utah farm bureau news • special edition...2016 annual convention report don’t sleep on safety...

COUNTRYSIDE2016 Annual

Convention ReportDon’t Sleep on Safety

Utah Farm Bureau Photo Contest Winners

U T A H F A R M B U R E A U N E W S • S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

Vol. 62 No. 11

WINTER 2016

Utah FarmBureau Turns 100

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch | fbfs.com

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services LI165 (10-16)

Heroes don’t get sick days. But you could use life insurance to cover your care if you get sick. Contact your Farm Bureau agent today to make sure you have all the coverage you need.

FBFS-DLR HERO AD-UT FB TABLOID 8.375 X 10.875.INDD 1 12/8/2016 1:33:51 PM

Vol. 62 No. 11

Winter 2016 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 1

CONTENTSW I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch | fbfs.com

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services LI165 (10-16)

Heroes don’t get sick days. But you could use life insurance to cover your care if you get sick. Contact your Farm Bureau agent today to make sure you have all the coverage you need.

FBFS-DLR HERO AD-UT FB TABLOID 8.375 X 10.875.INDD 1 12/8/2016 1:33:51 PM

1622 14 10COLUMNS

3 FROMTHEFIELD What a Wonderful Time of Year by Ron Gibson

4 BEYONDTHEFENCEROWS Farmers and Ranchers Make their Voices Heard by Zippy Duvall

7 THOUGHTS Is Lying Protected Speech? by Randy Parker

32 ONTHEEDGEOFCOMMONSENSE The Committee Meeting by Baxter Black

DEPARTMENTS

8 SAFETY&WELLNESS Don’t Sleep on Safety: Recognizing Fatigue by A.J. Ferguson

20 MONEYMATTERS Creating a Savings Plan for Extra Expenses by Amanda Christensen

22 GENERATIONS Move Over Millennials—Introducing Gen Z By Julia Misiego

24 INDUSTRYISSUES Farm Organizations Challenge Dannon

26 AGENTSPOTLIGHT Richard Hackwell

28 PUBLICPOLICY A History of “Working for You” by Sterling C. Brown

30 2016UTAHFARMBUREAUPHOTOCONTESTWINNERS

FEATURES

10 2016ANNUALCONVENTION:OURHERITAGE,OURFUTURE

14 UTAHFARMBUREAUTURNS100 by Matt Hargreaves

16 GOSSNERFOODSSUPPORTINGCOMMUNITY&TROOPSTHROUGHINNOVATIVEBUSINESS by Matt Hargreaves

Note: For classified ads, please visit utahfarmbureau.org and click on the newsroom section.

[quarter-page ad]

3.3125" × 4.375"

[quarter-page ad]

3.3125" × 4.375"

2 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Winter 2016

Vol. 62, No. 11

(ISSN 1068-5960)

Matt Hargreaves, Editor

Business Address:9865 South State

Sandy UT 84070-3205

Contact: General Inquiries: (801) 233-3000Address Changes: (801) 233-3009Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003Classified Ads: (801) 233-3010Fax: (801) 233-3030

FB News e-mail:[email protected]

Website:utahfarmbureau.org

Local Display Ad Information:Jennifer Dahl[775] [email protected]

UTAH FARM BUREAU FEDERATION OFFICERS

Chairman and President:Ron Gibson*, West Weber

Vice President:Rex Larsen, Spanish Fork

CEO and Secretary/Treasurer:Randy N. Parker, Riverton

*Denotes member of the Board of Directors

Board of Directors:District 1: John Ferry, CorinneDistrict 2: Jim Wayment, OgdenDistrict 3: Flint Richards, ErdaDistrict 4: Wayne Jarrett, NephiDistrict 5: Jöel Hatch-Jensen,

HuntingtonDistrict 6: Edwin Sunderland, ChesterDistrict 7: Craig Laub, Beryl

Farm Bureau Women’s Chair:Belva Parr, Lindon

Young Farmer and Rancher Chair:Brett Madsen, Chester

Cover PhotoCourtesy of Staheli Family,

Washington County

Magazine Design & ProductionHales Creative, LLC

Design DirectorKelly Nield

DesignersKahli FlakeKelly Nield

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sandy Utah and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205.

Published quarterly for all Farm Bureau members (April/Spring, July/Summer, October/Fall. December/Winter). Published expressly for farmer/rancher Farm Bureau members and others who specifically request copies. February, March, May, June, August, September and November. All eleven issues published by the Utah Farm Bureau Federation ln Sandy, Utah. Editorial and Business Office, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205.

MAXIMIZE YOUR YIELD. AND SAVINGS.

Stop by your local Overson’s Farm Center to learn more.

©2016 AGCO Corporation. Challenger is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation. Challenger, Cat and Caterpillar are trademarks of Caterpillar Inc. and are used under license by AGCO. AGCO and Challenger are trademarks of AGCO. All rights reserved.

www.oversonsfarmcenterinc.comCedar City, UT Delta, UT Salina, UT

Gibson Green Acres Farm


FROM THE FIELD

day to feed their families and their communities. Today, less than one percent of the people in Utah work in production agriculture. Yet regardless of our livelihoods, we all rely daily on the success of local agriculture.

What is the miracle of agriculture? Just this week, I was able to deliver a newborn baby calf on my farm. I watched as that precious animal took its first breath of clean, crisp air. As I stood back and watched the cow clean and take care of her new baby, I thought to myself, “I just witnessed a miracle.” As a farmer, each year I look ahead with great anticipation for success. Last spring as we prepared to plant our corn crop, I had great hopes of a successful and bounteous crop. I knew that nothing would stop us from achieving that goal. Yet Mother Nature had other plans for our farm. We had a very wet May; as we prepared our soil the ground was wet and compacted. As the crops were planted it turned very hot early in June and seeds had a hard time germinating. I was upset, sad, and worried. I wondered how would I ever be successful this year. Somehow the crops grew great; we had a hot summer and plenty of heat and water to help the crops to grow.

Then came the harvest. We started to harvest the corn for our animals

on September 19th. The crops looked good and everything was going great. Three days later, we got four inches of rain on our farm. Two days after that we got one and a half more. All of a sudden, my great crops were in jeopardy again because we couldn’t get into the fields to harvest the crops. My fields were like lakes. Yet once again we witnessed a miracle and we were still able to harvest every single acre of corn. We had to work much harder and it took more time than usual, but somehow it all worked out.

As I look back on the year on the farm, I see that I have gained greater faith. I had so many people help me through my hard days, including great friends and employees that sacrificed tremendous amounts on my behalf. Through it all we made it and were extremely blessed.

What miracles have you seen in your life this last year? Are we rec-ognizing the hand of God in our lives, families, and pursuits?

It does not surprise me that more than 2,000 years ago, Joseph and Mary chose a stable in Bethlehem as the place that the Christ child would be born. It was truly the miracle of all miracles. Joseph and Mary knew just what to do. Jesus knew how to live his life, and lived it perfectly so we could one day return and live with him. This season I will try to put away all my temporal worries and be grateful that the Savior of the world gave the great-est example of faith and miracles and showed the way for me.

May your families be filled with bounteous blessings not only this season but through the whole year through.

One hundred years ago on a cold winter day, December 4, 1916,

a group of about 50 farmers from around the state headed to Salt Lake City to organize the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. D.D. McKay, from Huntsville was elected president. These great farmers and leaders put into place a vision for the future that has been successful for a century.

The idea was to combine people with the same needs, desires, and interests, and help them be successful in the future. These great leaders had families. They had businesses. They had prosperous times and they had times of extreme difficulty. They had the responsibility to care for the land and their animals. But they combined foresight and great effort to make the Utah Farm Bureau an asset for all of us today.

Even though the world has changed tremendously, today our purpose in the Farm Bureau is the same. The mission statement of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation is to “inspire all Utah families to connect, succeed, and grow through the miracle of agriculture.” Most of you that are reading this article are not full-time farmers and ranch-ers. 100 years ago about six percent of the people worked on the farm every

What a Wonderful Time of YearBy Ron Gibson | President, Utah Farm Bureau Federation


to lead the way in setting policies that promote science and common sense.

We need regulatory and tax reforms that address the unique challenges of agriculture. Farmers and ranchers take great care to preserve their land and protect their businesses for future gen-erations, but regulatory overreach, like EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule, threatens to stamp out our ability to produce. We need to protect natural resources, but that work is done best by the people who know the land, not bureaucrats thousands of miles away. And we need to ensure our farm and ranch families can pass their operations on to the next generation, without having to sell assets that are critical to the farm just to pay the tax bill.

Too many problems still hang in political limbo. Agriculture faces a real labor crisis, but we can have meaning-ful reform only if we come together to address the need for both a workable visa system and a secure border.

“American farmers are the best in the world at growing food and other products that people need to

flourish,” President-elect Trump said. We couldn’t agree more. We will work with his administration and Congress on issues like the farm bill, energy and trade to boost American agriculture and increase access to American-grown food, fuel and fiber.

Our elected leaders come at these issues with different points of view, but they all have one thing in com-mon. Each ran on a platform to make America better and improve this country for all of us. That same unity of purpose drives us at Farm Bureau. We can learn from each other as we respect our differences. No matter what we raise or how we do it, we must work together to protect our farms and strengthen our rural communities.

As the dust settles on a long election season, now is the time for the

real work of addressing the critical issues facing America’s rural com-munities. Our elections are decided by those who show up, and that’s just what rural Americans did. As we move forward we expect the new adminis-tration and Congress to support the rural Americans who supported them. Farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners deserve a seat at the table when it comes to shaping policy that impacts our livelihoods and our way of life.

I’m proud of how seriously our grassroots members take their civic responsibility. That duty doesn’t just fall on Election Day. We must hold our elected leaders accountable to make good on their promises to agriculture and rural America. The communities of America’s heartland aren’t just stops on a campaign tour—they are the back-bone of our economy.

President-elect Trump has prom-ised a pro-farmer administration, and Farm Bureau will hold him to that. America’s farmers and ranchers have made great strides in our sustainability thanks to hard work and innovation. We need our elected leaders to recog-nize the value of tools like economies of scale and biotechnology, and then

Farmers and Ranchers Make Their Voices HeardBy Zippy Duvall | President, American Farm Bureau Federation

BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

The communities of America’s heartland aren’t just stops on a campaign tour—they are the backbone of our economy.


THOUGHTS

Utah Farm Bureau Federation submitted an Amicus Brief to Judge Shelby arguing property rights not only protect the public from potential harm or accident, but also assures critical biosecurity so damaging pathogens or diseases are not introduced. In addi-tion, the Farm Bureau brief points out the need to protect farms and ranches from anti-animal agriculture activists, some that are identified by Homeland Security as domestic terrorists, from threats, harassment, or property dam-age. Farm Bureau reported on several incidents in Utah of agribusiness fire-bombings, illegal entry to release farm animals and property damage that has resulted in millions of dollars in losses.

Judge Shelby’s questioning seemed to focus attention on the ALDF asser-tion that lying on a job application to secretly place a recording device is protected speech. He wondered aloud as he compared a clandestine agricul-ture action with a person gaining entry to a neighbor’s home and bedroom and secretly placing a recording device.

The five-hour hearing and ques-tioning of ALDF and the Utah Attorney General’s (AG) counsel often times returned falsifying a job application. The AG noted in United States vs. Alvarez (2012), the U.S. Supreme Court held that Xavier Alvarez’s false claims in a job application that he was a Medal of Honor recipient was not pro-tected under the First Amendment’s free speech protections.

Judge Shelby’s decision is currently pending. He could move the case to trial or rule based on summary judg-ment petitions. Whatever the outcome, the case is likely to be appealed.

As this courtroom drama plays out, it is important to note, Utah farmers and ranchers do not condone mistreat-ment or abuse of animals. They care deeply about the animals in their care, and take very seriously their steward-ship and responsibility for them.

In 2012 the Utah Legislature passed the Utah Agricultural Operations

Interference Act, which was signed into law by Governor Gary Herbert. The bill ensures fundamental private property protections and provides penalties for individuals lying on job applications to gain entry to interfere with or undermine agriculture related businesses.

The Utah law, sponsored by State Representative John Mathis, a practicing veterinarian, and State Senator David Hinkins was challenged by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), charging it violates “freedom of speech.” Federal District Court Judge Robert Shelby recently heard arguments with both sides seeking summary judgement—or demanding a win based on the legal arguments.

The Mathis-Hinkins bill focused on two fundamental rights. First, to reinforce private property protec-tions to assure critical biosecurity for agricultural operations. Second, to add criminal penalties for falsifying a job application to gain entrance onto someone’s private property to secretly place a recording device.

The ALDF argues that lying to gain entry to an agricultural operation are constitutionally protected under the First Amendment.

Is Lying Protected Speech?By Randy Parker | CEO, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

The bill ensures fundamental private property protections and provides penalties for individuals lying on job applications to gain entry to interfere with or undermine agriculture related businesses.


Eliminating as much stress as possible will help to eliminate fatigue also. Here are a few simple tips to help reduce stress:

• Learn to accept problems that you cannot change, do not dwell on them.

• Work on keeping a positive mind-set.• Make sure you take care of your

physical health.

The following tips can make dealing with the stress of everyday life easier. You will also find it easier to find solu-tions to your problems:

• Set goals that are realistic and attainable.

• Remember to avoid overload. There are only 24 hours in a day. It is OK to say no, when you don’t have the time to do it.

• Take time to be nice to yourself by enjoying your family, nature, music, or a good book.

• When burdens become too heavy, talk to someone like a spouse or trusted friend.

Other ideas to help you sleep include:• Avoid coffee and drinks containing

caffeine before bed.• Don’t overeat before going to bed;

this can cause heartburn or stomach cramps.

• Limit the amount of liquids you drink at night so you’re not always getting up to go to the bathroom.

• Get enough exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise two to three hours before bed.

• Don’t take work to bed with you; your bed should be for sleeping.

• Consider taking a short nap when you get home from work, but make sure it doesn’t interfere with your ability to sleep at night.

I understand that when reading these ideas on how to reduce stress and improve sleep, that you might feel more stress because your days are already too busy. Please, remember that these are suggestions that can help. Don’t feel that you have to do all of them. However, if a few of these ideas can help reduce stress and help you sleep more soundly, isn’t it worth it?

Remember that fatigue is real and can cause serious injuries or death. Look for the warning signs of fatigue, such as slower reaction time, difficulty concentrating or irritability. Your fam-ily needs YOU. So keep alert; life is too precious to lose to fatigue. For question or comments contact A.J. Fergusson at the Utah Farm Bureau, 801-233-3006 or [email protected].

It is very common to feel that there is not enough time to do everything

that needs to be done. As you try to make more time in your day by work-ing longer hours at night, you start to deprive yourself of sleep, food, and sometimes water. In regard to safety, fatigue can be an individual’s worst enemy. It can also cause accidents that damage machinery and possibly injure or kill you.

Why is sleep important? Studies also show that sleep deficiency alters activity in some parts of the brain. If you’re sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior. Lack of sleep will cause slower reaction time leading to more injuries and accidents. You might miss important safety instructions because you are too tired to concentrate or you may find you have difficulty in getting along with co-workers because you are tired and irritable. Most adults need seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep to feel alert.

Lack of sleep can also result in health problems. Stress can lead to sleepless nights and mental fatigue.

DON’T SLEEP ON SAFETY:RECOGNIZING FATIGUEBy A.J. Ferguson | Vice President—Farm Safety, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

SAFETY & WELLNESS

CHOOSE A CAT® MACHINE. CHOOSE YOUR DEAL.

*Offers valid from February 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 on select new models, financed by Cat Financial, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Offer is available to customers in the USA and Canada only and cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer subject to machine availability. Machines sold in Canada by authorized dealers are priced in Canadian dollars and the price may take into account the exchange rate of Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. Models shown here do not necessarily reflect the exact model and configuration to which the promotion applies. Offer trade-in rebates are based on a predetermined amount and may vary by model. **Rebate will be in addition to the dealer appraised trade-in value. All financed machines are subject to credit approval and rate may differ based on creditworthiness. The Cat Financial Commercial Account credit applies to all BCP models and is provided through Cat Financial for use at participating Cat dealers. Prices do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options, or attachments. Final machine prices are subject to change. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details.

© 2016 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

0.9% FORSIXTY MONTHS*

$23,500REBATE ON YOUR TRADE-IN**GE

T UP

TO

A

OR

UP TO $1,000 IN CAT® DEALER CREDIT TOWARD PARTS, SERVICE OR RENTAL.*+Contact your Wheeler Machinery Co. Sales Representative for details. Call 801-978-1625 or visit wheelercat.com


throughout the year, and highlighted some of the organization’s legislative efforts in Washington, D.C., as well as the state legislature.

The convention got off to a nos-talgic start with a message of how the Utah Farm Bureau came to be, from historian Scott Crump. Crump is the author of the soon-to-be-released Utah Farm Bureau history book. What started as a gathering of a small group of sugar beet farmers in 1916 laid the groundwork for what success would look like for the next 100 years. This solid foundation remains in place today.

After the message, members were greeted by Julie Anna Potts, the execu-tive vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Potts con-gratulated Utah Farm Bureau members on the historic achievement of turning 100, and spoke of efforts from Farm Bureau members across the country to influence their industry for good, both locally and nationally. Potts also spoke to changes that will be taking place in Washington, D.C., with the election of Donald Trump as President, and what that means for Farm Bureau.

Farm Bureau members gathered later in the day for the awards show presentation, where many young

farmers were awarded with trips to compete nationally at the American Farm Bureau Convention. Former Utah Farm Bureau president and longtime leaders Leland & Joyce Hogan were awarded the Utah Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Award, for their tireless effort on behalf of Farm Bureau and agriculture.

Breakouts sessions were held Friday on topics such as a report on the Public Land Grazing Working Groups, incentivizing ag water conservation, export opportunities from Utah’s World Trade Center, deepening member engagement, increasing opportunities in Farm Bureau for women, a report on the recent Farm Bureau Strategic Planning initiative, tips on planning amazing county outreach events, and protecting your assets by Farm Bureau Financial Services.

The general session ended with an address from Dr. Matt Townsend, who spoke on the unique communica-tions challenges in agriculture and what Farm Bureau members can do to improve relationships in their families, with friends and neighbors, and business associates. The general session will conclude with a panel

Celebrating its 100th annual convention, farmers and ranchers

throughout the state gathered at the Davis Conference Center in Layton to talk about issues confronting agricul-ture in Utah.

The Farm Bureau delegate body deliberated and came up with policy recommendations to address issues including positions on grazing policies, potential expansion of state parks, instream flow water rights, food safety, the merits of a Constitutional Convention vs. a Convention of the States, and more.

The delegates also held elections to decide on leaders to guide the organization.

President Gibson greeted attendees with an encouraging message about the 100th anniversary of the Utah Farm Bureau and how the organization has influenced how agriculture looks in the state of Utah today. Gibson praised the ability of farmers to continue pressing forward with a vision of success that provided a successful heritage, and also set farmers and ranchers up for a promising future.

Chief executive officer Randy Parker also congratulated Farm Bureau members on their many achievements

2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION:OUR HERITAGE, OUR FUTURE

FARM BUREAU NEWS


discussion of critical issues before the U.S. Congress, and the impact of the recent elections, with Representatives Jason Chaffetz and Chris Stewart.

Concluding the convention, Farm Bureau members and invited guests were treated to a delicious banquet dinner and remarks from Utah Governor Gary Herbert, who also received the 2016 Friend of Agriculture Award, for his great support of Utah agriculture. Senator Orrin Hatch, current Senate Pro Tem, also attended the banquet with his wife, Elaine, and spoke to Farm Bureau members. Lastly, the presentation of the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award was made to Jerrold Richins and his family from Coalville in Summit County.

FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF UTAH FARM BUREAU

Utah Polaris DealersIntermountain Farmers Association

Utah Labor CommissionCustom Ag SolutionsWestern AgCredit

PLATINUM

CONTRIBUTORS: Grainger, Beehive Cheese Company, Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, Deer Valley Ski Resort, Utah’s Own, Producer’s Livestock, Hilton Garden Inn, Utah Jazz, Smithfield Foods

BRONZERed Tart Cherry Marketing Board

Tanner, LC

Stotz Equipment

Apple Marketing Board

Farm Bureau Bank

GOLDDavis County Office of Tourism

Monsanto

Zions Bank Ag Group

Salina Marketing

SILVERGeneral Motors

Utah Dairy Council

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Gossner Foods

Les Schwab Tires

2016 Utah Leopold Conservation Award

The Sand County Foundation, in partner-

ship with the Western AgCredit, Utah Farm

Bureau Federation, and the Utah Cattlemen’s

Association, named Jerrold Richins as the

recipient of the prestigious Utah Leopold

Conservation Award®. Jerrold and his family

own a cattle and sheep ranch in Summit

County.

Jerrold was the first landowner to begin

working with organizations to install erosion

control structures along sections of the

creek on his land, as well as fencing off his

livestock. The stream conservation efforts

directly contributed to restoring the natural

bend and habitat suitability of the stream.

Chalk Creek is home to one of the few remain-

ing, intact pure-strain Bonneville Cutthroat

Trout populations, and the improvements

Jerrold championed over the years has had

lasting effects on the success of this critical

population.

Given in honor of renowned conservation-

ist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation

Award recognizes extraordinary achievement

in voluntary conservation. It inspires other

landowners through these examples and pro-

vides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers

and other private landowners are recognized

as conservation leaders.

The Leopold Conservation Award honors

Utah landowner achievement in voluntary

stewardship and management of natural

resources. The Richins family was presented

with a crystal award and a $10,000 check

at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual

Convention in Layton.

“We are extremely proud of the Richins

family and the pride they take in the land

and natural resources in their care,” said Ron

Gibson, President of the Utah Farm Bureau

Federation. “The Richins are an example of

the conservation ethic found in Utah’s farmers

and ranchers, and we salute them for their

efforts. His visionary efforts to preserve and

enhance streambeds in Summit County was

ahead of his time, and we’re proud of his

work on proactively managing the delicate

balance of livestock, wildlife, and our natural

resources.”

The Leopold Conservation Award in Utah

is made possible through the support of

Annual Awards and Recognition


Western AgCredit, The Nature Conservancy,

Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Producers

Livestock Marketing, Utah Department and

Agriculture and Food, Utah Wool Growers

Association, Utah Cattlemen’s Association and

Utah Association of Conservation Districts.

Visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Utah Farm Bureau Members Elect Farm and Ranch leaders at Annual Convention in Layton

Members from Utah’s 28 county Farm

Bureaus met recently in Layton to select lead-

ers for the state’s largest farming and ranching

organization. Delegates elected Spanish Fork

cattle rancher Rex Larsen to a two-year term

as Vice President of the Utah Farm Bureau

Federation.

“It’s an honor to be elected to this post

and a great opportunity to continue support-

ing our president, board of directors, and

members of this organization,” Larsen said.

“Farm Bureau is strong in advocating the

interests of agriculture everywhere because it

is a true grassroots organization. We advocate

not simply what a board wants, but what

farmers and ranchers around the state decide

for themselves.”

Wayne Jarrett, a farmer from Nephi was

elected to the State Board of Directors, filling

the remaining year of Rex Larsen’s vacated

Board seat, representing Juab, Utah and

Wasatch counties. Flint Richards, a farmer

from Erda was also elected to the State Board

of Directors representing Davis, Salt Lake,

and Tooele counties. Richards also works on

behalf of the Jersey dairy cattle industry.

John Ferry, a cattle rancher from Corinne,

Joël Hatch, a rancher from Castle Dale, and

Craig Laub, a hay farmer from Beryl were also

re-elected to two-year terms on the Utah Farm

Bureau Board of Directors.

JaNae Titmus of Grantsville was elected

to the newly created position of Vice-Chair

for the Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership

Committee. Titmus and her family are sheep

ranchers in Tooele County, and she had

been serving on the Women’s Leadership

Committee. Filling her remaining year on the

committee will be Selma Lehmitz from West

Jordan.

Others elected to the Farm Bureau

Women’s Leadership Committee were Kitty

Young of Henefer, Sara Harward of Springville,

and Nancy Harris of Richfield.

Three new couples were elected to

serve on the State Young Farmer & Rancher

committee, including Dave & Kalei Robbins

of Santaquin; Jed & Nanci Johnson of Aurora,

and Kyle & Shelley Wilson from Enterprise.

Kenny and Jamilla McFarland of West Weber

were re-elected to another term on the

committee.

There were also elections for seven

districts and chairs for the newly created

Agriculture Promotions Committee. In place

for a year as an ad-hoc committee, it became

permanent this year and required the election

of officers. Jamison & Stacy McPherson of

Nephi were chosen as chairs for the commit-

tee, along with the following: Matt & Lena

Leak of Cornish, Daryn Westergard of Ogden,

Joel & Becca Ferry of Corinne, Brad & Jenny

Osguthorpe of Heber City, Duane & Andrea

Schoenfeld of Tridell, Marc & Hollie Henrie of

Richfield, and Maria Nye of Delta.

Young Farmers and Ranchers Win Awards at Farm Bureau Convention

The future looks bright for agriculture in

Utah—and in Farm Bureau specifically—

because of the many great new leaders

coming through the ranks. They are energetic,

innovative and have a love of advocating for

agriculture. The whole industry wins with this

group; however, for one night at the Farm

Bureau convention, they get a little competi-

tive when ATVs are on the line as well as an

expense-paid trip in January to the American

Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in

Phoenix.

In Phoenix, our Utah representatives will

compete at the annual convention against

award winners from across the nation.

National winners of the Young Farmer &

Rancher awards receive their choice of either

a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra Truck,

courtesy of General Motors, as well as other

prizes.

Achievement AwardKathie Iverson of Hurricane was the winner

of the Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmer and

Rancher ‘Achievement Award’. The award is

considered the top honor for young farmers

and ranchers in Utah. The Achievement

Award is a competition that recognizes those

young farmers and ranchers that have excelled

in their farming or ranching operations and

honed their leadership abilities to superiority.

Kathie received a Polaris Ranger, courtesy of

Utah’s Polaris dealers, for winning this award.

Kathie, her husband Kelby and their

family live and farm in Hurricane, where

they own and operate Western Legacy Farm

AFBF’s Julie Anna Potts speaking in the general session.

Wayne & Melonie Brinkerhoff, 2016 YF&R award winners.

Congressmen Jason Chaffetz & Chris Stewart spoke at the Farm Bureau Convention.


and Ranch. The family grazes cattle near the

mountains of Kolob in the summer, and also

along the area of land known as the Arizona

Strip during the winter and spring. The family

has also expanded into a variety of additional

activities, many of which spread the message

of agriculture to their community.

“This was a thrill to win this award,” said

Kathie Iverson. “I am grateful for all Farm

Bureau has offered me through education,

experiences and knowledge, and I’m excited

to represent our county and state in Phoenix.”

Discussion MeetAddison Hicken of Wasatch County won the

2016 Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmer and

Rancher Discussion Meet. Addison and his

wife Jenn make their home in Heber City,

where he is the comptroller for his family’s

ATV dealerships. Addison also raises hay and

cattle. Both Addison and Jenn are active in

their community and serve as ambassadors

for agriculture.

The Discussion Meet contest is designed

to simulate a committee meeting where

discussion and active participation are

expected from each participant. More than a

simple debate, this competition is evaluated

on an exchange of ideas and information on a

pre-determined topic.

Participants build basic discussion skills,

develop an understanding of important

agricultural issues and explore how groups

can pool knowledge to reach consensus and

solve problems. Successful participants are

productive thinkers, rather than emotional

persuaders, and assist the group in creating

ways to implement the solutions discussed.

The competitors spoke on topics ranging

from water and animal welfare to how farmers

embrace new technology and its society

impacts. For winning the discussion meet,

Addison received a Polaris ATV courtesy of

Intermountain Farmers Association, and a

one-year insurance policy for the vehicle from

Farm Bureau Financial Services.

Excellence in Agriculture AwardWayne & Melonie Brinkerhoff of Nephi, Utah

were recognized as the winners of the Utah

Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher

‘Excellence in Agriculture’ award. The

Brinkerhoff family also received a Polaris ATV

for their award, courtesy of Zions Bank Ag

Group.

The Excellence in Agriculture award is

a competition that was initiated a number

of years ago to recognize young farmers and

ranchers involved in agriculture, but who

do not necessarily derive a majority of their

income from an owned production agriculture

operation.

Wayne works for IFA full-time, but

also helps with his family’s cattle ranch

in Bicknell, Wayne County. Melonie grew

up on a farm and graduated with a degree

in Agricultural Education from Utah State

University. She currently teaches agriculture

part-time to junior high kids, and sells at

her family’s farm stand during the summer.

Wayne & Melonie are the proud parents of two

kids, and together they work on the farm and

help promote agriculture any way they can.

Melonie has also been instrumental in putting

on programs at the Nephi public library for

kids and parents to learn more about where

their food comes from and to have first-hand

experiences with farmers and ranchers.

Many thanks to the sponsors of these

prizes, and to the many competitors who

looked to constantly improve as farmers and

ranchers, and advocates for agriculture.

Box Elder County farmer wins ‘Advocate for Agriculture’ award

The Utah Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership

Committee recently named Becca Ferry as the

winner of the 2016 ‘Advocate for Agriculture’

award at the organization’s annual meeting.

The ‘Advocate for Agriculture’ award

is designed to recognize one Farm Bureau

woman each year for her outstanding

volunteer efforts on behalf of Farm Bureau

and agriculture. The winner goes well

above the mark, exceeding expectations

in supporting the Farm Bureau Women’s

Leadership Committee’s program of work,

agriculture education in the community and in

the classroom, membership recruitment, and

interfacing with legislators to list just a few of

the volunteer possibilities. All applicants were

nominated by a member of their county Farm

Bureau.

Runners up for the award included Karen

Smart of Utah County and Laura Selman

of Box Elder County. The winner received a

check for $500, with $100 going to each

runner-up.

“All three women are very worthy of this

award, as they are advocates for agriculture

to their elected officials and community, and

are overall great examples of women making

a difference in agriculture,” said Belva Parr,

chair of the Utah Farm Bureau Women’s

Leadership Committee.

Becca’s list of accomplishments and

activities have included coordinating farm field

days for elementary school children to get

first-hand experiences on the farm; participat-

ing in the creative story and video contest, Ag

in the Classroom training; sharing accurate

agriculture books in school classrooms;

coordinating farm visits for interested groups,

and more.

Ferry is also a member of the American

Farm Bureau Federation Grassroots Outreach

or ‘GO’ Team and an American Farm Bureau

Women’s Media Boot Camp graduate. She

is also very politically involved, and has an

excellent social media presence, which she

uses while serving on the newly created Utah

Farm Bureau Ag Promotions Committee.

Becca and her husband Joel farm in

partnership with Joel’s family in Corinne. They

are responsible for management decisions

of the family’s crops, feedlot, hunting and

other livestock sectors. Joel and Becca have

four children, and the couple is very involved

in their kids’ schools. Becca has been a

volunteer for many years, participating in

Utah State University’s ‘Ag in the Classroom’

program, where farmers and ranchers

provide agricultural resources to teachers and

students.

Randy Parker at the podium during the general session.


The Christmas season of 1916 had arrived in Salt Lake City as more than 50 men, representing farmers and

ranchers from throughout the state, made their way to the Hotel Utah. A cool light rain dampened the city’s sidewalks where newsboys shouted out headlines of the Great War’s continued carnage far away in Europe. The low price of sugar beets dictated by sugar companies and the need for a unified state farmers’ movement were on the minds of delegates as the time approached for a gathering that would create the Utah State Farm Bureau.

On a cold rainy Monday morning in December 2016, a few hundred leaders of agriculture gathered in the same Empire Room of the same building (now Joseph Smith Memorial Building) to commemorate the Centennial of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. Again led by a Weber County Farm Bureau President—then D.D. McKay, now Ron Gibson—Utah Farm Bureau members and friends gathered recently to celebrate the historic achievement of Utah Farm Bureau’s 100 years of advocating for the issues of farmers and ranchers—and really of all people who want to preserve freedom and a secure food supply.

Back in 1916, the initial gathering consisted of county Farm Bureau leaders—the first county Farm Bureaus had been created a year earlier—as well as others in industry, representatives from Utah State University Extension, Governor-elect Simon Bamberger, and others. The initial meeting focused on the need for farmers to receive a better

price for their sugar beets by marketing them cooperatively as a group. Additional items tackled by the emerging group included educational seminars related to farming, improving record keeping, and advocating for fairer taxes.

Editorializing on the event, the Emery County Progress in 1916 wrote:

“One of the most important gatherings in the history of the state convened in the Utah hotel in Salt Lake City last week and though comparatively little attention was paid the affair at the time, a move was there started that will be of never ending benefit to the farming interest of the state, and in fact, to the whole people of the state. . . . There are some big problems looming up on the horizon of the farming interests but, with a good organization intelligently on the job, there seems to be a bright future ahead for the tiller of the soil and, through them, for the people of the whole state.”

As the years went on, the Utah Farm Bureau continued to advocate for the state’s farmers and ranchers by enlisting their support and thoughts from the grassroots level through a federation system of organization. Rather than members simply paying dues to be part of an association, with a board of directors making all the decisions, the Farm Bureau Federation enabled farmer and rancher members of all kinds to participate in the public policy process by bringing their concerns to the table.

In 1919 this effort gained even more clout with the creation of the American Farm Bureau Federation, allowing

UTAH FARM BUREAU PREPARES FOR A SECOND CENTURY OF PROMISEBy Scott Crump, historian and author of Utah Farm Bureau history book, and Matt Hargreaves, Editor, Countryside Magazine


ideas from the local level to work their way up to be debated with farmers and ranchers throughout the country, to eventually be advocated in the halls of Congress.

“The federation form of organization brings out the best in organizational power because members take the initiative to identify and bring focus to local issues as well as regional, state and national issues,” said the late C. Booth Wallentine, Utah Farm Bureau CEO from 1973 to 2003.

During the challenging farm years of the Great Depression, Farm Bureau helped members by again coop-eratively marketing for prices of commodities, which had dropped more than 60 percent. During this time the Farm Bureau also worked to involve more women in its program of work and enhance the social life and recreational opportuni-ties of rural communities.

After digging out of the challenging Great Depression years, World War II was squarely on the minds of Utah farmers. Utah Farm Bureau publications featured front-page ads soliciting support for War Bond drives, and farmers and ranchers did their best to continue record food production efforts despite challenges with the availability of farm labor. At war’s end, the national and local Farm Bureaus moved toward a more conservative view of farm policy, pushing for less governmental interference and control.

Other post-war efforts included the creation of a Utah Cooperative Life Insurance Company (later Country Mutual Life) to allow Farm Bureau members to purchase insurance coverage that some farmers might not have been able to get living in rural areas and to secure the coverage at the lowest possible cost.

The 1960s brought a changing time in the nation, but also for farmers and ranchers who faced the challenges of spiral-ing inflation, high production costs, and deflated farm prices.

The 1960s also saw the Utah Farm Bureau work to successfully enact into law one of its landmark achievements—the Farmland Assessment Act of 1969, also known as the

“Greenbelt” law. This law changed how farmland taxes were determined, moving from a “market value” system of determining property values to a “value for farming” type system. It has been said that this law has contributed to the preservation of agriculture along the Wasatch Front than any other, and ensured its future going forward.

The grassroots policy-making process of the Farm Bureau would be strengthened by the creation of an official voting delegate body to be known as the House of Delegates in 1961 and streamlining the State Board of Directors in 1968 by reducing its membership from 45 to 9 (later 11) members.

In the 1980s President Reagan restored farmers’ hopes that the future would be better, despite the difficult farm

economy caused by the farm debt crisis, a strong dollar that slowed exports and a major drought at the end of the decade. During the decade’s difficult economic times. Farm Bureau was the voice that farmers would listen to and support, with its Two-Tier Debt Restructuring program—a product of Farm Bureau’s largest grassroots lobbying effort of the 1980s. When everything was said and done, it was not Farm Aid concerts, strikes, tractorcades, or a sympathetic media that solved the agricultural economic crisis, but the hard work and organization of Farm Bureau, along with a coalition of farm groups and Congressional action.

Utah Farm Bureau would win battles to extend public land grazing rights and limit wilderness areas in the West’s ongoing Sagebrush Rebellion. It would also successfully organize the Public Lands Multiple Use Coalition, which worked to preserve traditional land use management practices on public lands. The 1990s would see the Utah Farm Bureau continue its traditional advocacy work, as well as celebrate its 75th anniversary, establish a multiple-use coalition for public land grazers, and involve itself in many legal battles over water-related issues. These issues would continue on into the 2000s, with additional challenges related to streambed access rights and the Forest Service Groundwater Resources Management Directive.

In addition to advocating Farm Bureau policies, farmers and ranchers have continued to be leaders in promoting their industry and the value it brings to communities throughout the state. Going forward, Farm Bureau increased outreach efforts including Farm Field Days, Food Checkout Week Grocery store giveaways, and meet & greet events in urban areas.

Starting with a small group of 50 sugar beet farmers, it could have seemed an improbable thing to grow to an organization of more than 30,000 member families today. Though issues have changed throughout the years—as have the methods Farm Bureau has used to adapt—the organiza-tion remains committed to serving its members in whatever comes in the century ahead.

An illustrated history of the Utah Farm Bureau’s first 100 years has

been created, with a release date in early 2017. For those interesting

in purchasing a copy for $20, please contact [email protected].

Utah Farm Bureau’s three most recent presidents, from left to right: Ken Ashby, Ron Gibson (current), and Leland Hogan.


By Matt Hargreaves | Editor, Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine

When Ed Gossner set out to make Swiss cheese in the 1960s, he was told it couldn’t be done in Utah

because of feed the cows were eating during the long north-ern Utah winters. Fifty years later, Gossner Foods produces 20 percent of the nation’s Swiss cheese and has pioneered milk processing to supply American soldiers with a taste of home.

Despite producing such a large amount of the nation’s Swiss cheese—both under its own Gossner Foods label as well as for many other companies—the company wasn’t guaranteed a promising outlook when it started out. It took dedication, hard work, and a commitment to supporting local farmers.

Ed Gossner immigrated to the United States from his home in Switzerland in the 1930s, where his family had been farming for five generations previously. Limited economic prospects led Gossner to come to America in hopes of continuing in agriculture. Ed teamed up with his brother Ernest in Wisconsin, where he had set up his own cheese

factory, and learned the art of making delicious Swiss cheese using methods learned in Switzerland. After a few years, Ed moved to California to work with another cheese-making family.

It was in California that Gossner learned to make cheese using milk from cows that had been eating fermented feeds called silage, instead of fresh feed. Previously, it was thought that milk from silage-fed cows couldn’t be used to make Swiss cheese—but Gossner proved them wrong.

While on a trip to Yellowstone with his family in 1941, Gossner passed through the Cache Valley and found it ideal, with its climate and elevation resembling that of his child-hood in Switzerland. Within a year, the family had moved to Utah and used milk from their own cows, and those from dairy families throughout Cache Valley.

“We had to get milk from others because we grew fast,” said Dolores Wheeler, president and CEO of Gossner Foods, and the daughter of Ed Gossner. “Farmers were told from

GOSSNER FOODS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY & TROOPS THROUGH INNOVATIVE BUSINESS


other milk processors that [Gossner’s] wouldn’t make it, and if they sold milk to us, they wouldn’t be welcomed back. But they took a risk because we paid them well for their milk.”

The ethic of treating the farmers and their employees well has been a hallmark of the Gossner family, and it has remained with them throughout the years.

“We knew what we wanted to become, but it was a struggle to build the company. We had to outpay our com-petition for milk for many years,” Wheeler said. “We have always taken pride in taking better care of our farmers and our employees than others do. We need these people! Good people and good milk!”

The family focused on making quality Swiss cheese that had the distinct nutty flavor, and yet was perhaps a little more mild than other Swiss cheeses. Focusing on making this difficult cheese also got the company away from the commodity-based cheeses that their competitors could produce.

“We wanted to be good at something that was hard for others to get into,” Wheeler said. “It’s much riskier and harder to make Swiss cheese.”

Producing great Swiss cheese requires dime-sized or smaller holes (or eyes) that are uniformly distributed in the cheese. Making the cheese requires the use of four different cultures for flavor and the creation of the eyes. The eyes are created from carbon dioxide, which is produced during the 60-day aging process and gives the cheese its distinct look. The flavor can also vary depending on the time of year, because winter milk and summer milk flavor varies based on the types of feed that dairy cows are eating.

After cutting and cooking the cheese for four hours, the cheese sits and ages until it is ready to be packaged. After starting with 100 pounds of milk, Gossner’s will end up with only eight pounds of cheese. Though the yields are less for Swiss cheese than others, it is lower in fat than cheddar,

“We wanted to be good at something that was hard for others to get into,” Wheeler said. “It’s much riskier and harder to make Swiss cheese.”


and one ounce can provide 16 percent of the daily protein required in a healthy diet.

But advancements in making Swiss cheese only tells part of the story of innovation and supporting its community.

MILKONASHELFThrough its commitment to quality, Gossner and others help Cache Valley dairies improve the quality of milk until it reached Grade A status, which is the highest level for milk. However, in the early 1980s Gossner looked to create a new market in the milk industry.

In 1982 Gossner bought into different technology to process milk called Ultra-High Temperature or UHT milk. Approved by the Food & Drug Administration in the early 1980s, UHT processing heats milk to a temperature range of 280–285 degrees Fahrenheit, and then flash-cooled. The milk is then put into sterile containers and is ready for sale. Through this process, milk can keep a shelf life of 6–9 months without losing any nutritional value or quality.

This technology was developed in Europe in the 1940s, where its longevity was valued because of the challenges of refrigeration. Rather than storing large containers of milk for a few weeks, customers could have cartons of milk in the pantry, and only use one pack at a time in the fridge.

The milk is sold in quart and ½-pint cartons, as well as eight-ounce drink box sizes that are perfect for kids. In addition to the regular, unflavored milk, Gossner milk comes

in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, root beer, cookies & cream, and orange flavors. The company also makes an eggnog drink each holiday season called Holiday Nog, as well as year-round sales of ice cream, curds, and cheese at its retail outlet.

Using this technology allowed Gossner’s to ship milk out of state and capture different markets. One customer base that has been with the company since the beginning has been the U.S. military, who valued the longevity and storage capacity of the milk.

“We have one contract that serves several bases in the United States, as well as Korea and Honduras,” said Kelly Luthi, the manager of the UHT Plant in Utah. “We also have another contract for bases in Afghanistan.”

The contract with the military is something Gossner’s prides itself on, as it feels a strong connection to the com-munity. They have occasionally received feedback from the front lines on what the milk has meant to U.S. soldiers.

From a letter sent from a Sergeant Wilken: “We tasted America today. In the fields of Korea on the edge of my cot with the other men in my platoon, we opened a case of the ‘pink milk’ your company makes. We all sat awaiting to receive a carton of this new treat. Simply wonderful. Words on paper cannot describe the happiness ‘little pink milk’ brought to a grown man. The twelve of us agree it was good stuff while it lasted. In the fields of Korea, thank you for making a good product.”

The shelf life also allowed Gossner Foods to land contract to ship milk into Hong Kong, a rarity for a company outside of China. To this day, the Gossner brand remains one of the few foreign competitors to sell to the smaller family-owned stores in Hong Kong.

With the many strong markets far from Cache Valley, Gossner Foods has worked hard to maintain the support of its community, often giving back through sponsorship of events, ranging from the well-known Gossner Foods basketball tournament through Utah State University to the Ag in the Classroom Program.

Despite the accolades the company has received, including being named Utah Manufacturer of the Year, the company receives the greatest satisfaction from serving the community.

“It’s just a joy to see the kids come in [to our tasting room]. There’s just a satisfaction with that reaction,” Wheeler said.

Just as cream rises to the top, Gossner’s unparalleled focus on others is what has really allowed it to rise as a giant in the community.

“We tasted America today. In the fields of Korea on the edge of my cot with the other men in my platoon, we opened a case of the ‘pink milk’ your company makes.”


the sacrifices necessary to save the money each week.

• Create a 52-week money challenge chart. Help family members feel they are part of the challenge by creating a chart to track savings each week on either poster board or a piece of paper. Draw lines to make 52 boxes, decorate, hang where the family can see and watch the check marks fill up as you save each week. A variation is to create a chart on a piece of paper by drawing enough lines to make 52 squares. Number each square from 1 to 52. As you begin your challenge, there may be some weeks when you are able to save $30, $40, or $50 a little easier than others. When that happens, put the money in your account and put a check mark or sticker on the square with the corresponding dollar amount.

Other methods can also help you reach your savings goal.

• Automate 1 percent. Send 1 percent of your income to a separate account. This won’t seem like a huge cut to your income but will add up over time. You can draw on this money as needed to supplement extra costs for the holidays, long weekend trips, or other expenses.

• Use the step-down principle. Envision a staircase with multiple steps. Now think of an area where you could cut your spending (eating out, entertainment, etc.) Decide what you can do to take one step down to spend less in that area and put the money you would have spent into a separate account. Examples include going out to eat one less time, staying in one night for free fun instead of going out for paid fun, or sharing one dessert, soda, or entree instead of ordering two. Saving just $2.50 a day adds up to $17.50 in a week and $70 in a month. That’s a tank of gas!

We are all familiar with the extra expenses we incur around the

holidays. Some of the hidden costs we may not think to budget for include travel to visit family; neighbor gifts; extra food we make to take to family, church, and neighborhood gatherings; and greeting cards. Creating a savings plan for extra expenses like these can help us avoid the sinking feeling that we’ve overspent when January rolls around. Consider these tips to help make it happen.

• To better prepare for the next holi-day season, now is the perfect time to start the 52-week money chal-lenge. Starting on week one, save $1. On week two, save $2. On week three, save $3. On week 20, save $20 and so on until the final week when you’ll put $52 in savings. By the end of 52 weeks, you will have saved more than $1,300 to put toward the holidays or another financial goal.

• Involve the entire family. If you have kids at home, bring them together for a family meeting and explain how the 52-week money challenge works. Explain what the money will be used for. This helps everyone have motivation to make

Creating a Savings Plan for Extra ExpensesBy Amanda Christensen | USU Extension associate professor

$MONEY MATTERS

To better prepare for the next holiday season, now is the perfect time to start the 52-week money challenge.


Our mission is to provide the most dependable source of credit to agriculture. We’ve been doing it for 100 years and are looking forward to 100 more. Why not choose a lender you can count on?

1.800.824.9198 westernagcredit.com

A lot can change in 100 years...

but we’re still the most Dependable Source of Agricultural Credit.


may not be exactly accurate for every single member. For example, those born at the end or beginning of another generation, also known as “cuspers,” can often identify with elements of both. Environment and cultures can also shape attitudes in generations, and this research is mostly focused on generations in the United States. Here is a break-down of the five generations that make-up the population today:

TRADITIONALISTSORSILENTGENERATION:BORN1945ANDBEFOREThe image commonly associated to them is that of a self-made man, and their mantra is “Pull yourself up by the bootstraps.” This generation still makes up a portion of our membership base in Farm Bureau, and are often afforded the most reverence for their involvement in WWII.

BABYBOOMERS:BORN1946–1964Their image is a white picket fence, and their mantra is “Keepin’ up with the Joneses”. This generation raised the majority of millennials, and their attitude of “giving their children what they didn’t have” factors into how millennials see their world. Many boomers are nearing retirement, but just as many are choosing to enter an almost “second career” to accompany their expanding lifespan and lifestyle. According to BridgeWorks, “Boomers’ knowledge of process, procedure and company history is crucial to advanc-ing business goals. They’ve built up such a wealth of industry and organiza-tion knowledge that often when they leave, their absence can be keenly felt.” Boomers make up a large portion for Farm Bureau leadership on the county, state and national level.

Are you tired of hearing and talking about Millennials? If so, good news!

A new generation is fast approaching and is starting to dominate new research and news articles. Generation Z, also known as gen-edge, iGen, or Centennials, are the upcoming contributors to the work force and culture.

New and upcoming generations usu-ally get a lot of attention because of the effect they can have on economics, cul-ture, and the workplace. Each generation is shaped in a different way, according to The Center for Generational Kinetics, by three trends: parenting, technology, and economics. Each generation brings its own changes to the world, and therefore, receives attention for those changes.

So what do we know about Gen Z, and what can we do about it?

The analysis of each generation as a whole are generalizations, and

MOVE OVER MILLENNIALS—INTRODUCING GEN ZBy Julia Misiego | Member Services Coordinator, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

GENERATIONS


GENX:BORN1965–1976This generation is also known as the

“latchkeys” or “baby busters”. Their image is the office corner and their mantra “Success is the best revenge”. According to BridgeWorks, “Xers came of age as the world seemed to fall away from their growing feet. Xers watched live as long-revered institu-tions like NASA were constantly being called into question. Governments, corporations, celebrities, and pro-athletes—nothing was immune from scandal.” The divorce rate also more than doubled in the middle of Xers formative years, leading Xers to become increasingly independent while their parents handled their own problems. This led Xers to develop traits of resourcefulness, independence and skepticism, which trickle down into their parenting of Gen Z.

MILLENNIALSORGENY:BORN1977–1995The children of Boomers, this genera-tion’s image is to live for the journey, not the destination. Their mantra “You can do anything you put your mind to” fostered by their parents who desired their children to have the things they didn’t have. According to The Center for Generational Kinetics, Millennials

“exhibit different attitudes toward employment, sales and marketing, which are challenging many conven-tional strategies and approaches.” This age group includes those just leaving YF&R, and those coming in. The very youngest of this generation are 21, so when the media uses the term

“Millennials” to describe high school students they are technically referring to the next generation, Gen Z.

GENZ,IGEN,ORCENTENNIALS:BORN1996ANDLATERAs opposed to their visionary and adapt-able millennial counterparts, Gen Z is a

comparatively more realistic generation who don’t want to be told everything is okay, but how things are going to get better. This can partly be attributed to their rearing by Gen X, and partly to their growing understanding that in terms of economic opportunities, they will start off in a worse financial state than their parents did.

According to the New York Times, in contrast to the free-spirited millennials, Gen Zers draw more parallels to their grandparents, or in some cases great-grandparents of the Silent Generation,

“There has been a recession, jobs are hard to get, you can’t take risks. You’ve got to be careful what you put on Facebook. You don’t want to taint your record.”

One of the biggest events that separates Millennials from Gen Z is 9/11. Whereas 9/11 is a defining moment in the Millennial generation, the only significance it has to Gen Z is a historical one. This also ties into their sense of realism, because to them, terrorism has always been the norm. Gen Zers are also extremely well-connected (with the ability to multi-task on five different devices) and diverse. Diversity is also a norm for them, and they notice immediately when diversity isn’t present.

Knowing what we know about Gen Z, what steps can we take now as an organization to encourage diversity and innovation? And if this generation is already well connected on their own, what value can we still provide them and what value can they provide the organization?

Lindsay Calvert, Director of Leadership Development at American Farm Bureau offers a few suggestions: Create authentic messages (don’t talk down to them), help them build exper-tise, feed their curiosity, and provide opportunities to co-create and connect in new ways. A good way to help them

connect and create is to involve them in discussion and work-place groups.

“[Young people] have always been counselors at home, “Debra Arbit, CEO of workplace consultant BridgeWorks said. “And then they get to the work-place and they’re never asked their opinion? It’s such an immediate way to disengage this generation.”

Calvert also notes that even though young people are often stereotyped as narcissistic, one-fourth of Gen Zers are involved in volunteering; an important attribute to understand as we look for additional members and volunteers.

Perhaps outreach could be easier than ever with Gen Zers, since they are so curious and astute. As long as they are engaged in an exciting way, it should be relatively easy to teach them something or get them involved because of their desire to learn new skills. We shouldn’t skirt around controversial agricultural topics like GMOs or animal rights when talking to youth for fear they won’t understand. In fact, we may find our biggest ally in those who are hungry for the truth and are extremely well equipped to spread the message, but only if we are able to effectively reach them.

With Utah Farm Bureau’s new Ag Promotion committee, whose focus is outreach and promotion, especially through social media, it is more impor-tant than ever to know and understand generations in order to be effective in our communications, events, and membership growth.

What surprised you the most about Gen Z? What new ideas do you have to include all generations in membership drives, activities or new benefits?

The information presented is derived from

several different sources, a presentation

by Director of Leadership Development at

AFBF, Lindsay Calvert, Pew Research Center,

BridgeWorks, and Sparks and Honey.


“This is just marketing puffery, not any true innovation that improves the actual product offered to consumers,” said Randy Mooney, chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation, and a dairy farmer from Rogersville, Missouri. “What’s worse is that remov-ing GMOs from the equation is harmful to the environment—the opposite of what these companies claim to be attempting to achieve.”

The letter was cosigned by the farmer leaders of six organizations—including Farm Bureau—representing hundreds of thousands of farmers and food producers across the U.S.

The groups agree that biotechnol-ogy plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of agricul-ture, and challenged as disingenuous the assertion that sustainability is enhanced by stopping the use of GMO processes.

During the last 20 years, advance-ments in agricultural technology have allowed farmers to use less pesticides and herbicides, fossil fuels, and water, and prevent the loss of soil to erosion. Taking away this technology is akin to turning back the clock and using outdated 20th-century technology to run a business.

Numerous conclusive studies have come out over the last 20 years proving the safety of GMO food and the environmental benefits of growing GM crops. Most recently, 109 Nobel laureates announced their support of GMO technology, citing a study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, saying,

“the study committee found no sub-stantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conven-tionally bred crops, nor did it find conclusive cause-and-effect evidence of environmental problems from the GE crops.”

“Farming organizations believe in open and honest communication with consumers, and allowing people to make informed choices in the market. But we cannot sit by while certain food companies spread misinforma-tion under the guise of a marketing campaign,” said Wesley Spurlock, president of the National Corn Growers Association.

For more information on sustainability in

agriculture visit www.fooddialogues.com.

Leaders of the nation’s top farming organizations joined together

recently in urging food companies to recognize that their sustainability goals, intended to reduce the use of natural resources, cannot be achieved without the use of modern agricultural practices, despite any misleading asser-tions to the contrary.

This focus on deceptive food com-pany marketing claims is in response to Dannon’s recent pledge to eliminate the use of safe and proven crop technology to feed the dairy cows that supply milk for its yogurt products. Dannon is one of several prominent food manufactur-ers and retailers that in recent years has taken steps to eliminate genetically modified ingredients from its supply, claiming that such a move improves the sustainability of its products.

In a letter sent to Mariano Lozano, head of Dannon’s U.S. operations, the farm groups said that the company’s strategy to eliminate GMOs “is the exact opposite of the sustainable agriculture that you claim to be seek-ing. Your pledge would force farmers to abandon safe, sustainable farming practices that have enhanced farm pro-ductivity over the last 20 years while greatly reducing the carbon footprint of American agriculture.”

FARM ORGANIZATIONS CHALLENGE DANNON

INDUSTRY ISSUES

Give your business ideal growing conditions.

© 2

016

Roc

ky M

ount

ain

Pow

er

wat

tsm

art

is r

egis

tere

d in

U.S

. Pat

ent

and

Trad

emar

k O

ffi ce

.

Learn how Rocky Mountain Power can help you save at wattsmart.com.

11524-1_UT_wattsmartBiz_Irrigation_8.375x10.875_F.indd 1 12/8/16 12:21 PM


I began my career with Farm Bureau July 1, 1987, in Price, Utah. I knew

I always wanted to have an office job, but never imagined being a financial advisor with Farm Bureau would be where I would end up. It has been a fabulous decision and career! Since that time, I have opened a second office in Vernal. I really enjoy working with the community and clients in both of those communities! The relationships with clients and fellow farm bureau agents has proven to be very rewarding. Helping clients protect what matters most to them makes my job a very rewarding one!

I met the love of my life, Joni Barker, just after graduating high school at Carbon High. The two of us really enjoy travelling, boating, and rid-ing motorcycles. We have five children and 10 grandchildren. We are always watching a ball game or tending the grandkids, which we really enjoy. We feel very blessed and lucky to be very involved in their lives.

I have always been involved with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. When I started as an agent, my father-in-law was the Carbon County Federation president. My brother-in-law is now the president of Carbon County Farm Bureau. I have always

appreciated their support to assist in any way they can to help further my business as I help them increase their membership. It is a great partnership!

Our agency is quite different from other agencies that I see and is constantly evolving. Our approach to helping clients is we always want to help protect them from lawsuits, liens, or judgments. Nothing would be worse than to have any of our clients not be adequately protected! Many agents from other companies always sell on being the lowest price. That is not and never will be our philosophy. We always recommend adequate coverage to protect their family. There was a slo-gan used years ago by Farm Bureau that I really like. It is “Farm Bureau—where belonging makes a difference.” That is what we strive to do for our clients!

The products we offer are different from our competition in many ways. However, one of the biggest differences are our agents! We are the best of the best! We don’t cut corners and we protect families correctly. Whether it is by offering replacement coverage on a new auto or adding residential breakdown coverage on a home policy, those are the little things that make a BIG difference at claim time. I really enjoy making sure a young couple

starts setting up their retirement so that they will be secure and be able to retire when they want to, not when they can afford to. Also, helping my clients make sure they never run out of money during retirement. The prod-ucts we can offer are some of the best in the industry.

My agency currently employs five licensed sales associates between our two offices. We go the extra mile. We have been out on a farm at 4 a.m. and working past 9 p.m. in the evening just to make sure our clients are taken care of properly. We really do care and love working for Farm Bureau. We feel that working for Farm Bureau is the best decision anyone could ever make.

FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES AGENT SPOTLIGHT:

RICHARD HACKWELL

AGENT SPOTLIGHT


www.steveregan.com

CALL US! YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID - 1.800.888.4545

IF YOU’RE NOT GETTING THE BEST PRICES, YOU’RENOT SHOPPING AT STEVE REGAN!

VALID UNTIL 1/31/17

LOGAN, UTBURLEY, IDCALDWELL, IDSPANISH FORK, UT

DELTA, UTRICHFIELD, UTCEDAR CITY, UTST. GEORGE, UT

SALT LAKE CITY, UT


Bureau meetings. A primary purpose of each of these meetings is for Farm Bureau members to listen, deliber-ate, unify, and collectively engage for the cause of sustainable production agriculture. This grassroots, county structure highlights the importance and potential of each Farm Bureau member. Like government, Farm Bureau’s structure is best and more responsive when closest to the people/members. A steady, reliable flow of communication from each county Farm Bureau to the Utah Farm Bureau keeps this voluntary organization authentic and responsive. Farm Bureau members speak and vote only after thought and study, and not on impulse. Farmers know the importance of allowing time for ideas to mature. They work with nature, which cannot be hurried.

Unifying diverse agriculture voices helps meet the needs of Farm Bureau members. This annual effort of developing policy is successful because it doesn’t take shortcuts. It’s accom-plished each year under the unique, distinctive structure of Farm Bureau. Policy development is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive—a lot like farming. Farm Bureau policies originate in a family farm home. Family farmers and ranchers are authors of the Utah Farm Bureau policy book. Policy development culminates each year with the adoption of a policy book—a recorded script outlining a unified philosophy and policy that represents the voice of farmers and ranchers. This hard-copy, 60-page policy book is evidence this voluntary organization is meeting the needs of its members. That’s grassroots. That’s

For some, judging the success of a voluntary organization hinges on

superficial characteristics. For example, how many “important” people belong to it? Or, how much publicity does it get? This superficial judgement leads to blurred focus and a zig-zag trail to accomplishing its overall objective and aim.

Consider judging the Utah Farm Bureau, a voluntary organization, from a completely different viewpoint or characteristic? A characteristic that is multi-dimensional. A characteristic that is fundamental and realistic. A characteristic that retains and invites increased membership, growth and opportunity. A characteristic that trig-gers action and resolve.

Meeting the needs of its members. That is a characteristic worth basing judgement. Farm Bureau members have needs. Utah Farm Bureau’s structure, activities and services meets those needs. Farm Bureau’s structure is distinctive and is custom-made for the particular needs of its members.

Over the past twelve months, Utah Farm Bureau’s 28 county Farm Bureaus have collectively held 150 county Farm

A HISTORY OF “WORKING FOR YOU”By Sterling C. Brown | Vice President—Public Policy, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

PUBLIC POLICY

Policy development is time consuming, labor intensive and expensive—a lot like farming. Farm Bureau policies originate in a family farm home. Family farmers and ranchers are authors of the Utah Farm Bureau policy book.


Basin, Utah Farm Bureau helped pass legislation that required oil and gas companies to have surface use agree-ments with private landowners before drilling for oil and gas. This gave much-needed and added protections to private landowners who didn’t have rights to minerals below the surface. Lastly, in 2015, legislation increased the restitution when someone is convicted of intentional destruction of livestock.

These examples and many, many others highlight what Utah Farm Bureau has done to meet the needs

of its members. The policy book and Works for You booklet are available online or hard copy. Consider referenc-ing these resources, combined with attending your local county Farm Bureau meeting, to further advance the purpose of agriculture and your individual and family needs.

Again, Farm Bureau members have needs. Utah Farm Bureau is meeting those needs. That is a fundamental, realistic characteristic. That is Farm Bureau’s history and future. That is being Farm Bureau strong.

Farmers know the importance of allowing time for ideas to mature. They work with nature, which cannot be hurried.

Farm Bureau’s distinctive, custom-made structure meeting the needs of its members.

Developing policy is not all. The Utah Farm Bureau 20-page booklet, titled Utah Farm Bureau: Works for You, summarizes legislative achievements that protect Utah’s longstanding agri-cultural heritage. State and national legislative action is just one of many programs Farm Bureau has to provide farmers and ranchers with the services they want and need. For example, in 1990, Utah Farm Bureau initiated amendments to the wildlife trespass law, giving law enforcement authority to ticket trespassers without having to contact the landowner. In 2010, during an oil and gas boom in the Uintah


2016 UTAH FARM BUREAU

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

PHOTO CONTEST

These are the winners of the three divisions in our photo contest. Each will receive a prize of $100. Look for a

new contest coming in 2017.

100YEARSOFFARMING&RANCHINGChanging water with Lila the farm dog

in a field of barley. By Bryce Chambers of Smithfield, Utah.


READER’SCHOICE:ICONICAGRICULTURESCENESOFUTAHJohn Mikkelsen standing by his over-100-year-old barn. By Larry Blain of

Spanish Fork, Utah.

KIDSINTHECOUNTRYDream Big. Kids playing with toys, and dreaming of bigger toys. By Carlee Christensen of Moroni, Utah.


“I call to order the meeting of the Committee of the Department of Commerce. The purpose of the agenda

today is to assess the importance of agriculture in the state. Our job is to determine which businesses should be included as part of agriculture. Let’s start,” said the chairman.

“Well, obviously,” said the Commissioner of Agriculture, “Any business that produces raw product, animal or vegetable, is part of agriculture. Like milk. A dairy should be included.”

“Agreed. How about cheese?”“It’s made from milk.”“Yes, but it’s a factory. It only takes milk and converts it

to cheese. Their payroll includes truckers, lab techs, sales people, and ad agency folks. Should truck drivers and ad copywriters be part of agriculture?”

“Good question, but the cheese plant wouldn’t be in the community if the dairies weren’t nearby.”

“Okay. Let’s come back to that. How about grain elevators?”

“If the farmer stored his grain on his farm it would defi-nitely be farm income. If he stores it in the Co-op elevator, it’s still his grain.”

“What if the grain is freighted on a train to Minneapolis and loaded on a barge bound for Irkutsk? Is that shipping still part of the ag economy?”

“Technically, yes.”“So the tow boat pilot is merely a skilled farm hand?”“Technically, yes.”“We better come back to this.”“Alright. The feedlot business is definitely agriculture.

We can all agree. So, let’s say any cattle feeder who hedges his cattle on the Chicago Board of Trade. Is his broker an agricultural worker?”

“Certainly. He’s directly involved in marketing a raw commodity.”

The Committee Meetingby Baxter Black, DVM

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

“What if the broker sells pork belly futures?”“Pork bellies are produced in a meat processing plant. I

assume you think packing houses are part of the agriculture instead of manufacturing. How ’bout the butcher who sells packages of bacon in a grocery store? Is he an agricultural worker? And the teenager at Burger King who sells a bacon cheeseburger?”

“I don’t know.”“So, how are we gonna decide the economic importance of

agriculture in any given community, state or nation?”“It is sure complicated, Mr. Chairman. We’d have to

consider imports and exports, a cheap food policy, the smell of the air at the edge of town, muddy tracks on a farm-to-market road, or the number of implement dealers in the local Yellow pages. Maybe it’s so big a part of the economy that it’s impossible to separate. The only thing I’m sure of . . . it has somethin’ to do with home-grown tomatoes.”

www.baxterblack.com

The Utah Hay and Forage Symposium January 26th and 27th

The Dixie Center Registration Cost: $100

Pre Con: $30

Late Registration (begins Jan. 10th) : $125

Vendor Registration: $450

Please contact Spencer Gibbons at 435-770-4590 or

Hannah Haslam at 801-231-3011

to register or with any questions you may have

FARM BUREAU

HELPING YOU THROUGH EVERY SEASON.Chevrolet is proud to present this exclusive $500 offer1 toward the purchase or lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles.

1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Spark EV; 2016 Malibu and Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L, Spark, SS and City Express, and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.

$500 CASH ALLOWANCE1

EXCLUSIVE

FOR ELIGIBLE FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.

FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIPADVANTAGE

OFFICEDEPOT/OFFICEMAXThrough Utah Farm Bureau Federation, our members can now

receive savings of up to 80% on office and school supplies from

Office Depot/OfficeMax. You can shop online or go to the nearest

Office Depot/OfficeMax location to take advantage of these special

discounted prices on products and services.

This program is 100% FREE to all Utah Farm Bureau Federation members and supporters! Just shop and save!

For more information, visit utfb.ctcshares.com or contact Julia

Misiego at 801-233-3010 or [email protected]

How to use this benefit: go to utfb.ctcshares.com and click on

“Shop Online” to receive your savings online OR click on “Print Free

Card” to print the discount card for use at Office Depot/OfficeMax

locations.

AQUARIUMOFTHEPACIFICTake a journey through Earth’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of

the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Discover more than 11,000

animals and nearly 500 different species as you watch sea lions

play, admire sea jellies, and get closer than you ever imagined to the

ocean’s ultimate predator as you interact with more than 150 sharks

at Shark Lagoon. $17.95 (Reg. $29.95) per adult, $11.95 (Reg.

$17.95) per child.

UNIVERSALSTUDIOS—HOLLYWOODSave up to $20 per day ticket and front of the

line ticket depending on date of visit. Also get

a two-day pass for only $119.

Order at www.utahfarmbureau.org/

Member-Programs/Member-Benefits

LEGOLAND—CALIFORNIASave up to $18, plus 2nd day FREE within

90 days. Includes admission to LEGOLAND

California Park. 2nd day free within 90

days of first visit. All visits must occur by

12/31/2017. Adult ticket: $77 with 2nd day

FREE. Child ticket: (ages 3–12) $71 with 2nd

day FREE. Children under 3 are FREE.

SEAWORLD—SANDIEGONow for a limited time purchase a two-day

ticket for $60.00! Expires December 31,

2017. Call 801-233-3010 to purchase

tickets directly from Farm Bureau. Advance

ticket purchase required, non-refundable.

utah farm bureau news • special edition...2016 annual convention report don’t sleep on safety...

Documents