Feb 2012 FB News

Floods: $44 Million in emergency funding 28
Baxter Black: A Run of Bad Luck 12

FEBRUARY 2012 VOL 58, NO. 1
Utah Farm Bureau News Amber waves of grain
By Randy Parker, CEO, UFBF
EPA proposal threatens food security
Utah Farm Bureau Federation President Leland Hogan brings the Utah flag to the stage of the convention for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Farm Bureau leaders from around the country recently met at the convention in Honolulu to hold important policy discussions on topics such as the 2012 Farm Bill, over-regulation, and trade. The convention ended with the approval of the 2012 AFBF Policy Book.
Photo courtesy of AFBF
Task force identifies 29 recommendations to protect and enhance Utah agriculture
Following seven months of research and study the Utah Agriculture Sustainability Task Force is offering 29 recommendations that are
expected to protect and enhance local levels that remove obstacles Utah agriculture. The recom- for safe and modern farming and mendations generally call for ranching. the creation of new laws and policies at the federal, state and A few of the recommendations include: Provide new monies to the LeRay McAllister fund to provide matching funds for conservation easements on productive agricultural lands with prime or locallyimportant soils. Provide a $1,000,000 increase in invasive species
Task Force continued on pg 7
In comments filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Utah Farm Bureau Federation is warning the agency its proposed rules related to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) threatens American agriculture and carries with it the potential of undermining Americas future food security. Using Section 308 of the Clean Water Act, EPA is in the process of increasing the regulatory burden on family farms and ranches that could damage their security and our ability to meet the food needs of 309 million Americans. Section 308 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes EPA to require any operator of any point source to maintain records and to report. But this power is not unlimited. The courts continue to be reluctant to grant expansive CWA powers to EPA as delineated in the U.S. Supreme Courts Rapanos decision An EPA proposal to expand the
Inside:
caFo continued on pg 16
National Perspective Farm Bureau at Work Member Benefits Baxter Black Farm Safety Column Classifieds
3 5 8 12 23 30
Thoughts:
Utah Farm Bureau News

(ISSN 1068-5960)
Matt Hargreaves, Editor 9865 South State Sandy, Utah 84070-3205 Phone Numbers: General Inquiries: (801) 233-3000 Address Changes: (801) 233-3009 Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003 Classified Ads: ..........(801) 233-3010 Fax: .............................(801) 233-3030 FB News E-mail: matt.hargreaves@fbfs.com Web site: ...................utfb.fb.org National Ad Rep: The Weiss Group 9414 E. San Salvador Dr. #226 Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 (480) 860-5394 info@theweissgroupinc.com Local Display Ad Information: Jennifer Dahl (775) 752-3061
Randy N. Parker Chief Executive Officer
Utah Farm Bureau Federation Officers

Chairman and President Leland J. Hogan, South Rim* Vice President Stephen A. Osguthorpe, Park City* CEO and Secretary/Treasurer Randy N. Parker, Riverton
* Denotes member of the Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 .................Scott Sandall, Tremonton District 2 .....................Rulon Fowers, Hooper District 3 ..............................Flint Richards, Erda District 4 ................ Rex Larsen, Spanish Fork District 5 .............................Scott Chew, Jensen District 6 ...........Edwin Sunderland, Chester District 7 ............................... Nan Bunker, Delta FB Womens Chairman ...Belva Parr, Lindon Young Farmer & Rancher Chairman.. John Reese, Kanab
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sandy, Utah and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, 9865 South State, Sandy, Utah 84070. Published quarterly for all Farm Bureau members (April/Spring,July/Summer,Oct./Fall,Dec./ Winter). Published expressly for farmer/rancher Farm Bureau members and others who specifically request copies Feb., March, May, June, Aug., Sept., and Nov. All eleven issues published by the Utah Farm Bureau Federation in Sandy, Utah. Editorial and Business Office, 9865 South State, Sandy, Utah 84070-3205.
The U.S. Supreme Court, made up mostly of easterners, will have a major impact on the future of Western water law. In a dispute originating in the state of Montana, nine justices will try to make sense out of a Western water law dispute that is more than 100 years in the making. As one who has great appreciation for American history and the role of the United States Supreme Court, on December 7, 2011, I had the distinct honor and privilege of being seated in the High Courts Chambers and hearing arguments in the appeal of PPL Montana vs. Montana. The appeal pits a major hydro-electric power provider against the state in a judicial action that awarded Montana
SALT LAKE CITY USDA Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Arthur Douglas reminds producers that enrollment for the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) or the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program for crop year 2012
Enrollment period for FSA programs now open
some 500 miles of rivers and more than 5,600 acres of privately-owned streambed based on navigability at statehood and the Equal Footing Doctrine. The Montana Supreme Court transferred ownership of the streambeds on three major Montana rivers where today there are located 10 dams with hydroelectric generation facilities providing electricity to millions of Americans. Adding insult to injury, following the judicial taking the state of Montana sent PPL Montana a bill for more than $50 million in back rent and interest. As witness to the courtroom proceedings, it was easy to see why the battle lines are drawn in this case that could have major ramifications in Utah and across the West. The U.S. Supreme Court receives more than 10,000 requests for appeal each year. Of that, they will only hear about 100. Attorneys in the appeal are involved in a courtroom drama that plays out in approximately 60 minutes total. The justices engage in a rapid-fire questionand-answer process that is not for the faint of heart. Probing questions quickly get to the criti-
U.S. Supreme Court to determine streambed battle
February 2012
cal issues that test the depth of understanding of the attorneys. Its obvious from the array of questions; the justices have reviewed the amicus briefs submitted by interested parties prior to the formal hearing. The Montana case and outcome will directly impact Utah. The Utah Stream Access Coalition has modeled its lawsuit on the Weber River after the Montana navigable for title scenario. Historically, navigability is determined when a river is used, or susceptible of being used, in its ordinary condition as a highway of commerce over which trade and travel may be conducted in their customary modes of travel at the time of statehood. Under the Equal Footing Doctrine, navigable streams were deemed the property of the states at statehood. Montana entered the Union in 1889. One hundred and twenty years later activist courts have tried to muddy the legal waters. Montana effectuated a major land grab and is pursuing a huge financial windfall by liberalizing the navigable for title standards. They call
Parker continued on pg 18
begins January 23 and runs through June 1, 2012. Farmers in Utah who are interested in enrolling in these programs need to add this important deadline to their watch list, Douglas said. Producers should contact the local county office now to set up appointments.
Annual contracts are required to be signed to receive program benefits. All signatures of producers receiving a share in DCP and ACRE payments are required by June 1, 2012. For more information about DCP and ACRE programs or other FSA programs, contact your county FSA office and visit the state FSA website at: www.fsa.usda.gov/UT.
The Ag Agenda: Taking a new approach with the farm bill

By Bob Stallman
American Farm Bureau President
February 2012
proposals for program crops with payments that kick in after Farm Bill. Its probably the only a small decrease in farm most synonymous term associ- revenue for some crops and set ated with American agriculture. up higher target prices for othIt plays a huge and significant ers. But, as Farm Bureau sees it, role in farming operations across the government should take on the nation, and the very serious, largeshapes everything scale risks that happen from the ebbs and infrequently instead of flows of how farmsmaller risks. Agriculturers go about their al programs are intended daily business to to help farmers deal with their conservation big challenges they canefforts and even not handle alone, not disaster relief. minimal losses. Understandably, We have serious conformulating a new cerns about the other farm bill every five proposals floating years is no easy around, which dictate task. different rules, different crops The farm bill that Congress is and different payments. Not working on now will certainly only would such programs be a look different than any previous nightmare for local Farm Service legislation. Times have changed. Agency offices to administer, but The U.S. economy, consumers farmers would have the ability attitudes on food production to cherry-pick which program and even farmers opinions on works best for them. Because of how best to run their businesses distortions in price, wed have a are all different from the last system of farmers deciding what go-round. So, as we head into to produce based on government creating the new legislation, its payments rather than market important that Farm Bureau lead signals. the discussionand we need to hit the ground running. A New Way of Thinking In past farm programs, the The Bigger Picture government simply wrote checks Earlier this year, after much to farmers to help them sustain thought and deliberation, the Americas food supply. But, American Farm Bureau devel- times are changing. While the oped a plan to establish a cata- majority of Americans think strophic revenue loss program. farmers need help, they dont This plan is unique in that it will agree on just writing checks. We help protect Americas farmers want to flip that around. Govfrom losses that truly endanger ernment should accept systemic the very core of their farms. At risk, which would lower insurthe same time, it recognizes to- ance premiums for farmers and days budget realities. It is also allow them to choose their own unique in that it can be applied to coverage at a much lower cost. a broader range of commodities, Our proposal is a new approach like fruits and vegetables. There have been several recent aG aGeNDa continued on pg 25
February 2012
The U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend the next several months contacting farmers and ranchers across the nation to conduct the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). The results of this survey will serve as a baseline for numerous federal policies and programs that affect U.S. farms and farm families. ARMS is our primary tool for gauging the financial condition and production practices on American farms and ranches, said John Hilton, director of the NASS Utah Field Office. By participating in this survey, Utah farmers directly impact the decisions that affect them, their families and their operations. To obtain the most accurate data, the federal agencies will reach out to nearly 35,000 producers na-
USDA to measure the economic well-being of American farms
February 2012
tionwide, including 105 in Utah, between January 25th and March 31. The survey asks producers to provide data on their operating expenditures, production costs and household characteristics. Decision makers from all facets of U.S. ag will use the collective information. Thats why it is imperative for farmers to provide responses and help shape the future of U.S. agriculture, Hilton said. As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the confidentiality of all responses, ensuring no individual respondent or operation can be identified. The economic data will be published in the annual Farm Production Expenditures report on August 2, 2012. All NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.
YOUR Utah Farm Bureau

at Work
Utah Farm Bureau members attended the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Utah delegates participated in the policy session and members attended numerous conferences on topics ranging from over-regulation, the 2012 Farm Bill, trade and connecting with consumers. Humorist writer Dave Barry was the keynote speaker. Utah Farm Bureau helped plan, coordinate and arrange to visit with Southern Utah Rural Legislators. As part of this visit, Farm Bureau identified priority agricultural issues for the 2012 legislative session and helped the legislators understand the significance of these bills to Utahs farmers and ranchers and their way of living. UFBF attended the agricultural and wildlife depredation board meeting in which Utah Farm Bureau was instrumental in gaining support for a 2012 legislative bill that will help secure further funding for continued predator control efforts. UFBF attended the quarterly Utah Water Resource Board Meeting. At this meeting, board members determined where funding should go and how much funding should go towards various Utah development projects, including many rural projects. UFBF attended and participated in the annual pre-legislative conference sponsored by the Utah Taxpayers Association. At this conference, many legislators presented bills that will be sponsored, many of which directly impact rural Utah and the ag industry. UFBF hosted the agriculture political action committee (AGPAC) meeting in which Farm Bureau is a member and also chairs. At this meeting, many things were discussed to give adequate representation to the industry during the legislative session as well as various legislative bills that will impact farmers & ranchers in Utah.
Utah farmers & ranchers contribute to AFBF policy development process

Each year Farm Bureau members from across the country are selected to take part in these meeting representing a variety of interseven members to serve on various commodity committees including Labor, Dairy, Beef, Hay & Forage, Sheep & Goat, Animal Health & Foresteight members of most committees are from the top eight producing states by gross receipts of that commodity. In other words the top eight producing states are given first eight committee spots and the remaining spots are open to all eligible states. The Commodity Advisory Committees are designed to provide farmers and ranchers, serving as a committee within the Farm Bureau organizational structure, the opportunity to discuss and recommend solutions to problems that directly affect the commodity for which the member is appointed. The Commodity Advisory Committees focus and purpose includes: Identifying emerging issues related to the specific industry; R e c o m m e n d i n g issues for policy development, not addressed by current policy; Identifying challenges related to production and marketing of commodities; and At the direction of the AFBF president or board of directors, offering suggestions or clarification of existing policies.
February 2012
Towards the end of this month several Utah farmers and ranchers will be participating in the American Farm Bureau Commodity Advisory Committee meeting being held in Anaheim, California. Each year the American Farm Bureau plays host to these meetings in an effort to kick-start the policy development process for the coming year. This year 23 separate meetings will be held for the following commodity groups: Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Equine, Hay and Forage, Poultry, Sheep & Goat, Swine, Ag Nursery& Greenhouse, Aquaculture, Citrus, Forestry, Honey/Apiculture, Horticulture, Labor, Cotton, Feed Grains, Peanut, Rice, Soybean, Sugar, Tobacco, and Wheat.
The committees serve in an advisory capacity to the president and AFBF board of directors. No more than three recommendations and actions of the committees will be reported to the AFBF president in writing.
County Connection
David Bailey Vice President- Organization
ests, backgrounds and ry. Names were submitgeographical locations ted by UFBF President within the same com- Leland Hogan to the modity trade. American Farm Bureau The location of these and then selected and annual meetings varies appointed by the AFBF from year to year to acThe policy development commodate process is one of the most ease of travimportant tasks...its our el for the bread & butter. state Farm Bureau participants. This year Utah Farm Bureau submitted President, Bob Stallman with confirmation by the AFBF board of directors. Of the seven the UFBF submitted for consideration this year, five were selected to participate including Beef, Hay & Forage, Sheep & Goat, Animal Health and Forestry. Members of the committees can only serve up to four consecutive years on the committee to preserve diversity and viewpoints from a variety of producers. There are typically between eight and 16 members of each committee depending on the commodity. The first
Draft meeting minutes will be distributed to the specific Commodity Advisory Committee members and state Farm Bureau presidents within one week following the CAC meeting. Copies of committee recommendations and their disposition will be sent to the state Farm Bureaus and the Commodity Advisory Committee members immediately after approval by the AFBF board of directors.
The policy development process Farm Bureau engages in is one of the most important tasks we as Farm Bureau members participate in. Its our bread & butter so to speak. Without a sound process for developing our policy from our diverse range of members, Farm Bureau would cease to hold any clout whatsoever. Its one of the founding principles Farm Bureau was built upon.
If you are interested in becoming involved with any of these commodity advisory committees both at our UFBF level and the AFBF level please talk to you county Farm Bureau president.
February 2012
TASK FORCE
Continued from pg. 1
- e d
control, especially for non-native weeds. Create a separate greenbelt designation for smaller-acreage productive operations. Develop incubator kitchens in each county to provide small-scale agricultural start-ups with a place to test new products. Provide, incentives and/or legislation to encourage local stores, restaurants, school lunch programs, state agencies, and other public sector services to buy Utah products first, (when available) Work with the Governors Office of Economic Development to improve local processing capacity. Support Utah House Bill 116 (Guest Worker Program): an ample, sustainable and legal workforce is critical for our farms and ranches.
Utah is among the fastest growing states in the country. We welcome the growth but we must prepare for its impact on agriculture, said Lt. Governor, Greg y Bell. I am pleased with the recommendations of the task force which promote self-reliance and economic
growth while preserving farmland and our heritage. The action items were unanimously supported by all members of the task force, with the exception of conservation easements. A few members had concerns with the structure and appropriateness of conservation easements. According to a 2008 Governors Office of Planning and Budget report, the State will need to develop nearly 200,000 additional acres of farmland to meet the increased population projected for the year 2030 if current development trends continue. Most of this development will occur on our most productive farmlands in Wasatch Front Counties. We must recognize that we cannot continue the path we have been taking with regards to protecting our prime farmland and expect different results, said Agriculture and Food Commissioner, Leonard Blackham. Conservation easements are a needed option if we wish to protect our access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. Commissioner Blackham stressed that the recommendations are intended to protect our food supply, which is the most abundant and affordable for consumers than in any time in history. The steps outlined by the task force are designed to reduce the depen-
dency on foreign-grown foods, increase our supply of locally grown foods and increase our quality of life. The Task Force developed and adapted these recommendations for the state, local governments, producers, and consumers. The recommendations are intended to start deliberations on these issues and will result in concrete solutions to protect farms, ranches, farm families, and most importantly, the communities that are served by the benefits of Utah Agriculture. A complete list of the Task Forces recommendations is available at www.ag.utah.gov.
e t u
February 2012
Member Benefit Column

on each qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease. This Farm Bureau member exclusive is offered for vehicles purchased or leased at participating dealerships through Farm Bureaus ---GM PRIVATE OFFER at a participating GM dealership. 27 GM models are part of the program. How to qualify:
Individuals must have been a Farm Bureau member for at least 60 days. Visit www.fbverify.com, enter your membership number and zip code then print of a certificate to take to the dealership. Discount MUST be processed at the time of delivery of vehicle. For a closer look at GM vehicles, to www.gmfleet.com Call 801-233-3010 for additional information or help with membership verification.
***NEW Farm Bureau Program with General Motors***: Eligible Farm Bureau members can now receive a $500 discount
Business owners including farmers and ranchers who intend to use their vehicles for business purposes are eligible for an additional $500 in incentives which can be combined with the GM Private Offer. The GM Business Choice program is an added benefit which can be redeemed for GM accessories, upfits, a Lowes gift card, a MasterCard gift card or GM customer rewards. The GM Business Choice program is designed specifically for business owners who use vehicles in the day-to-day operation of their business and not solely for transportation. To confirm eligibility, a business owner must provide documentation such as a prior years 1040 Schedule C or F or some other form of business documentation.
**Choice Hotels: Utah Farm Bureau Has Been Assigned a NEW SPECIAL RATE NUMBER For Receiving The Farm Bureau Discount When Making Reservations For Any Choice Hotel Property. The New ID Number Is 00209830.
**T-mobile: Get Truly Unlimited Classic Plan with Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data, (including 2GB of full-speed data) for only $70.39/mo per line with a new 2-year agreement & after your Utah Farm Bureau Discount. Switch to T-Mobile and save 12% off monthly recurring charges*, plus get your initial $35 activation fee waived and FREE 2 Day shipping. Limited Time Offer for Utah Farm Bureau Members: Now thru March 27, 2012 enjoy more on the go For Less. T-Mobile my Touch FREE after rebate; Nokia Lumin FREE after rebate and Samsung Galaxy S II just $129.99 after $50 mail-in rebate. Phone specials are for new activations with appropriate plans. Dial 1-866-464-8662,option 3 and use Promotional Code 12832TMOFAV. This special offer is not available in stores or through www.t-mobile. com. * Device pricing require voiced and/or date activation and is after mail in rebate. Exclusions apply. Complete details available at utfb. fb.org/member benefits/T-Mobile. *FlexPay, EvenMorePlus and certain other plans are excluded. **Les Schwab Tires: Winter is still coming! Dont take chances with your life or the lives of your family members. Snowy or icy roads require excellent traction! Visit a Les Schwab Tire Center near you and have an expert check out your tires. If you need new ones, ask for fleet pricing and show your Farm Bureau membership card to receive your Farm Bureau discount! Go before the snow flies! Visit any Les Schwab dealer nationwide! (Check out the FREE BEEF promotion when you visit a Les Schwab Tire Center!!)
during the season. Non-refundable. Deer Valley Resort: Vouchers for lift tickets are $68.00. Vouchers may not be redeemed for or applied to discounted lift tickets or multi-day lift tickets. Blackout dates are between 2/18/12 2/ 20/12. Non-refundable. Park City: Lift tickets are $67 each. No blackout periods ski every day during the season. Passes are not dated. Purchase ahead for use any time during the season. Non-refundable. Legoland: $56.00 per guest with 2nd day free within 90 days. Legoland Park Hopper: (includes water park and aquarium) $66.00 per guest with 2nd day free at all three attractions. LEGOLAND & Water Park must be visited on the same day. Sea Life visit must occur within 9 days of LEGOLAND visit. All visits must occur before Dec. 31, 2012. San Diego Zoo: $ 35.50 Adult $27.00 Child (3 through 11) Safari Park: $35.50 Adult $27.00 Child (3 through 11) SeaWorld: $49.99 single day admission per guest SeaWorld Fun Cards: $ 65.00 ea. Multi-day ticket good for unlimited visits through Dec. 2012. Some blackout dates apply. Available for purchase through June 15, 2012 only. Universal Studios: 3 days for $64.00. Some blackout dates apply. Valid for 12 months from the 1st use. For additional information about these or other Farm Bureau member benefits, visit utfb.fb.org or call 801-233-3010. Visa or MasterCard accepted.
**Ski Season is finally here! Use your FARM BUREAU membership for lift ticket savings! Canyons: Single Day Adult Passes are $68.00. Good any day no blackout periods! Passes are not dated. Purchase ahead for use anytime
**Is Southern California in your Spring Break plans?
February 2012
better understanding of the in becoming more successful many ways they as women can Farm Bureau volunteers. The By Aurline Boyack, life-changing skills that help influence their family relation- conference will also provide Womens Committee Coordinator improve our most important ships, impact their community practical information which There is still time to register relationships. and help preserve their agri- can be useful in each attendfor the upcoming 2012 Annual ees personal and family life, Other presenters will include cultural heritage. Farm Bureau Womens Lead- Leland Hogan, President of the The conference will begin summarizes Belva Parr, State ership Conference scheduled Utah Farm Bureau, Belva Parr, with quilt block and registra- Womens Committee Chair. I for Wednesday & Thursday, recently appoint- tion check-in at 10:15 a.m. on encourage every Farm Bureau February 22-23. ed State Womens Wednesday and conclude on woman to set aside time to atThe conference Committee Chair, Thursday at 2 p.m. Wednes- tend the conference. It will be will be held at the Sterling Brown, day evening will be on your time well spent. CottonTree Inn Invite your friends who are Farm Bureau Vice own. at 10695 South The State Womens Com- not currently Farm Bureau President of Public Auto Mall Dr. in Policy, Kim Farah, mittee has worked hard to put members or Farm Bureau volSandy. LDS Church Pub- together a conference agen- unteers, register today and The keynote lic Affairs Media da which provides insight- come ready to discover how speaker for Manager and Lyndi ful information to assist us Women Make a Difference. the conference Perry, Agriculture Cost of the conference is $22.00 per attendee. Please call will be Matt in the Classroom Aurline Boyack at 801-233-3010 before February 10 to Townsend, ComMedia Specialist. register for the conference. Hotel accommodations at the munication and Thursdays activRelationship ExCottonTree Inn are $74.00 per night per room for up to four ities include a trip pert. Townsend Guests. Continental breakfast is included. Please call the Matt Townsend to the State Capitol is the host of the Matt hotel at 801-523-8484 and ask for a reservation in the Farm for visits with State LegTownsend Show on KSL Ra- islators. Farm Bureau County Bureau Group # 902644. To guarantee a room at the $74.00 dio every Saturday morning Presidents and Farm Bureau rate, please make your reservation prior to February 10, 2012. and frequent contributor to Women will then host a lunch KSL TVs morning show, Stu- for all State Legislators. dio 5. Through entertainment Conference attendees will and humor, Townsend teaches leave the conference with a
Women make the difference
USU and the University of Nevada are planning a series of workshops intended for owners, operators and successors of farming and ranching operations that are planning to transition their operation to successors. Attendees will develop a business succession plan across the four-day workshop. Workshop topics include retirement planning, communication building, exploring motivations, resolving family conflicts, identifying priorities, goal setting, estate planning and multiple generation strategic business planning. The workshop will provide farming families the opportunity to explore options and processes
USU & U. of Nevada plan estate and farm transition planning workshop
ranch to the next generation or other successor. This workshop provides the setting, instructors, and resources to stimulate conversations farm families should have when considering a multiple generation farm business. Registration cost is $290 per farm or ranch (up to four people) and $50 for each additional person. Breakfast, lunch, breaks all materials are included for the four-day workshop. For more information contact Kynda Curtis at 435-797-0444 or kynda.curtis@usu.edu. Salt Lake City, Utah: February 17-18 and March 14-15, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites Salt
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Money Matters
A special column for the Utah Farm Bureau News provided by USU Extension
$ $
February 2012
al., 2010, p. 8). Some of these programs include learning how to manage your mortgage, increase savings accounts, or take advantage of employersponsored benefits. Employers often provide financial management classes for employees. In addition to increased financial knowledge, employees received benefits from these educational programs including improved job performance, decreased absenteeism and fewer medical problems (Hira, et al., 2010, p. 8.) Whether the class is offered by an educational organization like Utah State University Extension, a banking institution or your employer, taking advantage of it can help you plan and achieve your financial goals. More informed consumers are able to more effectively manage their finances and as a result become more financially stable and secure.
Can you do a little better with your finances?

By Marilyn K. Albertson, M.S., CFCS, Utah State University Extension, Associate Professor Family & Consumer Sciences, Salt Lake County
As the New Year unfolds, now is a great time to take a look at your finances and start some habits that can help you do a little better. First, review your financial goals... what would you like to have happen this year financially? Involve all family members in the review so everyone can work together to achieve them. Second, ask yourself some questions: Can you save a little more? Can you spend a little less? Can you pay a little more on a bill? Can you wait a little longer to make a purchase? Can you ask for a little better deal at the store? Third: take some steps to manage your money in a healthy manner to achieve your goals. 4 Smart Financial Habits to try: Track Your Spending: both income and expenses. Keeping track of your daily and monthly expenses lets you see what you are spending your money on and how much you are spending. This is a way to see where you can cut costs and how you can prioritize where you want your money to go. Then you
can design a budget to support your goals and needs. Pay Yourself First: No matter how much you earn, try to set aside a portion of your income to save each pay period or month. Do it before paying your bills, buying necessities or funding your wants. That way you can build up an emergency fund. Recommended is 3-6 months of income set aside for periods of unemployment, illness or for other unexpected expenses. Prioritize Expenses: When setting a budget, make sure your necessities are covered first, such as groceries, vehicle maintenance and insurance, housing (rent or mortgage), and utilities. If you have other debts such as loans or credit cards, there are a number of ways to prioritize their payments and depend on each persons unique situation; for example, debt payments may be prioritized by whether or not they have a co-signer, collateral, high interest rates, or no collateral. Tools for managing your debts can be found at http:/ powerpay.org or http:// www.mymoney.gov/tools. html, or contact a financial counselor for assistance.
Source: Financial Education: Iowa State Professor Offers Insight into Improving Money Fourth: Take advantage Management Iowa State Univerof a financial management sity Dept of Human and Famclass. Recently Dr. Tahira Hira, ily Studies, Financial Counseling Professor, Iowa State Univer- Clinic, Dec 2010 Monthly Finansity, Dara Duguay, former Di- cial Newsletter; Association for rector, Citis Office of Financial Financial Planning, Counseling Education & Jane Schuchardt, and Education Newsletter, The Consultant, Personal Finance Standard. 3rd Quarter 2010, Volume 28, No. 3.
(Source: 4 Smart Financial Habits Iowa State University Dept of Human and Family Studies, Financial Counseling Clinic, Dec 2010 Monthly Financial Newsletter)
Pay Your Bills On Time: First, if you have credit cards or loans, ontime payments are recorded in good standing on your credit report. Second, some expenses such as utilities or phone services ONLY show up on your credit report if you are late, so paying these expenses on time also avoids damage to your credit score. In addition, you wont have to worry about late payment fees, increased interest rates, or other charges if you pay your bills on time.
Education and Research wrote an article entitled Educate or Regulate? Why Should We Teach about Money? published in the Association for Financial Planning, Counseling and Education Newsletter. They stated that formal financial education programs have a positive effect on specific financial management behaviors (Hira, et
Bureau members that USDA would continue to listen to their concerns and would work with other federal departments and agencies on regulatory issues HONOLULU Agriculture cultural exports amounted to with potential impacts on rural Secretary Tom Vilsack delivered $137.4 billion, which led to a $42 America, including dust and a clear message to farmers and billion farm trade surplus, and youth labor rules. ranchers attending the USDA is working as agriAmerican Farm Bureau cultures partner on a wide Federations 93rd Anrange of essential services nual Meeting. across the board, Vilsack Agriculture and rusaid, ranging from resource ral America matter, and conservation and agriculno group understands tural financing to crop insurthat better than the ance and rural development. men and women who Vilsack praised agricullead Farm Bureau, ture for its role in keeping Vilsack said. the nation strong, saying Vilsack also had high that the unemployment rate Photo courtesy of AFBF praise for agriculture is dropping more quickly in as being responsible USDA Secretary Vilsack addresses Farm Bureau rural America than any other for one in every 12 jobs members at the annual meeting in Hawaii. sector of our country. in America, and he foTo help keep agriculture rocused on the need to address direct support for more than 1 bust, Vilsack outlined several challenges facing the United million American jobs, accord- essential points that he considStates and the world. ing to Vilsack. ers vital to the next farm bill, Last year, American agriThe secretary pledged to Farm including:
Sec. Vilsack praises agriculture, Farm Bureau members
February 2012
11
Providing an adequate safety net when it is needed most, with a combination of provisions including crop insurance and some form of revenue protection program. A continued focus on stewardship and conservation programs, with added flexibility and the ability to leverage federal funds to the fullest extent possible. Provisions to continue promoting and expanding international trade for agriculture. A well-funded research effort to continue a trend that saw agriculture rank second in productivity gains among all economic sectors since 1980. Better support programs for beginning farmers, including programs to
Vilsack continued on pg 28
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On the edge of common sense
BAxTeR BlACk

getting bucked off or run over, plowed down, drug through the cattails, trampled, stomped or butted, is funny! Im not sure why. I can think of two possible explanations; #1 -The Cowboy Mentality and #2 - the Cow herself The Cowboy Mentality is an attitude, a view of life, an ability to focus so intently on one thing that other parts of the picture are blocked out. Like hes standing on a railroad track at night, concentrating on the headlamp so hard he does not see the locomotive behind it! This tunnel vision Cowboy Mentality makes it feasible for cowboys to step right into an obvious trap that others would normally avoid. It often starts with the cowboy saying, Whataya mean I cant ride that horse? or Go ahead and let off on the squeeze, I think I can hold her! or Dont worry, dogs really like me. Then you mix this mentality with #2, the Humble Cow. There is a fine line between the Fight or Flight behavioral mechanism in the bovine. But the cowboy always seems to be straddling the divide with a leg on either side when the cow makes her decision, Fight or Flight? Either way the cowboy gets run over so it all works out. Thus, its the idea that one of Gods dumbest creatures seems to regularly outwit our cowboy Hero, and that makes it funny! On the other hand, farmer wrecks are always about machinery. Hanging your Carhartt coverall sleeve in the PTO and being stripped naked in a nanosecond or getting run down by a robotic controlled chemical spraying drone, doesnt really illicit large guffaws. So thats why I dont write more farmer poetry. Of course, theres always the one about the farmers daughter!
Baxter Black: Why no farmer poetry?

Cowboy poetry is one of my efforts. I do my best but sometimes when I am in the corn belt or entertaining the Western Pistachio Growers, Im asked why I dont do more farmer poetry? I try to explain to them that cowboy poetry is about wrecks; horse wrecks, cow wrecks, sheep wrecks, dog wrecks, financial wrecks, Tyrannosaurus wrecks, the never-ending wrecks. For instance, when someone tells a story about a horse buckin over the haystack and dumping the cowboy into the pig pen, or a rancher missing a cow in the chute then getting run over while hes trying to check her teeth, or the vet wrapping the calving chain over his wrist then looping the other end over the nearly-born calfs feet followed by the inevitable escape, or the mama cow chasing the cowboy around the pickup and through the cab whilst he tries to ear tag said calfeverybody listening is laughing their heads off! For some reason a cowboy
Deadline approaching for 2012 farm energy audits
February 2012
With Americas farmers continuing to face high energy costs, help is on the way in the form of Headquarters Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMPs), commonly called onfarm energy audits. Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding is available through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for farm energy audits and equipment upgrades. Farm energy audits can generally identify energy savings between 10% and 35% of total energy use, which enables farmers to take more control of their energy use and increase their energy independence. Producers must act quickly in order to secure their AgEMP for 2012. Farmers should call or visit their local NRCS office to verify application deadlines and apply for the AgEMP. EnSave is a registered Technical Service Provider for NRCS and has provided thousands of farm energy audits over its 20year history. The AgEMP includes a review of current energy use for all fuels, specific recommendations for energy efficiency, and payback periods for recommended equipment. The AgEMP can also be used to access additional NRCS funding for implementation of energy efficient equipment. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS office to learn more about the process or to apply for an AgEMP.
February 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging congressional members to oppose legislation that would restrict the use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry. In letters to Senate and House members, AFBF said the legislation would handicap veterinarians and farmers in their efforts to maintain animal health and protect the nations food supply. Farm Bureau members use antibiotics carefully, judiciously and according to label instructions to treat, prevent and control disease in their flocks and herds, said AFBF President Bob Stallman. These products are critically important to the health and welfare of the animals and to the safety of the food produced from these animals. AFBF went further to say that antibiotic use in animals does not pose a serious public health threat. Proponents of the bill suggest that antibiotic use could constitute a public health threat through antibiotic-resis-
Farm Bureau urges Zak & Marcy Miller of Cache County earn Top 10 finish at 2012 AFBF convention Congress to reject antibiotic restrictions
tant bacteria in animals being passed along, creating a similar resistance in humans, said Stallman. However, in more than 40 years of antibiotics being used to treat animals, such a public health threat has not arisen, and recent government data shows the potential that one might occur is declining. Increased use of improved food safety technologies over the past several years has contributed to decreased bacteria survival in food processing/handling and in foodborne illnesses. Further, data indicates development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals is stable, and food-borne bacteria resistance in humans is declining, Stallman said. In fact, recent research indicates using antibiotics to keep animals healthy reduces the incidence of foodborne pathogens in meat. Pending bills H.R. 965 (House) and S. 1211 (Senate) would remove specific antibiotics and classes of antibiotics that are important for use in animals from the market.
Zak and Marcy Miller of Richmond, Cache County were recognized in the Top 10 in the Young Farmer & Rancher Excellence in Agriculture Award at the AFBF national convention . The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural o p e rat io n , b u t who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Were really happy to have made it as far as we did in the competition, Zak Miller said. There were some really great competitors from throughout the country. Making it in the top 10 is really an honor. Having won the Utah Farm Bureaus Excellence in Agriculture Award in November, the Miller family qualified to compete with other state winners from around the country. Young farmers and ranchers from around the country competed for the award by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry. For their Utah Farm Bureau award, Zak and Marcy received a 2012 Polaris Trailboss ATV check on behalf of General Motors, a years insurance policy from Farm Bureau Financial Services for the ATV, and an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau convention in Honolulu, Hawaii where
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of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. We dont have the same numbers involved in agriculture as they traditionally do in states like California, Iowa and Tennessee, so its great to see Utahs young people recognized. The Millers are known in the region as advocates for agriculture. Zak is able to bring together his love for animals both agricultural and domestic through his work as an animal nutritionist the Millers represented for Cargill Animal Health Utah in the Excellence in Cache County. Both in Agriculture award Zak and Marcy come from agricultural backgrounds in competition. Its fantastic to have a Idaho, with Marcy having young farming couple from grown up on a dairy farm Utah recognized among and Zaks family having our countrys finest, said raised beef cattle, wheat Leland Hogan, president and potatoes.
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Scenes from the American Farm Bureau Convention

Honolulu, Hawaii. January 6-10, 2012
February 2012
A.J. Ferguson, UFBF Vice President of Farm Young Farmers & Ranchers (L to R): Brandon Safety, looks over the safety display during the Yardley (Beaver), Hollie Henrie (Sevier), Jake trade show of the AFBF convention. Harward (Utah) and Brett Bunker (Millard) catch up at the trade show.
Salt Lake County Farm Bureau member Darryl Lehmitz takes in the Case IH display during the trade show break at convention.
Kane Countys John Reese (standing) competes Sevier County Farm Bureau member Marc during the first round of the YF&R Discussion Henrie reads to a elementary school class in Meet in Hawaii. Honolulu as part of his duties with the AFBF YF&R Committee.
Millard County Farm Bureau member Clyde Bunker (right) visits with an Iowa Farm Bureau member in between conference sessions in Honolulu.
Outgoing Utah State Womens Committee Chair Ruth Roberts (center) receives recognition from AFBF President Bob Stallman and AFBF Womens Committee Chair Terry Gilbert for her years of service.
Jason Christensen, (center, facing) of Sanpete County, and his wife Carlee visit with fellow Sanpete County Farm Bureau members Mike and Karen Hansen during breakfast at the Utah Farm Bureaus post-convention hotel.
Incoming Utah State Womens Committee Chair Belva Parr (right) visits with Jane Ashby, UFBF Director of Finance, at the UFBF breakfast in Hawaii.
Harmful impacts on ag from climate change doubtful according to Heartland Institute

house. He also explained that increases in precipitation would be found more frequently during the hotter and drier seasons
February 2012
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HONOLULU Record yields trend, and it applies globally too, for staple crops in the United as global grain harvests have States and globally in recent nearly tripled since 1961. Climate years seem to contradict any fear is not the only factor, but even that agriculture will be negative- if we accept global warming is a ly impacted by increasing climate temperaAlong the Countryside tures according Matt Hargreaves Vice President- Communications to James Taylor, Senior Fellow -for the Heartland Institute and Managing Edi- problem, its clearly not inhibittor of Environment and Climate ing crop production. News. According to data presented by Beyond debating the issue of Taylor, computer models have whether or not global climate incorrectly accounted for certain change is actually taking place climate patterns over the recent and who is to blame, Taylor ad- decades, and data has shown dressed the issue of any potential fewer and less severe periods of impacts on agriculture and what drought and less severe flooding effect any legislation or regula- on a global scale. Taylor also contion could have. ceded that there would certainly Since 2007 weve seen record be regional exceptions, but on yields in production per acre a larger scale, climate patterns in edible beans, cotton, alfalfa, could prove to be quite suitable esweet potatoes, canola, corn, for agriculture. Referencing research done by -hops, rice, wheat and more. This pretty much covers all the major the International Journal of s crops in the U.S. If were fac- Climatology, Taylor explained ing a global warming crisis, its that the journal found soil to be certainly not showing up there, warmer and wetter, similar to the Taylor said. This is a long-term conditions of a gardeners green-
increases in temperature were not believed to be detrimental to crops, Taylor suggested that the greater threat to agriculture could come in the form of regulations regarding livestock production. Taylor referenced the United Nations figure in which livestock accounted for 18 percent of all global greenhouse gases a number greater than that of the transportation industry.
James Taylor of the Heartland Institute shared research indicating favorable conditions for agriculture; however, ranching could face threats of EPA regulation.
Photo by Matt Hargreaves
These groups promoting climate change agendas will go at ranchers after the SUVs. Livestock interests cant just be ignored, Taylor said. If were going to have restrictions in name of global warming caused by humans, we certainly need to have a better scientific case that well face unprecedented climatic conditions; and these incredibly horrendous consequences will need to happen in the real world before we jump off the cliff with things such as cap & trade, carbon taxes, or restrictions on a particular industry like livestock.
of the year rather than during the spring and thus avoiding the time of year more prone to flooding. While the effects on potential
Taylor further suggested that while the Waxman-Markey climate change bill failed in the U.S. Senate, the greater threat to agriculture may come in the form of regulations by the EPA or by individual states.
Farmers must learn to talk consumers language
HONOLULU People are talking about food, and farmers and ranchers need to take the lead in the conversation, Melissa Kinch and Keith Yazmir, members of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliances communications team, told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federae tions 93rd Annual Meeting. - Opening a dialogue with conFsumers is an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to restore and build on the publics trust in how food is grown and raised. You cant build trust if you
ground and steer the conversation toward food. Next, acknowledge peocant have a conversation, ac- them. Ask a fellow traveler at the ples worries about the food cording to Kinch, senior vice airport, Where are you headed? theyre feeding their families, president of Ketchum Commu- Tread lightly, find common but dont take on the persona nications. of a professor whose task it is to Kinch and Yazmir outeducate. lined four steps that will A farmers and ranchers help farmers and ranchers job is to answer those legitimove out of combat mode mate questions with truthful, and have a constructive transparent answers, Kinch conversation about what explained. One of the best ways they do and why they do it. growers can do that is by sharing The four steps are engage, Photo courtesy of AFBF what they do on their farms and acknowledge, share and Melissa Kinch of Ketchum Communicaranches. Addressing consumers tions talked to Farm Bureau members earn trust, or E.A.S.E. real concerns will go a long way Growers should start by about the need to build relationships with UsFra continued on pg 29 engaging the people around the non-farming public.
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Pointing out that Utah is the second most arid state in the nation, there are many animal and poultry operations that simply have no potential to discharge and therefore should not be required to report to EPA. In fact, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that there must be an actual discharge to trigger the CWA requirement to file for a permit. If there is no discharge no permit is required. Conversely, if there is a discharge with or without a permit then there is a violation of law and regulatory authorities are engaged. Collecting information on all livestock and poultry operations or even limited collection to certain watersheds makes too much information about farmers and ranchers operations available to the public. This greatly raises the risk that these farm and ranch families will experience malicious acts of violence and intimidation by activists. In Utah, we have seen violence against mink producers and threats against livestock operations legally grazing on the public lands. Agro-Terrorism is a legitimate concern for food producers. In December, 14 cattle trucks belonging to a California cattle operation were fire bombed by an animal
CAFO
February 2012
activist group. To deal with this very real threat against Americas food security, Congress in 2006 passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act to focus on domestic bioterrorism. A national registry, as included in the EPA proposal, creates an unacceptable biosecurity risk and is inconsistent with federal law aimed a protecting the nations food supply from acts of terrorism. The EPA reporting requirements would also put the animals health in danger. When people go onto farms unauthorized, even without malicious intent and fail to follow strict animal health protocols, the risk of disease and death for the animals increases exponentially the Utah Farm Bureau statement points out. Utah, with state primacy in water quality matters, has implemented a successful partnership between state regulators and animal agriculture helping address potential water pollution problems originating from livestock and poultry operations. Utah Farm Bureau is recommending the EPA withdraw the proposed CAFO Section 308 reporting rules and as an alternative work with state agencies and better utilize already available information.
amount of data collected from the nations livestock and poultry operations not only exceeds the agencys authority under the CWA, it creates major security, safety and privacy concerns for farmers and ranchers, according to the Utah Farm Bureaus comments. According to the terms of a court-ordered settlement agreement with environmentalists, EPA is proposing gathering detailed information from animal agriculture operations across America, including locations, the number and types of animals, contact information, the number of acres where manure could be applied and whether the operation has a Clean Water Act permit. EPAs proposal offers two options: First, collect information from all animal operations nationwide or second, identify certain watersheds and increase the reporting requirements. In comments submitted January 19th by the Utah Farm Bureau along with the American Farm Bureau and dozens of other farm and ranch organizations numerous reasons were laid out why the groups oppose the agencys regulatory plan.
February 2012
Government taking private property

quire access to their land for a residence or farm. An agency can take land for a public use. The term public use generally means the property will be

not mean that the property must be owned by a government entity. Many uses have been statutorily designated by the Utah legislature as a public use even though they appear private in nature. Property can be in private ownership after condemnation, and used for power lines and private community even if the property owner refuses to sell or cannot agree with the government on the amount of just compensation to be paid. When negotiations to acquire the property fail and an agreement cannot be reached, the agency can proceed in court to acquire the property. The property owner has the right to use an alternative dispute resolution process outside of court, if preferred, but some third party entity will eventually determine the amount of just compensation. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution states that nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. The Utah Constitution includes similar language. It reads that private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation. Agencies must follow federal and state law when taking land by condemnation or
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The State of Utah, through legislation, has delegated its condemnation powers to various agencies, political subdivisions, and even private companies. These include the Utah Department of Transportation, cities, counties, special service districts, redevelopment agencies, and school districts. Private corporations such as public utilities, canal, mining and lumber companies and railroads can use the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for a public purpose. Even land-locked private property owners can use eminent domain to ac-
Practical Policy
Sterling Brown Vice President- Public Policy
used or available for public use after it is acquired. Examples of such public uses include condemnation for roads, schools, parks, public buildings, or to eliminate a blighted area and accomplish redevelopment. Public use does
canals, railroads, mines and other uses so long as the condemnation was to accomplish a public use as defined in statute. It may be necessary in certain situations that private property be acquired for projects that improve the general welfare of the
The Panoramaland RC&D has announced the development of the Utah Prairie Dog Habitat Credits Exchange Program (UPDHCEP) and the establishment of a Utah prairie dog habitat credit bank. The bank allows developers and private landowners to purchase habitat credits, permitting clearance in perpetuity for development or sale of lands encumbered by the Utah prairie dog a species listed as threatened under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. The UPDHCEP is one facet of a multi-pronged effort working towards habitat and species conservation and future delisting
Utah Prairie Dog habitat credit bank established by RC&D credit sysRICHFIELD, Utah of the Utah prairie dog. based recovery
The UPDHCEP creates a market for the conservation of the species, speeds permitting time for developers and municipalities, reduces conflicts, and provides financial incentives for private agricultural producers to voluntarily preserve habitat through acquisition of conservation easements. These easements protect Utah prairie dog habitat in its current use as agricultural land and will sustain its continued use as pastureland in perpetuity. The current mitigation system is limited and inadequate in its ability to provide sufficient and timely clearance to developers. This innovative market-
tem for the Utah prairie dog will substantially advance recovery prospects for this species by facilitating private agricultural producer involvement and assigning the greatest credit to habitats with the greatest contribution to recovery. The RC&D, in partnership with the Color Country RC&D Council, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, and other participants from federal, state and local governments and private entities has worked over the last several years to create and implement the UPDHCEP. For more information and a YouTube video visit the RC&D PRESS ROOM at panoramalandrcd.org.
eminent domain. Federal and state laws require that a property owner be paid just compensation for the property taken. Just compensation means that you are to be paid the fair market value of any property actually taken by the agency as well as any net loss of value in the property remaining when only a portion of a larger parcel is acquired. Although that concept may appear simple, its application is sometimes very complex. Each piece of property is unique and just compensation must be determined on a caseby-case basis. Just compensation may include amounts for land value and improvements, severance damages, project damages to property and temporary occupation of the property. The courts may also consider whether there is any benefit given to your property because of the taking and offset that amount from the just compensation.
TakiNGs continued on pg 29
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known. Justice Antonin Sca- from government abuse. John lia, from New Jersey, followed Locke, the 17th century English the 17-mile Great Falls reach up by asserting that the state philosopher, argued the role documented by the 1805 Lewis helped PPL Montana to gain the of government brings men to& Clark Expedition that took necessary private streambeds gether for the mutual preserva32 days to portage, a relatively needed on the three Montana tion of their lives, liberties and short interruption that did not rivers to build their dams and property. Influenced by Locke, adversely affect actual use at even helped with Federal En- Americas Founders viewed the statehood. A Meriwether Lewis ergy Regulatory Commission security of property as the principle function of government. journal entry presented to the licensing. From a legal standpoint, the John Adams declared, Property justices suggests the Missouri PPL Montana case and Stop must be secured or liberty canRiver is a fine example of a navigable river. Justice Anthony the Beach Renourishment vs. not exist. Utah Farm Bureau views the Kennedy, one of two California Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2010) PPL Montana appeal as a propnatives on the court quipped, erty rights case. But the Did he write that during taking will hinge on the his 32-day portage? U.S. Supreme Courts Friend of the court view of navigability. briefs submitted to Montana liberalized the court included navigable for title usUtah Farm Bureau and ing modern watercraft Mountain States Legal like wave-runners as Foundation arguing the a proxy for flatboats need for certainty of on the Missouri River title. Where states like in 1889 and calling Montana have ignored the 17-mile Great Falls exercising an ownerreach a minor inconship claim under Equal venience for a highFooting for more than way of commerce for 100 years, owners of trade and transportastreambed properties have naturally formed Utah Farm Bureau President Leland Hogan (left) and CEO tion. Ultimately, the expectations and madeRandy Parker visit the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case crit-U.S. Supreme Court investment decisions.ical to private property rights in Utah and in other portionsmay ignore the property taking issue and Farmers and municipali-of the western U.S. only define navigability ties along all three rivers have developed diversions to address similar concerns of remanding the case back to the irrigate crops and provide culi- judicial takings. There exists Montana courts. If the Montana action is alnary and industrial water. PPL a temptation for state courts to transfer property from private lowed to stand, other states will Montana made the decision to invest hundreds of millions of individuals to the state without surely follow with their own dollars in 10 dams and power paying just compensation. The judicial takings. Utah anglers alplants based on ownership fact the state of Montana made ready have their case queued up expectations and a foundation no effort to claim title for more on the Weber River. They argue U.S. Supreme Courts decision than 100 years, nor did they seek that the occasional floating of in Leo Sheep Co. vs. United to charge rent lends credibility railroad ties during spring high States (1979) declaring there is to PPL Montanas claim of op- water before statehood meets a special need for certainty and portunism by the state. In Stop the navigable for title standard. With the U. S. Supreme Court predictability where land titles the Beach Renourishment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars decision due out in June, well are concerned. Bronx-born Justice Sonia the state, including state courts, soon know if a century of priSotomayor, one of four New from taking private property vate ownership, investment, development and paying propYork justices, asked about the without paying for it. Escaping the tyranny of the erty taxes outweighs kayaking, extraordinary long period, excrown, our Founding Fathers fly-fishing and the Conatser ceeding 120 years and why the state of Montana didnt make an were articulate in their view recreational entitlement decree. ownership claim or its interest of protecting private property
PARKER
HONOLULU State Farm Bureaus were recognized for excellence in membership achievement and for implementing outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau members in 2011. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman presented the awards during AFBFs 93rd Annual Meeting. Stallman announced winners of the Pinnacle Award, for overall outstanding program achievement combined with membership growth. The Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee and Virginia Farm Bureaus received Pinnacle Awards. The Awards for Excellence and the Presidents Awards were presented in five program areas: Agriculture Education and Promotion Leadership Development Member Services Policy Implementation Public Relations and Information
State Farm Bureaus recognized for excellence
February 2012
Utah was recognized with four Awards for Excellence in Agriculture Education and Promotion, Leadership Development, Policy Implementation, and Public Relations & Information. A total of 26 Presidents Awards were presented. These are the best of the best awards presented for excellence in each of the five program areas to states by membership category size. Utah Farm Bureau earned one of the five presidents awards.
February 2012
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February 2012
Utah Farm Bureau CEO Randy Parker (left) visits with Cowboy Poet and humorist Baxter Black at the Utah Young Farmer & Rancher conference that was held in Midway, Wasatch County January 27-28. Black talked to more than 200 attendees about how to laugh more about the things that go on in farming and ranching life. Himself a Farm Bureau member in Arizona, Black also expressed his appreciation for what farmers & ranchers do everyday. The conference also featured a media training session on how to improve the way farmers and ranchers work with the media and breakouts on grazing improvement, financing options for young farmers, and a tour of the Kohler creamery in Midway.
Wasatch FFA Chapter member Joe Harward (right) makes his opening statement during the finals of the FFA Discussion Meet, which took place during the Utah YF&R Conference in Wasatch County. Harward won the discussion meet and was awarded an iPad. The Sweet 16 and Final Four of the discussion meet took place at the conference. Also included as Final Four contestants were Travis Cann from South Summit FFA, Bradie Jones from North Summit FFA, and Morgan Miller from North Sevier FFA.
February 2012
By Lynne Finnerty, AFBF News
Utah Farm Bureau wins My American Farm kiosk
s , h n k s m
Music, Hawaiian food, hula dancers, leisand a My American Farm kiosk giveawaythose were the attractions at the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultures luau Jan. 9 at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. My American Farm is the Foundations online, interactive educational program developed to engage young people, teachers and parents through games, fun family activities and educator resources. The resources are available for free online and at mobile kiosks that have been distributed around the country via state and county Farm Bureaus. A few kiosks were placed throughout the Hawaii Convention Center, the location of the American Farm Bureau Federations 93rd annual meeting, so members could check
and Steve Brody, foundation board member and director of global biotechnology affairs and industry relations for Pioneer Hi-Bred, were brought on stage to draw the out the games and other educawinner of the kiosk. They were actional resources. companied by an impressive array of Polynesian Cultural Center staff dressed in authentic garb, lit tiki torches and dramatic drum beat. As the smoke cleared, the Utah Farm Bureau Federation was declared the winner of the My American Photo courtesy of AFBF Farm kiosk. Salt Lake County FB member Selma Lehmitz checks out the Our womens My American Farm kiosk at the AFBF convention in Hawaii committee will be meeting to plan At the foundation luau, state how to fully take advantage of this Farm Bureaus were entered into great opportunity, including geta drawing for a mobile kiosk, with ting it in front of young students their number of tickets in the drawas well as the teachers in our state, ing based on the number of tickets said Belva Parr, State Womens their members bought to the luau. Committee chair for UFBF. We AFBF President Bob Stallman
are just grateful for this opportunity to further our Ag in the Classroom efforts. Over the last year, the foundation has expanded My American Farm. The site now offers 15 interactive, educational games. New educator resources, such as videos, e-comics, lessons and fun family activities, expand the sites reach to students and parents. An interactive toolkit also was added to offer educators and volunteers a one-stop resource to get the most out of My American Farm. We are proud to support innovative programs like My American Farm because we believe resources like this can help farmers engage in conversations to share information about how they are growing more food using fewer resources, said Brody. Visit www.myamericanfarm. org to learn more about how My American Farm can help farmers and ranchers share their story about how agriculture serves consumers and the nation.
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United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Utah Field Office
Se Necesitan Hispanos Agricultores Y Ganaderos de Utah

Asegrese de que se Cuentan
Censo de Agricultura 2012 Si usted es un Hispano agricultor o ganadero de Utah, necesitamos su informacin. Se conduce el Censo de Agricultura cada 5 aos para recoger y proporcionar informacin sobre todos los aspectos de la agronoma y ganadara. La oficina de Utah del Servicio Nacional de Estadsticas de Agricultura (NASS) de USDA quiere asegurarse de contar a todos los agricultores y ganaderos de Utah en el Censo de Agricultura 2012 y especialmente est pidiendo a operadores Hispanos dar su informacin de contacto para recibir un formulario del Censo de Agricultura y ser contado. Por favor comunquese con la oficina de NASS de Utah y den su nombre, domicilio, y nmero de telfono, al (800) 747-8522, fax al (801) 524-3090, enviar por correo electrnico a nass-ut@nass.usda.gov , o mandar por correo al PO Box 25007, Salt Lake city, Utah 84125-9907 o puedan ir al sitio del internet www.agcounts.usda.gov/cgi-bin/counts y bajar su informacin de contacto. Bajo la ley Ttulo 7 del cdigo de EE.UU, la informacin proporcionada es completamente confidencial y no ser compartida con ninguna otra entidad del gobierno o privada. Se mandarn por correo los formularios para la coleccin de datos empezando en diciembre de 2012.
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February 2012
February 2012
normal conversation. Immediate access to fresh water, an anhydrous ammonia respirator, rubber Answer the questions below to & see how you score gloves and goggles can minimize operator 1. Does your tractor have a rollover its intended use is taking an extra risk. injury in the event of an accidental release of protective structure (ROPS), either a 5. Are tow chains always hitched to anhydrous ammonia. rollover structure on an open tractor the drawbar? Are safety chains hooked 8. Does the load match the tractor? or a cab with a built-in ROPS and a securely with just enough slack for Its easy to lose control of a tractor when its seatbelt? proper turning? going downhill with a heavy load. This has Other than safe-operating procedures, Hitching chains to the axle or seat bracket caused many fatalities. Never haul a load that having a ROPS and wearing a seatbelt is the anywhere besides the drawbarputs you is heavier than the tractor if you expect to go single most important thing that you can do at risk for a rear turnover of the tractor. up or down a hill. On level ground, the load to ensure operator Numerous tractors should be no more than twice as heavy as the safety. have flipped over, tractor. Brakes on towed trailers reduce the 2. Is the PTO frequently killing risk of losing control. Farm Safety shielded? Proper the operator, 9. Are braking and steering A.J. Ferguson Vice President- Farm Safety shielding will because chains were mechanisms, gauges and lights working cover the tractor hitched too high on properly? P T O shaf t an d the tractor when Faulty steering and braking can cause all U-joints and trying to pull out a accidents, especially during road transport. shafts. stuck tractor, logs or stumps. Always hook The tractor should stop in a straight line when Most tractors now have a sturdy PTO to the drawbar and use a clevis when hitching both brakes are locked together. master shield, but a shield on the PTO a chain. Lights must be in good working condition shaft wont do you much good if joints and Hitch safety chains securely, leaving just to be able to see and avoid obstacles at night. implement shafts from the tractor to the enough slack so turning is not affected, but Faulty gauges can result in a damaged engine. machine are exposed. not loose enough so that they can catch on 10. Do you check all fluid levels, fan 3. Does the tractor have front-end an obstruction. Tractors have occasionally belts, tire pressures and hydraulic lines and rear-wheel weights that can be flipped over because a safety chain has caught for fluid leaks before every use? mounted when needed? on a rock or stump. Underinflated tires develop internal damage. The center of gravity on a tractor with a 6. Are the steps and platform clean Overinflated tires are more susceptible to front-end loader moves forward and upward, and free of loose tools and other debris? mechanical damage from rocks, stumps, etc., causing the tractor to be unstable and prone Snow, ice or mud on steps can cause you and make the front wheels bounce on rough to a sideways overturn. Rear wheel weights to slip and fall. A fall can result in a serious ground which can cause you to lose steering or ballast adds stability to tractors with a injury. control. front-end loader. Always transport with Chains, tools or other loose objects on Hydraulic lines should be checked before the front-end loader in the lowest possible the platform can slide around and obstruct each use by passing a piece of cardboard position. access to the clutch, brakes or other controls. along them. Never use your hand to check Front-end weights reduce the risk of a Stepping on obstacles can cause a slip when for hydraulic leaks; high-pressure fluid can backward flip-over by counter-balancing dismounting. penetrate your skin and cause a permanent heavy rear mounted loads or when towing 7. Is the tractor equipped with an injury even though it may not show or cause loads in hilly areas. Once the front of a ABC rated fire extinguisher, a first-aid pain. Seek medical attention if you suspect tractor leaves the ground, an operator has kit, dust mask, and ear plugs? When that hydraulic fluid has penetrated your skin. less than a second to prevent a backwards applying anhydrous ammonia (NH3), is Always release all pressure from hydraulic flip-over. A flip-over to the rear generally there fresh water and approved rubber systems before loosening any connections or kills the operator on a tractor without a gloves, an NH3 respirator and goggles fittings. ROPS. A minimum of 25 percent of the readily accessible? 11. Do you have a slow-moving tractors total weight should be on the front When you are out in the field or on the road, vehicle (SMV) emblem that is in good axle; even more if the tractor is operated on youre generally a long ways from emergency condition on the rear of the tractor and hilly ground. help. A fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit on all implements? Are lights on the 4. Are the tractor wheels set as can keep a small problem from turning into tractor and implements equipped with wide as possible for the job being a disaster. approved reflectors and lights? performed? Inhaling dust, chaff or other small particles Car and truck drivers must be able to see The broader the wheel base, the less likely can impair respiratory functions. Dust masks your tractor and equipment from a long the tractor is to turn over. Even with wheels will minimize exposures. Ear plugs will distance to allow them time to slow down at the widest possible setting there are some protect hearing functions on a noisy tractor. and pass. An SMV emblem must be clean tasks that tractors are not meant for, such as Research indicates that by age 60, about one- and shiny. herding cattle, joyriding or driving to town. third of all farmers have suffered a hearing Any use of a tractor for something other than loss that hinders their ability to carry on a See saFeTY on pg. 24
Is your tractor safe?
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SAFETY
HONOLULU Consumers try shrinking because of a lack of should expect little relief in the profitability, Mintert said. This price of a T-bone steak as cattle is an industry that has struggled producers continue to decrease to make money for a long time. SCORE YOURSELF their herds because of soaring A saving grace for the beef feed prices and a weak economy. industry is the export market, How many questions were you able to answer with a YES? Dr. James Mintert, professor which has rebounded from the of Ag Economics and assistant lows in 2004 when a case of 12--Excellent, youre the type of farmer who will likely not be forced director of Extension at Purdue bovine spongiform encephalopaoff the farm due to a tractor accident. Make plans to dance at your University, spoke thy was disgrandchilds wedding. today at the Amercovered in a ican Farm Bureau U.S. cow. The 9-11--Good, youre probably better than a lot of farmers. Take care Federations 93rd United States of the few loose ends and youll be ready for anything. Annual Meeting. is now a net beef exporter. High demand 5-8--Watch it, youre on thin ice. Dont wait to become a statistic. That has for ethanol has really helped forced the price 4 or less--Yikes, youre an accident waiting to happen. Fortunately of corn to nearly Photo courtesy of AFBF h o l d d o w n youre still around to read this. Take heed, you could become a double in the past Dr. James Mintert of Purdue University the number statistic. Reread these questions and take corrective measures. few years, driv- talked about how strong grain prices and of pounds we ing livestock pro- slow economic growth will impact live- put in front of consumers, duction costs up stock in 2012. Mintert said. and putting cattle The pork industry, on the producers in the red. Theyve responded by raising fewer cattle, other hand, is much healthier, as production has increased 30 according to Mintert. Beef producers are recoup- percent during the last 20 years ing production costs by putting in the United States and Canada. less meat on consumers plates, Pork producers face the same Mintert said. Fewer pounds challenges as beef concerning of meat mean higher prices feed costs, and like beef producers, are putting fewer pounds of throughout the system. From 1925 to 1975 the beef pork on consumer plates. The industry was relatively healthy, difference is pork exports. Today, Mintert explained, as demand almost one pound of pork in four and production grew with the goes to the export market. Export growth has helped population and income growth. The span from 1975 to 2011 looks pork see steady increases over a lot different, as the number of a long period of time, Mintert cattle dropped from 132 million said. Pork exports were up 15 percent this year over last year. head to 90 million in 2011. Thats the picture of an indus- They are up 54 percent compared to 2007.
12. Do you review safety procedures in the operators manual regularly? The operators manual is the best safety guide you have; use it often. Also, make sure that anyone who operates the equipment is familiar with the safe operation of the equipment.
Livestock outlook appears tight for 2012
February 2012
February 2012
The 9th Annual Diversified Agriculture Conference will be held in Layton on February 22-24, 2012. The conference will start on Wednesday afternoon with tours of local agriculture operations/businesses. The conference will then run Thursday morning through Friday afternoon. Since the conference is in northern Utah there will be some programming directed towards small farms and direct marketing, but as always there will be something there for everyone. I am really excited to be back in Northern Utah. It has been four years and many producers had been asking about it, said Ruby Ward, a Utah State University extension specialist and conference committee
Diversified Agriculture Conference set for Feb. 22-24 in Layton

chair. Layton will be really accessible to many farmers of northern Utah. The conference is funded in part from a grant through USDA-Risk Management Agency. Because of that the conference is a bargain as the registration fee only covers part of the food. The registration fee is $40 per person if you register by February 1st and $60 per person after that. The registration fee will cover five meals on Thursday and Friday. The program will include information on business plans, income tax issues, marketing, high tunnels, finance issues, and more. This conference covers all aspects of your operation from production topics to business management and marketing topics. The conference will start with farm tours on Wednesday afternoon. Sessions will run all day Thursday and will end on Friday at 3:00 p.m. The farm tours should be both educational and a lot of fun. For the details on what you will click the tours tab on the website. There are a lot of great sessions planned, including topics such as urban farming, high tunnel production, agritourism, beginning farmer programs, management and others For more information, visit www.DiverseAg.org for registration and all the latest information.
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AG AGENDA
to farm policy. Not only would the Farm Bureaus plan get rid of direct and countercyclical payments, it would eliminate the need for ad hoc disaster assistance for crops, which, as weve experienced in the past, offers no assurance to farmers when catastrophe happens. The Farm Bureau plan is the best possible solution for a new farm program. Its scalable depending on what the final budget is and could be utilized for all commodities as long as they are covered by crop insurance. But, most importantly, it offers farmers peace of mind that when the going really gets tough, they will have someone watching their back.
HONOLULU The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its fifth annual Book of the Year award to Chris Butterworth for How Did That Get In My Lunchbox? The Story of Food. The book shows young readers how each ingredient made its journey to their lunchbox. Illustrations, by Lucia Gaggiotti, highlight many aspects of farming and include information on food safety and nutrition. In the book, Butterworth shows her enthusiasm for food and for instilling in young readers an appreciation for our foods journey. The book has received numerous accolades. The School Library Journal called it a great springboard to units on
Foundation for Agriculture announces Book of the Year
food and nutrition. The Book of the Year award springs from the foundations effort to identify accurate ag books, a collection of more than 400 books for children and teenagers that accurately cover agricultural topics. In addition to their accuracy, Book of the Year selections are educational, reflect farmers and ranchers love for the land and what they do, create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers lives as well as tell the farmers story. The Accurate Ag Books database is available at: http://www.agfoundation.org/.
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HONOLULU National farm policy should be rewritten this year to establish a program that protects farmers from catastrophic revenue losses by using a flexible combination of fiscally responsible tools, said voting delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federations 93rd Annual Meeting. In approving the organizations farm policy for 2012, the farmers and ranchers endorsed a multipronged policy proposal, including a provision for catastrophic revenue loss protection that works with a flexible range of crop insurance products, as well as amending the current farm bills marketing loan provisions to better reflect market values. The adopted policy calls for a farm bill that provides strong and effective safety net and risk management programs that do not guarantee a profit and minimizes the potential for farm programs affecting production decisions. Our delegates approved a program to help farmers manage the many different types and levels of risk they face today, in particular catastrophic revenue losses that can threaten the viability of a farm or ranch, said AFBF President Bob Stallman. That is consistent with what we believe is the core mission of the federal farm program. Stallman was re-elected as AFBF president for a seventh two-year term. He is a cattle and rice producer from Columbus, Texas. In addition, Barry Bushue was re-elected to a third two-year term as AFBF vice
AFBF delegates approve flexible, fiscally sound farm policy

help producers deal with risk. One of the big advantages of the new AFBF farm policy position is that it offers a much simpler approach to farm program design than other farm policy proposals, according to Stallman. The AFBF farm policy also encourages farmers to manage their farms using available risk management tools. According to Stallman, farmers should be allowed and encouraged to make individual management decisions to purchase crop insurance coverage that suits their farms and individual levels of risk. Another positive aspect of the Farm Bureau farm policy through multiple programs proposal is that it can be applied for different commodities and to specialty crops. regions. Our new farm policy position Delegate action against the also includes the possibility of patchwork approach recog- providing a farm bill risk mannized that it is impossible to agement program for producensure equity between diverse ers of fruits and vegetables, programs for various commodi- Stallman said. This is just one ties, Stallman said. Without positive aspect of the proposal that assurance, one program that we believe not only will would inevitably provide more broaden its utility to all farmgovernment protection than ers but will also appeal to an the next program and we would American public that is more inadvertently be encouraging interested in the wholesomeproducers to take their signals ness, safety and variety of our from government programs domestic food supply. rather than the marketplace. In a related discussion on Our delegates approved a dairy policy, delegates voted policy that is flexible enough to move away from the current to work within the funding dairy price support and Milk constraints we, as a nation, are Income Loss Contract profacing, and the fiscal challenges grams and toward a program we have a duty to address, that bases risk protection on Stallman said. Our delegates milk prices minus feed costs. recognize we need to move be- This takes production costs yond the policies of the past and into consideration, as well as to move toward programs to recognizes the dairy industrys president. Bushue produces berries and nursery plants in Boring, Ore., and also serves as Oregon Farm Bureau president. The delegates defeated a proposal to retain the current farm bills direct payments. In addition, by almost a two-to-one margin, the delegates defeated an amendment that would have allowed a patchwork of support
February 2012
regional differences, according to Stallman. On renewable fuels, the delegates reaffirmed support for the federal Renewable Fuels Standard by defeating an amendment to strike that support. The RFS remains critical to the viability of ethanol as an alternative to imported petroleum fuel, explained Stallman, and the delegates felt that continuing to support production and use of domestic renewable fuels was a national security issue. The delegates opposed the Labor Departments proposed expansion of the list of jobs deemed too hazardous for minors. The proposal has raised serious concerns in farm country about our ability to teach our children how to farm and instill a good work ethic, Stallman said. There is a great deal of concern about federal regulatory overreach, but few issues have piqued farm families more than this. It goes to the very heart of how agriculture works, with farmers and ranchers, who were taught by their parents how to do farm work safely and responsibly, training the next generation to follow in their own footsteps. The delegates also supported a moratorium on new regulations on small businesses and agriculture. At the AFBF annual meeting, 369 voting delegates representing every state and agricultural commodity deliberated on policies affecting farmers and ranchers productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nations largest general farm organization in its legislative and regulatory efforts throughout 2012.
February 2012
HONOLULU Farmers are better off if members of Congress can agree on a new farm bill this year, according to American Farm Bureau Federation farm policy specialist Mary Kay Thatcher, who spoke yesterday at the 2012 Farm Bill issue conference at AFBFs 93rd Annual Meeting. With Congress unable to agree on much these days and with a shrinking budget to work with, passing a new farm bill could be an uphill climb and get pushed to next year. There is no upside to that, Thatcher said. There will be even more budget cuts if that happens. Theres every reason to push it through this year if we can. Thatcher outlined the political situation surrounding the farm bill, including growing support in Congress for limiting eligibility by capping farmers income and increasing use of food stamps and other nutrition programs as the U.S. economy remains sluggish. The economy will be a tremendous issue going forward, said
Best to enact new farm bill this year

Risk Reduction Program farm bill proposal, which is designed to protect farmers from catastrophic revenue losses. Proposed SRRP coverage levels would be in the 70 percent to 80 percent range. It would be administered by the Agriculture Departments Risk Management Agency and operate as a core program with farmers buying crop insurance as
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Thatcher, and one of the reasons it will be difficult to finish a farm bill in 2012. Nutrition programs already account for about $700 billion76 percentof the farm bills total $911 billion in spending over 10 years. In addition, the grow-
lehi FFA presents the Bar J Wranglers
ing cost of crop insurance premium subsidies, which grew from $4.7 billion in 2010 to $7 billion in 2011, could make them more of a target for cuts. Thatcher also provided an analysis of how other farm groups shallowloss proposals could leave a lot of farmers in dire straits in years of catastrophic farm revenue losses. Most of those proposals would provide support more often but only cover 5 percent to 10 percent of a farmers losses. AFBF economist John Anderson provided an explanation of Farm Bureaus Systemic
wrap-around revenue risk protection. One of the most attractive features of the SRRP proposal, according to Anderson, is the impact it would have on lowering farmers crop insurance premiums. As a program thats integrated with crop insurance, crop insurance premiums could be re-rated to account for the fact that much of the risk is covered elsewhere, he explained. That would lower premiums and make buy-up coverage more affordable.
Bar J Wranglers are back in town again, on February 20, 2012 at the Thanksgiving Point Barn. The Lehi FFA would like to invite all to attend this great country musical group. Tickets will be going fast, so order today! Tickets can be purchased at lehiffa.org or by calling Lehi High School at 801-610-8805. Tickets are $15.00, and all proceeds go to the Lehi FFA to fund their FFA trips, students agricultural projects, and awards. The Bar J Wranglers, from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, deliver some of the purest harmony, best musicianship, and the funniest ranch humor seen on stage.Come leave behind your busy life and settle into a time long ago - a time of the singing cowboy. You do not want to miss this event!
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VILSACK
continued from pg 11
expand local and regional Of those offices, 131 are Farm food systems. Service Agency offices, Vilsack said. Of those, 35 already had Vilsack said agriculture and no staffing and the remainder rural America are only barely had either one or two employees skimming the surface in mak- and all were within 20 miles of ing a positive impact on the another FSA office capable of nation. He called for a focus on handling farmer and rancher bio-based economies for rural clients. He expressed optimism communities, which he said of- that providing service online fered unlimited potential for would become a more viable rural America. option and assured farmers While emphasizing USDAs and ranchers that USDA service continued commitment to would not be sacrificed. Americas farmers and ranchHe closed by commending ers, Vilsack announced a real- those who call rural America location of USDA facilities and home. He cited the example of resources in light of the govern- 50 percent of the U.S. military ments budget challenges. That force hailing from rural Ameriincludes a workforce decrease ca, while only 16 percent of the of more than 7,000 employees, nations population lives in rural streamlining of services and the areas. He called rural America consolidation and closing of 250 an extraordinary place to USDA offices across the country. which the rest of the nation owes a debt of gratitude.
SALT LAKE CITY The U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced more than $44 million in Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding is now available for several natural disasters that have occurred in Utah over the past 13 months primarily from December 2010 flash flooding in southern Utah and from record snowpack flooding last spring in northern and central Utah. Dave Brown, State Conservationist in the Utah NRCS office, said NRCS had received approval to go ahead with work on 13 specific sites from Cache County to Washington County. The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program was set up by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters, such as floods, fires and wind storms. The program is designed to protect life and property from any future event of a similar magnitude. These EWP projects are administered by the NRCS state office in Utah, in partnership with the local sponsors, usually county governments. EWP funding made available through NRCS bears up to 75 percent of the construction costs. The remaining 25 percent must be obtained by the local sponsor from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services. In addition to natural resource and human protection, another positive benefit from this work is the added employment opportunities the funding provides to local contractors, governments and suppliers who carry out the restoration work. The local sponsor actually contracts the work out and NRCS provides oversight
$44M in emergency watershed protection funding announced for Utah sites
February 2012
for the federal government and insures the work is done according to established engineering and environmental specifications. We look forward to working with the local sponsors to restore these critical natural resource systems and help make these communities whole again, said Brown. He gave the assurance that an NRCS interdisciplinary team would follow federal law in evaluating the possible impacts the work might have on natural resources, cultural resources and the socioeconomic effects associated with the possible alternatives. Washington County ($6,590.668) Kane County ($600,000) Sevier County ($3,500,000) Garfield County ($500,000) Piute County ($1,500,000) Spanish Fork City ($500,000) Duchesne County ($4,000,000) Cache County ($6,000,000) Sanpete County ($2,500,000) Salt Lake County ($3,500,000) Green River Soil Conservation District ($1,500,000) Northern Utah Water Conservancy District ($500,000) Weber County ($13,000,000) For further information about this program and these projects, contact your local NRCS office or visit the Utah NRCS Web site at www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov.
rights and land use disputes fairly, in accordance with existing law Under certain conditions, a and without expensive and timeproperty owner may also be consuming litigation. Agency representatives who entitled to relocation assistance. negotiate with property owners Landowners may be paid certain relocation expenses from will try to answer questions and the agency if landowners are explain the project that is planned. required to move a home, farm, These representatives do not have or business as a result of the the power to bind the government condemnation. These amounts or company. If landowners are are determined by statute, but making decisions, moving from may be mediated or arbitrated your property, or taking any acif, after using whatever appeals tion based on what you are told, processes the agency provides to be sure to get those promises or review such matters, a dispute representations in writing, signed by someone having the authority still exists. Mediation is a negotiation that to bind the agency or company involves a neutral third party who that is acquiring your land. Oral works with you and the agency representations or promises made to arrive at a settlement that during the negotiation process both parties agree is fair. Each are not binding upon an agency party remains in control of the seeking to acquire the property by outcome. Arbitration is more eminent domain. You have the right to mediate formal. An arbitrator may make a decision that resolves the dispute or arbitrate disputes involving like a judge would make but the eminent domain and to consult process is much more informal with the Utah Property Rights Ombudsman. He is an attorney than a court proceeding. In Utah, the Office of the Prop- hired by the State of Utah as an erty Rights Ombudsman deals independent source of informawith issues concerning property tion and assistance for property rights involving takings, eminent owners and others involved in the domain, or land-use law. The acquisition of property for public Office assists both private prop- projects. There is no charge for erty owners and governmental his services. Much of this text comes from entities. The Office has two the publication titled Your Rights primary goals. First, to help property owners, citizens and to Just Compensation a publicagovernment officials understand tion (February 2004) of the Utah and protect civic property rights. Department of Natural Resources. Second, help resolve property
TAKINGS
February 2012
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USFRA
in earning their trust. In talking about what they do, farmers and ranchers need to recognize that there is always room for improvement, stressed Yazmir, a partner at maslansky luntz + partners. Discussing the future creates a space of shared interest, he said. More than being Photo courtesy of AFBF willing to have a con- Yazmir presented research for Farm Bureau members versation, growers which pointed to the difference between what most need to be ready and consumers hear and what farmers think theyre saying. able to use words consumers can embrace. The tasting crops. USFRA is a newly created altypical agriculture vocabulary liance of prominent farmer- and is full of landmines, Yazmir and rancher-led organizations, inKinch cautioned. We need to move away from cluding AFBF, and agricultural the language of our industry partners. More information can and toward the language of the be found at www.fooddialogues.com.
benefits of what were doing, Yazmir said. For example, rather than using the term GMOs, talk about seeds that grow stronger, and are more resilient, and better
30
February 2012
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
an endorsement or approval of the service or merchandise offered. While every effort is made to ensure the legitimacy of services or merchandise advertised, the Utah Farm Bureau News or the Utah Farm Bureau Federation accepts no responsibility or liability for services or products advertised.
IMPORTANT NOTICE 1. Non-commercial ads for Utah Farm Bureau members selling items they grow or make themselves, or used machinery, household items, etc., they themselves have used in the past. Each member family is entitled to one such ad free in each three-month period. Ads can be up to 40 words or numbers such as phone number or Zip. Words such as For Sale are included, initials and numbers count as a word. All words over 40 cost 25 cents each. Ads over 40 words not accompanied by the extra payment, or not meeting the above requirements, will be returned to the sender. Family memberships cannot be combined to create larger ads, nor can a membership be used for free classified ad purposes by anyone other than immediate family members. Ads run for three months. 2. Commercial ads for Utah Farm Bureau members where the member is acting as an agent or dealer (real estate, machinery, handicraft items made by people outside the member family, etc.) cost 25 cents per word. Payment MUST accompany such ads or they will be returned to the sender. Members are entitled to one such ad. Ads run for one month. 3. Ads for non-Utah Farm Bureau members cost 50 cents per word. Payment MUST accompany such ads or they will be returned to the sender. Ads run for one month. In all ads, short lines requested by the advertiser, extra lines of white space, and lines with words in all caps count as 6 words per line. Ads with borders and bold headlines may be submitted and placed within the classified section, but will be charged the display advertising rate. Please contact the classified advertising department for further information. No insurance ads will be accepted. ***DEADLINE: ALL ADS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE 15TH OF THE MONTH IN ORDER TO APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. EXCEPT FOR THE JANUARY ISSUE, WHICH HAS A CLASSIFIED DEADLINE OF DEC. 5. Only free ads (Category 1 ads of 40 words or less) will be accepted by telephone at 801233-3010, by fax at 801-233-3030 or e-mail at aboyack@fbfs.com. Please include your membership number. Ads must be received no later than the 15th of the month Mail ads, typed or neatly printed, with any payment due, to Utah Farm Bureau News, Classified Ad Department, 9865 South State Street, Sandy, UT 84070-2305. Free ads must be resubmitted by mail, telephone or fax after running for three months. Ads for which there is a payment due will be run as long as payment is received in advance. ALL CLASSIFIED ADS will be listed on the Utah Farm Bureau web page unless the Utah Farm Bureau member specifies otherwise when placing the ad. The ads on the web site will run concurrently with the classified ads in the Utah Farm Bureau News. NOTE: The appearance of any ad in the Utah Farm Bureau News does not constitute
AUTOMOTIVE 2000 JEEP WRANGLER Sport/TJ Sport. Has Hard & Soft Top. $10,000, OBO.Telephone # 435-823-4812. FOR SALE: 1987 Volvo forward cab moving truck. 28000 LWD model FE613, 6 cylinder diesel, 22 box. Low miles: 80,000. Call Ray E. Childs, Clinton 801-825-1701. FOR SALE: 1967 Chev C30 1 ton, rear dual wheels, steel 12 bed, $1,200. 1941 Ford truck, $2,500. Call Doug 801-277-1578. FARM EQUIPMENT I BUY, SELL, TRADE AND LOCATE all kinds of farm machinery. Bale wagons, tractors, tillage, planting, harvesting equipment, etc. I have a large inventory at this time. Palmer Equipment is located one mile south of Manti on Highway 89. 435-835-5111 or Cell: 435-340-1111. www.balewagons. com. FOR SALE: Koster Moisture Tester with scales, $100. Cost $340 new. Two forage probes, $25 each. Case side delivery rake, $300. Bale elevator on wheels with electric motor, $200. Three point rubber tire corral scraper, $200. Earl Glenn, Wellsville UT, 435245-6667. FOR SALE: 1998 hay rake, twin basket hydraulic Allen model 8827. 435-590-2226 or 435-477-8913. FOR SALE Kuhn 4000 RG Rotary Disc swather 13 foot cut. Used only 2 seasons. Bought new in December 2008. Excellent Condition. 2 point Gyrodine swivel hitch and urethane conditioners. $16,900 firm. Spanish Fork Call 801592-4646 or 801-592-4647 or 801592-4648. FOR SALE: 1953 Allis Chalmers Model CA. $1,500. Call Doug 801-2771578. FEED HAY FORSALE: 300 small bales, certified weed free hay. $6.00 per bale. Call Dean 435-469-1003, Fountain Green. LIVESTOCK WARD ANGUS RANCH Blue Ribbon Genetics And Guest Production Sale March 17, 2012 1:00 pm Anderson
Livestock Auction Willard, UT. More Than 100 Head of Registered Angus Sell! 2-Year-Old Bulls Yearling Bulls Open Heifers Bred Cows & Heifers. Ward Angus Ranch. Tony Ward (801) 725-1669 or Chris Ward (435) 757-5140 www.wardangusranch.com. YEARLING RED ANGUS bulls. Fertility and Trich tested. Bred for calving ease & high growth. Brothers to high performing Red Angus bulls at Utah Beef Improvement bull test. Lyle Taylor, Vernal, UT. 435-789-0530 or 435-790-8880. 25 TOP QUALITY Hereford bulls for sale at Johansen Herefords. Cooper/ Holden Breeding. Low birth weight and high growth bulls. See more at www.johansenherefords.com or call Jonathan or Craig Johansen @ 435650-8466/435-381-2523. SALERS & OPTIMIZER Bulls for sale. Performance tested. Semen & Trich tested. Will feed until April 1. Will deliver. Also H&S 24 food round bale feeder wagon. Like new condition, $5,000. Jasperson Cattle Co. Goshen, Utah 801-667-3565. BULLS FOR SALE: Registered polled Hereford bulls. Top quality. Performance tested. Semen and Trich tested. Ready to go to work. Good selection of 2 yr. olds and yearlings. Contact Phil Allen & Son, Antimony. 435-624-3236. GELBVIEH-ANGUS-BALANCER bulls for sale. 12-18 months old. Red and black. Not grain fed and will work under any conditions. Contact Larry @ 435-864-7879. 300 HD. BRED HEIFERS and 200 hd. Bred Cows ages 2-9 years, AI bred and Black Angus clean-up bulls, start calving March 1st. Call Charles Redd 435-459-1848 or 435-686-2221 Office. GELBVIEH AND BALANCER Heifers and bulls. Polled and many Homozygous Black. Buy Heifers ready to go with or w/o papers. A few cows available. Yearling Bulls are kept until spring. Erik 435/279-7669. FOR SALE: 100 head fancy bred cows, bred heifers, & open show heifers. Sell November 19 in Beaver, UT. Gib Yardley at 435-438-2424 or 435-310-0041. REAL ESTATE: MALAD: 953 acre ranch with newer home, outbuildings, summer grazing. Cache Valley: 300-400 head dairy farm, 5000sf home, double 9 parlor. Preston: 191,371 and 1743 acre farms. All will raise irrigated alfalfa. Thatcher, ID: 120 and 160 acre gravity irrigated
acres with rock quarries used for patios, exterior of bldgs. Contact Vaughn Benson at Benson Realtors, Logan for details. 435-753-0960; 435-753-4999; bensonrealtors@yahoo.com. FOR SALE: 115 acres irrigated hay, grain and pasture land. Two miles north of City of Ephraim, UT. Contact: Gerald @ 801-225-0665 56 Acres in Cache Valley: Excellent farm ground. 170.82 Acre Farm in Grace Idaho: Great farm ground. Very scenic. Early water right. 260.54 Acre Farm in Grace Idaho: Borders Bear River. Gravity pressurized irrigation. Wellsville Home on 1 acre: 6 beds, 2 3/4 baths, garden, country setting. Dairy Farm in Cache Valley: 41 acres. Irrigated. Updated home, excellent crops. Double 5 Herringbone parlor. 23 Acres in Grace, Idaho: Mini ranchette with home, barn and hay shed. Clarkston Land: A 57 and a 63 acre parcel with large fish pond. Must be sold together. New Townhome in Franklin Idaho: $109,900, 3 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath, Fully furnished! 1,500 sq ft, with garage. 40 Acres Outside Soda Springs: Beautiful forest land with year around stream. 10 Acres in Trenton: Excellent farm land. Would make nice ranchette. Contact Brent Parker, @Home Realty, (435)881-1000. LOOKING for land, lease, pasture, existing operation, permits, something we can grow with. Wife & I have a small herd & would like to expand the herd & the family. Please call Chris or Kaila 435-590-4970, 801-689-3456. FOR SALE: 160 acres Wyoming. $19,500. Will finance at $250/month. Flat, sagebrush, Sweetwater County. Exit 184 near Wamsutter, Wyoming then 17 miles gravel road to narrow end of property. Legal description: T23NR91WSEC35W2E2. Brent 801645-8129 or bpjorg@msn.com.
MISCELLANEOUS: FOR SALE: Soil conditioner/ cultivator, 5 front 6 back, 3 rows 4-3-4 hooks,1 row 12 spikes, 1 row finishing roller. $650. Three pt. hitch-blade, $350. Two Gas Tanks, $300 each. Birdseye, Utah County, 801-471-7281. FOR SALE: 3600 ft high tensile electric fence wire w/tension devices, 600 ft coils. Like new. Stored in barn. New $1.59/lb. Sell for $0.50/lb obo. . See at 1015 E 8800 S Spanish Fork Photo to your e-address. mvw7370@ msn.com Call Max 801 423-2248.
classiFieD continued on pg 31
By Misty Wall
Concern over proposed child labor laws

we care for. Under these new changes Im afraid we would not be able to share this with the youth. Times are changing and there are not as many family farms as there used to be. Those who dont directly live on a farm (less than 1 percent of society is involved with farming and ranching today) can still have the chance to be involved with agriculture through involvement with the wonderful 4H and FFA programs in our schools. The life lessons that kids learn by being involved with agriculture 4H and FFA could be taken away with this new rule. Thousands of youth participate in 4H and FFA projects in our state. These projects teach them responsibility and give them experiences at taking advantage of opportunities. I cant imagine the County and State Fairs without the youth livestock projects. What a tradition this is and life value lessons these kids learn. With proper supervision and input, these can be invaluable opportunities for the kids in our communities. Changes to the current law are something that we really need to be aware of. Taking away the right to let our youth be responsible with animals, learning the skills of hard work, and gaining knowledge of agriculture is unthinkable. Please contact your congressmen and let them know how you feel about this issue. Misty Wall and her family work on a ranching operation in Mona, Utah. She is also currently enrolled in the American Farm Bureau Federations Partners in Agricultural Leadership (PAL) program, which is an accelerated leadership program focusing on media involvement.
February 2012
The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing changes to the current Child Labor law. That would impact agriculture in a very negative way. I am concerned with this because my family runs a ranch Juab County and it would keep my kids and others from learning the value of hard work and where their food comes from. Under the new rules, no one under the age of 16 would be able to work on a farm unless the farm is owned by their parents and one of the parents is directly overseeing their work. In addition, younger kids would be prevented from operating any tractor, all-terrain vehicle, milking machine, or even a lawn mower. To go even further, anyone under the age of 18 would not be allowed around any type of animal husbandry, which is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock. This includes being able to brand cattle and treat & vaccinate animals. It also means no access to stockyards, auctions, and feedlots. We are proud to raise cattle and we have often invited Scouts from Salt Lake County to our farm to share our story and lifestyle. We involve them in a day of branding and vaccinating so they can learn more about what farmers do, where their food comes from, and about the animals
HONOLULU Agriculture has so far not been an important issue in the 2012 elections, according to Stewart Doan, senior editor at Agri-Pulse Communications, speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federations 93rd Annual Meeting. Unfortunately, a lot of other issues that are important to most Americans havent been discussed much in the elections either, he added. Its all been sound-bite rhetoric, he said. For example, on the subject of immigrant labor, he said few politicians are truly interested in solving the problem of balancing agricultures need for a steady supply of immigrant labor with that of protecting Americas borders. Neither side wants a solution to thisthey want an issue, he said. The same is generally true regarding numerous other issues as well. Neither one is interested in the truththey want issues, he said. Doan did make a few predictions, saying that the U.S. Senate will go Republican, and that while the House will stay Republican, Democrats will probably pick up some seats there. The answer to the problems in Washington is for the middle majoritythe voters who arent extreme either wayto take a stand and let their elected representatives and candidates know what needs to be done. We do get the government we deserve because we dont get off our duffs and get involved, Doan said.
Voters involvement will cure Congress woes
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CLASSIFIED
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water right. Escalante Boulder Mt. Drainage, Garfield County. Certificated. Ready to go. Call Jim Riley Engineering, 801-355-1883. FOR SALE 2008 Polaris, 525 IRS Outlaw. Call 435-256-0093. AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CIRCLE FOUR FARMS: If you are looking for a career in a fun, rewarding team environment, Circle Four Farms is the opportunity youve been searching for. Were offering quality full time entry-level animal production positions with training available. Challenge yourself with a company on the grow that
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February 2012
FB County Corner
Morgan County Board meeting, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. at Morgan County Courthouse Salt Lake County Board meeting, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. at UFBF State Office Boardroom County Annual Banquet, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. at Gathering Place in Gardner Village (1100 W. 7800 S., West Jordan) Dinner and guest speaker Mike Ramsdell, author of A Train to Potevka. RSVP to Betty Naylor 801-554-0011. Davis County Board meeting, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. at Grannie Annies in Kaysville Weber County Board meeting, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at Ron Gibsons home Summit County Board meeting, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. at Summit County Courthouse North Box Elder County Annual Banquet, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. at Alice C. Harris Intermediate School Board meeting, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. at FB Insurance office in Tremonton Cache County Crops School, Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m. at Bridgerland Applied Technology College. Southwest Conf. room (1301 N. 600 W. , Logan) Washington County County Banquet & SISM Meeting, March 30. SISM starts at 5 p.m. with banquet to follow. Utah County Board meeting, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at County Extension office in Provo Carbon County Board meeting, Feb. 7, 7 p.m. Sevier County Board meeting, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. at FB Insurance office Beaver County Tushar Collaborative Mtg., Feb. 6-7, Beaver Ranger District Office Millard County Board meeting, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. at FB Insurance office Iron County SWARM Mtg., Feb. 14, Cedar City Ext. Office Wayne County Board meeting, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. at Sunglow Cafe PARM Mtg., Feb,. 16, 10 a.m. at Extension Office in Loa Piute County Board meeting, Feb. 13, 1 p.m. at County Courthouse
County Scenes
Utahs Finest Young Farmers & Ranchers for 2011! Winners of the 2011 Young Farmer & Rancher awards had their Polaris ATVs delivered to them recently and are already putting them to good use. [Top]John Reese of Kanab, winner of the UFBF Discussion Meet, with the Polaris Trailboss ATV sponsored by IFA. Photo by David Bailey [Middle] Dairy farmers Matt & Lena Leak of Cornish in Cache County won a Polaris Ranger for winning the Achievement Award. Delivering the ATV is Russ Stebar of Polaris. Photo by Matt Hargreaves [Bottom] Animal nutritionist Zak Miller and his Wife Marcy and daughter proudly display their Polaris Trailboss at their home in Richmond, Cache County, which was delivered by Russ Stebar of Polaris and sponsored by Zions Bank. Photo by Matt Hargreaves
State and Regional Activities Council of County Presidents, Feb. 22-23, Sandy & Salt Lake City Womens Leadership Conference, Feb, 22-23 Sandy & Salt Lake City Food Checkout Week, Feb. 19-25 Diversified Agriculture Conference, Feb. 22-24, Layton Sustainable Grazing Mtg., Feb. 15, 10 a.m. at DNR office in Salt Lake 2012 Utah Onion Association Meeting, Feb. 14. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., meetings begin at 8 a.m. $15 registration fee, w/ lunch. Bridgerland Applied Tech. College (325 W. 1100 S.) in Brigham City. Utah Beef Cattle field day, Feb. 14, BYU Harmon Conf. Center. $20. Utah Weed Conf., Feb. 28 & 29, Riverwoods Conf. Center in Logan. Utah Waters Users Conf., March 12-14, St. George. No RAC Meetings: in February or March. Visit wildlife.utah.gov.

Feb 2012 FB News

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