Nevada Farm Bureau®
Volume 66, Number 7 July 2014
Agriculture & Livestock
Journal
Sagebrush Ecosystem Council: The Future of the Nevada Rancher NVFB Update • New Powder Plant Offers Possibilities • County Corner
Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture and Livestock Journal July 2014 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 15
Farm Bureau Perspectives - James “Hank” Combs Supporting GMOs: Our Perspective on Genetic Modification Nevada Farm Bureau Update Recent wins help Nevada agriculturists prosper - Clay McCauley Flyers Energy partners with Nevada Farm Bureau Dave Fulstone Scholarship Winners Announced New Powder Plant Offers Possibilities Fallon’s DFA operation jump-starts Churchill County agriculture Agriculture & Livestock Journal Feature Sagebrush Ecosystem Council: The Future of the Nevada Rancher County Corner Submit Your Photos and Videos to Win! Farming isn’t secret anymore nor should it be Contact Your Local Country Financial Agency The Ag Agenda - Bob Stallman Agriculture’s Time in the Sun Classified Ads
Meeting & Event Calendar
July 1 Nevada Heritage Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship Due Details: nvfb.org July 14-16 International Livestock Identification Association Conference, Mont Bleu Resort Casino & Spa, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Details: agri.nv.gov July 19 Churchill County Farm Bureau Annual Picnic, 4 p.m., 3975 Reno Highway, Fallon Details: RSVP to Dan or Julie Wolf by phone at 775-423-6056 or send an email to wolfpack@cccomm.net August 1-3 Churchill Country Fair and Ranch Hand Rodeo, Churchill County Fair Grounds Details: www.churchillcountryfair.com If you would like to include a meeting or event on the calendar, please contact Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org.
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About the Front Cover Photographer The front cover photograph was taken Melinda Fagundes, a high school freshman from Churchill County. Melinda took this photo in a field near her parents’ home. Melinda comes from a farming background. Her family owns a goat dairy in Fallon. She is currently a member of the Churchill County FFA.
“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
2014 Board of Directors Officers President James “Hank” Combs, fbcombs@cox.net Vice President Bevan Lister, blister8@yahoo.com Women’s Leadership Chair Cindy Hardy, hardyc@comnett.net YF&R Chair Anna-Lisa Giannini, annalisa.giannini@gmail.com District 1 Director Jamie Perkins, jamie@nvfb.org District 2 Director Craig Shier, snoopyisa55@yahoo.com District 3 Director Carla Pomeroy, carlapomeroy14@gmail.com
County Farm Bureau Presidents Central County Joyce Hartman, alfalfaqueen@gmail.com Churchill County Julie Wolf, wolfpack@cccomm.net Clark County Jim Hardy, hardyj@comnett.net Douglas County Fred Stodieck, stodieckfarm@yahoo.com Elko County Jonathan Dahl, dahlangusranch@gmail.com Humboldt County Martin Muratore, disasterfarms@live.com Lander County Paul Young, youngs@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 Gracyne Backus, gracynebackus@msn.com
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Farm Bureau Perspectives Supporting GMOs: Our Perspective on Genetic Modification By James “Hank” Combs President, Nevada Farm Bureau
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ne of the recent hot topics in the political community is labeling of products containing genetically modified organisms also known as GMOs. I’d like to take use of this month’s column to discuss GMOs, the misconceptions surrounding this form of agriculture and the negative effect labeling these products would have on our state agriculture industry. GMO Definition GMOs are plants, which have been genetically engineered with desirable traits from other plants. In simple terms that means these plants contain genes from other plants that make them easier to grow and safer for the consumer to eat. In reality, the process is taking a naturally occurring event and speeding it up in a workshop. So why do farmers use GMOs if there is push back from media and other groups? It is a no-brainer. GMOs help reduce yield loss and crop damage from weeds, disease, insects and extreme weather conditions like the drought we face here in Nevada. On top of that, these plants also help reduce the need for pesticides and help save plants that may otherwise become completely eliminated by disease. Misconceptions Examined Despite the overwhelming benefits associated with GMOs for both the farmer and the consumer, GMO opponents continue to foster a variety of misconceptions leading consumers to question their food sources. So what are opponents saying? They claim that GMOs will lead to potential
health risks and GMO crops will create super bugs due to overuse of pesticides. In reality, neither claim is true. According to independent expert Gregory Conko, it takes an average of five to ten years to develop and test a GMO crop for consumer and environmental safety. This process is followed by an additional two to four years of review by the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency. Aside from being safer than conventional crops in most cases, GMOs also require fewer pesticides than traditional crops. According to the Genetic Literacy Project, the use of GMOs has helped eliminate the need for 521,000 pounds of pesticides each year in the United States. This reduction is due largely to the ability of GMOs to combat insects without the need for insecticides. Why We Oppose Labeling The American Farm Bureau Federation, the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation and the majority of American farmers and ranchers oppose labeling of GMOs for a few simple reasons. First, labeling could create unnecessary fear among general consumers who do not understand the benefits of GMOs. Fear from consumers could drastically affect their demand for food products, forcing farmers and ranchers out of business. GMO labeling also does nothing to inform consumers about the actual ingredients in food products. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration monitors all July 2014 | Page 3 | www.nvfb.org
GMOs in the United States. Their practices inform consumers if GMOs do not contain the same levels of nutrients as conventional plants, which in more than 20 years of studies has never been the case. At the Nevada Farm Bureau, memberdriven policy helps to shed light on why GMO labeling is opposed. According to Policy 115 – Agriculture Industry, “All forms of agricultural production are important to Nevada.” We support all agriculture, including the use of GMOs because they provide a livelihood for hardworking farmers and ranchers and these crops help feed our state’s consumers. In addition, Policy 167 – Regulations states that “Farm Bureau supports a reduction in government regulations to allow agricultural producers to focus on their business and operate efficiently without undue government interference.” A GMO labeling initiative on the state government level would affect the ability of many of our farmers and ranchers to operate efficiently and to make a profit in the agriculture industry. The next step for you as members is to help educate the public about GMOs. Use resources like GMOAnswers.com to show your friends, family and neighbors that GMOs are safe and the only option to feed our growing population. Inform consumers about the negative effects of labeling and they may in turn share their new knowledge with others.
Nevada Farm Bureau Update Recent wins help Nevada agriculturists prosper By Clay McCauley Executive Vice President, Nevada Farm Bureau
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elcome to my first column with Nevada Farm Bureau! I am excited to have become part of this great state association and look forward to meeting all of you in the near future. In my monthly column, you will find insight into the articles that are featured in each issue of the Agriculture & Livestock Journal as well as other important updates from the Nevada Farm Bureau. This month’s issue focuses on some recent achievements for the farming and ranching community in our state. One recent win, which you will find on pages 6 and 7, is the new Dairy Farmers of America milk powder plant in Fallon. As the third largest agriculture sector in Nevada, the dairy industry provides a livelihood for our members in both northern and southern Nevada. The new powder plant is a key component in the mission to expand the industry and it offers stability for many families that often face unsteady milk prices.
Another achievement still in progress is the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and Nevada Farm Bureau’s role in that committee. The potential listing of the greater sage-grouse as an endangered species could threaten the livelihood of many ranchers in Nevada. The Sagebrush Ecosystem Council is working to prevent that listing from occurring and we at Nevada Farm Bureau fully support this proactive step. Check out the article on pages 8 and 9 to learn how our state Vice President Bevan Lister continues to advocate for agriculture as he sits on the council. I hope you enjoy July’s issue and find our articles insightful. Want to see a specific topic discussed? Send us an email at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org with your idea.
Flyers Energy partners with Nevada Farm Bureau
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n an effort to encourage more association membership while creating value to our existing members, Nevada Farm Bureau has partnered with California and Nevada fuel distributor Flyers Energy to offer a full service commercial fuel discount program to association members! NVFB members receive a 2-cent fuel discount on gallons purchased with a Flyers Energy commercial fuel card at over 92 percent of gas stations nationwide. Members also receive a 5-cent fuel discount when using the CFN (Commercial Fueling Network) Card. At no additional cost, this program also comes with security and accounting features that will save your business thousands of dollars per year. Flyers Energy will also provide a free analysis of your most recent fuel invoice or receipts to determine if the NVFB discount will benefit your company. Here’s how to get started: Call Shari Bradley at (775)-830-0575 or send her an email at sharib@4flyers.com. We encourage you to start saving money and support fellow builders by taking advantage of this special program.
July 2014 | Page 4 | www.nvfb.org
Dave Fulstone Scholarship Winners Announced Whitney Weaver and Taylor Kelton receive scholarships By Jessica Fagundes
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About Whitney
wo students, Taylor Kelton and Whitney Weaver, have been selected for 2014 Dave Fulstone II Scholarship Award. The Dave Fulstone II Scholarship is awarded each year in honor of David Fulstone II. Fulstone was a past president of the Nevada Farm Bureau. He dedicated his life to the well-being of Nevada agriculture and was passionate in his support of a sustainable agriculture industry in Nevada. He never feared tackling the tough issues or facing strong opponents in defense of the agriculture industry and producers. The scholarship committee provided financial assistance to Taylor and Whitney because they exemplified those characteristics that Fulstone possessed.
About Taylor Whitney Weaver is a recent graduate of Douglas High School. During high school, she was the president of her local FFA chapter, part of the swimming and diving team and a member of the Academic Team, the Suicide Prevention Club and National Honor Society. She is currently the 2014-2015 Nevada FFA State President and she also volunteers for a variety of educational and agricultural groups. This fall, Whitney plans to study agriculture science at the University of Nevada, Reno and then to transfer to Texas A&M to study agricultural microbiology. She wants to work in the field of plant pathology after graduation to follow her passion for biology in the agriculture industry. Taylor Kelton is a recent graduate of Yerington High School. During high school, she was an active member of the FFA, the high school dance team, cross country, National Honor Society and student government. She also is a member of the California Junior Hereford Association and a volunteer tutor for younger students in Yerington. This fall, Taylor plans to study pre-law at the University of Nevada, Reno after which she plans to attend law school and become an agriculture lawyer. Through her career, she wants to help solve agriculture issues that affect not only farmers but also the public. These issues include water rights, grazing issues, livestock issues and Bureau of Land Management permitting.
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July 2014 | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org
New Powder Plant Offers Possibilities Fallon’s DFA operation jump-starts Churchill County agriculture By Jessica Fagundes
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“ n 2008, the California Advisory Board came out with a
marketing plan program called the Real California Seal and that pushed our milk out of three or four plants that we could no longer ship to, which made it hard to find a home for our milk,” says Ted Christoph, farm manager at Liberty Jersey Farm Inc. Hit by the devastating effects of the poor economy and the introduction of new marketing, northern Nevada dairymen like Christoph’s family have struggled to slowly rebuild their operations. Planning on the part of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has helped to make that process easier when they began several years ago to build the first milk powder processing plant of its kind in Fallon. After several years of construction, the new plant began processing milk in late spring 2014. It has the capability to process 2 million pounds of raw milk, which will produce approximately 250,000 pounds of whole milk powder daily. This production will result in 90 million pounds of powder annually sent to consumers around the world. Once cooked, the powdered milk is shipped in export containers to customers. The product has a shelf life of two
“The plant can recycle up to 140,000 gallons of water per day evaporated from the milk. The water is reused for boilers, cooling towers and other areas.”
-Dairy Farmers of America
years due to the use of gas packing, which ensures that no extra air or moisture is left in the packages once they are sealed.
On top of creating a large supply of milk powder for consumers, this plant also offers economic growth for Churchill County and more specifically for our state’s dairymen. The plant currently employs 45 people locally to maintain the operation. “With this industry, we can count at least three businesses that are aligned with this plant that have located here: a veterinary services business, a business that makes steel
A machine stacks bags of powder onto pallets, which will later be shipped overseas. July 2014 | Page 6 | www.nvfb.org
his family will be able to expand their dairy from 500 cows to 1,600 cows due to the increased demand the plant creates. Dairies like Perazzo’s have the opportunity to expand as the plant has not reached its daily processing capacity. The plant currently processes 1.5 million pounds of raw milk each day, which means the operation still has the ability to add an additional half million pounds of milk. Ideally, this milk will come from Nevada dairymen as they look to grow their operations. “The biggest problems with marketing milk are volatility and A pen of Jersey heifers at the Liberty Jersey Farm Inc. will soon supply milk to the new powder plant. security,” Christoph says. “The tanks and now AGROProfessionals,” says Ken Tedford, plant coming to Fallon gives us that mayor of Fallon. Tedford also adds that the operation security.” could add up to 1,100 jobs in northern Nevada. According to Christoph, the new plant has allowed While improving the job market in northern Nevada, the his family to invest more money into their operation. plant also has an increasingly positive impact on the dairy Started in 1988, Liberty Jersey Farm Inc. currently milks industry in the state. The plant currently works with 28 435 Jerseys. Since the Christoph family is part of Dairy dairy operations, 19 of which are located in the northern Farmers of America, their milk along with milk from many Nevada area. other local operations is sent to a variety of companies, including Model Dairy. The majority of the milk, however, “One of the biggest advantages of being here in Fallon is goes to the new powder plant. the very tight milk supply,” says Jay Waldvogel, senior vice president of Strategy and Global Development at DFA. The milk powder plant takes between 30 and 35 truckloads “The people, who dairy here, understand their connection of milk each day, but Nevada cows only produce about 18 to consumers. You can allow our customers to have of those loads, leaving room for Nevada dairymen to grow comfort and confidence that you can trace the milk right their operations to satisfy the demand. back to the farm.” “Now with the plant here, we definitely have a future. It is Not only can consumers trace the milk back to the farm, not going to be easy, but we have a future,” Christoph says. but they can also trust that the powder milk is safe to use. According to the DFA, all dairymen who send milk to the plant participate in the Gold Standard Dairy Program. This on-farm evaluation assesses areas including animal care and wellness, environmental stewardship, employee training and milk quality and safety. “This plant gives us a stable place for our milk to go and it gives our family the opportunity to grow,” says Alan Perazzo, a dairyman in Fallon. Perazzo and
30 to 35 truckloads of milk enter the plant each day from northern Nevada and California. July 2014 | Page 7 | www.nvfb.org
Sagebrush Ecosystem Council The Future of the Nevada Rancher By Jessica Fagundes
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he greater sage-grouse are large-winged, ground-dwelling birds with brown and black feathers and a white underbelly. If you live in northern Nevada, you may have seen these birds eating sagebrush on the rangeland. What you may not know though is that these small birds could determine the future of Nevada ranching because their listing as an endangered species would limit the use of the state’s rangeland. Although an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 greater sage-grouse are left in the United States, the federal administration looks to add this species to the endangered species list because certain populations throughout the United States are decreasing.
Photo Credit: Jeannie Stafford/USFWS
As of 2010, the greater sage-grouse was listed as a warranted but precluded species, meaning the species would be listed as threatened if the federal government had more resources to maintain a listing of the bird. In Nevada, a listing would mean that about 17 million acres of land or 84 percent of the state’s federal rangeland would be labeled as critical habitat for the greater sagegrouse and the cost of monitoring that land would fall to the state government and individual tax payers. Nevada Farm Bureau policy recognizes the drastic impact of a threatened species listing. According to Policy 208 – Endangered Species, “Any listing of any species, animal or plant, as Threatened or Endangered, will undoubtedly affect the custom, culture and economy of the impacted area, as well as cause a financial impact to one extent or another to local landowners.” Vice President of Nevada Farm Bureau Bevan Lister equates this listing to the desert tortoise threatened listing in Clark County during the 1990s. Prior to 1990, more than 20,000 beef cattle grazed in southern Nevada, but the listing destroyed the ranching community in that area.
“There is very little permitted grazing left in Clark County. All of those producers are out of business.”
-Bevan Lister
To combat this potential sage-grouse listing, state government officials in Nevada took the proactive step of developing a committee in 2012.
“Because of the tremendous impact that listing of the greater sage-grouse would have on the whole state of Nevada, two years ago the Governor, through executive order, established a sage-grouse strategy team,” says Lister, who sits as the agriculture representative on the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council. In November 2012, Governor Brian Sandoval issued Executive Order 2012-19 establishing the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Council recognizing the critical importance of this expansive landscape to the citizens and natural resources of Nevada, as well as to the other 10 western states. The Sagebrush Ecosystem Council consists of nine members and six ex-officio members. Nevada’s legislators are the first in the 11-state western region to formalize the state’s commitment to this effort within statute. The committee is designed to develop real-life solutions to improve and preserve sagebrush ecosystems in Nevada without the detrimental listing of the greater sage-grouse as a threatened species. On the federal level, discussion of a state-implemented plan is also occurring. In April 2014, the Sage Grouse Protection and Conservation Act was introduced into the United States House of Representatives. This bill would
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give states ten years to develop a plan to maintain and protect the greater sage-grouse populations without a listing occurring.
Nevada Department of Wildlife Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Categorization Map
The American Farm Bureau Federation has endorsed the bill to prohibit the federal government from listing the sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act as long as states prepare and carry out plans to protect the species within their borders. “The bird’s range is vast and because of that the wildlife management and conservation efforts for the species would vary widely from state to state,” says AFBF President Bob Stallman. “It is clear that conservation plans developed at the state and local levels provide the greatest opportunity for success.” Nevada Farm Bureau policy calls for a coordinated approach at the state and local level. According to Policy 206 – Coordinated Planning, “Nevada Farm Bureau favors the concept of coordinated resource management planning at both state and local levels.”
“The state is taking such a proactive and preeminent role in the management of this habitat and this species and it will have a much better ability to make things happen on the ground to benefit everyone.”
-Bevan Lister
Funding for this project will also be provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The USDA will provide $25.5 million during the next five to ten years and the BLM will provide $6.5 million during the next ten years. Despite some misconceptions that agriculturists have caused the decrease in greater sage-grouse habitat, the largest factor that has affected habitat is wildfire according to Congressman Mark Amodei. In addition, federal agencies’ lack of funds and support has led to poor management of the species. “The agriculture community members in the state of Nevada are good stewards of the land and this is where the challenge lies. For the most part, the challenges facing the greater sage-grouse are because of mismanagement by federal agencies,“ Lister says.
PMU Boundary
Habitat Categories 1 - Essential/Irreplaceable Habitat 2 - Important Habitat 3 - Habitat of Moderate Importance 4 - Low Value Habitat/Transitional Range 5 - Unsuitable Habitat Pending Completion N/A - Non-Habitat
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0
25
50
75
Miles 100
No warranty is made by the Nevada Department of Wildlife as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data. This map is available for download at www.ndow.org/wild/conservation/sg
Map Credit: Nevada Department of Wildlife
“The best that we can do in the agriculture community is to put out the information and stand firm on good solid information relating to our history and the effectiveness of our use of the land in benefiting the wildlife and their habitat as opposed to the restrictive and prohibitive management techniques of the federal agencies,” Lister says. According to Lister, the council is working to build a structure for future management as well as suggestions that will restore greater sage-grouse habitat while still allowing ranchers to graze their cattle on the rangeland. “We are appreciative of all of the hard work Bevan and the other council members have put in to ensure that the greater sage-grouse does not get listed,”’ says Hank Combs, president of Nevada Farm Bureau. “We hope that his role as agriculture representative will educate the council on the sound practices our ranchers use on the rangeland and the vital importance the land has to their operations.” Interested members can visit http://sagebrusheco.nv.gov/ for more information about the Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and the status of the committee’s efforts.
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County Corner Check out what’s happening around the state!
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ounty Corner is a new section of the Agriculture & Livestock Journal that gives counties an opportunity to share their activities with everyone in the state. If you want to include a story in County Corner, please email us your story at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org or call Jessica at 775-674-4000.
many booths that showcase Nevada agriculture. Also, watch a magician and several free concerts during the three days. Visit http://www.churchillcountryfair.com/ to learn more.
CHURCHILL COUNTY
Young Farmers & Ranchers Meeting
CLARK COUNTY
Churchill Country Fair and Ranch Hand Rodeo
Clay McCauley addresses the Clark County YF&R.
One member demonstrates how to spin wool at the fair.
The Churchill County Farm Bureau will host booths at the Churchill Country Fair and Ranch Hand Rodeo on August 1 to 3. Their booths will be located in the Dry Gulch building at the Churchill County Fair Grounds where the event will be held. General admission to the event is free and tickets for the Ranch Hand Rodeo cost $10. During the event, be sure to check out a variety of activities including a carnival, a Civil War enactment and
On June 10, 2014, the Clark County Young Farmers & Ranchers held a monthly meeting and elections for their committee. During the meeting, past President Mica Leatham recapped the events that the YF&R committee put on the past year including the Big Buck Contest, a food drive and booths in the Agriculture barn at the Clark County Fair. The group elected Spencer Bunker as the new president and Noah Reid as vice president. Congratulations to both members and keep up the good work Clark County!
You’re Invited!
Churchill County Farm Bureau would like to extend our invitation for this year’s annual picnic to all Nevada Farm Bureau voting members and their families. WHAT: Churchill County Farm Bureau Annual Summer Barbeque WHEN: July 19, 2014 at 4 p.m. WHERE: 3975 Reno Highway, Fallon, NV 89406, Hosted at the home of Norm and Sue Frey PLEASE BRING: Your favorite side dish, salad or dessert. Meat, drinks and tableware will be provided. OTHER DETAILS: This social event gives Farm Bureau members and officials a chance to meet face to face. RSVP: Contact Dan or Julie Wolf by phone at 775-423-6056 or send an email to wolfpack@cccomm.net. Please include your name, contact information and number of attendees so that plans can be made accurately. We look forward to seeing you there! July 2014 | Page 10 | www.nvfb.org
Submit Your Photos and Videos to Win! Annual Photo Contest offers front cover recognition
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e are still looking for Summer and Fall photos for the annual Women’s Leadership Committee photo contest. The photo contest is open to all Nevada Farm Bureau members and their families. The contest includes two divisions: Youth and Adult (18+). Prizes for each division is $100, $75 and $50 for first, second and third place photographs. The best photographs from both adult and youth divisions from each season will be submitted for entry for final judging and cash prizes. The winning photographs from first, second and third place will also be featured as the front cover of the Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal during 2015.
Deadline to Submit Photographs
Summer pictures: August 22, 2014 Fall pictures: October 1, 2014
General Rules
• Photographs need to represent Nevada agriculture, rural life or Nevada scenery. • Photos should be submitted in portrait orientation and should be high-resolution. (All photos previously submitted in landscape orientation will still be judged for the Winter and Spring categories.) • Please give your photo a title and brief description and indicate either adult or youth entry. • Photographers may submit as many pictures as desired; however, only one cash prize will be awarded per contestant. • Submit photos to nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org.
Compete in the 2014 Video Contest to win cash and more Prizes for winning videos are $100, $75 and $50 for both adult and high school divisions.
Interested in promoting agriculture via video? Want to earn prizes for winning videos? Enter the 2014 Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Video Contest! Winning videos will be featured on YouTube and presented during the 2014 Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Convention!
2014 Contest Categories:
Video Entry Form
(For videos submitted by mail. Include all contestants’ names and contact information.)
Name(s): ___________________________________________________ Address(es): ________________________________________________ Street City ST Zip Contact Phone/Email: ________________________________________ High School (if applicable): ____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Permission (under 18) - Please Sign
How does Nevada agriculture affect the world? How does agriculture affect your local community? __________________________________________________________ Who can participate?
The video contest is open to ALL high school students and ALL adults (over 18).
How do I upload a video?
Two ways! You may shoot and edit your video and upload directly to YouTube. Tag your video using “2014 NVFB Video Contest” - so we can find your video. Include video title and name(s) of who made the video as well as the division in which you will be competing. You may also burn your video to a DVD and mail to Cindy Hardy, P.O. Box 112 Logandale, NV 89021. Please include the entry form.
How long should the video be?
Choose only one video contest category and the video should be between 2-4 minutes long. Deadline to submit videos:
October 31, 2014.
All entries become property of Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NVFB) giving NVFB permission to use the video in future displays, website, and social media channels.
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Farming isn’t secret anymore nor should it be Insights from the AFBF SPARC Conference By Jessica Fagundes “What happened on the farm stayed on the farm.” This statement may have been true fifty years ago. But, in the busy world full of smart phones and cameras, farm secrets are pretty hard to come by. This was the premise posed by Jayson Lusk, a professor at Oklahoma State University, during a session at the first annual American Farm Bureau SPARC conference. According to Lusk, popular culture, books and other media often tend to challenge conventional farming now that journalists and others have seen what farming truly looks like. Books like Omnivore’s Dilemma and Fast Food Nation call for a complete reform of what they believe is a broken food system. They propose a “return to nature” to solve this socalled agriculture catastrophe.
So how do farmers stand up against inaccuracies about topics like genetically modified organisms and conventional farming? Lusk encourages farmers and ranchers to work with others in the industry, including more agreeable food advocacy groups. With the help of others, farmers can spread the message that modern farming is not a broken system as it has come to be portrayed but rather a modern-day miracle for our nation and world.
TWO STAYS PAYS
What advocates for a new era of farming forget though is that past agriculture has become romanticized with time. Before the technological advances of the current day, farmers and ranchers struggled to keep their crops and animals alive. They also produced a significantly smaller amount of food for a significantly smaller population. With such loud voices protesting modern day agriculture, what can farmers do to combat the negative perception that in reality, they do not deserve? And more specifically what can conventional farmers that use technology to improve their agriculture operations do to make the public appreciate their efforts once again? The most important thing to remind yourself and others is that agriculture is in fact improving from the 1950s model. According to Lusk, food is now more affordable and abundant than ever before. And, lower food prices are positive for consumers.
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ChoiceHotels.com Member must register at ChoiceHotels.com before arrival and book their trips at ChoiceHotels.com, via the Choice Hotels Mobile App, or 800.4CHOICE at qualifying rates. Member may also book through a travel agent or corporate online booking system. Choice Privileges member number must be provided upon check-in. After a second qualifying trip with arrival between 5/22/14 and 8/20/14, member will be awarded enough bonus points to reach the 8,000 point level, which can be redeemed until 9/30/14 for one (1) $50 gift card at defined retailers on ChoiceHotels.com/giftcard. Only members earning this bonus qualify to redeem for the $50 gift card. Only members who register for the promotion are eligible to earn the defined promotional gift cards during the promotion. Terms and conditions apply to $50 gift card options. See card for details. Choice Privileges Diamond and Platinum members who register and book through ChoiceHotels.com will receive an additional 250 Choice Privileges bonus points after every qualifying trip during the promotional period; these members can also book directly with a hotel but will not earn the 250 bonus points. For Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Cambria Suites® or Ascend Hotel Collection® hotels, a trip is defined as a stay that is any number of consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. For Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, or MainStay Suites® hotels, a trip is defined as a stay that is two (2) or more consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. To be eligible to earn the bonus, members must set their earning preference to Choice Privileges points in their online account. Any change made to earning preference will remain in effect after the promotion has ended. Allow 72 hours from check-out for points to post. You must maintain an address in the U.S. (including U.S. territories) or Canada to be eligible for this promotion. For Choice Privileges program details, eligible rates, eligible countries and point redemption rules, visit choiceprivileges.com. Hotels are independently owned and operated. © 2014 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. 14-376/05/14
July 2014 | Page 12 | www.nvfb.org
Contact Your Local COUNTRY Financial Agency Southern Nevada Agency • 2475 Village View Dr., Ste. 160, Henderson, NV 89074, 702-263-2934 • 2700 E. Sunset Rd. #32, Las Vegas, NV 89120, 702-547-0018 • 1070 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, Ste 121, Henderson, NV 89012, 702-566-1035 • 1805 Village Center Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89134, 702-873-6442 • 9910 W Cheyenne Ave #150, Las Vegas, NV 89129, 702-395-3640 • 2831 St. Rose Parkway, Ste. 211, Henderson, NV 89502, 702-589-4732 • 1321 S. Hwy 160 Ste. 8, Pahrump, NV 89041, 775-727-8920 Northern Nevada Agency • 1177 Division Street, Carson City, NV 89703, 775-884-4000 • 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
Insurance for whatever you grow Whether you specialize in cattle, hay, alfalfa, onions or potatoes, COUNTRY Financial has got you covered. Be sure to ask about protection for your auto and farm vehicles.
• 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
Issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.
Contact your local COUNTRY Financial representative today and grow your own way!
• 143 S. Nevada St. Yerington, NV 89447, 775-463-2642 • 5555 Kietzke Lane, Suite 100, Reno NV 89511, 775-829-1011 • 1255 N. McCarran, Sparks, NV 89431, • 775-626-3100 • 6490 S. McCarran Blvd. #14, Reno, NV 89509, 775-828-2930
Auto I Home I Farm I Life I Retirement 0614-533HO
July 2014 | Page 13 | www.nvfb.org
The Ag Agenda Agriculture’s Time in the Sun By Bob Stallman President, American Farm Bureau Federation
L
adies and gentlemen, start your grills! It’s time for Fourth of July celebrations, family reunions, neighborhood gatherings and any other excuse to get together and enjoy the summertime foods we love. I’m partial to a thick beef rib eye, and somehow it seems to taste even better if it has those crosshatched grill marks on both sides. Summer is the perfect time to recognize the abundance provided by America’s farmers and ranchers. Tomato vines are dripping with fruit. The corn is ripe and sweet. Seasonal ice cream stands are open. Agricultural bounty is all around us. Independence Day As we celebrate our nation’s 238th birthday, the words of the document that established the United States as a new nation – the Declaration of Independence – seem especially applicable to farmers and ranchers. The Continental Congress wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Nothing is more essential to life than food and, therefore, agriculture. Farmers and ranchers have a special appreciation for liberty – the freedom to be productive and profitable. Also, it’s much easier to pursue happiness when you are free from hunger. While we celebrate the declaration of American independence from Britain, it is also fitting to recognize how farmers and ranchers, who produce the bounty we enjoy, also give us our personal
independence. Because farmers have chosen to work the land for a living, others are free to pursue other careers and interests – whatever constitutes their personal pursuit of happiness. United States of Agriculture Sometimes it seems that Americans aren’t very united in our views about food, or the farmers and ranchers who provide our food security. There is much healthy debate about what we should eat, how it should be produced, etc. It is because of our abundant food supply and farmers’ amazing productivity that we are able to have those debates. If we didn’t live in the land of plenty, and plenty of choices, our national conversation would be very different than it is today. We can and should have those debates, but let’s also recognize how food brings us together, especially at certain times of the year. Let’s celebrate the things that make us uniquely American, such as our love for a pie made from fresh summer berries or that burger on the grill. Let’s also remember to thank the farmers and ranchers who work and face risks that would keep most people awake at night, so all of us can fill our picnic plates. Happy birthday, America!
July 2014 | Page 14 | www.nvfb.org
Classified Ads
•OUR CLASSIFIED AD SYSTEM HAS CHANGED• To place a FREE classified ad, please fill out the form below.
For Sale 40 acres with 1,800 sq ft. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home on full foundation. Home is handicap accessible. Nicely landscaped yard with many trees. Approximately 38 acres planted in alfalfa. Water rights, wheel lines and haying equipment included w/ sale. Property also has a shop, dog kennel, horse corrals and arena. Located in the Steptoe Valley, between Ely and McGill NV. For more information call Mike @ 775296-0577.
Wanted Working or easy fix windmill, with or without tower. And 20’/30’ non leaker container. Also female Pyrenees/Akbash cross, or Pyrenees/Aussie cross. 775-5572804
For Sale 8400 Hesston Swather - 14 ft. header - 2702 hours - Excellent condition, cab looks brand new. $2000 in extra brand new part still in the box. Original owner, excellent maintenance. $28000 or offer. Call 775-224-3283 or e-mail clairsjr@yahoo.com.
For Sale Yearling Angus Bulls born Feb. 1, 2013 and after. Fallon. Call 775423-5092.
For Sale Ranch, 25 acres, 3 houses, good rental income, rich soil, surface water, 2 wells, close in location to Genoa & Minden. Good terms. 831-512-3225. For Sale Fresh split white cedar, 8’ posts, 50 or more. $5.00. Can be delivered. 775-423-3818. Leave message. For Sale 2-US 125 hp motors, new re-wind: $8,700; 1-US 125 hp motor, used only 2 weeks: $7500; 1-GE 125 hp motor, used: $5,500; Pickup bed camper. Very nice, like new condition: $5,500. Call 775-2242383 For Sale New Holland 116 pull type swather. $3000. 775-572-3337 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 For Sale 2014 Maverick Steel 16 Ft. Stk GN. 7 ft. wide. Center gate, combo rear gate, Mats and spare. LED lights. $9,300 Call 775.463.3430
For Sale 12 KW generator, 2 cycle diesel, Elliot Magnatek, Lamberdina engine, maybe 100 hours. Wired for direct, was hospital standby. $1200 or trade ‘up’ for 25k diesel. 775-557-2804.
For Sale 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 775-385-3334. For Sale 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 double wide residence, 10 acres, fenced on three sides. For more information 775-385-0030 or lisamarshall278@gmail.com. For Sale 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 775-5301171 with questions. Located in W. Washoe Valley.
DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS Ads must be received by
July 16
for the next issue of the Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal.
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 Rent House and pasture for rent. Close in location to Genoa and Minden. For more information, call 831512-3225. For Sale 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 3 PTO weed hog, preferably 4 ft.. 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 775-6917655. cyamamoto@charter.net 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 New Holland 1112 Swather with 16 foot header. Good backup machine $3000 OBO at Washoe Valley. Call (775)888-9877 or e-mail jimgreil@ clearwire.net. For Lease Goat/Sheep dairy on Idyllic Farm for lease. Pristine, 280-acre farm 40 miles from Reno between Fernley and Fallon. Dairy milks 200-1,200 goats or sheep. Dairy barn: 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: Corrals for up to 1,200 small animals, concrete feed storage areas, nursing barn and corrals for kids, abundant high-pressure water, two singlewide worker trailers. Contact Gino Borges at (775) 351-9439 or ginoborges@gmail.com. For Sale 3 Point Cultivator, 14 ft. wide, S-tine with gauge wheels, extra s-tines. Great shape. $1,300. 775771-9612 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 775-4652252 or 775-720-1388 or e-mail caroleobanion@gmail.com.
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. Ads will not be accepted by phone. Ads run one time only and must be resubmitted in each subsequent issue. 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:
July 2014 | 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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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 2004 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.