2023 Discussion Meet: New Year, New Questions!

By Brittney Money | Director of Communications

Who’s excited for the 2023 Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet? We are looking for people to compete between the ages of 18 and 35. This is a great opportunity to become involved in the YF&R program.

The objective of the YF&R program is to surface, grow and develop young Farm Bureau members and provide them opportunities and experiences to strengthen their leadership and ensure effective Farm Bureaus. The program is also focused on personal growth in the following areas: public speaking, issue advocacy, business development, networking, service leadership, media training and telling the story of agriculture.

The Discussion Meet is a competitive event that simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. The competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Each year the American Farm Bureau Federation YF&R committee releases a set of five questions that states use when they hold their annual Discussion Meets. The Nevada Farm Bureau has their annual Discussion Meet at the Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting that will be held this November. The lucky winner will not only take home a cash prize, but will also move on to compete at the American Farm Bureau Annual YF&R Discussion meet that will be held January 19 through the 24 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is a great opportunity to meet people throughout the state of Nevada while making connections with people from other states as well. Again, we highly encourage you to think about competing in this year’s YF&R Discussion Meet if you are between the ages of 18 and 35. If you would like more information please feel free to contact Brittney Money at brittney@nvfb.org.

If interested the following questions will be the questions selected at random for the Discussion Meet at this year’s Annual Nevada Farm Bureau Meeting. Stay tuned for an exact date, but get a jump start on the competition by researching the following questions:

1.Production agriculture requires a lot of capital. Young farmers and ranchers face challenges gaining access to the capital they need to start or grow their operations. What tools are currently available, and what new programs could be introduced, to help young people access financial resources—and make sound financial decisions—to run their farms and ranches?

2.Working with elected officials, in all levels of government, is critical to advancing public policy that supports farmers and ranchers. How can Farm Bureau help elected leaders better understand the challenges of the agriculture sector and the importance of supporting the financial viability of America’s family farms and ranches?

3.What is sustainable agriculture and how can Farm Bureau help farmers and ranchers access market-based solutions that advance sustainability goals without restricting their ability to stock America’s pantries, help feed a growing population and maintain farm profitability?

4.Farmers and ranchers across the country are diverse in not only the goods they produce, but also in the ways they raise and market them. Farm Bureau’s role is to broadly represent all producers. How can our organization further welcome and engage diverse agricultural communities and cultivate dynamic future Farm Bureau leaders?

5.Agriculture uses water for everything from growing crops, raising livestock and moving products to and from farms and ranches. Water issues are often hotly debated, are unique to each region and can pose significant challenges to growers. How can Farm Bureau help address water management challenges and seek long term solutions for farmers and ranchers?

We encourage you to look over the following questions and think about joining us this November for the Discussion Meet. If interested the American Farm Bureau Federation releases a series of Zoom meetings to get a better understanding of the Discussion Meet as well as tips and tricks on how to succeed. Follow a long on the Nevada Farm Bureau Facebook page for dates as soon as they are released.

We look forward to a great Discussion Meet!

Humboldt River Proposal For Conjunctive Management

Regular readers of this weekly newsletter will recall the number of times that Nevada Farm Bureau has requested input to the plans that the Division of Water Resources have for dealing with the Humboldt River System and moving forward with a conjunctive management program. The Division has requested proposed abstract ideas/ concepts to be submitted by July 7th. From the initial process of submitting a proposal those submitting abstract ideas will be notified by July 18thon whether the proposal that they have submitted will be included in presentation that will be included in public meetings that are scheduled to start Tues, August 1.

Based on NFB policy for conjunctive management, we have prepared a draft abstract proposal to possibly submit for consideration by the State Engineer’s office. We have met with the State Engineer’s office to discuss whether the capture models are capable of providing the necessary information to fit within the proposed abstract that Farm Bureau is considering.

We would greatly appreciate your feedback to the proposal. Visit tinyurl.com/DraftAbstract-CMHRB and take a look at what is being proposed. Your feedback can be provided by email to doug@nvfb.org or you are also welcomed to call and discuss your thoughts…phone (775) 870-3349.

House Committee Passes Bill To Scrap BLM Rule

On June 21st the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed HR 3397 introduced by Congressman John Curtis of Utah. HR 3397 basically directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to pull the plug on their proposed rule of inventing a new multiple use that they label as “conservation.” The committee’s passage came on a partyline 20-16 vote.

As a result of the committee action HR 3397 will move forward for possible passage by the House.

It is unlikely that the Senate version of the legislation, S. 1435 that was introduced by Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, will be considered, but the action does send a strong message. According to one of the media reports that we’ve seen there have been over 150,000 public comments that have been submitted to this point.

Another Department of Interior Agency Announces Regulation Changes

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aren’t the only agency crafting regulations to suit their vision of how the world should operate. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced a set of three regulation packages that they proclaim will “restore important protections for species, strengthen consultation and listing processes and reaffirm the central role that science plays in decisions that guide the protection and recovery of endangered and threatened wildlife.”

The three different regulation packages are being published in the June 22, 2023, Federal Register and with those publications the process will trigger a 60-day public comment period. This would bring the deadline for comments on these rules to August 21, 2023.

According to the agency’s news release, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service are jointly proposing two sets of changes to the implementing regulations with the intent to improve both agencies’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect and recover listed species. The third rule, addressing protections for threatened species is being proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rule to improve the interagency consultation process – this proposal seeks to revise language, definitions and responsibilities that clarifies and further improves federal interagency consultation processes. We’re told that this set of changes will revise the scope of reasonable and prudent measures in an incidental take statement to improve conservation outcomes.

Rule to clarify standards for listing, delisting, reclassifying species and revising some criteria for critical habitat designations – this proposal is mostly aimed at reinstating the prior language that the Trump Administration’s regulations put in place. The reversal is seeking to take out the references that the Trump Regulations had for possible economic or other impacts of determinations.

Rule to reinstate protections for species listed as threatened under ESA – this matter, for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, puts back the “blanket 4 (d) rule.” In their view, doing so will provide a base level of protection for all species listed as “threatened” while retaining the option for the Service to adopt a species-specific 4 (d) rule.

House Ag Committee Creates Working Group To Address H-2A Program Issues

The H-2A program doesn’t fall under the House Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction, but because of the critical nature of the issue for farm labor issues, the leaders of the Ag Committee have named a 14-member working group to dig into find solutions for the labor problems that agricultural producers are dealing with.

Those named to the working group represent districts where things are especially challenging. The membership is evenly divided between Republican and Democrats. Congressmen Rick Crawford of Arkansas and Don Davis of North Carolina will co-chair the working group.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall commented on the House Agriculture Committee formation of a bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group to address pressing issues facing farmers.

“AFBF appreciates Chairman GT Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott for coming together to investigate the labor challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Labor is one of the biggest limiting factors facing agriculture, and farmers need a system that provides long-term stability. We are committed to engaging with the newly formed working group to address meaningful H-2A reform and a reasonable wage rate that enables farmers to continue meeting the needs of America’s families.”

The working group’s other Congressional members include: Yadira Caraveo of Colorado, Salud Carbajal of California, Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, Jim Costa of California, Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Monica De La Cruz of Texas, Doug LaMalfa of California, Nick Langworthy of New York, David Rouzer of North Carolina, Darren Soto of Florida, Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin and Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico.

AFBF President Weighs In On Proposed BLM Rule

Not only are Western State Farm Bureaus and others who are directly impacted by the proposed rule that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has invented getting engaged in the discussion of this controversy, but American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall has gone on record with his thoughts. Read his remarks here: www.fb.org/the-zipline/ ranchers-on-the-frontlines-caring-forpublic-lands

Attention now is on getting public input comments submitted for the 75day comment period that BLM has provided as the only opportunity to have a say. The email address to send your comment letter to is: via email to BLM_HQ_PRA_Comments@blm. gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1004-0NEW and RIN 1004AE92 in the subject line.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Editor thought the PR readers would like to know where the National Deputy Director of BLM came from and who signs her paycheck. Hmm. Interesting... www.blm.gov/bio/ nada-wolff-culver

School is out for kids in Nevada, but the need for food never ends. Through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) helps children 18 and younger with access to food during the summer break. Through this program, children who depend on school meals can access nutritious meals when school is not in session, no questions asked. SFSP sites include schools, camps, parks, playgrounds, housing projects, community centers, churches, and other public sites where children gather in the summer. Parents, children and teens can find a meal site near them by visiting nvsummermeals.com, texting “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or calling 1-866-348-6479.

Wishing you a happy and safe summer, -

Director Goicoechea

NDA welcomes new Deputy Director

The NDA has announced Doug Farris as the new Deputy Director. Deputy Director Farris has been serving as interim Deputy Director since March of 2023. Farris joined the NDA as the Division of Animal Industry Administrator in 2017 where he oversaw the Law Enforcement Unit, Livestock Inspection, Veterinary Medical Services, Dairy/Food Safety, Predatory Animal and Rodent Control, and Commercial Feed programs.

Dr. Mundschenk announced as new State Veterinarian

The NDA also welcomed Dr. Peter Mundschenk, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian. Dr. Mundschenk joined the NDA from the Pima Medical Institute, and previously served as State Veterinarian for the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Dr. Mundschenk received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University.

Submit your agriculturerelated photos to our

2023 Annual Photo Contest

Our 2023 annual photo contest is back! The NDA wants to see how you picture Nevada food and agriculture for a prize of a Made in Nevada gift basket and a canvas print of your winning photo. We have a diverse range of food and agriculture in the state and the NDA wants to showcase it. The photo contest is open to anyone, regardless of skill level. Photos submitted must be of food, agriculture, agritourism or related subjects in Nevada. Deadline for submission is Sept. 1, 2023

Play, Clean, Go Awareness Week

Invasive species pose a major threat to our native wildlife and ecosystems, with nearly 50% of endangered or threatened species at risk as the result of the spread, according to PlayCleanGo.org. While often unintentional, people can spread invasive species on boots, tires, boats, firewood, pets, horses and more. Here are six easy steps you can take to do your part and stop the spread of invasive species:

Clean your shoes, clothes, packs, and pets before and after exploring and stay on designated trails.

Clean your horse's hooves and feed them weed-free certified hay before your adventure.

Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and angling equipment to stop aquatic hitchhikers!

Don't Move Firewood! Buy it where you burn it, buy certified heat-treated firewood, or gather on site when permitted.

Before traveling to new areas, inspect and clean your trailers, off road vehicles, and recreational vehicles with water or compressed air to remove mud, plant parts, and hidden pests.

Visit PlayCleanGo.org for more info.

Report noxious weeds and stop their spread

Help us stop the spread of noxious weeds and commit to managing noxious weeds on your property. Noxious weeds can be destructive on our landscapes, displace many of our native plants and can pose a fire risk. Reporting is easy and can be done through EDDMapS, or by emailing photos and location information to noxiousweeds@agri. nv.gov. Learn more at agri.nv.gov/ noxiousweeds/

Livestock scale inspections scheduled for Nevada

The NDA will be traveling across the state over the next few months to inspect livestock scales. Letters with inspection timelines will be sent out in advance close to the week of inspection. A reminder phone call will also be made by staff the week of inspection. Notice should allow enough time for scale owners to prepare for the site visit and ensure clear access to livestock scales and that scales are clean and ready to be inspected. A tentative inspection schedule is available at agri.nv.gov/wm

Join the UNR Extension workshop to learn about the importance of food safety in the meat industry

People who work in the meat industry can receive training on how to create a food safety plan by attending a workshop hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, Extension. The workshop will address how to create a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan and a management system recommended by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The HACCP for Meat Business workshop will be held at the Extension office in Reno, 4955 Energy Way from July 17-18. The cost of the workshop is $60 and lunch will be provided both days. Register at the workshop’s registration site by June 30. For more information, call 775-426-8299.

Home Feeds Nevada seeking producers—APPLY TODAY!

The NDA is looking for Nevada agricultural producers to apply for the Home Feeds Nevada Agriculture Food Purchase program. Through this program, the NDA will purchase nutritious foods that are grown, produced or processed in Nevada and distribute them through designated food banks. Program details and requirements for eligibility are outlined in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Questions or comments regarding this program should be directed to Patricia Hoppe at pxhoppe@agri.nv.gov.

Explore Nevada’s Farmers Markets

June 21 marks the first official day of summer! This is the perfect time to head outdoors and explore Nevada farmers markets. Whether you’re searching for Nevada produced products such as seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs or honey, you can find everything our state has to offer at agri.nv.gov/ NVFood.

Expand meat or poultry processing

The USDA has grant opportunities available for small meat and poultry processors looking to expand their facilities. As the NDA looks towards finalizing development of the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program, processors and those interested in processing can apply for $100,000 to $5 million for projects that will create and improve facilities that are currently operating and possess or plan to possess a Federal Grant of Inspection or inspection under a state meat and poultry inspection program. Visit usda.gov/meat for more information.

Lookout for the 2023 Livestock Assessment letters

Per NRS Chapters 575, 561 and 567, the NDA is required to collect certain taxes on livestock. Livestock include all horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats located in Nevada. Owners of livestock are required by state law to declare their livestock yearly and pay a minimal per head assessment to help support the livestock inspection program. Although administered by the NDA, this program was put in place by livestock owners during the 1961 Nevada Legislature for the protection of their livestock and is funded by inspection fees and assessments. To keep the fees as low as possible, owners must declare and pay for their livestock. The 2023 assessment will cover the period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Additionally, delinquency letters will be sent out for the years of 2018 – 2022.

Job Opportunity

Project Manager | Virginia Range

Feral/Estray Horse Project (Sparks): For info: agri.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/ agrinvgov/Content/Home/Features/ vre_pm_job_posting.pdf