June 2014 by Nevada Farm Bureau

Nevada Farm Bureau®

Volume 66, Number 6 June 2014

Agriculture & Livestock

Journal

Nevada’s Margin Tax Initiative: Affecting Farmers and Families YF&R Update • NVFB Update • County Corner

Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture and Livestock Journal June 2014 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 15

Farm Bureau Perspectives - James “Hank” Combs Bright Future of Nevada Farm Bureau It’s Time to Ditch the Rule Young Farmers & Ranchers Update Share the Good News of Food Production Homegrown by Heroes Transcends Memorial Day Nevada Farm Bureau Update Agriculture & Livestock Journal Feature Nevada’s Margin Tax Initiative: Affecting Farmers and Families County Corner Upcoming ILIA Conference Contact Your Local Country Financial Agency The Ag Agenda - Bob Stallman It’s Time for Some Field Work Classified Ads

Meeting & Event Calendar

June 2-3 Herds and Harvest Program, Clark County Cooperative Extension Office, 8050 Paradise Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas Details: Contact Kynda at 435-797-0444 or kynda.curtis@usu.edu June 24 UNCE Agriculture Innovation Forum Series - Veggie & Organic Gardening and Local Growers Co-ops, CVIC Hall, 1604 Esmeralda Ave., Minden Details: Steve Lewis, 775-782-9960, lewisst@unce.unr.edu June 25 ILIA Conference Livestock Representative Registration Due Details: agri.nv.gov 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.

Connect with Nevada Farm Bureau Federation Nevada Farm Bureau Federation

@NVFarmBureau

2014 Board of Directors Officers

June 1 Applications Due for Nevada Centennial Awards Details: agri.nv.gov/Centennial_Awards

nvfb.org

“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

/NevFarmBureau

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@nvfb.org 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

June 2014 | Page 2 | www.nvfb.org

Farm Bureau Perspectives Bright Future of Nevada Farm Bureau By James “Hank” Combs President, Nevada Farm Bureau espite the drought, margin tax and other struggles we are facing as agriculturists, I want to dedicate this month’s column to the positive news and changes at Nevada Farm Bureau. Our organization is a leading source of information for Nevada agriculture and our members help educate the public about the importance of farming and ranching in the state and around the world. Our nation’s agriculture industry continues to evolve and we at the Nevada Farm Bureau are working to evolve with it while still staying true to our policies and underlying mission as an organization.

New Staff As you may know, in the last three months, the Nevada Farm Bureau has hired a new executive vice president, Clay McCauley, and a new director of communications, Jessica Fagundes. Both Clay and Jessica come from farming and ranching backgrounds and have previous involvement with Farm Bureau. They will both be attending county meetings and other functions to meet members and to find out how they can work with counties to improve this already great organization. I welcome both Clay and Jessica and encourage you to connect with them in the next few months.

Keep Up-To-Date With Us Online If you don’t have time to read our journal, be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. We will be posting content from the current month’s journal as well as important news that you as a Farm Bureau member might find valuable. Also, check out our social media networks for photos, videos and more. If you have a story in your county that you feel others in the state would benefit from, be sure to email Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org. Revamping the NVFB Website Over the next couple of months, you will notice changes on the Nevada Farm Bureau website, making it easier for you as a member to navigate. Policy and other resources will be simpler to find and you will notice new tools that you might find helpful. As we are making this transition, feel free to email Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org with suggestions. County Corner I am excited to announce a new addition to the Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal, the County Corner. On pages 10 and 11, you will find updates from our county Farm Bureaus as they work to spread Nevada Farm Bureau’s mission to their members and their communities. Please share your own county farm bureau happenings with Jessica at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org. June 2014 | Page 3 | www.nvfb.org

Annual Meeting with NDA Our annual meeting is fast approaching and we are happy to announce we will again be partnering with the Nevada Department of Agriculture for the event. This year’s conference and annual meeting will be held in the Reno/Sparks area during November 2014. Look for conference details in the July Agriculture and Livestock Journal. Classified Ads Our classified ad process is changing. As you know, we offer free classified ads for Farm Bureau members. Be sure to check out page 15 for new details regarding those ads. We ask that you send in ads each month so that we can keep the page up-to-date. Contact Jessica with any questions or concerns at nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org. I am excited for the new changes that Nevada Farm Bureau is implementing. I know that our efforts will help to benefit all of you as members and to increase the promotion of agriculture in our state.

It’s Time to Ditch the Rule Content from the American Farm Bureau Federation

uddles, ponds, ditches, ephemerals (land that looks like a small stream during heavy rain but isn’t wet most of the time) and isolated wetlands dot the nation’s farmland. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) on March 25 issued a proposed rule that would expand its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to these types of land features and waters, giving the agencies the power to dictate land-use decisions and farming practices in or near them. The rule will make it more difficult to farm or change a farming operation to remain competitive and profitable. DITCH THE RULE In releasing the new “waters of the U.S.” proposed rule, EPA (the lead agency on the rule) has said that it is clarifying the scope of the CWA. However, EPA’s “clarification” is also a broad expansion of the types of waters and lands that would be subject to federal permit requirements and limits on farming practices and other Save up to 80% with the Office Depot land-uses. Store Purchasing card. EPA also has claimed that the rule would have minimal economic impact and would not affect many acres—only about 1,300 acres nationwide—a laughable assertion when one considers the amount of acreage in just one state or even county that has hydric soils and, therefore under EPA’s proposal, adequate characteristics to be considered “waters of the U.S.” Farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to remain in production often depends on being able to use the types of farm practices that would be prohibited if EPA denies a permit for them. For example, building a fence across a ditch, applying fertilizer or pesticides, or pulling weeds could require a federal permit. The proposed rule, in effect, would give EPA veto authority over a farmer’s or rancher’s ability to operate. It is vital for agriculture that the proposed rule does not become final or, if that is not possible, substantially changed. Farm Bureau will pursue this goal in the following ways: • Support extending the current 90-day comment period to 180 days to give farmers and ranchers time to review the proposed rule and provide input; • Comment about the impact the proposed rule would have on farms; • Support any efforts in Congress to rein in the federal government’s expansion of control over private land; • Engage in traditional social media campaigns to bring attention to the impacts of the proposed rule on landowners, small businesses and the economy, as well as agriculture.

LEARN MORE AND TAKE ACTION To learn more about this issue and to find out how you can take action, visit http://ditchtherule.fb.org.

Nevada Farm Bureau

Store Purchasing Card SPC Account # 80117890341 CARDHOLDER INSTRUCTIONS: Present this card to an associate at your local Office Depot Store. You must prepay when using self service copiers. To order online, go to www.nvfb.org/officedepot and click Shop Online.

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EARN A $50 GIFT CARD FOR DINING, SHOPPING, OR GAS WHEN YOU TAKE TWO SEPARATE TRIPS* • Register before your first trip at ChoiceHotels.com and earn an unlimited amount of gift cards during the promotion • Book at ChoiceHotels.com, via the Choice Hotels Mobile App, or 800.4CHOICE. After your second qualifying trip with arrival between May 22 and August 20, 2014, you’ll receive enough Choice Privileges® points to redeem for a $50 gift card of your choice for a participating dining, shopping, or gas retailer; corporate travelers can book through a travel agent or corporate booking system •Elite Diamond and Platinum members will receive 250 Choice Privileges bonus points with every qualifying trip if they book on ChoiceHotels.com; these members can also book directly with a hotel but will not earn the 250 bonus points • Trips at Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, or MainStay Suites® hotels must be a minimum of two consecutive nights

Access Nevada Farm Bureau preferred rates by using your NEW Special Rate ID 00209930.**

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

June 2014 | Page 4 | www.nvfb.org

Young Farmers & Ranchers Update Share the Good News of Food Production By Anna-Lisa Giannini

cross the country, from state to state, the lives that farmers and ranchers live are for the most part a mystery to their town-dwelling counter parts. Urban people often think of either small farms with picturesque red barns and windmills or they think of large corporate “factory” farms when the reality is that most farms land somewhere in between. For years, farmers and ranchers have been told over and over that they have to share their stories to help bridge the gap between perception and reality. Finally, the first film produced by farmers, about farmers and for the purpose of sharing a glimpse of farm life with non-rural communities was created May 2014. The movie Farmland hit screens in several major cities after a premier at key film festivals in Cleveland, Nashville, Atlanta and Newport Beach, Calif. The film documents the lives of five young farmers and ranchers from different sectors of the agriculture industry and demonstrates what their lives are like on a daily basis. The film will help reach those who do not understand agriculture, but alone it is not enough. We must take the initiative to tell others about what we do on our farms and ranches. Here are several ways to share our industry with others: Get Involved with Ag in the Classroom Several counties throughout the state have active Ag in the Classroom programs. Whether you are going into a classroom to teach young students about your farm or ranch or you participate in an Ag Day at a local school, you are helping to teach students about where their food comes from. Participate in the Ag Literacy Program The Young Farmers & Ranchers program helps to coordinate agriculture literacy throughout the state. This year, we selected The Bee Man as the book we will share with students throughout Nevada. If you would like to get a few copies of The Bee Man for schools in your area, please let the state office or your county president know. Attend a Farmers Market with Your Product Do you produce vegetables or fruit? You can boost your sales and teach people about your farm by setting up a booth at a local farmers market. What a great opportunity to share your story with friends and neighbors!

Educate at the Grocery Store We’ve all been at the grocery store and overheard false information about food. Why not put a stop to that right away! Simply share your story and explain why the information you overheard may not be factual. People are more responsive than you can imagine to sound logic and the perspective of individuals who grow the food they are purchasing. Become Involved with Social Media If you’re interested in sharing your story with a larger audience, consider setting up a blog or Facebook page for your farm. This way you can document what goes on during a typical farm day and you would be surprised how many people in your nearby town will be interested to read it! Do you have any ideas about how to share agriculture’s story with all Nevadans? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a comment on our Facebook page and you just might find yourself quoted in our next YF&R column. About the Author Anna-Lisa Giannini is the Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Chair. YF&R is a program for members ages 18 to 35 years old. To learn more about YF&R, visit nvfb.org.

June 2014 | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org

Homegrown by Heroes Transcends Memorial Day Content from Cyndie Sirekis, American Farm Bureau Federation

he Farmer Veteran Coalition recently announced the national launch of the Homegrown By Heroes initiative. The timing of the roll-out close to Memorial Day is terrific, as much of America is thinking about and honoring those have served our nation in the armed forces. But Homegrown By Heroes transcends Memorial Day. The product labeling program will allow farmers, ranchers, fishermen and the like from all 50 states and U.S. territories who have served or are still serving in any branch of the U.S. military to use the logo on their food and farm products. Consumers and businesses will soon begin to see the logo at the point-of-purchase and on signage, enabling them to select products that support farmer veterans. Mark and Denise Beyers are the first certified Homegrown By Heroes farmers outside of Kentucky, where the program was first started by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The high school sweethearts entered the Marine Corps in 1998 and 1999, respectively. While serving in Iraq in 2005, Mark’s team hit an improvised explosive device, resulting in combat injuries that led to the loss of his right arm and right leg. Upon returning from service overseas, Mark and Denise built a thriving maple syrup business on their 15acre property in upstate New York. The couple will use the Homegrown By Heroes label to help sell the maple syrup they produce on their farm as well as eggs and vegetables they will market in the summer. “Farming and military service are more closely linked than one might think. Thousands of our service men and women leave the rural communities and farms they call home in order to serve our country in the military,” explains Michael O’Gorman, executive director of the FVC. “Upon completion of their service, they often return home to resume work on the family farm,” says O’Gorman. The coalition also works with hundreds of veterans with no agriculture background who, upon returning from service, see opportunity in farming and ranching and decide to embark on a new career path in agriculture.

Another way to look at is that the veterans the coalition works with have served their country twice—once by defending it and now by feeding it. Only 16 percent of America’s population lives in rural areas, yet 40 percent of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military come from those same rural communities. By supporting the label, consumers can help veterans who are serving our country in a new way–by producing the food and fiber that feeds and clothes us all. Thousands of young veterans are finding a new calling in a farming community with an average age of 58 years, according to the latest Census of Agriculture released by the Agriculture Department. O’Gorman’s goal is to have up to 500 veterans using the label by the end of the year. To qualify for the Homegrown By Heroes label, one must have served honorably or still be serving in any branch of the U.S. armed forces, and be at least 50 percent owner and/or operator of the farm business. Veterans of all eras are encouraged to apply. FVC staff assists applicants in developing food safety plans and, if needed, business plans. Farm Credit, the nation’s largest network of farmer-owned agricultural lenders, supported the national launch with a donation of $250,000. The American Farm Bureau Federation and a wide array of other farm organizations also support the label. Visit http://www.hgbh.org/ for more information about this program.

June 2014 | Page 6 | www.nvfb.org

Nevada Farm Bureau Update Jessica Fagundes joins Nevada Farm Bureau as director of communications

evada Farm Bureau Federation welcomes Jessica Fagundes as the organization’s new director of communications.

Jessica graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno this spring, receiving bachelor degrees in journalism and Spanish. She is originally from Churchill County where she grew up on her family’s farm. Jessica most recently worked at the Nevada Department of Agriculture as a public information intern. Previously, she interned in public relations at Immunize Nevada, Renown Health, the Associated Students of the University of Nevada and Nevada FFA. “We are excited to have Jessica join us,” said Nevada Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Clay McCauley. “Her experience with public relations and a background in agriculture will be a great addition to the team.” “Jessica will be a big help in advocating for our organization and Nevada agriculture,” said Nevada Farm Bureau Federation President Hank Combs. “I am excited

to see how she will educate the public and tell our members’ stories.”

Jessica began her new position this May. As director of communications, she will manage the public relations for the Nevada Farm Bureau, assist the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program and Women’s Leadership Committee and travel the state to work with county Farm Bureaus. Feel free to contact Jessica at jfagundes@nvfb.org.

Continuing Education Scholarship Application is due July 1

tudents currently enrolled in either a traditional or non-traditional post secondary program can apply for the Nevada Heritage Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship Award. The award winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to use toward his or her education costs.

The successful candidate must be from a Farm Bureau family and must have completed at least one year of secondary education. Preference will be given to students pursuing career goals in the agriculture or agriculture business industry. An interview may be required before the recipient is selected. Applications are due July 1, 2014 to the Nevada Heritage Foundation, 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, Nevada 89431. Interested students can contact Dennis

Hellwinkel, ddhell@wildblue.net, for more information about the scholarship. Scholarship applications are available in PDF format and can be downloaded at nvfb.org. The Continuing Education Scholarship has been offered by the Nevada Heritage Foundation since 2008. The foundation provides two scholarships each year to upcoming and current college students. It is funded by donations from Country Financial and gracious individuals. The foundation’s purpose is to promote understanding of agriculture and its importance by providing financial support and encouragement for education, training and research that relates to or benefits agriculture.

June 2014 | Page 7 | www.nvfb.org

Nevada’s Margin Tax Initiative Affecting Farmers and Families By Jessica Fagundes

s the November election approaches, so does the Education/Margin Tax Initiative on Nevada’s ballot, a measure that could greatly affect many of Nevada’s agriculturists especially farmers and ranchers in the state. The Margin Tax Initiative or Question 3 on the upcoming ballot would require any business with gross revenues of more than $1 million to pay a margin tax liability of 2 percent on their entire revenue. The tax revenue would be spent on education in Nevada. “It is the equivalent of a 14 to 15 percent corporate income tax rate because it’s on gross income; it’s not on net income,” says Karen Griffin, spokesperson for the Coalition to Defeat the Margin Tax Initiative. “This initiative is deeply flawed and costly.” Griffin explains that although the additional tax revenue would supposedly go to education, the initiative provides no guidelines on how funds should be spent, giving the state the authority to divert funds to another cause. The Coalition says that the tax initiative could raise between $460 million and $800 million annually, resulting in costly taxes for employers with incomes higher than $1 million. According to Griffin, the additional tax would also make Nevada one of the five highest taxed states in which to operate, leading to a loss of new businesses and jobs. The Coalition estimates 9,000 jobs will be lost if the initiative passes. Griffin also explains that the new tax would be especially detrimental to employers that have high overhead costs and small profit margins, including agriculture operations, grocery stores, restaurants and other small businesses. June 2014 | Page 8 | www.nvfb.org

“This is a 2 percent tax on gross revenue and in many cases, that’s more than farmers are making,” Griffin says. “These farms have been in families for generations and now they are looking to have to give up what their families have been working on for years.” Many of Nevada’s farmers and ranchers would be affected by this initiative, including agriculturists with generations of hard work in their operations like the Olsen brothers in Churchill County.

“It’s grossly unfair especially to agriculture and it just doesn’t take that much to make a million dollars.”

-Eric Olsen

“We’ve been in business since 1915 in Nevada and we’ve milked cows for over 300 years that we know of,” says Eric Olsen, co-owner of Hillside Dairy. Eric and his brothers Pete and Neal Olsen own and manage Hillside Dairy, a multi-million dollar cow dairy operation just outside of Fallon. The dairy, which milked 60 cows in the early 1900s, now milks 2,000 cows and farms 1,500 acres. Not only does Hillside Dairy provide milk for hundreds of consumers, but it is also the primary source of income for the families of the three brothers and their parents. And, Olsen explains that most years, the dairy’s net income does not reflect gross revenue. “My income is the Mississippi River, but my take-home is a five-gallon bucket of water,” Olsen says. “That’s how bad it is. It’s very, very capital intensive. That’s just the way our business is. There are a lot of dollars, but not very many stay here.” Unfortunately for the Olsen brothers and many other agriculturists, the Margin Tax Initiative does not factor in the small profit margin usually associated with agriculture operations. “It doesn’t matter if you make money or not, you are still going to pay,” Olsen says. Olsen and his brothers spent more on taxes than they did on equipment in the last year. An additional margin tax would drastically increase their already high taxes.

In addition, unlike some small business owners, the margin tax would have an additional negative effect on dairymen because they cannot raise their prices to accommodate the new tax. “We are competing with other dairyman in other states. I can’t charge more; the price is set. It is regulated by the government,” Olsen says, adding that he must find the additional money somewhere in his operation or risk going out of business if the tax initiative passes. “They are going to force some people out of business because there just isn’t the margin,” Olsen says. Not only will the margin tax initiative force some agriculturists out of business, but it will also discourage agriculturists from growing their operations. “If you hit $1 million and a penny, you would pay your margin tax not only on the penny but on your entire revenue. So in many cases, it would deter small businesses from growing,” Griffin says. Due to the Margin Tax Initiative’s costly effect on Nevada’s farmers and ranchers, the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation opposes the measure and has joined the Coalition to Defeat the Margin Tax Initiative. “This tax would hurt our farmers and ranchers’ livelihoods and damage the agriculture industry in our state,” says Hank Combs, president of the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation. “We need all Farm Bureau members to vote against Question 3 and encourage others to do the same.” The Nevada Farm Bureau and the Coalition to Defeat the Margin Tax Initiative encourage all members to educate others about the harsh consequences of the Margin Tax Initiative for agriculturists and other businesses in the state. Members can visit StopTheMarginTax.com to join the coalition and to receive more information about how they can oppose this measure.

“We know that it will hurt the economy, kill jobs, hurt consumers and hurt small businesses and it deserves a NO vote.”

June 2014 | Page 9 | www.nvfb.org

- Karen Griffin

County Corner C

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. This issue of County Corner is brought to you by some of our wonderful members in Churchill and Humboldt County.

CHURCHILL COUNTY

Ag Day at East Valley Elementary David Stix Jr. shows students the inside of a livestock trailer.

Students also had a chance to explore booths hosted by the Newlands Project, the Nevada Department of Agriculture Entomology lab and Churchill County FFA. More than 400 students attended the event, learning a great deal about the diverse agriculture industry in our state.

Churchill County FFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Grade Ag-tivity Marshall Brown shows students how to shuck and grind corn.

The Churchill County Farm Bureau visited the East Valley Elementary School in May to teach kindergarten through 4th grade students about Nevada agriculture. The event had a wide variety of booths including information about brands, corn shucking and grinding, rope making, livestock and more.

Robert White (senior) and Amber McDougall (sophmore) read to a group of 2nd grade students at Numa Elementary School in Fallon.

This semester Churchill County FFA chapter members paired up to teach 2nd grade students about agriculture. The students visited all 14 2nd grade classrooms in Churchill County. During their visit, the pairs read The Beeman, the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Book of the Year, to the children. Churchill County Farm Bureau President Julie Wolf and her daughter Lena teach students about branding in Nevada.

June 2014 | Page 10 | www.nvfb.org

HUMBOLDT COUNTY Humboldt Ag Fair

The 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Book of the Year, The Beeman.

After the reading, they presented the book to the class as a gift from Nevada Farm Bureau along with a straw of honey for each student to taste, which was provided by Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers. The FFA chapter plans to donate barn-shaped book shelves to each school so that the students can put all of their agriculture books in one spot. Way to go Churchill County FFA!

In the middle of April, the Humboldt County Farm Bureau hosted their Ag in the Classroom Ag Fair. It included 12 stations in the arena of the Winnemucca Convention Center. Topics included wool processing, beekeeping, veterinarian work, livestock animals and their uses, crops, tractors and more. All third grade classes in the county attended the event and the students had the opportunity to interact with agriculture in many different ways. Winnemucca FFA students helped presenters and served lunch for the students. The event was graciously sponsored by Barrick Mines, Hycroft Mines, Gold Corp, the Beef Council and the Dairy Council. Congratulations to Humboldt County Farm Bureau for putting on such a successful event.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Invited! Churchill County Farm Bureau would like to extend our invitation for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. We have invited some legislators, local officials and government agencies. In previous years, we have had representation from eight counties and many elected and appointed officials and last year, more than 160 people attend the picnic.

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!

June 2014 | Page 11 | www.nvfb.org

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Livestockindustry industryrepresentatives representativescan canattend attendon on Livestock Wed.,July July16, 16,2014. 2014.Conference Conferenceregistration registrationisis Wed., $100 and it includes sessions, a silent auctionand andaa $100 and it includes sessions, a silent auction banquet.Registration Registrationfor forthe theconference conferenceisisdue dueJune June banquet. 25. 25. ILIAisisan anorganization organizationof ofmember memberstates, states,provinces, provinces, ILIA and Native American Tribal Nations where livestock and Native American Tribal Nations where livestock brandrecording, recording,livestock livestockidentification identificationand and brand livestock inspection are recognized by legislation. livestock inspection are recognized by legislation. Sessionsatatthe theconference conferencewill willinclude include“Reversing “Reversing Sessions Desertification Through Proper Grazing Practices” Desertification Through Proper Grazing Practices” byTony TonyMalmberg Malmbergfrom fromthe theSavory SavoryInstitute, Institute,aa by State Brand Recorders Meeting, round tablebrand brand State Brand Recorders Meeting, round table departmentdiscussions discussionsand andan anILIA ILIAJoint JointSession Session department regardingADT ADTRule RuleAnimal AnimalID/Health ID/HealthDiscussion Discussion regarding where ILIA members, state veterinarians and where ILIA members, state veterinarians and livestockindustry industryrepresentatives representativeswill willdiscuss discussthe the livestock implementation and developing trends of the animal implementation and developing trends of the animal diseasetraceability traceabilityrule. rule. disease Thebanquet banquetdinner dinnerwill willinclude includeaasilent silentauction, auction, The entertainment,remarks remarksfrom fromKim KimBrackett, Brackett, entertainment, Cattlemen’s Beef Board chair and keynote byRichard Richard Cattlemen’s Beef Board chair and keynote by Piccotto,the thehighest highestranking rankingfirefighter firefighterto tosurvive survivethe the Piccotto, WorldTrade TradeCenter Centercollapse. collapse. World Forregistration registrationforms formsand andmore moreinformation, information, For visit agri.nv.gov. visit agri.nv.gov.

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December 2013 | Page | www.nvfb.org June 2014 | Page 13 13 | www.nvfb.org

The Ag Agenda It’s Time for Some Field Work By Bob Stallman President, American Farm Bureau Federation

armers have thrown open the doors of the machine shed, greased up the gears and cranked up their diesels. It’s farming season!

With Congress in session only a few days between now and August, this also is a good time to gear down and throttle up on agriculture’s policy priorities.

Refueling Immigration Reform In February, thousands participated in the #IFarmImmigration campaign to bring attention to farmers’ and ranchers’ labor challenges. That same month, more than 600 business organizations, including Farm Bureau, signed a letter urging House leaders to move forward with immigration reform. Since then, the engine has idled a bit, and we can’t let that happen. It’s time to tell Congress to refuel immigration reform. Without a legal, stable supply of labor, farmers will continue to face labor shortages and lost crops, and the public will face the loss of economic activity from agriculture and the risk that more of their food will come from other countries.

Clean up the Pile of Expired Tax Provisions Some in Congress are working to renew tax policies that expired last year. Congress has allowed the work of addressing these tax provisions to pile up like a stack of off-season invoices. One of the most important tax provisions for farmers and ranchers is enhanced small business expensing, which helps them upgrade to more efficient and environmentally friendly equipment, purchase livestock and build certain farm structures. Because farmers operate on tight margins, the ability to deduct these expenses immediately can give a farmer a way to smooth out volatile fluctuations in farm income. Congress also needs to extend tax credits for renewable energy production, donations of conservation easements, food donations to charitable groups and other tax provisions that help farmers and ranchers be productive and profitable while helping to achieve societal goals.

Field Scout for Regulatory Threats To keep a crop healthy, the farmer must keep an eye out for pests and anything in the field that doesn’t appear to be thriving. The EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” rule threatens to drain the vigor from routine conservation and farming activities. Landowners would have to secure federal permits to make ordinary changes to their cropland, build fences or other structures, or apply fertilizer or pesticides even in parts of fields that are wet only during rainstorms. EPA wants to classify these areas that shed rainfall, and features such as otherwise dry ditches, as “waters of the U.S.” subject to federal regulation. Farm Bureau is asking Congress to weed out that proposal, and we commend the 231 representatives and 46 senators who have signed letters urging EPA to “Ditch the Rule.” Congress has a lot of fallow ground left to plant. “Growing conditions” in Congress have been less than optimal. Germination might seem slow, but we must plow ahead with our legislators and get our farm work done in anticipation of the harvest season ahead.

June 2014 | Page 14 | www.nvfb.org

Classified Ads

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. 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 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 Wanted Working or easy fix windmill, with or without tower. And

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20’/30’ non leaker container. Also female Pyrenees/Akbash cross, or Pyrenees/Aussie cross. 775-5572804

equipment very well maintained. Appraisal $63,599. Must sell as unit: $60,000 - For questions, call 775-830-1759

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 Rent House and pasture for rent. Close in location to Genoa and Minden. For more information, call 831512-3225.

For Sale Yearling Angus Bulls born Feb. 1, 2013 and after. Fallon. Call 775423-5092. 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. 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

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS Ads must be received by

June 16

for the next issue of the Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal.

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 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.

For Sale 3 Point Cultivator, 14 ft. wide, S-tine with gauge wheels, extra s-tines. Great shape. $1,300. 775771-9612

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 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 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

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 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:

June 2014 | Page 15 | www.nvfb.org

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