Nevada Farm Bureau
Book of The Year
Estate Tax Repeal Bills Applauded
We are excited to announce the American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture released the 2021 book of the year, “Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish.” The book of the year was presented at the 2021 AFBF virtual convention.
The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House on March 9. Both are supported by the AFBF.
“Tales of the Dairy Godmother” was written by Viola Butler. The story features a little boy named Chuck who wishes for all the ice cream he can eat prompting his “Dairy Godmother” to show up to grant his wish with a dairy farm. Chuck gets a firsthand look at all the hard work and care that goes into producing his favorite treat.
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25 cosponsors introduced S. 617 and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) introduced H.R. 1712, with 121 cosponsors. Both bills would allow for a complete repeal of the estate tax, which, according to AFBF analysis, threatens more than 74,000 family farms across the country and nearly half of all farmland.
Each year the American Farm Bureau Foundation For Agriculture picks a book that accurately covers agricultural topics. Book of the year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture and inspire readers to learn more.
“Farmers and ranchers already face unpredictable challenges beyond our control yet persevere to protect our nation’s supply of food, fiber and renewable fuel. The tax code should encourage farm business growth, not add to uncertainty,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Eliminating the estate tax removes another barrier to entry for sons and daughters or other beginning farmers to carry-on our agricultural legacy and make farming more accessible to all. We appreciate Senator Thune and Representatives Smith and Bishop for introducing their bills and look forward to working with them to get this important legislation passed.”
The Nevada Farm Bureau has purchased the Book of the year for Ag literacy events as well as the educational guide. These books would be a great addition for county Farm Bureau events. The educational guide is great resource to connect the book to where food comes from. The eight lessons featured in the educational guide cover literacy, science and math in a fun way. In addition to the book of the year we also have Ag mags available in beef, dairy, corn, bees, pigs, innovation, careers, energy, sheep, pork and specialty crops. Ag mags are a great resource for county Farm Bureau to use in Ag in the classroom, or other events held throughout the county. If you are interested in hosting an Ag literacy event in your county and would a copy of the book, or any Ag mags please contact Brittney Money at brittney@nvfb.org
If the estate tax is not eliminated, instead of spending money to improve their operations, farmers and ranchers, along with all small businesses, will be forced to continue to divert resources to pay for estate planning to account for a shifting and unpredictable tax code. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubles the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person indexed for inflation through 2025. However, without congressional action, the estate tax exemption will revert to $5.5 million per person in 2026, putting even more farms and ranches at risk.
By Brittney Money | NFB, Director of Communications 16 APRIL 2021
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
