility For Lease Goat/Sheep dairy on Idyllic Farm for lese. Pristine, 280-acre farm 40 miles from Reno between Fernley and Fallon. Dairy milks 200-1,200 goats or sheep. Ideal for an artisan producer expanding their supply or a farmer shipping to a creamery or cooperative. On site pasture is available for lease as well. Dairy barn includes: 46 animal Cohburn parallel milk, rapid fire exit gates, milks 200 head/hr, Chore-Time grain feeder system, variable-speed vacuum pump, 5,000 gallon tank. Outside facilities include: Corrals for up to 1,200 small animals, concrete feed storage areas, nursing barn and corrals for kids, abundant high-pressure water, two single-wide worker trailers. The dairy will be ready to lease starting in October 2013. Terms and pricing are negotiable and flexible. The landlords are committed to the production of nourishing foods, and desire a mutually-beneficial agreement. Property address is 255 Jersey Lane, Fernley, NV. To learn more contact Gino Borges at (775) 351-9439 or ginoborges@gmail.com. For Sale Perkins 354 diesel engine, will fit NH 1075 bale wagon or Massey Ferguson tractor or? Runs good...775-623-9364...gevert2@sbcglobal.net For Sale 3 Point Cultivator, 14 ft. wide, S-tine with gauge wheels, extra s-tines. Great shape. $1,300. 775-771-9612 LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS Non lethal predator control. 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. Wanted Pasture Wanted for 20-40 pair in Northern Nevada. 775-287-6978 For Sale Masssey-Ferguson 2745 Tractor. Condition Rough. Runs great in forward gears. Reverse works only in 1st, 2nd and third. $7,000 Phone 775-629-0192 For Sale House for sale, 37 acres w/ water rights in Wellington. House is 1846 sq. ft.,2 bed, 2 bath, recently remodeled with new windows and flooring. Numerous out buildings, covered hay barn, corrals. In alfalfa production. $470K. Call 775-465-2252 or 775-720-1388 or email caroleobanion@ gmail.com For Sale New Holland 1112 Swather with 16 foot header. Runs well. Good backup machine $3500 firm at Washoe Valley. Call (775)888-9877 or email jimgreil@clearwire.net.
Nevada Farm Bureau FederationÂŽ
2165 Green Vista Dr., Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431 1-800-992-1106 | www.nvfb.org
SPECIAL MEMBER PRICING
2.99%
As low as
APR*
36-MONTH TERM
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality Finance or refinance and save with a new or used vehicle loan from Farm Bureau Bank. We feature competitive rates, flexible terms and affordable protection plans – including GAP and Major Mechanical coverage.* Plus, check out our competitive loan rates for new or used motorcycles, boats, Jet Skis, recreational, and all-terrain vehicles. Make your dream ride a reality.
For your personalized member service, contact:
Existing Farm Bureau Bank vehicle loans are excluded from this offer. * Rates disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and are based on acquiring one of the following collateral protection products: Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) 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 September 13, 2013. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees (such as a loan documentation fee, which may be applicable). For a $25,050 vehicle loan with a term of 36 months, a 45 day first payment date and a 2.99% APR, the monthly payment will be $727.72. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. 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 1.00% higher. This offer is not available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates and financing are limited to vehicle models 2005 and newer and subject to change. Farm Bureau Bank does not finance totaled, rebuilt or salvaged vehicles. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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