Nevada Farm Bureau
Volume 64, Number 5 May 2012
Agriculture & Livestock Journal
Department of Labor Drops Plans on Youth Labor Proposal... On April 26, 2012, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) withdrew their plans to keep children from working on family farms and ranches. Thousands of farmers and ranchers wrote letters, emails, and hit social media sites, telling members of Congress and the Obama Administration that the Department of Labor’s actions would severely affect rural America and family farms and ranches. The Labor Department’s plan was a classic example of big government and overreach. A perfect example of Washington bureaucrats enacting regulations, when they have no clue what happens on farms and ranches.
This picture was submitted during the 2011 Elko County Farm Bureau Photo Contest - Spratling Branding. Pictured are two young kids at the branding, helping out and learning. This would have been against the law if the Department of Labor was successful in passing their proposal.
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said, “This victory for farm families is due to the thousands of farmers and ranchers who sent comments to the Labor Department opposing the rules and continued to voice their concerns with members of Congress. This announcement shows the strength of American agriculture and grassroots action.” Efforts were underway in Congress, involving Nevada Congressman Mark Amodei, to use legislative authority to prevent the agency from moving forward with their plan. Assemblyman Mark Amodei said in a statement, “I’m sure the Nevada members of 4-H and FFA are very impressed with President Obama’s understanding of farming and ranching in our state. I’m astounded at the tone deafness of the administration in attempting to brush aside a collective 200 years of agricultural experience and tradition.” Nevada Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Doug Busselman said, “Thank you to all Farm Bureau members
and others who sent such a strong message to encourage at least this government agency, this time, from overstepping the boundaries of their authority.” In a statement, the Department of Labor said, “The decision to withdraw this rule – including provisions to define the ‘parental exemption’ – was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms. To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration.” “Instead, the Departments of Labor and Agriculture will work with rural stakeholders – such as the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union, the Future Farmers of America, and 4-H – to develop an educational program to reduce accidents to young workers and promote safer agricultural working practices.”
Cindy Hardy Attends Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Cindy Hardy traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the 2012 Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting. During her visit, she met with Congressman Joe Heck, staff of Nevada’s four other Representatives, learned about current ag issues and participated in the Centennial Development Project. They spoke about several issues affecting agriculture. During their meeting, they spoke about the Department of Labor’s plan to prevent children working on family farms/ranches, Sage Grouse, and Preserve the Waters of the United States Act, Senate Bill 2245 and H.R. 4965. In addition to meeting Congressman Heck, Hardy met with staff representing Senator Dean Heller, Senator Harry Reid, Congressman Mark Amodei, and Congresswoman Shelly Berkley.
Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Cindy Hardy pictured with Congressman Joe Heck. Congressman Heck represents Nevada’s 3rd district.
This year, the Women’s Leadership Committee, learned about current hot button issues affecting American agriculture. The women also learned strategies in grassroots advocacy, which helped them effectively communicate issues when they met their elected representatives.
The committee worked on and gave input on the Centennial Development Project. The Centennial Development Project is a two-year initiative to shape the organization’s future as its centennial—2019—approaches. During 2012, the board will gather input from state Farm Bureau leaders, Young Farmers & Ranchers Committees, Women’s Leadership Committees, state Farm Bureau Administrators and staff, and AFBF staff. During 2013, it will gather state feedback on a Centennial Roadmap—a five-year plan to implement changes to the organization that are adopted as a result of the Centennial Development Project discussion. (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.
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Centennial Awards Program Looking to Recognize Long-time Nevada Families The Ag Council of Nevada is looking for farms and ranches that have been in the same family for 100 years or more. Applications for the Nevada’s Centennial Ranch and Farm Awards Program are due by June 30. Two Fallon families were inducted into the program in 2011, bringing the number of families to forty-three, according to Liz Warner, Centennial Awards Program coordinator. Lifelong Fallon residents Robert Getto, Sr. and Virgil Getto — cousins whose respective fathers, John and Andrew, purchased the land where their farms have operated since 1911 — were honored during a ceremony held at the Churchill County Museum. “We know there are other ranches and farms out there that qualify,” said Warner, "and we’d really like to add them to this prestigious list of Nevada's pioneering families."
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In order to qualify, the farm or ranch must consist of at least 160 acres, and if not, must have a gross income of $1,000. Ownership must also have remained within the same family and at the same location for 100 years, according to Dennis Hellwinkel, project manager for the Ag Council. “The Centennial Awards Program acknowledges the deep roots Nevada's ranchers and farmers have with the land,” said Hellwinkel. “It is a celebration of Nevada's agriculture and farm families who feed the world and care for the land.” Applications are due by June 30, 2012. For application forms and more information, contact Warner at (775) 857-8500 x 105 or go online to the Centennial Awards Web site at http://www.nv.nrcs.usda.gov/ centennial_awards.html. The program is sponsored by the Agricultural Council of Nevada, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nevada Farm Bureau, Nevada Ag Foundation, Nevada Heritage Foundation, Nevada Cattlemen's Association and Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Nevada Centennial Ranch and Farm Awards Program
Has your ranch or farm been in your family for 100 years or more? If so, you may qualify for recognition under the 2012 Nevada Centennial Awards Program. To qualify as a Centennial Ranch or Farm, your property must meet the following criteria: a. Must have belonged to your family for at least 100 years, and b. Must be a working ranch or farm with a minimum of 160 acres, OR if less than 160 acres, must have gross yearly sales of at least $1,000. Recipients of Centennial Ranches and Farms Awards will be honored during a special ceremony and will receive a sign designating their property as a Nevada Centennial Ranch or Farm.
APPLY BY JUNE 30, 2012.
Applications are available at this office and on the Web site listed below. Send application, proof of settlement, and photos to: Liz Warner Natural Resources Conservation Service 1365 Corporate Blvd. Reno, NV 89502 (775) 857-8500 x 105
Nevada CeNteNNial RaNCh aNd FaRm PRogRam http://www.Nv.NRCs.usda.gov/CeNteNNial_awaRds.html
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Promoting Agriculture at the Clark County Fair
Jim Hardy, who came up with the idea to purchase Maggie, has plenty of ideas to implementing her at other venues, including elementary schools in Las Vegas.
Logandale, NV - Nevada Farm Bureau members and volunteers stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun during the 2012 Clark County Fair, held April 12-15 in Logandale. The small animal and agriculture building was organized and managed by Farm Bureau members, Kaluna and Jenifer Aki; they worked tirelessly making sure everything went smoothly. The layout of this year’s building changed from previous years. There were fewer small animals, which led to a less congested, cleaner layout. There were plenty of compliments from fair-goers. Along with a less-cluttered layout, Clark County Farm Bureau and Nevada Farm Bureau displayed new and updated agricultural promotion exhibits. The most important goal of the fair, is to create a fun, hands-on learning experience for fair-goers, especially for kids; Clark County Farm Bureau did an excellent job is entertaining and educating kids! Maggie This year Clark County Farm Bureau unveiled Maggie, the milking cow. Maggie is not your typical dairy cow, she is made of fiberglass. Maggie was purchased by Clark County Farm Bureau and will be used annually at the fair and on display at the High School Farm. Maggie is not real, however, she was extremely popular and proved to be a great educator. It allowed kids and adults to have an interactive learning experience. The kids knew the cow wasn’t real, but still asked questions about real cows, how they are milked, and other dairy questions. For example, one asked “How much milk does a cow produce.” Another asked, “How much does a cow eat.” There were plenty of questions, and the volunteers answered them all! Maggie had a volunteer watching over her from open to close every day. Kids waited in long lines for their chance to “milk” Maggie.
Ag Games Clark County Farm Bureau also unveiled two new ag games this year, along with a very popular game from last year’s fair. The commodity wheel was back again this year. The wheel gives kids an opportunity to learn what is grown in Nevada, and learn Nevada counties at the same time. Each space on the wheel had a Nevada commodity, when a space was landed on the young fair-goer would go to the large Nevada board and select the county that commodity was grown. One of the new games was plinko. It was called, What Do I Produce? On each plinko coin was a picture of an animal or plant. The participants would place the wooden coin at the top of the board and watch as the coin zig-zagged off of pegs, down into a pocket. Each of the pockets was labeled with the product of animal or plant. If the participant was lucky, the coin would land in the right commodity. Cindy had ordered My American Farm activity books to hand out to kids. She put a label on the back with pictures of animals, then placed larger animals around the Small Animal Building. While the kids were touring the building, they would look for the hidden animals. Each hidden animal had a letter on it. The children were to write the
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letter that corresponded with the animal on their booklet. When all the letters had been found, it spelled MAGGIE THE MILKING COW. This activity was extremely popular for the elementary school kids. Cindy ordered 500 books, and they were all gone by Friday afternoon (fair ended Sunday)! The small spin the wheel game had the new “MyPlate� displayed. It would land on a food group, and the kids would learn how much of that food group they should eat each day. They were asked what their favorite food in that group was, and then they would find where that food group was grown in Nevada.
Commodity Display
Nevada Farm Bureau again displayed Nevada commodities; however, the exhibit of years past was no longer, it was replaced by a commodity stand. Kaluna Aki built the commodities stand for Nevada Farm Bureau. The stand display many Nevada Commodities. Underneath the stand was sod donated by Valley Turf Farm located in Las Vegas. Thank you to Valley Turf for your donation, the sod made the entire display look amazing.
Nevada Farm Bureau President Hank Combs teaching a little girl about Nevada commodities. Here he is telling her about mint grown in Nevada. Picture courtesy of Stephanie Bunker
Ag Organizations
Other groups that joined in on the fun to promote ag and their organizations was the Nevada Beef Council, Nevada State Dairy Commission, and the Nevada Dairy Council.
Thank You For Volunteering during the 2012 Clark County Fair at the Clark County Farm Bureau Displays Crystal Acosta Irene Barlow Dan Bevan Kory Bevan Stephanie Bunker Betsy Hardy Heather Hardy Wade Hardy Hannah Hardy Cody Kruse Mica Leatham Shelbie Leatham David Macias Lee Mathews Lonnie Sproul Kaley Sproul Lacey Sproul Lynette Williams May 2012 | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org
The World of YF&R By: Jamie Perkins, Chair Life for most Young Farmers and Ranchers is busy— very, VERY busy! There are so many of us in the stage of trying to raise and support families, manage some sort of ag production full or part-time, as well as a job elsewhere. We have heard a lot of the Labor Department’s proposal to keep our children working on family farms and ranches. Recently, they dropped their proposal, this was largely due to farmers and ranchers speaking up and letting government officials know how detrimental their proposal would be to agriculture. But what about our own decisions about “farm labor”— do your girls work on the farm? Do they have the same chores as the boys? How much are the kids required to do? What ages do they start doing what chores? Do the kids want to be involved as much as they are—do they come to resent it if it is too much? Do they look back and wish it had been more? I wanted to do everything I could in high school—FFA, Rodeo Club, VICA, Student Council, at least two sports a year, sheep for livestock shows, basketball camp, girls camp, and Soils and Range Judging prep for nationals. No wonder my Grandpa was annoyed that I wasn’t around to help more on the ranch. Yet my mom felt she missed out on so many things because she spent so much time on the ranch and by the time she left for college, she resented it. Time changes things as she’d gladly come back and run it now if she could. Is there a better balance? It’s hard not to use your kids for work on the farm, but hard to deny them opportunities that so many of their friends are having, and things that could really be good for them. I have seen cousins that struggled to balance work on the ranch with school and social, and yet go away to college and miss the farm. Yet there are still others who go away and never want to come back. There’s no doubt growing up with farm chores is definitely something that teaches very strong work ethics and values, sometimes preparing kids for their future in the family business. So, where do you draw the line—or do you draw a line? Nothing can replace the values and work ethics learned by children who start working earlier in their lives, especially having serious responsibilities like caring for animals. Our kids have learned quite a bit about this, as they have lost chickens when they weren’t cared for the best, it has taught them that even though they may not always want to do chores, if they don’t there are sometimes dire consequences. While my husband was loading hay last summer, the truck drivers from the Los Angeles area were incredibly impressed with our kids, who were out with him and the kids of the farmers whose hay they were loading. They couldn’t believe kids could spend a whole day working on the farm, or playing on the farm away from video games and TV, without iPods or cell phones in sight. Not bragging on my kids, but farm kids in general, country kids, have a simpler life in some ways, are at the same time facing a more demanding schedule given the chores and work required of them. Whatever the case, the family or the circumstances, no government at any level should be able to interfere in farm and ranch family life. It should be a family decision in the end when the kids start to work on the farm, and what will be required of them. But that “family” decision is definitely one that plays a large role in the world of YF&R members and families. The Labor Department’s involvement was a case of government overreach.
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Meats and Cheese Drive Slight Increase in Retail Food Prices WASHINGTON, D.C. – Retail food prices at the supermarket increased slightly during the first quarter of 2012 with protein staples – meats and cheese – showing the greatest increase in price, 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 $52.47, up $3.24 or about 7 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Of the 16 items surveyed, 13 increased and three decreased in average price compared to the prior quarter. The cost for the overall basket of foods increased about 7 percent compared to one year ago. About two-thirds of the quarter-to-quarter increase in the marketbasket of foods was due to higher retail prices for sliced deli ham, sirloin tip roast, ground chuck, bacon and cheddar cheese. “Retail prices for meats and cheese were higher in the first quarter of the year due to generally strong demand and tight supplies, a situation that carried over from 2011,” said John Anderson, an AFBF senior economist. “According to Agriculture Department data, retail meat prices probably peaked sometime in the first quarter, and wholesale prices have declined noticeably in recent weeks. This suggests that retail meat prices may decline as 2012 progresses.” Reversing a decline in the prior quarter, sliced deli ham increased 74 cents to $5.43 per pound; sirloin tip roast increased 60 cents to $4.75 per pound; ground chuck increased 36 cents to $3.53 per pound; shredded cheddar increased 33 cents to $4.65 per pound and bacon increased 16 cents to $4.21 per pound. Other items that increased in price compared to the fourth quarter of last year were bagged salad, up 37 cents to $2.85 per pound; flour, up 27 cents to $2.65 for a 5-pound bag; Russet potatoes, up 26 cents to $3.01 for a 5-pound bag; orange juice, up 19 cents to $3.36 for a half-gallon; apples, up 19 cents to $1.59 per pound; toasted oat cereal, up 6 cents to $3.13 for a 9-ounce box; large eggs, up 5 cents to $1.77 per dozen; and vegetable oil, up 1 cent to $2.97 for a 32-ounce bottle. Whole milk decreased 23 cents to $3.53 per gallon; white bread decreased 7 cents to $1.85 for a 20-ounce loaf and boneless chicken breasts decreased 5 cents to $3.19 per pound.
“Retail prices for meats and cheese were higher in the first quarter of the year due to generally strong demand and tight supplies, a situation that carried over from 2011.” - John Anderson, AFBF Senior Economist
Several items showing an increase in retail price from quarterto-quarter also showed year-to-year increases. Compared to one year ago sirloin tip roast increased 20 percent, ground chuck increased 14 percent and sliced deli ham increased 11 percent. 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. “Through 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 $52.47 marketbasket would be $8.40. 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 64 shoppers in 24 states participated in the latest survey, conducted in March.
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Milk & Egg Trends... For the first quarter of 2012, shoppers reported the average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $2.46, up 9 cents from the prior quarter. The average price for one gallon of regular whole milk was $3.53, down 23 cents. Comparing per-quart prices, the retail price for whole milk sold in gallon containers was about 25 percent lower compared to halfgallon containers, a typical volume discount long employed by retailers. The average price for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.42, up 8 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 $4.19, up 28 cents compared to the prior quarter, about 70 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.46). Compared to a year ago (first quarter of 2011), the retail price for regular milk in gallon containers was up about 2 percent, while regular milk in half-gallon containers rose 9 percent. The average retail price for rBST-free milk increased 6 percent compared to the prior year, while organic milk was up 13 percent. For the first quarter of 2012, the average price for one dozen regular eggs was $1.77, up 5 cents compared to the prior quarter. The average price for a dozen “cage-free” eggs was $3.39, up 42 cents compared to the prior quarter but nearly double (90 percent higher) the price of regular eggs. Compared to a year ago (first quarter of 2011), regular eggs increased 8 percent while “cage-free” eggs increased 6 percent.
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FOR SALE: 672 John Deere Hydrolic Rake w/ left-hand delivery - $1,500 347 John Deere Baler - 2-wire - $2,000 346 John Deere Baler - 2-string, for parts - $1,000 70 Horsepower Electric Motor - $700 70 Horsepower Gearhead - $700 Two-horse, Home-built trailer - $500 Call Bobby at 775-635-2118 or 775-635-9656 For Rent - Horse property and completely remodeled Farm House, 3/2 views 1800+ sq. feet near Genoa and Minden $1175 plus horse pasture available. For more information contact Al at 831-512-3225 or e-mail genoaal@yahoo.com. FOR SALE GENOA - MINDEN, SUPERB LOCATION, 25 ACRE RANCH, UPDATED FARM HOUSE, TWO QUALITY CLAYTON MANUFACTURED HOMES, THREE DOUBLE GARAGES PLUS STORAGE, SURFACE WATER RIGHTS PLUS TWO WELLS, INCOME $30,000 PER YEAR PLUS AN OWNER DWELLING PRICE $1.375 M WITH GOOD TERMS 831-512-3225 genoaal@ yahoo.com IRRIGATION PIPE -135 pieces of 3 inch by 30 foot hand move sprinkler pipe $30 per piece -27 pieces of 4 inch by 30 foot hand move sprinkler pipe $30 per piece -95 pieces of 5 inch mainline pipe $45 per piece -1 1600 foot 5 inch wheel line 5 foot wheels $4000 TRUCK TRACTOR 1981 Peterbuilt model 362 coe 2 axle tractor. Sleeper. BC3 400 Cummins. Recent inframe. 13 speed Good running condition. Was used to haul hay to California until it was parked a year ago. $4000 HAY BOOM 1961 Chevy 1-ton with 327 motor. Will run with minor repairs. Boom has a VG 4-cylinder Wisconsin. Hydraulics. $800. PICKUP 1979 Ford Courier with service bed. Will run with minor repairs. $500 MISCELLANEOUS Chevy 350 motor with 350 automatic transmission. Late 1970’s model. Came out of an Impala that was in good running condition but was vandalized. $500 3 Wisconsin motors: 1-VG 4-cylinder. 1-461 with PTO. 1-462 with PTO. None in running condition. Make offer. Email greatheadfarms@gmail.com. Phone 775-304-9136 or 775-304-4659
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by Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau
USDA: Celebrating 150 years of Innovation President Abraham Lincoln is known for many achievements during his lifetime, but a little known triumph of his – that affects farmers and ranchers greatly – was the establishment of the United States Department of Agriculture 150 years ago. On May 15, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law a bill establishing a new Department of Agriculture, which was specifically directed to acquire information through “practical and scientific experiments” and to collect and propagate “new and valuable seeds and plants” and distribute these to the nation’s agriculturists. It is clear, Lincoln was a man beyond his time.
significant as we face several challenges in the years ahead. The world’s population just passed the 7 billion mark. According to the World Food Program, the best estimate is that 1 billion people (one in seven) are hungry and food insecure. By 2050 the world’s population will rise to 9 billion people. This means we must double world food production by 2050 in order to meet this challenge.
A Man with a Vision
Further, we must accomplish this hefty goal while realizing that our Earth is fragile. To take care of our environment, we must embrace agriculture research, science, innovation and biotechnology. When it comes to medical care, communication and transportation we accept the importance of innovation. We need to do the same when it comes to the production of food.
Lincoln understood the importance of agriculture to America, and, as importantly, he realized science and technology played a major role in the farming industry. Without a doubt, I believe Lincoln today would embrace the many technological advancements farmers use on their farms, including biotechnology.
Earlier this year, the United Nations issued a special report recognizing that “new ‘green’ biotechnologies can….improve resistance to pests, restore soil fertility and contribute to the diversification of the rural economy.” Sound familiar? Seems a lot like what Lincoln described as a goal 150 years ago.
Lincoln once wrote: “Every blade of grass is a study, and to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and a pleasure. And not grass alone, but soils, seeds and seasons – hedges, ditches and fences, draining, droughts and irrigation – plowing, hoeing and harrowing – reaping, mowing and threshing – saving crops, pests of crops, diseases of crops and what will prevent or cure them … the thousand things of which these are specimens – each a world of study within itself.”
Scientists have developed new seeds that can improve yields while resisting disease and requiring less water. That is critical as 70 percent of all fresh water is used by agriculture. American consumers and consumers all over the world can feel safe with this technology and confident it will improve our environment.
The federal government was, from the beginning of its involvement in agriculture, dedicated to scientific progress in farming. This commitment continues today and is shared by farmers and ranchers across the country, regardless of the methods of food and fiber production they use – organic, conventional or biotechnology. They all need science. Full Speed Ahead The importance of science and innovation – biotechnology in particular – to agriculture will be
While meeting these quantitative challenges and meeting our environmental goals, we will strive to focus even greater attention on the qualitative side, to also meet the needs of consumers who express a preference for foods grown “their way.” Science is the answer for all these missions, and today’s USDA is helping to blaze that trail. So, Happy Birthday USDA and best wishes as we continue down the road for another 150 years. America’s farmers, ranchers and research scientists can lead the way to a new 21st century Green Revolution if we follow the vision of Abraham Lincoln. As Honest Abe said, “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
April 2012 | Page 10 | www.nvfb.org
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