utah farm bureau news

Ivory: Where’s the Line, America? 25 Baxter Black: Doggin’ Days 13

Utah Farm Bureau News SEPTEMBER 2011VOL 57, NO. 8

Photo by Matt HargreavesBlaine Nebeker stands atop his John Deere during the wheat harvest in Monticello. Nebeker, San Juan County Farm Bureau Vice President, farms using dryland methods to take advantage of the limited amounts of rainfall and lack of ground water that come in his county Read on the different challenges he and other dryland farmers face in Southeastern Utah on page 14.

Inside:National Perspective 3Farm Bureau at Work 5Member Benefits 8Baxter Black 13 Farm Safety Column 21Classifieds 31

SNAKE VALLEY continued on pg 16

CDL continued on pg 18

Amber waves of grain

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Farm Bureau Fed-eration is pleased the U.S. De-partment of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration listened to farmer and rancher concerns regarding changes to agricul-tural transportation regula-tions and commercial drivers license provisions.

As a result of comments received from AFBF and oth-ers, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said recently that the FMCSA has no intention to propose new regulations governing the transport of agricultural products, and that the agency has released guid-ance to states so they clearly understand common-sense exemptions “to allow farm-ers, their employees, and their families to accomplish their day-to-day work and transport their products to market.”

“This public announce-ment and the guidance sent to states by the FMCSA is great

Farm Bureau pleased by DOT guidance on ag transportation

By Randy Parker, CEO, UFBFThe battle over a pipeline that could tap water from the Snake Valley aquifer that straddles the Utah-Nevada border is heating up again. The Bu-reau of Land Management’s (BLM) released their draft

Don’t gamble with snake valleyenvironmental impact state-ment (DEIS) on the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) plan to build around 300 miles of pipe to transfer water from groundwater ba-sins in rural eastern Nevada to thirsty Las Vegas.

Hundreds of diverse inter-ests, mostly in opposition to SNWA’s plan, have turned out at BLM sponsored open houses across both states providing opportunity for the public to offer comments.

The common theme among the opponents is to “Stop the Las Vegas Water Grab” and protect the ecology of this sparsely populated region dot-ted by a few hardy farmers and ranchers making a living in Utah’s west desert. An un-usual alliance of agriculture organizations, local and county governments, the Church of Je-sus Christ of Latter-day Saints and environmental groups are

Utah Farm Bureau News2 September 2011

Utah Farm Bureau News(ISSN 1068-5960)

Matt Hargreaves, Editor9865 South StateSandy, Utah 84070-3205

Phone Numbers:General Inquiries: (801) 233-3000Address Changes: (801) 233-3009Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003Classified Ads: ..........(801) 233-3010Fax: .............................(801) 233-3030FB News E-mail: [email protected] site: ...................utfb.fb.org

National Ad Rep:The Weiss Group9414 E. San Salvador Dr. #226Scottsdale, Arizona 85258(480) 860-5394 [email protected]

Local Display Ad Information:Jennifer Dahl(775) 752-3061

Utah Farm BureauFederation OfficersChairman and PresidentLeland J. Hogan, South Rim*

Vice PresidentStephen A. Osguthorpe, Park City*

CEO and Secretary/TreasurerRandy N. Parker, Riverton* Denotes member of the Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 .................Scott Sandall, TremontonDistrict 2 .....................Rulon Fowers, HooperDistrict 3 .............................. Flint Richards, ErdaDistrict 4 ................ Rex Larsen, Spanish ForkDistrict 5 ............................. Scott Chew, JensenDistrict 6 ...........Edwin Sunderland, ChesterDistrict 7 ...............................Nan Bunker, DeltaFB Women’s Chairman ...Ruth Roberts, PenroseYoung Farmer & Rancher Chairman..

Dustin Cox, AltonPeriodicals 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.

Randy N. ParkerChief Executive Officer

Thoughts: Take back the West

WEST continued on pg 22

On August 20th more than one thousand Utahns gath-ered at the Utah State Capi-tal for the 3rd annual “Take Back Utah” rally. The event was again very successful. There was good media cov-erage. The slate of speakers was top notch. States’ rights advocates like Governor Gary Herbert and Attorney Gen-eral Mark Shurtleff pointed out that state and local gov-ernment can do a better job managing the public re-sources. Utah’s Senior Sena-tor Orrin Hatch said he is drafting legislation to return land ownership to the states. Congressman Rob Bishop, Chairman of the House Public Lands Subcommit-tee pointed out the Obama Administration doesn’t have the same vision for the public lands as we who live here do. He noted nowhere in the U.S. Constitution does it give the federal government author-ity to own and control lands within state borders without legislative consent or in per-petuity.

Throughout the event, a number of questions came to mind. Can the state and local governments really do a better job managing these public resources? Can local understanding address land

use issues like protecting truly unique and magnificent scenery while balancing access, gener-ating jobs through energy and timber development, harvesting annually renewable forage to feed America, providing greater funding to help improve educa-tion for Utah’s school children and ultimately allowing Utahns to determine our own future?

There are 13 states in the Western United States facing this same reality with federal holdings in the West ranging from 30 to 85 percent. Are we little more than possessions of the federal government with BLM and Forest Service bu-reaucrats acting as territorial dictators awaiting their orders from within beltway of Wash-ington, D.C.?

To ultimately have any level of success at the Congressional level, the “Take Back” theme needs to be expanded to all the 13 public lands states – Take Back the West!

The federal government, with-out Constitutional authority, currently owns about one out of every three acres of the United States and two of three acres in Utah. The U.S. Constitution provides authority for limited

federal land ownership. The Constitution reserves land for a national capital - the District of Columbia. Section 8 of the Constitution establishes that the legislature of the state must consent to federal ownership “for erection of Forts, Maga-zines, Arsenals, dock-Yards and other needful buildings.” Federalism and a limited central government is clearly defined in the Tenth Amendment con-tained in the words: “The pow-ers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved by the States re-spectively, or to the people.”

So how does the federal gov-ernment today claim ownership and control of some 60 percent of the lands west of Denver, Colorado? The answer may be as simple as enactment of the Federal Land Policy and Man-agement Act (FLPMA) of 1976, the crown jewel of the Jimmie Carter Administration led fed-eral land and power grab. Carter and a Democrat controlled Con-gress passed FLPMA reversing more than 150 years of federal land policy that provided land

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!All Farm Bureau members are invited to come attend the Utah

Farm Bureau Annual Convention, November 16-18, 2011 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah.

The theme of the convention is “Protecting Our Heritage” and will include valuable information about what farmers and ranch-ers can do to further agriculture’s goals and tell each other’s story.

Well-known economist Jeff Thredgold will deliver a keynote address regarding the state of the nation’s economy and its im-pact on Utah and Utah agriculture.

Additional details will be coming in future editions of the Utah Farm Bureau News, but attendees can plan on attending the delegate session, YF&R Discussion Meet, Trade Show, and the always popular Gala Banquet.

Utah Farm Bureau News 3September 2011

The Ag Agenda: Tightening our belts, pulling up by our bootstraps

By Bob StallmanAmerican Farm Bureau President

WATER continued on pg 22

federal land ownership. The Constitution reserves land for a national capital - the District of Columbia. Section 8 of the Constitution establishes that the legislature of the state must consent to federal ownership “for erection of Forts, Maga-zines, Arsenals, dock-Yards and other needful buildings.” Federalism and a limited central government is clearly defined in the Tenth Amendment con-tained in the words: “The pow-ers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved by the States re-spectively, or to the people.”

So how does the federal gov-ernment today claim ownership and control of some 60 percent of the lands west of Denver, Colorado? The answer may be as simple as enactment of the Federal Land Policy and Man-agement Act (FLPMA) of 1976, the crown jewel of the Jimmie Carter Administration led fed-eral land and power grab. Carter and a Democrat controlled Con-gress passed FLPMA reversing more than 150 years of federal land policy that provided land

The U.S. economy has taken a hit recently. The unemployment rate stands at 9 percent, our country’s credit rating was just downgraded from AAA to AA+, the national debt is at an all-time high and lawmakers can’t seem to agree on the best way to get us out of this financial hole.

The current situation affects all Americans, whether they’re farmers, teachers, wait staff or construction foremen. No one is immune. But, our country has been at the bottom of the finan-cial barrel before and pulled itself up by the bootstraps. With some perseverance, consensus and common sense—we can again.

Make it MeaningfulWhile the debt ceil-

ing bill that President

Obama signed in August will keep our nation mov-ing forward, even harder work lies ahead. It’s now in the hands of the con-

gressional deficit reduc-tion “super committee” to find ways to reduce our annual deficit spending.

Like most Americans, Farm Bureau wants to see a meaningful reduc-tion in our deficit and put the country back on track to fiscal soundness. We support the need for deficit reduction and tack-ling the nation’s rising debt. Agriculture will do its part toward this end

goal, but reductions need to be made wisely.

It is likely that any com-prehensive plan to reduce deficit spending will in-clude cuts in programs that assist farmers, ranch-ers and communities in rural America. But, as farm bill expenditures in this country represent less than one-half of 1 percent of the federal bud-get, balancing the budget or resolving the nation’s financial woes can’t be accomplished by focus-ing on agriculture or by disproportionately cutting agriculture funding.

Reduce WiselyWhen it comes to tight-

ening the budget, U.S. farm policy has already led the way. In contrast to other programs, the cost of farm policy has sharply decreased over the past 10 years, is consistently under budget and has been the subject of three separate rounds of cuts in

the past six years, totaling roughly $15 billion in sav-ings. Agriculture has al-ways contributed to deficit reduction in the past when called upon.

Farm Bureau will work with the House and Senate agriculture committees as they develop a blueprint for agriculture spend-ing. Our goal will be to retain the integrity of the farm programs that serve America’s farm and ranch families. Our priority is to have enough money left when all is said and done to write a viable farm bill that ensures an effective safety net for America’s farm and ranch families, furthers research, pro-vides conservation mea-sures and secures the na-tion’s food supply.

Getting back on finan-cial track will require ev-eryone to buckle down on spending. Working together, pulling up those bootstraps, we can do this.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – For 21 years, the En-vironmental Steward-ship Award Program (ESAP) has recognized U.S. cattle producers for outstanding steward-ship and conservation practices. Six diverse cattle operations were recognized as regional Environmental Steward-ship Award winners Aug.

NCBA recognizes six cattle operations for commitment to environmental stewardship

2, 2011, at the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Confer-ence in Kissimmee, Fla.

Included in the six re-gional winners was the Tanner Family of Grouse Creek, Utah.

The six operations will now compete for the national Environmen-tal Stewardship Award, which will be announced in February 2012 during

the annual Cattle Indus-try Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; the U.S. Department of Agricul-ture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS); the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF); and the National Cattlemen’s

Beef Association (NCBA), ESAP recognizes cattle operations that use supe-rior conservation prac-tices to sustain the land for future generations. Candidates are judged on management of wa-ter, wildlife, vegetation, soil, as well as the nomi-nee’s leadership and the sustainability of his/her business as a whole.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There is something every person can do to protect groundwater—the largest source of fresh drinking water in the United States and the world—beginning on Pro-tect Your Groundwater Day, which is Sept. 13, ac-cording to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Two ways citizens can protect groundwater are to prevent its contamina-tion and to use it wisely.

“Groundwater is the lifeblood of rural Amer-ica—an absolutely es-sential resource to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in our country,” said AFBF Pres-ident Bob Stallman.

“The American Farm Bureau Federation en-courages every citizen—not just those in rural areas—to make ground-water protection a regular part of how they live be-ginning on Protect Your Groundwater Day,” Stall-man said.

Protect Your Ground-water Day was started by the National Ground Water Association. Below are some actions citizens can take.

Protect Your

Ground-water Day

set for Sept. 13


YOUR Utah Farm Bureau at Work

Utah Farm Bureau participated …in the USU Extension Tree Fruit tour in southern Utah County. With significant participation by area growers, USU fruit extension specialists visited several farms and shared the latest information in terms of pest prevention, grafting, root stock quality analysis and fertility recommendations.

Utah Farm Bureau participated… in meetings regarding the future funding options that will be necessary to build future water projects such as the Lake Powell Pipeline and the Bear River Pipeline projects. With a continued slow economy and existing state revenues already allocated , finding adequate funds will be challenging to meet the demands.

Utah Farm Bureau participated… in a Utah Business Coalition effort to interview candidates running for Utah House district #17. Representative Julie Fisher resigned.

Utah Farm Bureau attended… a regular meeting of the Governor’s Rural Partnership Board. The meeting was held in Cedar City, Utah in conjunction with the annual Utah Rural Summit Conference. Utah Farm Bureau helped ensure the following issues were presented and discussed as valid concerns facing Utah’s farmers and ranchers: access to public lands, funding for future water projects, high-speed internet throughout rural Utah and maintaining public roads in rural Utah.

Utah Farm Bureau attended… the monthly Legislative Water Issues Task Force held on Utah’s Capitol Hill. This task force is designed to look at two issues: funding future water projects, and second, redrafting the non-profit water company code. Utah Farm Bureau plays an active role in these meetings to ensure Utah’s non-profit water companies remain viable and sustainable.

Utah Farm Bureau coordinated efforts… with local and county Farm Bureau leaders to look at current practices landowners are required to follow when big game wildlife is a nuisance on private property and causing financial loss and damage. Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources is looking at amending the 72-hour Executive Order.

Western Region Farm Bureaus…met in Big Fork Montana to discuss issues of common interest. Presidents and administrators from 11 of the 13 western states attended along with American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. The gathering offers a venue for exchanging ideas on issues ranging from public lands to immigration. President Stallman reported on the budget issues facing Congress and how that might affect Farm Bill discussions. AFBF Executive Vice President Dick Newpher announced his retirement and that Julie Anna Potts will step into that role in October. Water issues and EPA regulation were common themes for discussion. AFBF is suing EPA over the agency’s TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) regulations on the Chesapeake Bay and the impact to agriculture and private property rights. Montana Farm Bureau is currently appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court a ruling by the state’s supreme court related to navigability and state ownership of the bed. The PPL Montana case ignored United States v. Utah in determining navigability reach and the historic transportation and commerce rulings. Utah Farm Bureau and Western States Legal Foundation will submit briefs to the US Supreme Court on the issue. Immigration continues to be a major concern across the west. Farm worker shortages are causing concerns as the region nears harvest.

The Governor’s Optimizing and Streamlining State Government Council… continues meeting with state agencies looking at efficiency, structure, costs to taxpayers and level of service to their customers. Farm Bureau serves as one of the Governor’s 19 Council members charged with evaluating agency functions, efficiency and level of service to Utahns.

Farm Bureau joins multiple use advocates…at the 3rd annual Take Back Utah Rally at the Utah State Capital. Agriculture, mining, energy and recreation interests were on hand to hear from Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Senior Senator Orrin Hatch and Congressman Rob Bishop. Herbert told a crowd of more than 1,000 that it’s time to let state and local government manage the public lands. Utah maintains a AAA rating while the federal government has been downgraded to AA+ punctuating the fact the state can better manage the people’s resources. Bishop, Chairman of the House Public Lands Subcommittee chided the federal government for its tightening grip and regulatory strange-hold on the public lands states. He challenged the Administration and land management agency bureaucrats to show him where the Constitution allows the federal government to own 66% of Utah.

Farm Bureau participated in a Summit County Planning & Zoning…meeting where staff prepared and submitted written and verbal comments concerning the potential impact of a proposed lighting project in the county. The lighting proposal is meant for a local rodeo arena in Peoa. Farm Bureau is concerned the artificial lighting will have a negative impact on a neighboring mink farm. The Planning & Zoning officials made no decision on the matter and will continue to study the proposal and the potential impacts to the mink farm.

Farm Bureau hosted the Leopold Conservation Award Judging Panel…at the Utah Farm Bureau offices in Sandy. Utah Farm Bureau, Western AgCredit, Sand County Foundation along with the Utah Cattleman’s Association and UACD sponsor the annual award.

Utah Farm Bureau staff assisted… a feeding operation in Box Elder County to obtain approvals for construction and operation of a dairy heifer feeding operation. They have also assisted animal feeding operations with plans to answer quality concerns raised by the Utah DEQ. Water Quality staff also presented at the State Water Quality Conf. held in August & attended the S.L. County Watershed symposium.

Utah Farm Bureau staff attended… several county fairs throughout the state where County Farm Bureaus were well represented. They also attended the Spanish Fork Canyon Grazing Association working group, Monroe Mountain Collaborative Working Group, Utah prairie dog recovery group and Color Country Sage Grouse working group meetings.


MINK continued on pg 29

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The Summit County Planning and Zoning Commissioners are con-sidering a proposal to allow the lighting of a rodeo arena in the small township of Peoa. The

applicants for the arti-fi cial lighting are asking the commission for a conditional use permit in order to legally put in the lighting and 70 foot structures they will hang from. Farm Bureau attended the latest plan-ning and zoning meeting and submitted written and verbal comments concerning the effects the lights will have on the mink farming operation

Summit County considers lighting impact on local mink farm

near the arena. Under normal circumstances where small town ro-deo arenas typically are situated the lighting of a local rodeo arena would be a fairly non-contro-

versial issue. The issue here is, to what extent the lights will have on the nearby, six decade old mink farm.

Mink by nature are nocturnal animals and light, both artifi cial and natural, can have many effects on their daily lives and their ability to reproduce.

In this case, the po-tential for problems ex-ist mostly in two ways.

The fi rst, most concern-ing negative effect of artificial lighting oc-curs around and during the breeding sea-son. Mink typically whelp between four and five kits each year. The reproduc-tion cycle starts in late February and continues through the end of March. As the days get lon-ger during this pe-riod, melatonin is decreased and the reproduction cycle is initiated. The un-natural lighting could alter this natural repro-duction cycle.

Artifi cial lighting can also have a negative ef-fect after the breeding season and cause multi-ple cycles, inappropriate cycles, altered gestation periods and decreased ability of the mink to

maintain the developing embryo. All of this ulti-mately has the potential to result in a reduction in the number of kits that are produced.

Artifi cial lighting can also effect the quality of the pelts at harvest

time. Pelts are graded based on four factors: size, color, coverage and density. An excess of ar-tifi cial light causes stress in the mink and can de-crease the size, coverage (number of guard hairs or nap, per square inch) and density of the fur the kits produce, resulting in

a lower harvest price.Currently the price

for mink pelts is at an all-time high and mink farms are counted as a bright spot in a gloomy economy. Summit Coun-ty has an opportunity here to protect a business

that happens to be flourishing in the midst of economic tur-moil. Farm Bu-reau’s stance is that we should be doing ev-e r y t h i n g w e can to protect, enhance and prop-up agri-businesses that are a thriving part of our ru-

ral and urban economies. Utah is the number two producer of mink na-tionwide. The economic factor alone should be highly considered along with the principle of pro-tecting agriculture as a regular practice for both rural and urban coun-

Photo courtesy of Teresa PlattAn example of mink shed found in Morgan County. Utah is the #2 producer of mink pelts in the country.

Utah Farm Bureau News 7September 2011a lower harvest price.

Currently the price for mink pelts is at an all-time high and mink farms are counted as a bright spot in a gloomy economy. Summit Coun-ty has an opportunity here to protect a business

that happens to be flourishing in the midst of economic tur-moil. Farm Bu-reau’s stance is that we should be doing ev-e r y t h i n g w e can to protect, enhance and prop-up agri-businesses that are a thriving part of our ru-

ral and urban economies. Utah is the number two producer of mink na-tionwide. The economic factor alone should be highly considered along with the principle of pro-tecting agriculture as a regular practice for both rural and urban coun-

All proceeds support the College of Agriculture Scholarship Program

3:30 – 5:30 pmSaturday, September 24, 2011

Practice field by Stan Laub Center • Country Music by Rough StockSponsored by Frito Lay

Enjoy Utah: Beef • Lamb • Pork • Turkey • Dairy Products • Onion Rings • Corn on the Cob • Salad

Join us for the finest BBQ featuring

Utah’s agricultural products prior to

the Utah State University vs. Colorado

State football game

The 2011 Utah

Agricultural

Products

To order tickets call the Utah State University Ticket Office at 1+(888) 878–2831 or (435) 797–0305. For general information contact the College of Agriculture at (435) 797–7406.

The state of Utah e n j o y s a u n i q u e environment to practice farming and ranching, w i t h i m p r e s s i v e m o u n t a i n c a n y o n s , high desert climates and lush valleys. Many of these locations are frequented by wildlife, adding to the beauty of the area and providing additional economic opportunities for some. A t t h e s a m e t i m e , farming and ranching a m o n g s t w i l d l i f e can pose additional challenges in terms of management because of the potential for damage to property, crops and livestock. Because of this challenge, a monetary compensat ion fund has been created to

Increased costs and claims cause wildlife damage funds to be

prorated for landownershelp mitigate losses to farmers, ranchers and other landowners.

Monetary compensation may be paid for damage caused by big game when the agricultural property is oriented to commercial gain, on land that is eligible for agricultural use valuation (Greenbelt). Under state statute, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) is authorized to compensate landowners for damages caused by big game. The total amount of big game damage reimbursement payments may not exceed the yearly amount of $500,000 appropriated by the state legislature.

T o b e e l i g i b l e f o r c o m p e n s a t i o n , landowners must notify

the UDWR within 72 hours of discovering the damage. An appraisal of the damage will be made by the landowner and a UDWR representative as soon as possible after notification. All damage claims must be settled by June 30 (end of fiscal year) annually. Claims of $1,000 or less will be paid immediately, unless the claim brings the landowner’s total amount of claims in the fiscal year to more than $1,000. C l a i m s t h a t e x c e e d $1,000 will be held until the end of the fiscal year and, if the grand total of all claims is greater than the amount appropriated to the UDWR by the legislature, the amount landowners are paid will

be prorated.T h e D W R m a y

compensate for damage to:

• Cultivated crops, (e.g., alfalfa and small grains)

• Grass or meadow hay routinely mechanically harvested or irrigated

• Stored crops• Commercial orchards

and vineyards• Tree plantations• Commercial truck

crops• Commercial nurseries• Fences on private land• Irrigation equipment

on private land

Due in part to high market prices for hay and an increased number of claims submitted in the last fiscal year, total reimbursement claims for crop and fence damages tota led $564,255.13 – $64,255 .13 above the budgeted amount. During this time period, the UDWR received 291 damage reimbursement claims, which is higher than in years past. Because

of this increase in claims and damage amounts, and according to the Utah State Code, section 23-16-4(4), the UDWR was forced this past fiscal year to prorate crop damage reimbursement payments over $1,000.

With total damage reimbursement claims for the aforementioned time period exceeding the appropriated amount, the UDWR paid up to $1,000 for all reimbursement claims and prorated at a rate of 81 percent for the remaining amount of all damage claims over $1,000.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e UDWR is authorized to compensate ranchers for livestock damage done by black bear, mountain lion, wolf or eagle. The owner must notify the UDWR each time any damage is discovered. Money that is appropriated from the wildlife resources account maybe used to provide compensation for up to

FUNDS continued on pg 9


Member Benefit Column

2011 Utah State Fair “Uncommonly Good”: Buy One Get One FREE. Clip the Utah State Fair coupon found in this issue of the FB News and receive up to 4 free admissions to

the Fair with the purchase of 4 paid admissions. Must present the “Original” FB News coupon to qualify for the discounted tickets.• Don’t miss seeing thousands of pounds of pure muscle in one place on one night! The Draft Horse Pull begins on Wednesday,

September 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the arena. Utah Farm Bureau donates the belt buckles for the winners of this competition. • Saturday, September 17 is Farm Bureau Day at the Fair: • Make it a point to visit the Fair on this day and check out the Utah Farm Bureau sponsored Dutch-Oven Cook-off, featuring

Utah’s Own products, held in the specialty tent. Cooking begins at 2:00 p.m. with the judging at 6 p.m.

1. The Jr. Livestock Auction begins at 2:00 p.m. in the Livestock Show Ring. Support our 4-H/FFA youth by bidding on their livestock. If your son or daughter will be participating, call 801-233-3010 by Wednesday, September 14. Farm Bureau would like to bid on the livestock of our member families.

2. Little Hands on the Farm – September 8 – 18, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. west of the arena. Take your children or grandchildren to visit this interactive experience especially designed for children ages 2 to 10. Kids and their parents will enjoy learning more about the farm to grocery store process. Farm Bureau is a sponsor of this outstanding activity.

3. We recommend you plan enough time to visit the Dairy Farmers of Utah Butter Cow sculpture and all the other outstanding ex-hibits displayed throughout the fairgrounds.

Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to the Energy Solutions Arena September 22-25. Discounted lower bowl tickets are $20.25/adult and $10.25/ kids 2-12. To arrange for discounted tickets call Joe Costanzo at 801-325-7220; email: [email protected] or present promo code JC7220 at the EnergySolutions Arena Box Office.

*Farm Bureau Prescription Discount Card - Benefits for uninsured and underinsured• No cost to Farm Bureau members.• Save an average of 30% on prescriptions. The discount may be as much as 75%. This is an open formulary program so all prescrip-

tion medications are eligible for discounts. Both brand name and generic medications qualify.• The card is accepted by over 400 participating pharmacies in Utah and by 57,000 nationwide.• This program is not an insurance policy and does not provide insurance coverage. Discounts are available exclusively through

participating pharmacies. • Cannot be combined with insurance prescription coverage, but many non-formularies are not covered by prescription coverage or

by Medicare.• All cards are pre-activated and can be used immediately.

Each family member wanting prescription discounts will need their own card. Cards are available by calling 801-233-3010, e-mailing your request to [email protected] or contacting your Farm Bureau Insurance agent. Visit utfb.fb.org>member benefits>UNA Rx> pharmacy list to locate the nearest participating pharmacy.

Lagoon: All-day pass $35.10 includes tax. Regular price is $46.82. Not dated. Use any day during the 2011 season. Passes are non-refundable. Advanced Ticket Sales ONLY. Available by mail or at the State Farm Bureau Office.

Legoland: $53.00 with 2nd day freeLegoland Park Hopper: $63.00 with 2nd day free includes waterpark and aquarium San Diego Zoo: $ 33.50 Adult $25.00 ChildSafari Park: $33.50 Adult $25.00 ChildSeaWorld: $49.99 single day admission Universal Studios: 3 days for $64.00. 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.

farm bureau membership:offering benefits the whole family can use!


Utah State FairSeptember 8-18, 2011

“It's All Here”

BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE!(ADULT GATE ADMISSION)

Redeem this ORIGINAL coupon at any ticket gate at the Utah State Fair to receive one free admission with the purchase of one adult gate admission. Additionally, during same transaction, bring three copies of original coupon to receive up to three more free admissions. Limit four total free admissions. Not redeemable for cash or valid with any other promotions.

By Aurline Boyack, Director of Member Services & Women’s Program Coordinator

Cash, pizza parties, and teacher resources are just some of the prizes available in the fifth annual Celebrate Agriculture creative story contest sponsored by Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee.

The purpose of the contest is to foster a greater understanding of Utah’s agriculture industry and the role that farmers and ranchers play in supplying our food, fiber, fuel and other farm products.

“If I Were A Farmer…” is the topic for the 2012 contest. All children in the third through eighth grade are invited to participate in the contest by submitting their story to the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee in their county. Ruth Roberts, Chair of the State Women’s Committee e l a b o r a t e s , “ T e a c h e r s are invited to provide an opportunity for their students to participate in the contest. In addition to encouraging the use of their imagination, creating a story for the contest offers children an excellent opportunity to practice their writing skills while learning more about the work farmers engage in everyday to grow the crops and raise the livestock which provides the food we all enjoy eating. They will also become more familiar with the challenges and risks inherent in food production.”

The creative story-writing contest meets several core content standards in grades 3-8. A summary of the appropriate standard can be accessed at utfb.fb.org. Click on the “Creative Story Contest” link on the left, and then select

A call to all you storytellersthe “Core Standard Conformity” tab. Contest conformity with the core standards gives teachers an opportunity to provide students with an additional opportunity

t o w r i t e within the framework o f a l r e a d y d e v e l o p e d l e s s o n plans. Plus it provides prizes and recognition b e y o n d

the classroom as an added incentive.

Each county sponsors a contest with the first place winners in each of the 6 grade levels entered into the state contest. Only entries submitted b y t h e c o u n t y W o m e n ’ s Committee are eligible for the state competition. The deadline for entries in the state competition is April 15, 2012. Deadlines for county contests vary. Please contact your county Farm Bureau Women’s Chair to learn the details of the contest in your county. A list of all the county Women’s Chairs and their contact information is available at utfb.fb.org, again

visiting the Creative Story Contest link, and then clicking on County Contact & Contest Deadline.

Each county determines the prizes awarded to their county winners. At the state level each first place winner receives $100. Each second place winner receives $50.00 and each third place winner is awarded $25.00. The six first place winners and their classmates are eligible for a class pizza party sponsored by Western AgCredit. The teacher of each of the six first place winners receives agricultural resources for the classroom including a Farm Facts Book, an Ag Quest game, an accurate agriculture based storybook, and a hands on activity for the students. The Farm Facts book published by the American Farm Bureau provides readers with an opportunity to learn more about the business of farming and why agriculture matters. The Ag Quest game has been designed in a question and answer format that can be adapted to a variety of teaching situations. This game was researched, developed and produced by Utah State University’s Agriculture in the Classroom program. You can learn more about the Agriculture in the Classroom program at http://extension.usu.edu/aitc/.

50 percent of the current market value of livestock damaged. The appropriated amount is $140,000 that is available to compensate livestock owners for their damages.

The UDWR received 158 livestock damage claims from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. The total value of the claims received during this time period was $190,317.00. Because total livestock damage reimbursement claims for the aforementioned time period exceeded the appropriated amount, the UDWR was forced to prorate at a rate of 73.5 percent. The UDWR received 105 damage claims for black bear, 49 for mountain lion and 4 claims for wolves.

It is important to know that UDWR personnel will continue to work diligently to alleviate crop and fence damage situations, as well as provide landowners with assistance in damage prevention. It is the UDWR’s goal to keep crop damages to a minimum by working closely with landowners who are suffering from crop loss due to depredation. If you have questions, please contact any of the UDWR’s Regional Landowner Specialists that handle damage claims in your area.

FUNDSContinued from pg. 7


Money Matters A special column for the Utah Farm Bureau News provided by USU Extension

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By Trent Wilde, Utah State University Extension Faculty – Millard CountyUtah has the unflattering dis-tinction of being one of the highest personal bankruptcy states in the nation. This low-light has challenged financial professionals to develop money management tools to help curb this trend.

An analysis of issues related to this subject revealed that many money managers were simply confused. At the heart of their confusion was a lack of accu-rate information about their financial standing at any given moment of time.

As consumers, we have to make financial decisions on a daily basis. If we don’t have an accurate barometer of our financial resources at any given time, we end up making finan-cial decisions by guesswork. This guesswork has a tendency to lead to overspending.

Historically, most consumers operated on a cash basis. This kept things simple because cash has a built-in spending control; if we didn’t have cash, we didn’t spend. This built-in spending control provided incentive for consumers to follow a spending plan (budget), because the ef-fects of not doing so were much more immediate.

The advent of on-demand credit changed the financial landscape. Failure to live within a budget no longer meant that

ReliaBalance™: The money management tool you can rely on

consumers had to go without until the next income period. Because there was no longer an immediate consequence for overspending, there was less in-centive to follow a spending plan.

As spending plans went by the wayside for many consum-ers, overspending was simply rolled onto a credit card with the intent that “we will catch up next month.” Months turned into years, and over time chronic overspending turned into moun-tains of debt.

Unfortunately, although the financial landscape had changed, money management tools did not. Consumers were left to struggle with these issues using the same money management concepts that had been used for generations.

ReliaBalance™ was designed by Utah State University Exten-sion to address these issues. The first priority of ReliaBalance™ was to help users avoid unin-tended accumulation of debt. To do this it incorporates a spend-ing plan (budget) into the funds balance. Known expenses for the pay period are tallied and subtracted from the bank ac-count balance at the time your income is deposited. This assigns expenses to the money needed to pay them before the money is spent elsewhere. The funds for these expenses are assigned to a holding account. This leaves a balance in our bank account that

reflects only money that will not be needed for existing commit-ments.

This balance provides consum-ers a guide for daily spending decisions. It is very simple and reliable. If the balance in the ac-count will not cover the expense, we cannot make the purchase without creating debt. This con-cept is reflected in the name of the program, ReliaBalance™.

The designer of ReliaBalance™ recognized the role credit cards play in today’s financial world. It has become increasingly dif-ficult to maneuver the financial landscape with cash. This reality challenged the designer of Relia-Balance™ to create a tool which allows users to take advantage of the conveniences of credit cards while limiting the risk of over-spending commonly associated with credit cards.

To address this issue the Relia-Balance™ system accounts for credit card transactions in the bank account balance at the time the credit card purchase is made. This does two things. First it encourages the purchaser to con-sult the balance in the account before making the purchase. If the balance in the account will not cover the purchase, the consumer is alerted that they are considering a decision that will incur debt. This allows the consumer to take a preventative approach to debt control. This is extremely important, because

as with most things, preven-tion is a much easier solution than finding a cure. If there is enough money in the ac-count to cover the credit card purchase, the credit card pur-chase is entered into the bank account transaction register similar to a check. This assigns the credit card purchase to the available funds in the account and transfers these funds into a holding account. The funds as-signed to credit card purchases are held in the holding account until the credit card bill arrives. They are then transferred back into our bank account and used to pay the credit card bill. This process assures that we have the money to pay for credit card purchases and avoids debt ac-cumulation.

Because credit card pur-chases are deducted from the account balance at the time of purchase, they are account-ed for in the ReliaBalance™. Therefore, as we continue to make other spending decisions, we can do so with confidence knowing that all known ex-penses, including credit card expenses, have already been accounted for.

This simple system provides consumers an effective debt-free money management sys-tem. For more information about ReliaBalance™ visit www.reliabalance.com.


Article appears courtesy of Western AgCredit “FenceLines” magazine, with contributions by Matt Hargreaves, Utah Farm Bureau.

Glen Brown of Coalville, Utah was elected as the Vice President of the National Hol-stein Association at its annual meet-ing held in this past June in Richmond, Virginia.

P r i o r t o h i s election as Vice President, Brown served two terms on the National Holstein Board as a National Director. Glen is also a Summit County Farm Bureau member.

Brown is a third generation dairyman and a graduate of Utah

Summit County dairyman elected as vice president of

National Holstein AssociationState University. He has serves as a past president of the Utah Hol-stein Association and he served for 15 years in the Utah State legislature. Glen and his wife,

Frankie, have four children and 15 grandchildren.

Glen’s son, Michael, works on the family dairy and is also active in the national dairy arena. He was recently elected as a National Director of the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association.

Glen is now the second Utah Farm Bureau member serving

on the National Holstein Board. Utah Representative Bill Wright of Holden in Millard County also serves on the 12-member national board, giving Utah a strong pres-ence on this prestigious national board.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Farm Bureau Foun-dation for Agriculture launched a new, interactive website that invites the general public to celebrate the contribution of century farms to the heritage of our nation.

Century farms are those farms that have been in operation under the same family for more than 100 years. Appropri-ately named “Agriculture’s Last-ing Heritage,” this website tells the story of American farm and ranch families who have shaped the history of our nation.

“Agriculture’s Lasting Heri-tage” also commemorates more

American Century Farms the focus of new interactive website

than the proud tradition of the American farm and ranch fam-ily, according to AFBF President Bob Stallman, who also serves as president of the foundation.

“Farms and ranches that have b e e n i n t h e same family, and supporting family mem-bers and local communit ies for generations stand as tes-tament to the true sustainable

character of American agri-culture today,” Stallman said. “Farmers and ranchers, by na-ture, are always committed to leaving the land in better condi-tion for the next generation. We

CENTURY continued on pg 22


Baxter Black: Doggin’ Days at ol’ Cheyenne

On the edge of common sense

BAxTER BlACk

TRACEABILITY continued on pg 23

Rodeo as a spectator sport has been growing in attendance. Maybe it is because it is live-action, close to home, reason-ably priced and rated PG. NASCAR has a similar ap-peal. As rodeo moves into the ranks of other profes-sional sports, you notice a consistency in the show. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association runs a tight ship.

Most of the excitement comes when a tie down roper puts one down in 7.6 seconds. Or when a ranking saddle bronc rider makes a classic ride. Or a barrel racer wins by 1/100th of a second! In other words, when a champion shows you how it’s done.

But most often the most memorable event that fans remember is when Billy Joe hung up in his bull rope and became a propeller! Or Jamie was fired from his bareback horse and became a lawn dart! Or when Jose the heeler broke the barrier and roped the line judge!

However, most pro ro-deos have reduced the “unknown factors.” It keeps the competition finely tuned. Then there

is Cheyenne Frontier Days! They throw in sev-eral ringers; green cattle, a 30 foot barrier, and an arena as long as the White House lawn! These ad-ditions don’t affect the rough stock riders much, unless one of the bare-back horses becomes Sea Biscuit! But…it turns the normally machine-like timed events into rough stock performances as wild and unpredictable as donkey basketball!

Imagine the tie-down roper tense in the box. He nods for his calf. The chute opens, the roper’s horse quivers, the rope is buzzing, everyone is holding their breath…and the calf strolls out, lazily. Meandering into the are-na, looking at the crowd, imagining his mother is out there somewhere, seconds tick by…then he crosses the magic 30-foot barrier AND THE WHEEL COMES OFF THE WAGON!

Their steer-wrestling event is even more excit-ing. The dogger nods his head. He and the hazer, wound like springs, watch the big steer break out of the box like he’s got heel flies in his pants!

They wait the intermi-nable microseconds. By the time the steer hits the 30’ barrier he is going at the speed of beef! It takes our fearless cowboys an-other 20 or 30 yards to catch up. The questions arises, “What does it feel like to push your horse into a dead run, flat out, nostrils flaring, tail flying and jump off him into a four-legged horned calf-skin torpedo weighing 600 lbs?” Imagine stand-ing on the hood of your car, getting your buddy to get it up to 35 mph, then reach out and grab a telephone pole!

Talk about exciting! It was like watching the Hulk tackle Shrek’s don-key!

Suffice it to say that each performance ended with the Wild Horse Race. What else did you expect? When you took one look at those characters en-tered up, they made the Pittsburgh Steelers defen-sive line look like fashion designers for Dancing with the Stars!

If you’ve heard the term “Cowboy Up!” Cheyenne Frontier Days is how you spell it!

By Ching Lee, California Farm Bureau Federation. Contributions by Matt Har-greaves, Utah Farm Bureau Federation.

More than a year after the federal government abandoned a voluntary program to identify and track the nation’s livestock, the U.S. De-partment of Agriculture unveiled new proposed rules last month that officials said would im-prove animal disease traceability while giving states the flexibility to develop systems that work best for their farm-ers and ranchers.

The proposed rule covers cattle and bi-son, sheep and goats, swine, horses and other equines, captive cervids and poultry, and applies only when the animals are being moved across state lines.

Unless specifically exempted, those ani-mals would need official identification and to be accompanied by an interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other documentation, such as owner-shipper statements or brand certificates.

Official identification methods will vary by species. The proposal allows livestock groups that have existing ani-mal disease program requirements, such as sheep and goats, swine and poultry, to continue

Ranchers assess USDA proposal on traceability

using those systems.But USDA also said

that “significant gaps exist that could impair” animal traceability in the event of a disease outbreak, particularly in the cattle business, in large part because of the success in eradicat-ing brucellosis, which has led to fewer cattle receiving official iden-tification through the USDA vaccination pro-gram for the disease.

The ability to iden-tify and track livestock became a top priority for USDA following the nation’s first case of bovine spongiform en-cephalopathy in 2003. The department pro-posed the National Ani-mal Identification Sys-tem in 2004, but the voluntary program was never widely embraced by farmers and ranch-ers, who cited concerns about cost, confidential-ity, liability, privacy and government interfer-ence.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the proposed framework is expected to increase levels of official identi-fication and help USDA trace disease outbreaks more quickly, thereby reducing cost to produc-ers and the government.

He also said the pro-posed rule encourages the use of low-cost tech-


Along the CountrysideVice President- CommunicationsMatt Hargreaves

Adaptive farming techniques bring value to parched land in Utah’s southeastern corner

MONTICELLO, Utah – When perusing a history of American agriculture, there are countless sto-ries of the rich, fertile soil in places like the Imperial and San Joaquin Valleys of California, Oregon’s Wil-lamette Valley, and much of the Midwest. In these regions, the soil and optimal growing conditions are usually complimented by ample amounts of rainfall or other sources of moisture.

While Utah does not typically come to mind for most Americans when thinking of these productive agricultural areas, residents of the Beehive State know of the bountiful harvests realized during this time of year. Yet even in Utah, there are certain regions where rainfall and its snowpack equivalent are harder to come by than others. In these hard luck areas, farmers and ranchers are constantly looking at

innovative ways to make the land productive.

One such location is in Utah’s southeastern corner, in San Juan County. One of the largest coun-ties in the state, it is also one of the

most remote and receives a little more than 10 inches of rain on average per year according to the National Agriculture Statistics Ser-vice (NASS) – the statistics branch of USDA. To compound the limited amount of water available in San Juan County, farmers have to deal with the timing of when their water comes in order to plant the county’s most predominant crop – winter wheat.

To overcome these challenges, the overwhelming majority of crop farmers (99 percent) in San Juan County use dryland methods to raise crops. This method of farming

relies solely on natural rainfall to produce crops. Due to the limited amount of water available, crop yields per acre are substantially lower than on irrigated ground. To compensate for the lower yields, however, farmers work on signifi-

cantly larger tracts of land. Land without water on it is typically much cheaper and so in years with substan-tial rainfall, dryland farmers can expect

good yields and positive returns. The opposite is also true though, with dryland farmers taking it on the chin in drought years.

Farms of 5,000 acres or more are not uncommon in San Juan Coun-ty, where farmers raise more than 30,000 acres of wheat. Farmers also grow dryland alfalfa, safflower, dry beans and sunflowers. Farmers shared that with as little water as they receive, farmland can’t cost much more than $400-$500 an acre in order for them to be able to make a profit.

“At $400 an acre, things have to go just right in order to survive,”

said Blaine Ne-beker, San Juan C o u n t y F a r m B u r e a u V i c e President and a dryland farmer outside of Monti-cello. “You could have one glitch and survive, but much more than two glitches ev-ery six years and you’re sunk.”

In addition to the difficulties placed on crops because of grow-ing conditions, the county’s re-mote location also makes it challeng-ing.

“One of the big-gest challenges faced by our farm-ers is the distance to markets,” said Doug Christensen, Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA)’s San Juan County office. “Shipping costs eat up a lot of their

profits as well as high fuel costs in the field. Farmers can burn 200 gallons of fuel a day when they are cultivating, plowing, disking, etc.”

The majority of cropland in the county is used to grow winter wheat because its growth cycle fits well with the local climate. Winter wheat is used primarily for breads and hard rolls. In San Juan County, the majority of rainfall comes during the fall and the least amount comes during the spring, or natural growing season. To overcome this problem, wheat is planted around October after the first freeze so the wheat can take advantage of the rainfall and begin to germinate.

After sprouting, the seed will go dormant in the winter and resume growing again in the early spring when temperatures begin to in-crease. It is during this time that the wheat relies on the moisture that has accumulated from the snow in the winter. In light snow-fall years, winter wheat on dryland farms in San Juan County will suffer because there will be little new moisture to come until after the harvest.

After the dormancy ends, most San Juan farmers often need to replant approximately one-third of the crop because the ground has crusted over from rain and snow-melt. With crusted ground, the wheat seedling is unable to break through to continue growing, and instead retreats and dies.

During the harvest, which begins the last part of July and continues through August, another unique aspect of dryland farming takes place. Many of the implements used for the dryland crops are much larger than those typically found on irrigated ground – with many using 36 foot header com-pared with a 25 foot header. Some farmers are using field cultivators that are 50 feet wide.

The larger machinery helps save time when working on the larger tracts of land. A challenge for machinery takes place how-ever when harvesting the dryland crops, which don’t grow as tall.

Photo by Matt HargreavesThis John Deere tractor prepares soil for planting on some ground that was fallow for Shay Lewis in Mon-ticello. Wind can cause soil erosion problems in the area, which is why Lewis is considering no-till options.


-Wheat is the largest acreage crop in the world and a staple food for 35% of the world.-The first people began eating wheat about 17,000 years ago.-North of Nebraska, most of the wheat grown is spring wheat. South of Nebraska, farmers primarily grow winter wheat.-Utah wheat farmers primarily grow Hard Red Winter Wheat, used mainly to make breads and hard rolls. Though some farmers in Utah grow soft white wheat, used as cake or pastry flour.-Utah averages about 43 bushels of wheat per acre.-Wheat products provide carbohydrates, protein, minerals and vitamins.

What’s in a bushel?-A bushel of wheat contains approximately one mil-lion individual kernels.-A bushel of wheat weighs approximately 60 pounds.-A bushel of wheat yields approximately 42 pounds of white flour or 60 pounds of whole-wheat flour.-A bushel of wheat yields 42 commercial loaves (1.5 pound loaves) of white bread or about 90 one-pound loaves of whole wheat bread.

Facts About Wheat The stands of wheat do not grow as high as on irrigated land, and so harvesting equipment is closer to the ground – making it more susceptible to picking up rocks and clogging equip-ment.

Other challenges come in the form of the crop itself. Hard winter wheat typically has a lower protein value than spring wheat, and pro-tein levels earn premium pricing from the mills and other buyers of wheat.

Harvests of the dryland wheat average approxi-mately 22 bushels an acre, compared with approxi-mately 60 bushels an acre on irrigated land. Other crops have similar drop-offs, with safflower produc-ing approximately 500-600 lbs per acre compared to 2,000-2,200 lbs with ir-rigation.

But it is the frequency of harvests, not just the yields, which has to be taken into account. By relying on nat-ural rainfall, crops cannot be planted every year and be expected to produce. Most take advantage of a summer fallow period to allow for the ground to re-charge its water, and others will plant crops to recharge nutrients lost in the soil. San Juan’s FSA office re-ported more than 28,000 acres are in summer fallow.

“I usually plant a crop of hay to recharge the soil with nutrients,” said Shay Lewis, San Juan County farmer and County Farm Bureau Board member. “You usu-ally just get one cutting, but then I leave whatever is left to also cut down on soil ero-sion and dust problems.”

Other methods of erosion control used by dryland farmers include the use of terraces. The terraces also cut down on surface runoff

and allow the dryland crops to use the most water pos-sible. With the help of the Natural Resources Con-servation Service (NRCS) in San Juan County, most terraces have been made about as wide as the imple-ments the farmers use in order to allow them to con-tinue using equipment on the land.

Despite the lower yields, dryland farmers take com-fort in the fact that they have fewer input costs when it comes to fertilizing, seed planting, and spraying for weeds.

Less seed is planted on dryland farms because us-ing too much will result in the plants choking each other out in competition for water.

Most weed control on dryland farms is done by plowing. Due to concerns over soil erosion – and the costs associated with repeatedly plowing to con-trol weeds – more farmers, including Shay Lewis, are looking into the possibili-ties of no-till farming.

This is especially true for the organic wheat farms in the county, which are explicitly kept free of tradi-tional weed control meth-ods.

“I rotate my hay to help feed the wheat on my or-ganic fields,” Lewis said. “We also have to clean down our combine between

conventional and organic fields and make sure noth-ing from the two separate fields crosses over. But it is expensive to repeatedly run the tractor to keep the fields free of weeds.”

Modern machinery has also helped in this battle. Blaine Nebeker said that more farmers have been us-ing tractors equipped with GPS in the last five years, cutting down on spray and fuel.

With the advancements in technology and improve-ments in farming tech-niques, dryland farming continues to be profitable in San Juan County, mak-ing the county the third largest producer of wheat in the state. They have has also allowed its farmers to continue doing what they love.

“It’s just something that I enjoy doing,” Nebeker said. Adding that San Juan County probably has only half the farmers it did 20 years ago.

Despite the loss of farm-ers, others like Nebeker and Lewis are determined to make a successful run of things using different techniques such as dryland and no-till. If history in San Juan is any indication, success will often be found in the determination and innovation of the farmer as much as in the soil.

Photo by Matt HargreavesThis John Deere header prepares to harvest wheat at Blaine Nebeker’s farm in Monticello. Dryland farms typically use machinery that is wider than on irrigated ground because of the increased size of farms.

Utah Farm Bureau News16 September 2011SNAKE VALLEYContinued from pg. 1

opposing the project.While Nevada officials grap-

ple with water rights appli-cations and BLM analyzes potential impacts of the pipe-line, Utah officials have been considering a proposed agree-ment with Nevada to share Snake Valley groundwater as mandated by Congress. The Utah Farm Bureau is asking state officials to show restraint. There is no reason to sign the agreement before SNWA plans are approved by Nevada water officials and the pipeline is ap-proved by BLM.

Many questions still remain on SNWA’s plan originally filed 22 years ago. BLM says it’s im-possible to come to any conclu-sion until they know how much groundwater will be tapped and from where. The Nevada State Engineer has hearings

scheduled in late September on SNWA’s water rights applica-tions. SNWA has filed on and is hoping to transport 170,000 – 200,000 acre feet of water to Las Vegas mostly for hotels, casinos and golf courses. And will the Nevada S t a t e E n g i n e e r even approve the trans-basin trans-fer of Snake Valley groundwater with the tremendous level of opposition from Utah?

Utah Farm Bu-reau in testimony submitted to the BLM at the August 11th Open House in Salt Lake City noted concerns with the his-toric rights of the farmers and ranchers in the area. Any

drawdown, even the slightest drop in the water table, will increase the costs of fuel and electricity for agriculture pro-

duction. History and the old timers tell us the Snake Val-ley aquifer is in balance. The discharge equals the recharge. Utah law requires sustain-able yield. Residents report that when summer pumping begins, water flows in the val-ley change. During droughts, flowing wells and springs dry up. What will be the short term and long-term impacts of SNWA’s trans-basin proposal and removing 20,000, 30,000 or 40,000 acre feet from Snake Valley? Experts suggest the aquifer drawdown in some ar-eas may be as much as 200 feet.

The Snake Valley aquifer lies largely in Utah, while most of the recharge comes from the Nevada side. SNWA has sug-gested that scenario should allow them a greater part of the Snake Valley resource. Intriguing as that is, folks in California and Arizona would hate the idea of the headwater states getting a greater share of the Colorado River, since that’s where it snows.

Farm Bureau pointed out

the very complex dynamics of the hydrologic system on the Nevada side and its impacts on Utah are still uncertain. What

is known is the groundwater gen-erally flows north f r o m N e v a d a across Utah’s west desert toward the Great Salt Lake. How will the hy-drologic connec-t i o n s b e t w e e n these aquifers be impacted? Could pumping as much as 200,000 acre feet to Las Vegas annually create a cone of depression reversing ground-water flows draw-ing salt water back

across the desert? Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon expressed concerns prevailing winds would pick up greater amounts of dirt and dust as the ecology changes, hurting Utah residents and violating air quality standards.

BLM has the responsibil-ity of assessing any adverse socio-economic impacts on the residents of the region. Eighty-four percent of the groundwa-ter dependent lands are located in Utah providing water for irrigation, rangeland livestock operations, dairy farms, do-mestic uses and stabilizing the area’s flora and fauna.

Utah Farm Bureau recom-mended the BLM alternative that leaves Snake Valley out, noting there are too many un-answered questions with the regions hydrology that poten-tially could hurt Utah interests. The risk is to great!

Photo courtesy of Matthew Affolter

Sheep grazing in Snake Valley.


Practical PolicyVice President- Public PolicySterling Brown

In President Obama’s last State of Union address, he stressed the urgency and importance of the United States committing to win-ning the future through three actions: out-inno-vating, out-building, and out-edu-cating the rest of the w o r l d . He said we must out-com-pete our competitors in order to sustain our leadership and secure prosperity for all Americans. Immediately following his address, Obama asked Senior Ad-ministrative officials to

get on the road and host roundtable discussions with business and com-munity leaders across the country. Obama himself made visits throughout much of the Midwest to hear concerns from rural Americans.

Getting concerns to the White House

The specific purposes of these roundtable dis-cussions are two-fold: First, to hear directly from business leaders around the country on how to grow the economy, put Americans to work and

win the future. Second, provide information to lo-cal business leaders about Administration programs and resources available to support their growth and success. President Obama

made it clear to his Senior Administration officials that they were to listen, learn and begin a dialogue with local leaders. The goal of Senior Adminis-tration officials is to visit at least 100 communities across all 50 states by

year-end.Peter Appel, Adminis-

trator for the Research and Innovative Technolo-gy Administration (RITA), recently represented the Obama Administration in a roundtable discussion in Park City, Utah. Mr. Ap-pel was confirmed by the United States Senate in April 2009 and now works closely with Secretary Ray LaHood, current Secre-tary of the United States Department of Trans-portation, in advancing key transportation initia-tives through leveraging effective research and technology.

Mr. Appel hosted this roundtable event with support by Utah’s Depart-ment of Agriculture and Food. Fifteen agriculture and local leaders were in-vited attend. Stephen Os-

guthorpe, Vice Presi-dent of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, and I both attended and participated in the roundtable dis-cussion. Mr. Appel allowed for personal introductions, briefly summarized the pur-pose of the roundta-ble meeting, then lis-tened as city, county and agriculture lead-ers expressed con-cerns with current Administration poli-cies and regulations and the urgent need for change.

The following is a list of concerns and is-sues expressed during the roundtable:

- American doesn’ t h a v e a d o m e s t i c f o o d p r o d u c t i o n , d i s t r i b u t i o n a n d consumption policy.

This is necessary as populations increase, federal regulations restrict growth and food d is t r ibut ion becomes more and more global.

- Unfunded mandates made on food and fiber producers.

- Local governments required to conduct E n v i r o n m e n t a l Impact Statements ( E I S ) w h e n n o t necessary.

- The growing need for legal reliable labor/immigration.

- O u t - o f - c o n t r o l E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency (EPA). This agency continues to impose r u l e s , g u i d e l i n e s a n d r e g u l a t i o n s t h a t d i s r u p t t h e sustainability of farms and ranches.

- Redefining the energy policy of the United States to inc lude increased production of oi l and gas on domestic soils.

- Federally subsidized ethanol is hurting the American farmer.

- Inability of harvesting American timber and the negative affects this is having on our private and public forests.

- Lack of entrepreneurial opportunities in rural America.

- Increased needs for water project funds in the Western United States.

- M u l t i p l e - u s e o n p u b l i c l a n d s i s diminishing. Policies must reflect multiple-use with emphasis on harvesting renewable resources.

- Growing vulnerability in agricultural markets lends to increased insecurity and risk.

- The need for less federal government and the urgency for empowering local government.

- Getting the internet, e v e n h i g h s p e e d internet , to rural America.

Mr. Appel ensured us his notes would be com-piled and submitted to the White House Business Council where President Obama would get a report of the Park City, Utah roundtable discussion. The Council is effectively a coordinating body for the Obama Administration, ensuring that senior Ad-ministration officials are getting out of Washing-ton to hear directly from American business lead-ers, and that the ideas they are hearing across the country are brought back to Washington, further-ing the Administration’s commitment to grow jobs and increase American economic competitive-ness. More than 100 se-nior Administration offi-cials are now members of the White House Business Council.

Utah Farm Bureau is working to implement Farm Bureau policy and educate the White House regarding our concerns.

Photo courtesy of White House.gov

President Barack Obama addresses a crowd in the Midwest as part of his recent outreach visits to rural communities. The White House Rural Business Rountable recently met in Park City where UFBF Vice President Steve Osguthorpe and UFBF Vice President - Public Policy Sterling Brown shared concerns with agriculture.


See ENGAGEMENT on pg. 27

news for America’s farm and ranch families,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The key word is common-sense, and it was refreshing to see that our federal authorities heard the concerns we expressed. It lifts a big cloud of uncertainty in farm country and the action is greatly appreciated.”

CDLContinued from pg. 1

Stallman said he was pleased by Secretary La-Hood’s clarity in stating the department “had no intention of instituting onerous regulations on the hardworking farm-ers who feed our country and fuel our economy.”

“Operating and mov-ing the machinery nec-essary to tend and har-vest crops and care for livestock is a vital part of farming and ranching,”

Stallman said. “Long established protocols are in place at the state and local levels to en-sure that safety is para-mount, and that farm-ers are able to do their jobs and transport their goods to market.” By Mace Thornton, Deputy

Director of Public Relations, American Farm Bureau Fed-eration

Producing a bounty of U.S.-grown food to sell and share beyond our borders remains a matter of deep pride to America’s farmers and ranchers. A growing body of evidence suggests, however, that Americans who do not farm or ranch really don’t give a rip that America’s farmers and ranchers are striving to feed the world.

In this age of engage-ment-based communica-tion, it is vital that each precious minute farmers and ranchers have to con-nect with other American eaters is appealing and meaningful. Frankly, farm-ers talking about American agriculture’s ability to feed the world no longer fits that category.

The first challenge to the wisdom of feed-the-world talk came last year from the Center for Food Integ-rity. Influential consumers were asked to rank 17 spe-cific issues related to our nation and food. The item ranking last in importance, by far, was the United States having enough food to feed people in develop-ing countries.

While that result cracks open a door of skepticism, it does not stand alone. Work by the Illinois Farm Families coalition found that of a list of 10 compel-ling facts about farmers, facts related to productiv-ity and feeding the world

Farmer engagement must move beyond

feeding the worldranked near the bottom in terms of making people feel more positive about farmers.

There is additional evi-dence that chatter about feeding the world is simply not what consumers want to hear. To make matters worse, hard-core food ac-tivists like to hold up the feed-the-world message to ridicule today’s agriculture as disconnected.

The time has come for farmers and ranchers to re-frame their conversations with consumers. Keep it real. There must be a focus on issues vital to consum-ers, such as their desire to choose nutritious, safe food produced in a respon-sible manner.

There is no doubt; we are facing an urgent new real-ity related to how farmers engage with eaters. What makes it so hard to swal-low is the knowledge that many farmers and ranch-ers consider it their profes-sional, moral obligation to produce food for all people who need it. In fact, it bor-ders on a divine mission.

Because farmers and ranchers grow up, raise their families and live where they work, each and every day, perhaps no other profession holds the same kind of endur-ing and unbreakable bond between professional duty and personal identity as does farming. In that envi-ronment, discovering that a belief you treasure rings


YF&R Focus: Bart & Alley GarrettState Young Farmer and Rancher Committee — District 4 (Juab, Utah & Wasatch Counties)

Bart was born and raised on the Garrett family farm in Nephi, Utah. From the time he could remember, he was driving a tractor with his Dad, feeding cows or farming hay, grain or corn. As a little boy he looked forward to branding season, riding horses and pushing cows up the canyons of Mount Nebo and bringing the cows home in the fall. His first job was changing a dozen sprinklers for a neighbor’s farm. The Garrett farm was full of all kinds of farm animals – unforgettable dogs, honorable horses, favorite chickens, ornery cows, and barn cats. Sheep, some pigs, rabbits, a goat, and the wild raccoons, skunks, snakes, and deer were extra animals on the farm. With memories of agriculture life so near and dear to his heart, he wouldn’t have his kids grow up any other way. We both had great childhoods and hope our kids enjoy a childhood like we had.

I grew up on a large cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. This ranch is called the Rex Ranch and is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My childhood is very similar to Bart’s, except for riding horses on the narrow mountain trails – I’m definitely partial to the open grassy prairies. I’ve lived in Utah for about seven years now, and I’m still not used to the mountains! We managed a large number of cows and did a significant amount of fencing to help my dad. I loved being involved with horse 4-H and showing our cattle, pigs, and sheep at the county fair! My

Farm life – How unforgettable

childhood life was very rural out in Nebraska. We went to a two-room K-8 schoolhouse. Then, in 9th grade I got my school permit and drove into Hyannis, NE to high school. At least 22 of the 24 kids in my class were ranch kids! It’s surprising to see how few of us stayed in the agricultural lifestyle. I guess in today’s world you have to get creative to still carry on the ways of the past.

In Nephi, Utah today, the Garrett family has really grown, and while the farm provides beef for all of us, it can’t provide for the entire family like it did generations ago. Bart and his five brothers all have jobs away from the farm to support their families, as do many people here in Utah. Trying to provide for one’s family, while staying involved in agriculture is rather difficult. So we spend every weekday minute from 6 p.m. until very dark and weekends farming! We grow about 30 acres of our own alfalfa hay and farm about 100 acres for our neighbor, a retired farmer. And, we help Bart’s Mom and Dad out farming the Garrett farm too. If it wasn’t for the Garrett farm we would have a very difficult time farming, because we use all of Dad’s equipment and his expertise.

For the last five years we’ve been involved with Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) program. It has been a great opportunity to associate with people who share our way of life. Farm Bureau has also been a great insight to helping us get started in farming. We

appreciate the passion Y F & R m e m b e r s have toward h e l p i n g farmers and r a n c h e r s in a world today where farming is a second job. We’ve really e n j o y e d reading opinions and stories from others involved in agriculture on the American Farm Bureau blog, www.fb.org/blog. Most blog posts talk about current Ag issues. They also range from stories like, “Have you met a real-life farmer?” to “When will farming hit reality TV?!” Some Utah authors I like to read from

on the Farm Bureau Blog include Garrick Hall, Misty Wall, and Marc & Hollie Henrie! Thanks to you guys for your stories, your agricultural ways of life and your willingness to share your lifestyle with the world!

ranked near the bottom in terms of making people feel more positive about farmers.

There is additional evi-dence that chatter about feeding the world is simply not what consumers want to hear. To make matters worse, hard-core food ac-tivists like to hold up the feed-the-world message to ridicule today’s agriculture as disconnected.

The time has come for farmers and ranchers to re-frame their conversations with consumers. Keep it real. There must be a focus on issues vital to consum-ers, such as their desire to choose nutritious, safe food produced in a respon-sible manner.

There is no doubt; we are facing an urgent new real-ity related to how farmers engage with eaters. What makes it so hard to swal-low is the knowledge that many farmers and ranch-ers consider it their profes-sional, moral obligation to produce food for all people who need it. In fact, it bor-ders on a divine mission.

Because farmers and ranchers grow up, raise their families and live where they work, each and every day, perhaps no other profession holds the same kind of endur-ing and unbreakable bond between professional duty and personal identity as does farming. In that envi-ronment, discovering that a belief you treasure rings


According to the Utah Field Office of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Utah market year average (MYA) prices received by farmers for wheat, feed barley, oats and

Utah yearly small grain and hay prices increase

hay all increased from 2009 to 2010.

Market year average prices represent July through June for wheat, barley, and oats and May through April for hay. The 2010 MYA all

wheat price was $7.43 per bushel, up $1.51 per bushel from 2009 and higher than all the surrounding states and the U. S. All wheat price was higher in 2010 than in 2009 for the U. S.

and for all surrounding states except Arizona and New Mexico. Utah winter wheat and other spring wheat 2010 MYA prices were $7.20 and $9.27 per bushel, re-spectively.

Feed barley MYA price was $3.34 per bushel in 2010, $0.74 per bushel higher than 2009 and $0.12 per bushel above the U. S. 2010 MYA price. Idaho’s 2010 MYA feed barley price at $4.17 per bushel was the highest of the sur-rounding states and $0.74 per bushel above Utah’s.

The Utah 2010 MYA oat price at $3.60 per bushel increased $1.10 per bushel over the 2009 price and was the highest of the surround-ing states and higher

than the U. S. price.All hay MYA price was

$106.00 per ton in 2010, up $4.00 per ton from 2009 but the third low-est of the surrounding states and lower than the U. S. average. The 2010 MYA all hay price for Utah and surround-ing states ranged from $80.00 per ton in Mon-tana to $128.00 per ton in Arizona. Utah alfalfa hay MYA price was $102.00 per ton in 2009 and $106.00 per ton in 2010. Other hay was $94.00 and $98.00 per ton, respectively for 2009 and 2010.USDA/NASS publica-tions are available on the net atwww.nass.usda.gov.


Farm SafetyVice President- Farm SafetyA.J. Ferguson

Safety Counts– Your Community Depends On It

National Farm Safety& Health Week

September 18-24, 2011

By Rob Elliott, Associate Ergonomic Professional

When Friar John was unable to deliver Laurence’s letter to Romeo about Juliet’s faked death, the consequences were a great play, but the results were tragic nonetheless. On January 8, 1815, when word wasn’t delivered to combatants that the “War of 1812” was over, British and American forces engaged in a great battle at New Orleans resulting in thousands of casualties and hundreds of deaths.

It is imaginable that important messages have missed delivery throughout history with many unwanted results. That needn’t be the case in farm .

One important message of farm safety is ergonomics. Ergonomics, correctly applied, is basical ly making work workable. If someone is lifting something so heavy it ’s a significant risk to the back - it isn’t a workable lift. If a tractor driver steps quickly off a tractor with legs vibrated to slumber from hours of operation and slips breaking an arm or leg - it isn’t a workable dismount. If after years of stooping over to pull up “one more weed” a farmer severely strains a back muscle – it isn’t a workable way to weed.

National Farm Safety Week is September 18-24, 2011. Contin-ually encouraging Utah farmers and ranchers to be safe and protect their families and em-ployees from dangers related to agriculture has been a message shared over a 20-year period

from the Utah Farm Bureau.I am at it again this year,

reminding those of you that produce our food and fiber to take a moment and remem-ber that National Farm Safety Week is an opportunity to make

a change.The need for agricultural safety

is still there, with national num-bers showing more than 600 farmers and ranchers are killed annually and almost 100 of those are youth under the age of 18. There is definite need for farm

safety.During the

w e e k , t a k e a moment to find one safety practice that you could im-plement in the immediate fu-

ture that would make your farm, ranch or home a safer place. Then put it into action. What is that “one thing” you’ve been looking to take care of? Now is the time to turn that idea into a reality.

Proper ergonomics makes work, workable

Ergonomic research studies ways the human body lifts, moves, grips, pushes, flexes, walks, and so on. It does so to find the best ways of doing these things. It suggests ways to make work match the body. By using this knowledge, production can usually be improved and health better maintained.

Yes, farmers are known for being tough, but they are also known for being providers and future grandparents . They can be the best of all these. Providing takes health, as does being an active and involved grandparent (now or later). Through ergonomic understanding a farmer can reduce the risks of ruptured discs, tendentious, rotator cuff damage, and a host of other maladies, which are the accumulation of risky activities throughout months and years of work. Reducing these risks can benefit the farmer through continued providing, and active life when older.

The tough part may be starting ergonomic improvements today! For more information on proper ergonomics, contact the A.J. Ferguson in the Utah Farm Bureau Farm Safety Division at 801-233-3006 or [email protected].

than the U. S. price.All hay MYA price was

$106.00 per ton in 2010, up $4.00 per ton from 2009 but the third low-est of the surrounding states and lower than the U. S. average. The 2010 MYA all hay price for Utah and surround-ing states ranged from $80.00 per ton in Mon-tana to $128.00 per ton in Arizona. Utah alfalfa hay MYA price was $102.00 per ton in 2009 and $106.00 per ton in 2010. Other hay was $94.00 and $98.00 per ton, respectively for 2009 and 2010.USDA/NASS publica-tions are available on the net atwww.nass.usda.gov.

Utah Farm Bureau News22 September 2011CENTURYContinued from pg. 11

are proud to help raise awareness of that through this new website.”

“Agriculture’s Lasting Heritage” features a variety of components to interest non-farmers as well as farmers and ranchers. An interactive map allows the visitor to quickly link to a comprehensive list of state century farm programs and resources. Users will find an immediate connection with the farmers who operate our century farms, as they watch the story unfold through video profiles of a variety of farms. Written pro-files also will be provided to offer additional stories of those who have contributed to the sustainability of our agriculture industry, and our nation.

Agriculture has played a significant role in the development of our nation. With this in mind, “Agriculture’s Lasting Heritage” also provides an opportunity for the visitor to navigate through an interactive timeline of American history and agriculture.

Parents, teachers and volunteer educators will enjoy the free educational resources that support continued learning. Lesson plans that intricately combine American history standards with the progression of the agri-culture industry are provided complete with all required resources.

“On behalf of Capreno and Bayer Crop-Science, we’re excited to partner with the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture to make this program possible,” said Jeff Springsteen, Capreno herbicide marketing manager. “Bayer CropScience constantly strives to deliver innovations, whether it’s developing a top-performing crop input, or supporting a useful, educa-tional website for consumers. This online resource is a great opportunity to honor the lasting heritage of agriculture and the future of farmers.”

Agriculture’s lasting heritage in our nation is enduring and beneficial, due to the com-mitment farm and ranch families continue to make to the land, and to each other. This project would not be possible without the support of title sponsor Capreno® herbicide from Bayer CropScience.

Support the lasting heritage of our indus-try and visit http://www.agricultureslast-ingheritage.org/ today!

grants and land sales. The founders’ call for equality among the states and sovereignty had officially been trumped by federal dictate.

Carter’s army of bureaucrats and bliz-zard of regulatory red tape was the catalyst for the Sagebrush Rebellion that brought together ranching, mining and energy in-terests across the West. Regulatory frustra-tions and overbearing bureaucrats fanned the flames of the anti-federal government movement. Newly elected United States Senator Orrin Hatch heard the complaints and drafted land reform legislation in 1979 to allow the western states to apply for con-trol over portions of the federal lands. On the campaign trail Presidential Candidate Ronald Reagan in 1980 told a Salt Lake City audience “I happen to be one who cheers and supports the Sagebrush Rebellion. Count me in as a Rebel!”

Sagebrush Rebel Ronald Reagan went on to defeat President Jimmie Carter in a land-slide, winning 44 of the 50 states. Sadly, the Sagebrush Rebellion failed to fully capitalize over the long-term with Reagan in the White House and more understanding federal government agencies.

Thirty years have passed but as Yogi Berra said, “Its Déjà vu all over again!” Today’s out-of-control regulatory philosophy is punctuated by today’s elitist environmental agenda. Like the Carter era, Team Obama and “Change You Can Believe In” is stran-gling the American Dream.

Vast amounts of natural resources in the American West are controlled by the federal government. The non-use, “wild lands” advocates and bureaucrats who are tying up grazing lands, timber, energy and minerals are killing American jobs. They are wast-ing our God-given natural resources. The Carter Presidency and radical environmen-tal movement pushed America to greater dependence on foreign countries to meet our basic needs. America’s dependence on foreign oil has jumped to 65% and at the same time Obama Administration has cancelled 77 BLM drilling contracts and cut energy leases in Utah by 87 percent.

While Americans in 1979 were in gas lines, our nation was self-sufficient in meeting all of our timber and wood products needs. Today, America is importing 70 percent of

WESTContinued from pg. 2

our timber needs. While we’re importing wood, billions of board feet of timber in America’s forests is rotting, being ravaged by insect infestations and mismanaged for wild fires. Jobs in timber harvest, moth-balled saw mills across the West, idled furniture manufacturers and paper mills are lost while millions of acres of western forest lands are literally going to waste. Bureaucratic red tape, job killing environmental lawsuits and activist courts “protecting our natural resources” are kill-ing the West.

Federal management of America’s natu-ral resources reads like a Greek tragedy. Red tape and inaction is killing jobs with a national unemployment rate more than 9 percent. We pay foreign countries who hate us billions of dollars a year to supply us with oil while bureaucrats are making it more and more difficult to drill in America. We have millions of acres of timber rot-ting or burned in wild fires. And when multiple-use advocates rallied to keep the Paria Canyon Road open from an illegal BLM closure, environmental activists were up in arms and calling for arrests. They ig-nore the fact the Kane County’s Paria Road was first established in 1879 and has been used for generations by miners, ranchers, hunters, ATV enthusiasts and even BLM employees.

Interestingly, these hypocritical envi-ronmental radicals who vilify these access advocates are proclaiming convicted felon Tim DeChristopher their hero. DeChris-topher is currently awaiting sentencing for fraud and stealing millions from the American people.

Let’s make sure regulatory red tape and bureaucratic bungling don’t kill the goose that laid America’s golden egg. Our free enterprise system is the foundation to America’s prosperity and abundance.

Utah Farm Bureau News 23September 2011WATER Continued from pg. 3

When it comes to hazardous household substances: store them properly in sealed contain-ers in a secure place; use them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and dispose of them safely.

When it comes to water con-servation: modify water use and install water-saving devices when possible.

Water well owners should: move possible contamination sources a safe distance from the wellhead; become current on septic system inspection and cleaning; get an annual water well system inspection and prop-erly decommission any aban-doned wells on their property using a professional.

Learn other ways to protect groundwater by visiting NGWA’s Protect Your Groundwater Day Web page, http://bit.ly/rf0lf3.

nology and specifies approved forms of official identification for each species, such as metal ear tags for cattle. While it does not recognize brand-ing as official identification for cattle and bison, the rule allows branding and other identification methods to be used so long as both the ship-ping and receiving states agree to it.

Thirty-six states currently do not have brand inspection systems in place, noted U.S. Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford. The department pro-poses ear tags to be the only device that may be used for official identification of cattle and bison.

Brent Tanner, a cattle ranch-er whose family ranches in Box Elder County and ex-ecutive director of the Utah Cattlemen’s Association, said branding is important to Utah ranchers because the state does have a brand inspection system and ranchers feel this system has been helpful in identification.

“It has always been impor-tant to Utah ranchers that any traceability program be as simple and cost effective as possible. Brands have filled that role in Utah for many years,” Tanner said. “We feel that with proper records, that brands can work as a trace-ability method into the future. While brands do not identify a specific individual animal like a tag would, a brand does trace the animal back to the ranch source.”

Tanner added the his orga-nization has always advocated for the vaccination of females for brucellosis, but that rely-ing on those tags for identi-

TRACEABILITYContinued from pg. 13

fication can be cumbersome because of the size of the tag and the extra time it takes in reading them.

“We are working with the state veterinarian to see that Utah creates an interstate transport system that meets the requirements of the federal government, as well as creates a system that Utah livestock owners can manage,” Tanner said.

The proposed rule would phase in official identification requirements for cattle and bison starting with sexually intact animals 18 months or older, but it would require identification for all dairy cattle, regardless of age, as well as cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo and other show events. Some cross-border movements are exempt from the rule, such as when animals go to slaughter.

Sterling Brown, Utah Farm Bureau Federation Vice Presi-dent for Public Policy, said the organization is reviewing the proposed rule and is ask-ing farmers and ranchers to share their specific concerns and views.

“Whereas we endorse an identification system capable of supporting animal disease control and eradication, we believe that any such national program must be as simple and inexpensive as possible for farmers to implement,” Brown said.

Haven Hendricks, president of the Utah Pork Producers Association didn’t feel the state’s swine industry would be impacted by the new rules.

Some of the state’s sheep producers do move animals to other states as part of yearly grazing schedules, but the re-quirements would not change

what sheep and goat produc-ers are already doing. Under the new rule, sheep and goats would continue to conform to existing scrapie regula-tions. Swine that are moved interstate also must meet ID requirements in established regulations.

Most poultry producers would not have to change their current practices either, as the proposed rule allows them to use identification methods al-ready required under National Poultry Improvement Plan regulations.

For information on the pro-posed rule, see http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/. Public comments will be ac-cepted until November 9, 2011.


By Kaila Schoenfeld and Ryan ThornockAs I attended the Wasatch

County fair and rodeo this year, I looked around at the diverse crowd that is drawn to county fairs around the state each year. I wondered if there was something more we could do to promote agriculture to the public as they enjoy the entertainment the fair offers. The stock show is a great event, but I don’t think the gen-eral public attend the stock show or interact with the animals there. The rodeo is entertaining, but not very educational. As I thought about how to combine the draw of the county fair with a healthy promotion of agriculture, the Little Red Barn in Uintah County came to my mind.

“I love it so much! That’s why I come every year!” This is one

‘Little Red Barn’ at the Uintah County fair a big success

of the many responses that Little Red Barn workers heard from the ‘Little Farmer’ participants. The ‘Little Red Barn’ is an interactive agricultural education activity at

the Uintah County Fair. It is co-sponsored by the Uintah County Farm Bureau, the Uintah FFA Chapter, and the Uintah County Fair Board.

“I had gone to the State Fair and saw their Little Hands on the Farm and we thought that

it would be a wonderful thing to have here in town,” said Tracy Smuin, Uintah County Fair Direc-tor. Smuin teamed up with An-drea Schoenfeld, Uintah County Farm Bureau Women’s Commit-tee Chair to create a similar event as Utah State Fair’s ‘Little Hands on the Farm’.

T h e ‘ L i t t l e Farmers’ start out by putting on an apron and grab-bing a basket. Once in farming attire they head to the apple orchard and after apple pick-ing the farmers make their way to the garden patch where they will plant and harvest vegetables of their choice. The chick-en coop is their next stop—careful to not break the eggs. Then it’s time to gather the feed corn that will be used to feed the animals later. Hop on a tractor and load hay for your ani-mals. Time for the animal barn. Here you feed and milk cows. The little farmers are done gathering the farm goods and take their items to the Farmers Market to sell. After all is sold they take their earnings to the store where they can buy agricultural food item of their choice.

The purpose of this event is to teach the community about agriculture and where their food comes from. Approximately 7,050 guests went through the ‘Barn’ in 2 ½ days.

“People love it. I hear about it year round about how they love to come,” Smuin said. “Parents love to watch their kids do it and grandparents love to watch the kids do it.”

Local FFA students and Farm Bureau provide the manpower for the Little Red Barn. They help the children and their parents through the activity while teach-ing them about agriculture and its role in everyday life. When asked what their favorite part of the Little Red Barn was two FFA members replied that they loved seeing the little kids’ excitement and how it showed on their faces.

David Wilson, FFA advisor for Uintah High School along with

members of the FFA chapter help create and construct the differ-ent stations for the children to enjoy. The Uintah County Farm Bureau members enjoy helping the patrons through the farm and being able to teach the public about agriculture in Utah County specifically.

“It is vital that the community knows the importance of agricul-ture and where their food comes from, that is why we do this every year,” Andrea Schoenfeld said. “The partnership and relationship that has grown between Farm Bureau, FFA, and Uintah County has been nothing but positive.”

This is the fourth year that the Little Red Barn has been in action and it continues to grow. Smuin hopes the ‘Little Red Barn’ will continue to grow in the future. Smuin loves working with the Uintah County Farm Bureau and

Photo courtesy of Uintah Co Farm BureauThis future farm girl gathers some grain from a storage bin as part of the ‘Little Red Barn’ activity at the Uintah County Fair in Vernal.

REd BARN continued on pg 30

Utah Farm Bureau News 25September 2011Local FFA students and Farm

Bureau provide the manpower for the Little Red Barn. They help the children and their parents through the activity while teach-ing them about agriculture and its role in everyday life. When asked what their favorite part of the Little Red Barn was two FFA members replied that they loved seeing the little kids’ excitement and how it showed on their faces.

David Wilson, FFA advisor for Uintah High School along with

members of the FFA chapter help create and construct the differ-ent stations for the children to enjoy. The Uintah County Farm Bureau members enjoy helping the patrons through the farm and being able to teach the public about agriculture in Utah County specifi cally.

“It is vital that the community knows the importance of agricul-ture and where their food comes from, that is why we do this every year,” Andrea Schoenfeld said. “The partnership and relationship that has grown between Farm Bureau, FFA, and Uintah County has been nothing but positive.”

This is the fourth year that the Little Red Barn has been in action and it continues to grow. Smuin hopes the ‘Little Red Barn’ will continue to grow in the future. Smuin loves working with the Uintah County Farm Bureau and

By Ken Ivory, Utah State Representative – District 47 (West Jordan)

Violent “range war” clashes raged across the 19th century American West between cattlemen and sheepmen. Ap-parently, graz-ing propensities of sheep fre-quently made lands unsuit-able to cattle for long stretches. The two (both the herders and their stock) seemed en-tirely unable to coexist until the ability to fence western lands became more prevalent.

Clearly, good fences made good neighbors in the American West.

In pre-Revolutionary America, John Adams made this very point to the royal governor of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson, who had declared in their 1773 debate regarding the Col-onies desire for self-gov-ernance, “I know of no line that can be drawn between the supreme authority of Parliament and the total indepen-dence of the colonies.” To which, Adams retort-ed, “If there be no such line, the consequence is either that the colonies are vassals of Parlia-ment, or that they are totally independent.” – John Adams, Letter to Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson, 1773.

In the face of virtu-ally innumerable federal regulations, farmers and ranchers today (along

Where’s the line, America?with the rest of the pro-ductive base of the United States) seem more like de facto federal clerks. Are we in our states to

be mere vas-sals to an un-bridled federal government? Must the states be totally in-dependent in order to secure the liberty of their farmers, ranchers, doc-tors, teachers,

energy producers, busi-nessmen, etc. from fed-eral intrusion? Or, might there be a line, a fence if you will, between the proper roles of the federal and state governments? And if so, Where’s the Line, America?

How to craft such a line, between “free and independent” states and a confederated central government, was one of the primary problems the Framers resolved in their deliberate design of the U.S. Constitution. James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen-dence and a major force in drafting the Constitu-tion, proclaimed in the Pennsylvania ratifi cation debates that this Consti-tution deserves praise for “the accuracy with which the line is drawn between the powers of the general government and those of the particular state gov-ernments.”

Of this line, former Utah Supreme Court Justice, Dallin Oaks, said “This division of sovereignty was unprecedented in theory or practice. In a

day when it is fashion-able to assume that the [federal] government has

the power and means to right every wrong, we should remember that the U.S. Constitution limits the national government to the exercise of powers expressly granted to it. The Tenth Amendment provides:

The powers not dele-gated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited to it by the States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the people.

This principle of limited national powers, with all residuary powers re-served to the people or to the state and local governments, which are most responsive to the people, is one of the great fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution.” – Dallin H. Oaks, “The Divinely Inspired Constitution,” Ensign, February 1992, 68–74.

Regarding how to main-tain this line, Thomas Jef-ferson admonished “It is important to strengthen the State governments; and as this cannot be done by any change in the Federal Constitution (for the preservation of that is all we need con-tend for), it must be done by the States themselves, erecting such barriers at the constitutional line as cannot be surmounted either by themselves or by the General Govern-ment. The only barrier

in their power is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in ev-

ery contest.” – Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Ar-chibald Stuart, 1791.

For more than 140 years, this line between the roles of the federal and state governments was a matter of nation-al common knowledge regarding our unprec-edented system of govern-ment. Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt had this to say of the mat-ter, “As a matter of fact and law, the governing rights of the States are all of those which have not been surrendered to the National Govern-ment by the Constitution or its amendments. . . . Congress has been given the right to legislate on ... particular subject[s], but this is not the case in the

matter of a great number of other vital problems of government, such as the conduct of public utilities, of banks, of insurance, of busi-ness, of agriculture, of education, of so-cial welfare and of a dozen other impor-tant features. In these, Washington must not be encouraged to interfere . . . Now, to bring about government by oligarchy masquerading as democ-racy, it is fundamentally essential that practically all authority and control be centralized in our Na-tional Government. The individual sovereignty of our States must fi rst be destroyed, except in mere minor matters of legislation. We are safe from the danger of any such departure from the principles on which this country was founded just so long as the individ-ual home rule of the States is scrupulous-AMERICA continued on pg 28


As Farmers and Ranchers, We’ve Raised Pre� y Much Everything.

Except Our Voices.Join us in leading a conversation about the importance of today’s agriculture and our

commitment to answering American’s questions about how we raise our food. Begin by sharing your voice at www.USFRAonline.org.


hollow to those you are dedicated to serving, cuts like a two-edged sword. But the bottom line is, when it comes to commu-nicating with consumers, personal feelings cannot be allowed to stand in the way of having an impact.

Another reason it is so hard to accept the urgent need to change the con-versation is that the U.S. really is helping feed the world. We exported a heck of a lot more food and fiber than we imported in 2010, resulting in a positive ag-ricultural trade balance of nearly $34 billion.

While that fact is worthy of pride, beyond the farm gate it is likely to resonate with less appeal than an empty lunchbox. Con-sumers hunger for real, compelling dialogue with farmers about how they are working conscien-tiously to produce high-quality food. Give them what they crave.

ENGAGEMENTContinued from pg. 18

Farm Bureau Financial Services now has an agent servicing Juab County with an office located in Nephi. Mike Price is excited for the opportunity to work with the great folks who make this state such a wonderful place to live. His family has deep roots in Utah, with his wife’s side specifically in Levan and Nephi.

Since becoming an agent for Farm Bu-reau, Mike has helped sponsor the Pro-Health Fair, Relay For Life for the past two years in Juab County, Wings of Love Charity 5K, Little League Baseball, Juab Mini Cheer, Mt. Nebo Cruzin’ Association, and most recently the Juab County Fair.

With many years of sales background and public interaction, Mike

New Farm Bureau Insurance agent sets up shop in Juab County

has come to enjoy the relationships that he has built with others. The greatest of these relationships is with his wife, Karla, who also assists in the office in

Nephi. Mike and Karla are the proud parents of a four-year-old son — Jackson — who likes to try to help out in the office as well. He is in charge of keeping the toys in the office orga-nized to his liking.

Mike has a deep love

for aviation and is a fourth generation pilot. His first career choice after serving a service mission for his church was that of a profession-al pilot. He was in flight school when the attacks of September 11, 2001 occurred. He continued on with aviation educa-tion, which brought his family to Utah. The avia-tion environment was not conducive to stabil-ity – which prompted Mike to make the switch and became a real estate appraiser.

After the decline in the real estate market, Mike became an agent for Farm Bureau. He want-ed to have a career that was not so dependent on a good economy. Mike still has his appraisal practice, which helps him stay abreast of the current housing market

and ensure that he can place proper coverage on clients’ homes. He also wanted to associate himself with a company that has a proven history of stability, a record for making good business decisions, and honor their commitments to clients. Mike feels Farm Bureau is that company.

In addition to spend-ing time with his family, Mike also enjoys golf-ing and participating in various service or-ganizations. His family resides in Nephi where they savor the crisp air and “revel in the quiet realm of our little spot of heaven.”

Any and all are wel-c o m e t o h i s o f f i c e , whether you are a Farm Bureau client of his or not. The Nephi office is located at 33 East 200 North, Suite 3. Mike is looking forward to a lasting relationship and presence in the com-munity!

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It is important to farmers and ranchers that the Federal Com-munication Commis-sion review possible interference with the Global Positioning Sys-tems that could be cre-ated by a broadband network being devel-oped by LightSquared, according to the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Fed-eration. The company is building an open wire-

FCC review of LightSquared broadband network needed

less broadband network that will operate on a wholesale basis.

“High-speed broad-band services have great potential to bring op-portunity to rural Amer-icans, but should not jeopardize the Global Positioning System,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Many of our farmer and rancher members rely on GPS for precision agricul-ture.”

Farmers use GPS for accurate mapping of field boundaries, roads and irrigation systems; for precision planting; and for targeting the application of fertilizer and chemicals that com-bat weeds and crop dis-eases. GPS also allows farmers to work in fields despite low-visibility conditions such as rain, dust, fog and darkness.

FCC continued on pg 30

Utah Farm Bureau News28 September 2011AMERICA continued from pg 25

ly preserved and fought for whenever it seems in danger.” – Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY, 1928-1932), On States’ Rights and Constitu-tional Authority, March 2, 1930.

So how did we ever get to the point where the EPA declares that a 12-inch wide dry rivulet in the middle of a Utah desert is “navigable waters” and regu-lates nearly everything about that private land? Or, where the Department of Transportation presumes that it has the author-ity to require a person to be 21 years old with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in order to operate any farm equipment? Or, where the Department of La-bor requires that a sheep farmer must provide a “comfortable bed” of suitable size along with a cell phone to his hired sheep-herders? Or, where a prairie dog is deemed of greater public im-

portance than farms and ranches providing the essentials of life? And, all at the peril of federal criminal sanctions (and, despite the fact that there were only three federal crimes authorized by the Constitution).

John Dickinson, a major Founder too little recognized today, wrote that “It will be their own faults, if the several States suffer the federal sovereignty to interfere in the things of their respective jurisdictions.” George Washington wholly en-dorsed this statement. James Madison stressed that the state legislatures are constitutionally duty-bound to:

“. . . jealously and closely watch the operations of this Gov-ernment, and be able to resist with more effect every assump-tion of power, [better] than any other power on earth can do ... [as the] sure guardians of the people’s liberty.” – James Madi-son, Introduction of the Bill of

Rights, The Annals of Congress, House of Representatives, First Congress, 1st Session, 448-460, 1789.

Our unique system of govern-ment is like an early American West partnership of cattlemen and sheepmen where good fences make good neighbors and keep one from decimating the life-essential terrain (jurisdiction) of the other. However, today, the fence seems to have been tram-pled down. Weeds have sprung up rendering the original line nearly indiscernible. While we try at times, through litigation, toil and strife, to throw an of-fending animal or two back over where we believe the line once was, dozens and even hundreds more stream across. How much better would it be to step above the partisan fray and re-survey the line, and re-establish the fence that for 140 years and more produced the most productive governing partnership the world has ever known?

Truly, the system is the solu-tion! And, “it will be [our] own faults, if [we] suffer the federal sovereignty to interfere in the things of [our] respective juris-dictions.” Fortunately, the hand of Divine Providence by which this Constitution was estab-lished, vested power within this system, and within our states, to restore the balance and maintain the line in the roles of the federal and state governments because:

Where there is No Line, There is No Limit.Where there is No Limit,There is No Liberty.

To learn more about what you can do to uphold and support state representatives who will stand as the “sure guardians of the people’s liberty,” log in to www.WheresTheLineAmerica.com

A host of volunteers come to-gether to celebrate fall, enjoy com-munity camaraderie and promote agriculture at the Country Farm Fest each October at the Dumas family homestead in Payson.

This year, the Country Farm Fest has set up a scholarship fund through the Nebo Education Foundation to benefit Salem Hills High School FFA students. For this fundraiser, fall displays will decorate the grounds of the festi-val for all to appreciate. Attendees can bid on their favorite vignette via Silent Auction. These pre-sentations will serve as a unique approach for donors to promote their business or organization while raising funds for well-deserving students.

Sunset Ride, a local country western band, and Just Us singing oldies rock n’ roll, have generously agreed to accept donations for the FFA cause during their perfor-mances at the upcoming festival.

A live, benefit auction for the D&M Ranch in Genola – which lost a barn and farm equipment in a devastating fire earlier this year – will also take place.

Country Farm Fest organizer Amelia Dumas hopes attendees will band together to support Utah County’s agricultural community.

The 5th Annual Country Farm Fest will take place October 14, 15 & 20, 21, 22 at 4058 West 9600 South in Payson. For more infor-mation on these fundraisers or the event, please contact Amelia Dumas at 801-465-7695 or visit www.acountryfarm.com.

Farm festival builds scholar-ship funds for ag students in Utah County


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ties.After two planning and

zoning meetings and many hours of delib-eration and testimony from both sides of the issue, the commission decided to push the de-cision of the issue into the next meeting. They have asked for additional information and light testing in addition to the testing that has already occurred. This issue par-allels in many ways the issue that some dairy farms encounter con-

MINKContinued from pg. 6

cerning stray voltage. It’s diffi cult to measure stray voltage but dairyman that have the problem know firsthand of the impacts that it has. The artifi cial lighting impact to this mink farmer is similar, in that, testing light rays with a sensi-tive meter could show little impact but the well-documented reality is that the mink will be impacted.

Farm Bureau works to balance the rights of all landowners and we recognize the rights and desires of both parties

involved with this issue. Our hope is that Summit County can weigh all the factors involved here and make an appropriate decision that will protect this particular mink farm and enhance agriculture in general. It’s our be-lief that if counties can put agriculture as a top priority they will be pro-tecting a viable, sustain-able industry that is the backbone of our society.

A host of volunteers come to-gether to celebrate fall, enjoy com-munity camaraderie and promote agriculture at the Country Farm Fest each October at the Dumas family homestead in Payson.

This year, the Country Farm Fest has set up a scholarship fund through the Nebo Education Foundation to benefi t Salem Hills High School FFA students. For this fundraiser, fall displays will decorate the grounds of the festi-val for all to appreciate. Attendees can bid on their favorite vignette via Silent Auction. These pre-sentations will serve as a unique approach for donors to promote their business or organization while raising funds for well-deserving students.

Sunset Ride, a local country western band, and Just Us singing oldies rock n’ roll, have generously agreed to accept donations for the FFA cause during their perfor-mances at the upcoming festival.

A live, benefi t auction for the D&M Ranch in Genola – which lost a barn and farm equipment in a devastating fi re earlier this year – will also take place.

Country Farm Fest organizer Amelia Dumas hopes attendees will band together to support Utah County’s agricultural community.

The 5th Annual Country Farm Fest will take place October 14, 15 & 20, 21, 22 at 4058 West 9600 South in Payson. For more infor-mation on these fundraisers or the event, please contact Amelia Dumas at 801-465-7695 or visit www.acountryfarm.com.

By Michael Pettengill, Public Relations Intern at the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Federation

For farmers and ranch-ers, upholding one’s duty to defend and protect the liberties and ideals for which our nation stands is not a choice, but rather a debt owed by all Ameri-cans. This patriotic spirit has been engrained in rural agricultural com-munities since the birth of our nation. More than 44 percent of all U.S. military troops boast rural roots.

America’s farmers and ranchers have always demonstrated unwaver-ing commitment to pro-tecting our nation from threats both foreign and domestic. As the U.S. faces the growing threat of in-dividual acts of terrorism, farmers are supporting Department of Homeland Security regulations on ammonium nitrate, a fer-tilizer used to provide es-sential nutrients to crops.

While many farmers and ranchers have tran-sitioned away from am-monium nitrate, it is still used as a nitrogen source for many crops.

However, in the right concentrations ammo-nium nitrate can be added to explosive devices to increase the magnitude of explosions. It has been used in several terrorist attacks including the 2005 London underground bombings, and the 1995 Oklahoma City bomb-ing that killed 168 U.S. citizens and cost the U.S. $1.35 billion.

In 2007, new legisla-tion instructed DHS to step up existing efforts

Farmers pitch in to protect our nation

to protect the nation from the potential misuse of ammonium nitrate. Unlike previous DHS programs focused primarily on secu-rity at high-risk chemical facilities, ANSP is designed to increase controls and monitoring of sales, pur-chases and transfers of the product.

Purchasers, sellers and individuals involved in the transfer of ammonium nitrate products contain-ing 30 percent or more of the compound by weight would be required to reg-ister for approval by DHS.

The registration process is estimated to take about two hours and will require a payment every fi ve years (based on volume pur-chased) that the agency estimates would average from under $100 to $832 for farm use. Purchasers who use ammonium ni-trate, but never come in direct contact with it are not required to register.

Farm Bureau is working to support efforts that help further secure ammonium nitrate. This includes re-quiring individuals making purchases to show posi-tive identifi cation and in-creased agency oversight of sales, provided undue burdens are not placed on farmers, fertilizer distribu-tors and dealers.

While national security must come fi rst, food secu-rity is equally important in ensuring the success of our nation and its economy. Through the combined efforts of both DHS and our farmers and ranchers, we can achieve balance between the two.

Utah Farm Bureau News30 September 2011RED BARNContinued from pg. 24

the Uintah FFA Chapter.“Anytime a group that is or-

ganized like the FFA or Farm Bureau will take something like this it helps the organization and enhances the fair,” Smuin said. “It’s neat when people care about what they do and take pride in what they do and it shows in what they do. It’s what has made the Little Red Barn.”

The Little Red Barn may be the ideal solution to using the draw of the county fair to cast agriculture in a favorable light to the attend-ing public. It seems that county fairs are drifting away from ag-riculture, and more toward craft shows, vendors, and entertain-ment. The Uintah County Fair is a good example of how we can use our county Farm Bureau boards, FFA students, and Fair Boards to organize an event to cast agricul-ture in a favorable light during the fair.

“It is the accuracy of GPS that makes it useful to farmers and ranchers,” noted Stallman. Disruption to GPS could raise on-farm production costs.

AFBF submitted comments to the FCC in July urging the agency to ensure there is no interference with GPS receivers prior to granting LightSquared permission to operate its high-powered cellular base stations.

“Deployment of broadband services is important for eco-nomic development as well as improved education and health care services in rural America, but the use of preci-sion agriculture also is vital to America’s farmers and ranch-ers as they continue to feed, fuel and clothe the world,” Stallman said.

FCCContinued from pg. 27

Photo by Matt HargreavesPeach farmer Curtis Rowley talks to other farmers, USU Extension staff, and others involved in tree fruit production during a recent Tree Fruit Tour organized by USU Extension in the southern end of Utah County. Rowley was talking about steps that can be taken to reduce earwig problems and showing a method for trapping the pest in order to see how much of a problem a grower may have. Other presentations were made regarding grafting, root stock, integrated pest management and tree nutrition.

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE), and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are pleased to announce two upcoming Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Courses in Utah.

These full day trainings will provide attendees with the latest science-based approaches to reversing the trend of pollinator declines, and will equip those attending with the recipes necessary to protect and manage habitat for these vital insects.

Training skills and objectives of the short course include the following:

§ Identify approaches to increase and enhance pollinator diversity on the land

§ Knowledge of current best management practices that minimize land-use impacts on pollinators

§ Identify bees and distinguish them from other insects§Understand the economics of insect-pollinated crops,

and the effects of pollinator decline§ Knowledge of the current Farm Bill pollinator conservation

provisions in programs such as WHIP, EQIP, CSP, and CRP

The short courses will take place in St. George on September 14th and Richfield on September 15th, both from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Thanks to Western SARE, registration is free for the first 20 people in St. George, and 10 people in Richfield. Additional seats are available for $30.

Those interested can register online for either location, though registration is limited to 50 people in St. George and 30 people in Richfield. For more information on the short course, contact Casey Burns with NRCS at 801-524-4566 or [email protected].

One-day short courses in pollinator conservation


CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGIMPORTANT NOTICE1. 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 801-233-3010, by fax at 801-233-3030 or e-mail at [email protected]. Please include your membership number. Ads must be received no later than the 15th of the monthMail 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 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.

FARM EQUIPMENTI 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: JD 2640 W/Loader 2WD. 1 set of hydraulics, $13,999 and FREE posthole digger. NH 1475 mower conditioner – 9’ conditioner, field ready, $12,999. 435-789-3472. WANTED: JD model 825 plow. It must have 16”

bottoms. 3 bottoms preferred but I will take a 2 or 4 bottom plow. I do not care about the condition of the plow frame, turn over motor, shares or landsides as long as the frogs and bracing on the bottoms are good, I can use it. I also need parts for a JD 820 or 822 plow. This is the roll over plow that has the two hydraulic cylinders sticking up out of the frame to roll the plows over. Ken Naylor 801-834-0181. [email protected]. FOR SALE: 40” heavy-duty cat 1 PTO-driven Italian rototiller for small tractor. Ideal for 20--25 HP utility tractor. Great for horse arena and round pen maintenance and larger gardens. $350. Morgan, UT. Call George at 801-949-8473.FOR SALE: TD 6, TD9, International Dozers; ’93 Ford L9000 dump truck with low miles & Allison auto, Powder River roping chute, 81/4 & 10020 tires; new 2001 Dodge hood; 2 axle dump trailer. 435-336-4200. FOR SALE: Used irrigation head gates: Armco 24” $250; Armco 30” $350; complete with back-up plate and wheel. Also used 5’ chain link fencing. Best Offer. Call 801-825-7311. FOR SALE John Deere 38 forage chopper 5ft hay pickup 2 row corn head very good condition $3700 John Deere 6410L mfwd 640SL loader 1380hrs like new excellent condition $45000 John Deere 6410 4557 hrs good condition $25000 John Deere 740 loader $8000 Paul Macdonald 435 678 2984.FOR SALE: 1486 International tractor with duals. Very good condition, shed stored for two years. 8555 Case baler, very good condition, not used for two years, shed stored. Kaysville. 801-698-7014. FOR SALE: 3 quarter mile wheel lines: two are Western and one is Wade Rain. Era, UT 435-882-4298. FOR SALE: 6’ Eversman ditcher (pull-type) $100. Used pipe 40’ of 12” reinforced concrete pipe, $1.00/ft. 52’ of high pressure 14” PVC (3/4” thick), $2.00/ft. Jay Webb, Riverton, UT; Cell – 801-703-6278 or Home – 801-571-8186.

FEEDFORSALE: 3x3x8 bales, straw, weed-free, baled behind combine. Good Feed. $20.00/bale. Layton 801-940-2260. LIVESTOCKBRED HEIFERS for sale. 70 head registered polled Hereford heifers. Bred to calving ease bulls to start calving early. Take all or part with or without papers. Contact Phil Allen & Son, Antimony. 435-624-3236. FOR SALE: 20 Top Quality Hereford females for sale. Weaned heifers and mature cows available. Registered and commercial females available with a select group of black baldies. See more at www.johansenherefords.com or call Jonathan or Craig Johansen @ 435-650-8466/435-381-2523.

REAL ESTATEHORSEMAN’S DREAM: Huge indoor arena and stables, on approximately 2½ acres. Unincorporated area of Weber County, with liberal zoning, one mile from freeway and seven miles to Weber County Fair Grounds. Fully fenced on semi-private road for security and safety. Flat ground that flood irrigates,

with pasture and excellent water rights. Ride out of your gate and on to the Rail Trail, where no motorized vehicles are allowed. Plenty of room to build your dream home or adjoining property, with five bedroom home is available, on approx. 2½ acres. Will consider lease or trade, $318,000. 801-920-2233. FOR SALE: 195 acres good farm ground. 150 water shares. All ground is cultivated & currently in alfalfa, grain and Sudan grass. Delta area. 435-864-3081.

MISCELLANEOUS:UTAH VACATION IDEA! Hiking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, horse trails, more. Everything’s close to the Rosebud Guest House. Near Ashley NF, Strawberry River, Starvation. Fully equipped cabin. Pet-friendly. Corrals. Reservations, more information: 435-548-2630, 1-866-618-7194, [email protected], www.rosebudguesthouse.com.

AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESTwo Utah Farm Service Agency (FSA) Job Opportunities: Position 1: Program Technician in the St. George FSA office. Open until Sept. 14, 2011. $24,933-$50,431 per year. Visit http://1.usa.gov/o1bJ3u for more info. Position 2: Program Technician in the Vernal FSA office. Open until Sept. 14, 2011. $24,933-$50,431 per year. Visit http://1.usa.gov/ofYR03 for more info.SK Hart Management Overseas Job Opportunity: Position: Assistant Manager, Farm and Ranch Operations. General Description: Salt Lake City, UT based company with substantial international agricultural holdings is seeking an assistant manager for a two year overseas assignment with its expanding South Africa operations. The position will be located at the company’s farm/ranch in Gauteng Province, approximately 1 hour east of Johannesburg.The assistant manager will work closely with the local general manager on all aspects of the existing operation as well as new growth initiatives. More information is available at http://skhart.com/?page_id=140. Interested candidates should submit their qualifications to Ken Saunders, Senior Vice President, via email to [email protected] FOUR FARMS: If you are looking for a career in a fun, rewarding team environment, Circle Four Farms is the opportunity you’ve been searching for. We’re offering quality full time entry-level animal production positions with training available. Challenge yourself with a company on the grow that offers: Starting wage $10 to $11.50 per hour plus benefits – total value $30,420. Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance plan, Short Term and Long Term Disability, company paid Pension Plan, 401(k) Savings Plan with company match, Gain$hare Plan, Incentive programs, Paid holidays and vacation, Educational reimbursement, Ask us about a relocation package, For more information please call our office: Circle Four Farms, PO Box 100, 341 South Main, Milford UT 84751, (435) 387-2107, Fax (435) 387-2530, www.c4farms.com, Equal Opportunity Employer.


County Scenes

Utah County ▶ Board meeting, Sept. 22, 8:00 p.m. at the USU Extension office in Provo

Uintah County

▶County Social, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. in Tridell

Emery County▶ Board meeting, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. at the county courthouse in Castle Dale

Cache Elder County ▶ USU Alumni BBQ, Sept. 24, in Logan

Washington County ▶ Board meeting, Sept. 7, 8 p.m. at new insurance office

North Box Elder County ▶ Board meeting, Sept. 15, 7 p.m. at the insurance office in Tremonton

Wasatch County

▶ Board meeting, Sept. 13, 7:30 a.m. at the Hub restaurant

Weber County▶ Board meeting, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. at Ron Gibson’s house in the pre-school room.

Salt Lake County▶ Board meeting, Sept. 6, 7:00 p.m. at the UFBF Boardroom

Sanpete County

▶ Sanpete Ag Day, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. at the County fairgrounds

Sevier County ▶ Monroe Mtn. working group, Sept. 7, Time TBA

Morgan County▶ Board meeting, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. at County Courthouse

Millard County

▶ Board meeting, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. at the insurance office

Iron County▶ SUPAC mtg., Sept. 13, at Bryce Canyon. 1:00 p.m.

State and Regional Activities

▶ State Farm Bureau Office closed Sept. 5 for Labor Day

▶ Sept. 17 is Farm Bureau Day at the State Fair

▶ County Farm Bureaus may begin looking for dates to

schedule their County Annual Business Meetings in the fall.

▶ September RAC Meetings: • Southern RAC: Sept. 20, 7 p.m. at Beaver High School• SE RAC: Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. at John Wesley Powell

Museum in Green River.• NE RAC: Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. at Bingham Entrepreneurship

& Energy Research Center in Vernal.• Central RAC: Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Springville Civic Cntr.• Northern RAC: Sept. 28, 6 p.m. at Brigham City

Community Center.Visit wildlife.utah.gov. ▶Please make it a point to stop by your local farmers market for great food. Utah Farm Bureau sponsors two farmers markets along the Wasatch Front, in Murray Park and South Jordan City Hall. For more information on farmers markets in Utah, visit the Utah Farm Bureau website at http://utfb.fb.org.

FB County Corner

[Top]Shay Lewis and Ryan Thornock examine some fallow ground in Monticello where Lewis will be planting dryland wheat. Photo by Matt Hargreaves [Middle] Utah County Farm Bureau’s Belva Parr shows a youngster the variety of products that come from agriculture at the County Farm Bureau’s display at the Utah County Fair. Photo by Matt Hargreaves [Bottom] Uintah County Farm Bureau and Uintah FFA leaders stand by their Little Red Barn exhibit at the Uintah County Fair. More than 7,000 visited the display this year. Photo courtesy of Uintah County Farm Bureau.

utah farm bureau news

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