by Martin Paris | NCA Executive Director | O: 775-738-9214
Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Springtime Update The Fallon Bull Sale that we held in February was a great success again this year. We have just finished wrapping up everything from the sale and would like to once again give thanks to all of our consignors, buyers, sponsors, and volunteers for your support this year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2022! Aside from shiny new calves, rain (hopefully), and moving our clocks ahead one hour, springtime comes with a little extra in odd numbered years in Nevada. The 81st Nevada Legislative Session is in full swing. The Session began on February 1st and will end on May 31st, but not without a lot of action in between. This year’s Session looks quite a bit different than years past. Legislators, staff, and certain media are able to conduct business in the Legislative Building but everyone else is locked out, at least for the time being. If you are looking to provide testimony on a bill, expect to register to speak 24 hours prior to the hearing, read the rulebook on testifying remotely, listen to several different prompts during the hearing, hit *6 on your phone to mute and unmute yourself, and you are ready to go.
I recently had the opportunity to provide testimony in opposition of Senate Bill 54. SB 54 proposes to drastically change the current representation on the Nevada Board of Agriculture. At present time, the Board of Agriculture consists of 11 members, of which three members must be engaged in range or semi-range cattle production and one member must be engaged in range or semi-range sheep production. SB 54 proposes to change this structure by removing two of the positions currently represented by the cattle and sheep industries and lumping the remaining two positions into the category of “livestock”. The definition of livestock is large which means if this bill were to pass, it is possible there could be zero cattle producer representation on the Board. SB 54 intends to eliminate these two positions from the Board in an effort to add two entirely new positions consisting of food manufacturing/animal processing and supplemental nutrition distribution The loss of cattle production representation on the Board would be devastating, especially for an industry that continues to be the leading agricultural sector in the Nevada and one that has so many
diverse production practices. While the status of SB 54 remains up in the air, NCA will remain in steadfast opposition of any attempts that seek to reduce cattle representation on the Nevada Board of Agriculture. While the outcome of SB 54 is a top priority, there are also several other bills that NCA is keeping a close eye on. These bills include everything from public access to private property to changes in water quality standards. Due to the current rules at the State Legislature, NCA will not be hosting our usual Legislative Breakfast in Carson City. In past years, this breakfast has brought legislators, NCA members, and other agricultural friends together to get acquainted and discuss issues relevant to agriculture. Though we are not able to move forward with the breakfast this year, our phone and internet connections are strong and NCA is working hard through this Legislative Session to protect and promote the future of ranching in Nevada.
Nevada Water Solutions LLC Water Rights / Resource Permitting Expertise
Thomas K. Gallagher, PE 775•825•1653 / FAX 775•825•1683 333 Flint Street / Reno, NV 89501 tomg@nevadawatersolutions.com 4 APRIL 2021
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com
