Arizona Farm & Ranch Group

Beyond the Fields and Open Range “I believe in the future of agriculture,” E.M. Tiffany, a phrase recognized by many agriculturalists but one that all of us can understand and support. While this simple phrase focuses on a future for tomorrow, please do not mistake our industry for a scene like “American Gothic” or one out of a Tim Cox painting, because agriculture is nothing short of a sophisticated business. Many famers and ranchers may reminisce about a simple lifestyle, but it is one the industry has outgrown.

Arizona is blessed with great weather year-round and water on-demand, allowing farmers and ranchers to grow crops that produce maximum yields to help meet the demand of markets that stretch from Arizona to Japan. The challenge the industry faces, and has for decades, is continuing to push for higher yields with less inputs including water, fertilizer and even land. It is hard to predict what we can expect in the future, but we know that everyone from the farmer to the seed and crop protection companies and equipment manufacturers are racing to make the job for the farmer even more efficient. Whether it is mechanizing a labor-intensive crop, eliminating manual labor or creating a more productive and resilient plant through the use of science, we know that the consumer will continue to push us to responsibly do more with less.

On the livestock side of the coin, genetics are a major focus to help create the most productive and desirable animals. Compared to 1977, today’s beef farmers and ranchers produce the same amount of beef with 33% fewer cattle. That is incredible when you stop to think about it and it is because ranchers have focused on genetics and producing highyielding, quality beef. Just like farming, the livestock community is constantly striving to improve including raising more productive cattle and continuing to implement best practices for land stewardship.

We are no different than any other business in Arizona. We work to create a safe, desirable product that the customer will continue to enjoy. The agriculture industry was and still is an integral part of this state. The livestock industry tamed the wild west, establishing ranches that have been in the same families for over 100 years, stewarding these lands to feed people and continuing to create a productive landscape that we all enjoy. Farmers have fought harsh conditions and leveraged their land to create intricate water systems that have fostered major metropolitan areas, including Phoenix. Arizona agriculture is more than sustainable – it is resilient and will no doubt meet the challenges of tomorrow to feed and clothe the growing population. It is rare that agriculture seeks intervention from our government partners and, in fact, we do not want them solving our problems! The industry has worked to solve its own challenges and when the need for government arises, the industry brings forward the solution. After decades of working through issues with federal land management agencies and state government, we know that when left to our own devices we can solve our problems amongst the industry. We do from time to time ask for assistance from the government and we are thankful, when necessary.

We have created some great self-funded programs that benefit many commodities ranging from beef and dairy to wheat and citrus, fruit and vegetables, funding research and promotion for these important products. We are also grateful for programs that allow us to ship products across the United States and globally and, at the same time, protect our precious crops here at home.

We continue to push government to become more efficient in their practices to move at the speed of business while allowing for flexibility. We appreciate the charge from Governor Doug Ducey to participate in and encourage “LEAN” environments amongst agencies who work with agriculture. While many of our inspections are critical, we know that government can do them more quickly and efficiently for everyone. Agriculture is always a fan of efficiency and less regulation, where appropriate.

Agriculture relies on the sun, soil and water to create food in the forms of plants and animals. Mother Nature is our fickle partner, coupled with some of the freest markets in the world, creating a scenario more intense than a high stakes roulette game in Las Vegas. Wherever all branches of government can create certainties in statute and in the regulatory arena, it will only help agriculture continue to produce for a growing population and set Arizona on a course to be a future powerhouse. The agriculture industry is primed and ready to meet the challenges of the future. We are incredibly thankful for our customers past, present and future that continue to enjoy safe, quality and wholesome products that farmers and ranchers enjoy providing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patrick Bray, Executive Vice President is an Arizona native born and raised in an agricultural family and has spent the last decade representing the interest of farm and ranch families in Arizona.

For more information about Arizona Farm & Ranch Group visit: www.azfarmranch. org, follow them on Facebook (Arizona Farm and Ranch Group), or Twitter @ AZFarmRanch.

CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Steve Pierce, President/Chairman Stephen Brophy, Vice President Bill Sawyer, 2nd Vice President Cindy Shelton, Treasurer Steve Todd, Board Member Paul Orme, Board Member Tim Robinson, Board Member Bob Prosser, Board Member Tim Cooley, Board Member Les Heiden, Board Member Jim Webb, Board Member David Feenstra, Board Member Dan Thelander, Board Member Will Rousseau, Board Member Glenn Hickman, Board Member