March 2015

Agriculture & LivestockJournal

Volume 67, Number 3 March 2015Nevada Farm Bureau®

Water Curtailment Limits Farmers in Mason and Smith ValleyNV Farm Bureau Update • Farmers & Ranchers of Nevada • Photo Contest Announced

March 5Nevada Farm Bureau Board Meeting, 9 a.m., Teleconference Details: Clay McCauley, 775-674-4000

March 9Churchill County Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Cooperative Extension OfficeDetails: Julie Wolf, [email protected]

March 10Elko County Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., TeleconferenceDetails: Jonathan Dahl, [email protected]

April 2Ag Day at the Legislature, Carson CityDetails: Clay McCauley, [email protected]

April 8-12Clark County Fair & Rodeo, LogandaleDetails: http://www.ccfair.com/

If you would like to include a meeting or event on the calendar, please contact Jessica at [email protected].

March 2015 | Page 2 | www.nvfb.org

“The Agriculture & Livestock Journal” (ISSN 0899-8434) (USPS 377-280)

2165 Green Vista Dr. Suite 205Sparks, NV 89431

Phone: (775) 674-4000Fax: (775) 674-4004

Publisher:Nevada Farm Bureau Federation

Editor: Jessica Fagundes

The Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal is published monthly by the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation.

Subscriptions are available to Nevada Farm Bureau members at an annual subscription price of $1, which is included in yearly dues. Periodical postage is paid at Reno, NV and

additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Nevada

Farm Bureau Agriculture & Livestock Journal, 2165 Green Vista Drive, Suite 205, Sparks, NV 89431

Meeting & Event Calendar OfficersPresidentJames “Hank” Combs, [email protected] PresidentBevan Lister, [email protected]’s Leadership ChairCindy Hardy, [email protected] 1 DirectorJamie Perkins, [email protected] 2 DirectorCraig Shier, [email protected] 3 DirectorCarla Pomeroy, [email protected] Vice PresidentClay McCauley, [email protected]

Board of DirectorsCentral County Joyce Hartman, [email protected] CountyJulie Wolf, [email protected] CountyJim Hardy, [email protected] CountyFred Stodieck, [email protected] County Jonathan Dahl, [email protected] County Martin Muratore, [email protected] County Paul Young, [email protected] County Paul Mathews, [email protected] CountyDarrell Pursel, [email protected] CountyLouis Damonte Jr., [email protected] PineGracyne Backus, [email protected] YF&R ChairAnna-Lisa Laca, [email protected]

Connect with Nevada Farm Bureau Federation

nvfb.org Nevada Farm @NVFarmBureau /NevFarmBureau Bureau Federation

Nevada Farm Bureau Agriculture and Livestock JournalMarch 2015

3 Farm Bureau Perspectives - James “Hank” Combs Young Farmers and Ranchers: The Future of Nevada Agriculture4 Nevada Farm Bureau Update6 County Corner8 Agriculture & Livestock Journal Feature Water Curtailment Limits Farmers in Mason and Smith Valley10 Farmers & Ranchers of Nevada12 Young Farmers & Ranchers Update12 2015 Nevada Farm Bureau Photo Contest13 Contact Your Local COUNTRY Financial Agency 14 The Ag Agenda - Bob Stallman Time to Move Ag Trade Forward with TPA15 Classified Ads

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Farm Bureau PerspectivesYoung Farmers and Ranchers: The Future of Nevada AgricultureBy James “Hank” CombsPresident, Nevada Farm Bureau

Last month, the first ever FUSION conference wrapped up in

Nashville, Tenn. I am happy to report that nine members attended the event, five of whom were part of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program.

While we work to send more young members to leadership events, I want to spend some time this month discussing the importance of young people in agriculture. Recent reports show that the age of farmers and ranchers in the United States is increasing. According to the 2012 Ag Census, 79 percent of farmers are 55 years old and older, and the average age of an American farmer is 58 years old.

The increasing age of farmers presents a challenge for our industry. With a growing population, our agriculturists must feed more people despite the decrease in available land to grow crops and raise livestock. We need young people to take over operations and start new farms and ranches to ensure that America and the world’s population have food and clothing.

Increasing the number of young farmers and ranchers means encouraging those who have agriculture backgrounds to return to their family farms and ranches and inviting other young people interested in the industry to start their own endeavors. It also means providing resources and guidance to those interested in the profession.

Currently, the United States Department of Agriculture offers several programs to help solve this

problem by providing assistance to those who have owned their operations for less than five years. This group receives priority lending assistance, additional opportunities for crop insurance, and education and outreach training.

Farm Bureau is not only the “Voice of Agriculture” but also a hub for education, leadership and other resources that will help young people become our next generation of farmers and ranchers. American Farm Bureau and Nevada Farm Bureau make continuing efforts with programs like Young Farmers & Ranchers. Our YF&R program, at the state and national level, provides education and leadership opportunities for current young agriculturists. Members can learn more about best business practices, lobbying and other areas useful for young individuals trying to make it in the agriculture industry.

Beginning that conversation about joining the agriculture industry does not have to wait until potential members look at participating in YF&R. We recently started a collegiate Farm Bureau program in Elko County at Great Basin College and are excited to welcome those bright students to experience all that our organization and agriculture as a whole have to offer. Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters, like the one at GBC, will help to build our YF&R program,

which in turn will develop the next generation of leaders for Farm Bureau and the Nevada agriculture industry.

As members, you can also help ensure that agriculture has a next generation. The first and most crucial step is education. Already many of you help with this step by bringing Ag Days to local elementary schools and offering Ag in the Classroom activities. I encourage you to work with your local 4-H and FFA chapters to invite students to learn about your operations even before they leave high school.

Guidance is also important for individuals interested in beginning the profession or those who have just started their own farm or ranch. Allow college students to do internships at your operation. Mentor younger farmers and ranchers in your county Farm Bureaus. Share your story with all of its hardships and the successes. Your words of wisdom will be well received and could inspire someone to join the profession.


Nevada Farm Bureau UpdateRobert Fagundes competes in AFBF Collegiate Discussion MeetChurchill County Farm Bureau member

Robert Fagundes competed Feb. 21, 2015 in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Collegiate Discussion Meet in Nashville, Tenn.

He was one of 47 competitors from 33 state Farm Bureaus who discussed several hot topics in agriculture during the competition.

The Discussion Meet is a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. Topics in this year’s competition included federal land transfer, member recruitment, food safety, livestock producer insurance and food insecurity.

Fagundes was one of nine members and staff to the attend the AFBF FUSION Conference. Members attended

from the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, Women’s Leadership Committee and Promotions & Education committee. Congratulations Robert!

WLC donates to Ronald McDonald House of southern NevadaBy Austin Wright, Nevada Farm Bureau Intern

Nevada Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) donated $500 to the Ronald McDonald House

Las Vegas Charity (RMHLV) on Saturday, Jan. 31 as a part of their Our Food Link project, which reaches consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture.

Nevada WLC Chair Cindy Hardy and Clark County Farm Bureau Vice President Rick Huskins presented the donation to Alyson McCarthy of the Ronald McDonald House.

“For over a decade, we have kept up a great relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities. We’re excited to provide this year’s

donation and further the mission of helping those in need,” Hardy said.

The donation was given during RMHLV’s 14th annual food drive. Throughout the day, shoppers in the greater Las Vegas area had the opportunity to donate food while shopping at local Smith’s grocery stores. More than 18,000 pounds of food were donated during the day-long food drive.

Our Food Link is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus use to provide consumers of all ages and backgrounds with information about today’s agriculture. Activities range from outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events, speaking with lawmakers and neighbors about food or visiting a classroom to help students understand agricultural topics.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home-away-from-home” for families that have seriously ill children receiving medical treatment in the Las Vegas area. By providing for their basic needs, RMHLV allows families to concentrate on their sick children without having to worry about finding food or housing.

Women’s Leadership Chair Cindy Hardy (left) with Alyson McCarthy, Ronald McDonald House, and Clark County Vice

President Rick Huskins.

Robert Fagundes (left) discusses federal-land transfer during the national competition.


Young Farmers & Ranchers give Harvest for All donationsThe Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmer

& Rancher committee donated $2,421 this month to local Feeding America food banks in northern and southern Nevada as part of their Harvest for All campaign.

Money was donated to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada in Washoe County and the Three Square Food Bank in Clark County.

“We look forward each year to donating much needed funds to food banks at both ends of the state,” YF&R State Committee Chair Anna-Lisa Laca said. “A big part of YF&R is community service and donating to help solve American hunger is a fitting way for farmers and ranchers to give back.”

According to the local food banks, $1 will purchase 3 meals. With the donation, FBNN and Three Square will be able to purchase a combined 7,263 meals.

“We truly appreciate the support the Nevada Farm Bureau has provided Three Square over the last four years. With this donation, Three Square will be able to provide over 3,600 meals to those struggling with hunger in southern Nevada,” said Tiffany Keegan, donor relations manager for Three Square Food Bank.

“We are thrilled to receive this donation from the Nevada Farm Bureau for the Food Bank,” said Jocelyn Lantrip, director of marketing and communications for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “This partnership has helped us to distribute more than 3,000 additional meals in the community to the people who really need them.”

Nevada Farm Bureau members from around the state generously donated to the Harvest for All campaign, providing the funds for the donation.

“We were able to donate $200 more this year than in 2014,” Laca said. “We are very grateful for the continued support of our membership who make this donation possible each year.”

In 2014, Nevada Farm Bureau YF&R donated $2,200 to local food banks, contributing to the more than $1.2 million donated across the United States through Harvest for All programs.

Rick Huskins, Clark County vice president (left), Dan Johnson of Three Square, Spencer Bunker, Clark County YF&R president, and Kaluna Aki, YF&R State Committee member

during the southern Nevada check presentation

Jocelyn Lantrip, director of marketing for FBNN (left), Laura Hellen, event and food drive coordinator for FBNN, Anna-Lisa Laca, YF&R State Committee chair, and Joan Griswold, corporate and community engagement director for FBNN, during the northern Nevada check presentation.


County Corner is a section of the Agriculture & Livestock Journal that gives counties an opportunity

to share their activities. If you want to include a story in County Corner, please email us your story at [email protected] or call Jessica at 775-674-4000.

CLARK COUNTYYoung Farmers & Ranchers Harvest for All Food Drive

Clark County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) collected 700 pounds of food last month at their third annual Harvest For All Food Drive. Food collected went to the Cappalappa Family Resource Center (CFRC), an organization dedicated to helping families in need.

The Harvest For All Food Drive is one of the ways YF&R committee members help strengthen their surrounding community. Food drives not only benefit by providing food donations but also by serving to raise awareness about organizations like the CFRC.

“We are excited to collect donations and raise awareness about hunger in southern Nevada,” Clark County YF&R Chair Spencer Bunker said. “Collecting food for those in need is a great way for us as agriculturists to give back to our community.”

The YF&R committee provided a list of preferred donations to ensure that CFRC received the food items

they needed most.

“This food drive is very beneficial because the Farm Bureau collects food items that we often don’t have enough of at our center,” said Penny Vallone, director of the Cappalappa Family Resource Center.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, patrons of Lin’s Fresh Marketplace had the opportunity to add donations to their shopping lists. Peanut butter, jam, ravioli, canned meat, pudding, Jello, oil, ketchup and pancake mix were just a few of the products the CFRC suggested for donation. After shopping, donators could drop off their contribution on the way out of the grocery store.

“Everybody that came was very generous,” said YF&R member Stephanie Bunker. “There were people that just brought carts full of food and donated all of it. There was someone that was just riding by on a bike and wasn’t even planning on stopping at the store until the found out what we were doing.”

The food drive is part of the Harvest for All campaign, a year-round effort to donate food, time and money to hungry families across America. In 2014, Nevada Farm Bureau YF&R members collected 1400 pounds of food, volunteered 84 hours and donated $2,200 to local Feeding America affiliates. To date, the national Harvest for All campaign has provided 83 million meal equivalents to American families.

County CornerCheck out what’s happening around the state!

YF&R member Jennifer Gomez (right) collects food from a community member. (Photo credit Weslie Stratton)

Clark County YF&R members (L-R) Spencer and Ashley Bunker, Stephanie Bunker and Jennifer Gomez. (Photo credit Weslie Stratton)


WHITE PINE COUNTY White Pine County Annual Meeting

White Pine County Farm Bureau held their annual meeting Feb. 3 at Postal Palace in Ely. The event

was well attended with nearly 80 members and guests! In attendance were county commissioners and members of local government agencies. Several guest speakers addressed the group, including Kennon Forester, White Pine County vice president. Forester shared the story behind our national anthem and discussed his experience visiting the nation’s capitol. After the presentations, President Gracyne Backus conducted formal business, including the appointment of the 2015 Board and solicitation for a county Farm Bureau scholarship. The county raised more than $500 in scholarship money for a deserving student. Nevada Farm Bureau Director of Communications Jessica Fagundes gave a brief report about the upcoming legislative session. Overall, the event was a great success. Wonderful job to those who planned the meeting!

Vice President Kennon Forester shares the story of our national anthem.

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Water CurtailmentLimits Farmers in Mason and Smith ValleyBy Jessica Fagundes, Director of Communications

A recent decision by the Nevada Division of Water Resources will dramatically impact farmers in

Mason and Smith Valley this year.

The division issued an order Feb. 3, 2015 that required a curtailment of 50 percent of all supplemental irrigation groundwater rights in both valleys for the 2015 irrigation season.

“We have just finished up three years of drought and it appears we are about to enter our fourth. We’ve seen unprecedented groundwater level drops to the tune of 30 to 40 feet over the last three years alone. That equates to eight to 10 feet per year,” Nevada State Water Engineer Jason King says. “Given these facts, we felt like we had to take immediate action. When you talk about those levels of declines, you have the possibility of wide spread well failure.”

According to King, curtailment of supplemental groundwater rights was not a personal attack on agriculture but rather the most logical solution to help prevent the water table level from dropping.

“Supplemental water is the lion share in the basin. We’ve issued about 55,000 acre feet of water rights in Smith Valley and 43,000 of that 55,000 are supplemental groundwater rights,” King says. “In Mason Valley, we’ve issued 149,000 acre feet and of that 100,000 are supplemental groundwater rights. This is the biggest group of pumping and it is occurring at the times when there is drought.”

King and others at the Nevada Division of Water Resources hope that the curtailment will prevent the aquifers in those valleys from dropping even more than they currently have in the last three years.

“We believe that in doing this, we will hopefully help the aquifer to recover despite entering the fourth year of the drought,” he says.

The decision has left many farmers in both valleys worrying about their ability to grow crops in the coming year. For Peri & Sons Farm owner David Peri in Yerington, the curtailment will force him to farm only half of his 10,000-acre operation.

march 2015 | Page 9 | www.nvfb.org

“So we’ll roughly be farming half the acres,” Peri says, adding that Peri & Sons Farms will be not growing any rotational crops in 2015 as a result of the curtailment.

Peri & Sons employs nearly 750 full and part-time employees at their operation. According to Peri, his focus will be to keep as many people employed at his operation as he can and to continue to positively impact Mason’s Valley’s economy.

Peri’s situation is somewhat unique to the valley as the farm primarily grows vegetables, which use less water than rotational crops like alfalfa.

“We are in a little different situation than most because we are vegetable growers, and some of our crops use less than an acre foot of water. Very few use the full four feet,” he says. “We’re fortunate that we are going to survive, but it’s going to hurt. And most guys, they are growing cattle or alfalfa; they are going to get hit the worst.”

For Lyon County President and farmer Darrel Pursel, the curtailment will more than likely limit him to farming less than 50 percent of his operation.

“They were looking at a zero percent allocation for our surface water from the Walker River. So the guys that have wells now with a fifty percent curtailment, basically they are going to be only able to farm about half of their ground,” Pursel says. “And in some cases, not even that much because some farmers’ wells may not be for the total acres that they farm.”

Pursel’s operation is 160 acres, but his well is only permitted to pump for 121 acres, meaning he and some other farmers in the area will farm less than half of their land this irrigation season.

Despite the cutback, Pursel says that the curtailment could actually help his operation.

“The water table has dropped so much that my well isn’t producing as much. So if the water table comes back or doesn’t drop anymore, it will actually be better,” Pursel says, adding that his situation is unique to the area.

This curtailment is the first one to be issued in Smith and Mason Valley, making it more difficult for farmers who have never experienced this situation before.

“It’s unprecedented that you’re not going to be able to use

your supplemental water like you have in the past during a drought,” Peri says.

According Peri, the curtailment could affect more than just the farmers who are immediately impacted.

“The economic impact to Smith and Mason Valley, because we are two ag communities, is going to be devastating,” Peri says.

State Engineer King recognizes the negative impact the decision will have on farmers and sympathizes with their situation.

“We understand that people’s livelihoods are tied to water use and for those farmers that use supplemental water rights, this is going to impact their businesses,” Kings says.

And despite the dramatic curtailment this year, King is optimistic that the curtailment will only last for 2015 and says that a decision about the 2016 curtailment would be made early next year.

“We are going to fallow 5,000 acres and put all of our water sources toward

the vegetables.”-David Peri, Lyon County Farmer

“Let’s see how the aquifer recovers; let’s see what kind of winter

we have next year.”-State Water Engineer Jason King

Introducing the Nevada Agricultural Foundation’s Annual Funding Campaign

NAF has been supporting agriculture students for almost 40

years, the goal of our first annual funding campaign will be to provide scholarships for junior or senior agricultural students to assist them with degree completion. One-hundred percent

of the funds collected by the NAF through this effort from now through the end of March of 2015 will be awarded in the

NAF’s 2015-2016 scholarship cycle.

If you would like to join this effort to support Agriculture in Nevada, please contact:

Sue Hoffman, Executive DirectorNevada Agricultural Foundation

[email protected]. Box 8089 Reno, NV 89557

775-673-AGNV (2468)

www.nevadaagriculturalfoundation.org

Nevada

Agricultural

Foundation


Farmers & Ranchers of NevadaA Holistic Management Approach to RanchingBy Austin Wright, Nevada Farm Bureau Intern

A typical day for White Pine County rancher Jacob Carter begins bright and early with

irrigation. After that, Carter and his crew start the daily rotation of moving his cattle from one pasture to the next. Moving cattle from pasture to pasture is the most important part of Carter’s operation. This process is a practice used in holistic management and is often referred to as rotational grazing. However, for Carter, the term rotational grazing does not explain his entire approach.

“I use the word rotational grazing because it’s easy,” Carter says. “But individuals that teach holistic management don’t call it rotational grazing. It’s really all about timing. It’s all about rainfall and how you do it.”

Using this approach, Carter is able to maximize the number of animals per acre while also ensuring his pasture can regrow daily. This process is largely done with fences and involves partitioning livestock to a specific part of a pasture at any given time. While cattle graze in one part of the field, the other parts of the field are allowed some time to regrow.

“We’ve been able, in many cases, to double our forage base because of that type of grazing, and we do it, not only on our private land, but also on BLM land,” Carter says.

Although the idea of rotational grazing seems straight forward, Carter goes on to explain that in practice, it takes a great deal of knowledge and experience to be able to read the land.

“After you’ve been doing it so long, you can just tell how the land is,” he says. “And it’s not easy to get started. It takes a lot of time on the ground knowing your land, knowing grass and knowing how it all works.”

Carter built this knowledge and experience through a life growing up on the ranch. A fifth-generation rancher, Carter’s family originally started ranching in the White Pine Valley as early as 1898.

During the late 1890s, his grandfathers settled the valley and began to split up the land. Throughout the next 20 years, one of Carter’s grandfathers bought out the others in order to grow his operation. By the early 1970s, his operation had grown from 100 cows to 300 cows. In the

early 1980s, it increased to 800 cows. Now that operation stands at about 1000 to 1200 cows. Carter credits a large part of this progress to methods the ranch started to adopt in the 1980s.

“We started studying Allan Savory,” Carter says. “That’s what really helped us move forward as we started to run holistic management and those principals of managing your land properly and managing your operation with low overheads.”

Holistic management involves managing all available resources in a connected, systematic way. Ranchers that use this practice manage land, wildlife and cattle together. By taking not only the cattle but also the other factors, animals and environments affected by grazing

Jacob Carter works with his cattle in White Pine County.


into consideration, the health of the land and cattle is benefited, and a larger profit can be obtained.

Although holistic management is a main goal for Carter’s operation, it does not address the most pressing issue facing Nevada ranchers today in his opinion. Regulation constraints and a lack of young and upcoming ranchers are the problems Carter finds most alarming.

“We don’t have a lot of young people coming up to fill those positions in federal government and other agriculture agencies for whatever reasons,” Carter says. “Sometimes I wonder if I should have done it. It is a lot of work, but you have to have a love and enjoyment for it.”

Carter offers young people a chance to come work and learn about ranching by hiring high school students during the summer months. Their job duties include helping with fencing, irrigation and farming.

Carter made the decision to be a rancher at the age of 22. Before ranching, he attained his associate degree in business administration. Later, he also attended Texas Christian University where he studied ranch management. He returned to run his family’s ranch in 2005.

Carter tries to stay active in his community and has been an Nevada Farm Bureau member since 2008. Since then, he has been involved in various ways, including serving as a White Pine County board member.

While Carter is busy on the ranch, his wife, Aubrey Carter, is busy raising their five children – Isabelle, Neil, Dallin, Jenevieve and Legrand – and getting them ready for life on the ranch.

“She’ll come out and ride with the kids. She is trying to teach the kids how to ride, how to work the horses and how to work the cattle,” Carter says adding that his wife also supplies support by occasionally cooking for the ranch crew.

Despite the challenges facing young ranchers, Aubrey feels hopeful for the next generation and is very proud of how her kids are being raised. Unlike Jacob, Aubrey was not raised on a ranch and is excited that her kids are getting that opportunity. She sees the knowledge her children are learning as an invaluable resource.

“I feel very encouraged that my kids get to learn these skills and talents especially while growing up,” Aubrey says. “I’m excited for them to learn processes of animals and plants and have a better understanding of where food comes from. I think that’s very important.”

Carter is also excited for where his ranch is going and sees a positive future ahead. Attending trainings every year, his main focus is on moving his business forward, increasing profit and keeping up with the future.

“We have a really good private land base as well as some BLM land,” Carter says. “We have really good relationships in our community, the cattle market is phenomenal, and I continue to believe that food is going to be scarce in the next 10 to 15 to 20 to 100 years,” Carter says.

Jacob and Aubrey Carter with their five children on their ranch.

“As farmers and ranchers, we are going to be the biggest contributors to the world.”

-Jacob Carter, White Pine County Rancher


Nevada Farm Bureau is excited to announce that the 2015 Photo Contest has begun! This year’s contest will consist of four categories: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. The photo contest is open to all Nevada Farm Bureau members

and their families. It includes two divisions: Youth and Adult (18+).

All photos will be judged after the final deadline and prizes will be awarded for each division. This year’s prizes are $100, $75 and $50 for first, second and third place photographs. In addition to overall winners, the top photo from each season category will receive a $10 cash prize. Winning photos will be printed as postcards available for sale to all Farm Bureau members.

Deadline to Submit PhotographsWinter pictures: April 13, 2015Spring pictures: June 15, 2015

Summer pictures: August 24, 2015Fall pictures: October 26, 2015

General Rules: • Photographs need to represent Nevada agriculture, rural life or Nevada scenery. • Please give your photo a title and indicate either adult or youth entry.• Photographers may submit as many pictures as desired, however only one cash prize will be awarded per person.

(Photos that win their category will be reentered for the grand prize.)• Submit photos to [email protected].

2015 Nevada Farm Bureau Photo ContestSponsored by the Women’s Leadership Committee

Young Farmers & Ranchers UpdateGetting away from the farm can benefit your businessBy Anna-Lisa Laca, Young Farmers & Ranchers State Committee Chair

Despite winter-storm Octavia’s best efforts (think AFBF Annual Meeting in Atlanta for those who attended),

the FUSION conference in Nashville was an incredible opportunity for members of Nevada’s Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women’s Leadership and Promotions & Education programs to network with people from other states, enhance their leadership skills and plan for a great year ahead.

The FUSION conference is a new concept by AFBF to combine several conferences into one larger conference; the outcome was great! AFBF’s efforts resulted in high-caliber speakers and abundance of workshop options. Each group had their own awards banquet and “night out.” The Women’s Leadership and Promotions & Education groups enjoyed a riverboat cruise while the Young Farmers and Ranchers danced to a live band and had an Agriculture Olympics tournament at the local fairgrounds. The conference concluded with a joint night in downtown Music City.

This having been my second national Farm Bureau convention attended, I am constantly reminded of the importance of networking and how it impacts both my business and my husband’s farm. For my husband’s business, these types of meetings provide introductions to industry peers, hay brokers, business consultants and an abundance of new ideas. For my consulting business, the leadership development and opportunities to meet folks in my same profession are immeasurable — not to mention that I was able to connect with a mentor from North Dakota on this trip.

As young farmers and ranchers, it is often a struggle to be gone from home, but I think it’s important to carefully consider the benefits that could result from attending a national conference. Next year, the YF&R Leadership conference will be held in Kansas City. We’d love to help you figure out how you can attend and make a lasting impression on your business!


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The Ag AgendaTime to Move Ag Trade Forward with TPABy Bob StallmanPresident, American Farm Bureau Federation

U.S. agriculture exported more than $152 billion in products last year alone, and there’s room for more

growth yet. With Trade Promotion Authority expected to take center stage on the legislative agenda this spring, farmers and ranchers are ready for trade agreements that create business and boost the American economy.

TPA legislation isn’t new, but now is prime time for renewal. It first passed in 1974 and has been critical to the success of important agreements for U.S. agriculture with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. We’re now ready to expand our markets even further with ambitious trade negotiations across the globe from Asia to Europe. But we need to stand firm and show other countries that we’re ready to act on final offers at the negotiating table. TPA creates an important partnership between the administration and Congress to move trade agreements forward.

The U.S. economy loses out when trade agreements are crushed in the final hour by deal-killing amendments. We weaken our standing in the global marketplace, and hand economic leadership over to other countries. With TPA, the administration represents our best interests before other countries without flying solo in negotiations. Congress and the administration must continue to shape and set priorities based on what they’re hearing directly from American businesses.

This is where agriculture can continue to take a leading role in shaping our trade agenda. Farmers and ranchers know the challenges we face in other markets, and it’s our job to get this message to policymakers. When we’re all on the same page in negotiations, the process moves swiftly as Congress can act on final agreements with a straight up or down vote.

Limiting access to American food just doesn’t make sense. Farmers and ranchers are ready to bring their goods to new markets, but high tariffs and non-scientific barriers place our exports at a disadvantage. Take the EU, for example. Last year the U.S. exported $12.7 billion in agricultural products to the EU, but we also imported $18.7 billion in agricultural products from the EU. These numbers don’t mean we had less to sell: Our markets are simply more open while the EU continues to let politics rather than science dictate its trade restrictions. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, our trade with Japan is just a fraction of what it could be, largely because of price restrictions and high tariffs.

American businesses rely on trade agreements to break down barriers and create a more balanced marketplace for all. But we must come to negotiations with a clear agenda and the authority to back it up. The U.S. is on the verge of completing one of our most ambitious trade agendas in decades. TPA is essential to completing these agreements, including the Trans Pacific Partnership with 11 other countries across the Asia/Pacific region and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the EU.

TPA expired too long ago: Congress and the administration need to work together to renew it before valuable trade relationships are spoiled.


For SaleAnimalsBluetick, Redbone Cross HoundsTwo male, one female Bluetick, Redbone cross Hounds for sale. One male has papers. Price negotiable. 775-293-4463 day only

Livestock Guardian DogsLivestock Guardian Dogs. Proven crosses, working parents. Puppies raised on sheep. Spanish Mastiffs, Pyrenean Mastiffs, Maremma/Anatolian crosses. Winnemucca. Brenda M. Negri (775) 931-0038 www.lgdnevada.com

Yearling Angus BullsYearling Angus Bulls born 2-13-13 and after. Fallon. Call 775-423-5092.

Farm Equipment3 Point Cultivator3 Point Cultivator, 14 ft. wide, S-tine with gauge wheels, extra s-tines. Great shape. $1,300. 775-771-9612

8” Irrigation Discharge Head8” irrigation discharge head with 1 1/2” shaft. Call 775-224-3283

125 HP Motors2-US 125 hp motors, new re-wind: $8,700; 1-US 125 hp motor, used only 2 weeks: $7500; 1-GE 125 hp motor, used: $5,500 Call 775-224-3283

2014 Maverick Steel 16 Ft. Trailer2014 Maverick Steel 16 Ft. Stk GN. 7 ft. wide. Center gate, combo rear gate, Mats and spare. LED lights. $9,300 Call 775.463.3430

Caravan CampershellCaravan Campershell. Fits Dodge Ram 2009 & up. Double door, slider window, silver. Like new - $3,000. Call 775-225-2431

Exis Gooseneck TrailerVery Good Condition. 2 axle middle divider - 20 ft. - 4 ft. tackroom. 4 saddle racks. Only pulled about 3,000 miles. $14,500. Call Elaine: 775-217-2148

Freeman 330 3 Twine BalerFreeman 330 3 Twine Baler, Gas Engine, $5,000. Call 775-427-5056

John Deere 3830 SwatherJohn Deere 3830 Swather. Cab & engine in excellent condition. A/C in good working order. Well maintained. Asking $11,000. Call Ray Schmutz, 775-725-3881.

For SaleFarm EquipmentNew Holland 1112 SwatherNew Holland 1112 Swather with 16-foot header. Good backup machine $3000 OBO at Washoe Valley. Call 775-888-9877 or e-mail [email protected].

New Holland 116 SwatherNew Holland 116 pull type swather. $3000. 775-572-3337

Newman Pump MotorNewman Pump Motor. 60 horse, Excellent condition – Like New. Contact Edna – Peak Industrial Electric, 775-623-3023

New Pipe and Wood Stall Fronts2 Pipe and Wood Stall Fronts. New, Never Installed. Paid $1,500. Sell both for $750. Ask for Jim - 775-720-4634, 775-465-2936.

Pickup Bed CamperPickup bed camper. Very nice, like new condition: $5,500. Call 775-224-2383

Vermeer R-23 TwinrakeVermeer R-23 Twinrake. Good Condition, works well. $4,500. Call Ray Schmutz, 775-725-3881.

Feed Alfalfa Hay For Sale 3x4 bales. Several grades: nice green-rain damaged feeder, 53-47 TDN and 18-17 Proteins. No weeds. Also have Triticale Grain Hay. Stacks located 80 miles East of Tonopah. [email protected] 775-863-0321

OtherCertified AppraiserWes Wilson: Certified Livestock and Equipment Appraiser for banking, insurance and other needs. Serving Nevada and surrounding states for over 14 years Call 435-632-9941.

Property5 acre Agritourism Opportunity - Washoe Valley2047 sq. ft. custom cedar home with mountain view. NV’s only USDA certified organic u-pick apple orchard. Water rights, barn, shop, chicken pens, playhouse, greenhouse, garden area, seasonal stream, RV hookup & fully stocked gift shop. Successfully operated for 10 years. $685,000. 775-720-2904

For SaleProperty6.4 Acres (Residence, 3 bd. 2 bath) - Diamond ValleyResidence 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,600 sq. foot w/ hot tub room on 6.4 acres. 532 sq. ft. detached garage, 841 sq. foot hay shed & 877 sq. ft. 3 bay carport w/ storage room & extensive corrals w/ heated Ritchie waterers. Includes fenced pasture. Call 775-385-3334.

10 Acres (Commercial Building) – Diamond ValleyCommercial Building 7500 sq. ft. w/ 2 loading docks and large automatic 14 ft. door in Diamond Valley, large office 1,440 sq. ft.. Pad & hook-up for double-wide residence, 10 acres, fenced on 3 sides. Call 775-385-0030 or email [email protected].

25 acres (Ranch w/ surface water) – Near GenoaRanch for Sale for $1.5 million, 25 acres with rich soil, surface water, 2 wells and 3 houses. Near Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Minden, Douglas High School and Wally’s Hot Springs. 831-512-3225.

37 acres (House w/ water rights)- Wellington37 acres w/ water rights in Wellington. House-1846 sq. Ft., 2 bed 2 bath, recently remodeled w/ new windows/flooring. Numerous out buildings, covered hay barn, corrals. In alfalfa production. $470,000. Call 775-465-2252 or 775-720-1388 or e-mail [email protected].

WantedEmployeeCow/Calf ManagerFamily Owned ranch in Smith Valley, NV & Bridgeport, CA; 1200hd cow/calf operation; all aspects of ranching: roping, doctoring, range feed evaluation, fencing; self starter, quiet cattle handling skills; salary w/ housing; Fax: 775-465-2156 or email [email protected] resume w/ references.

Farm Equipment3 Point Weed Hog3 PTO weed hog, preferably 4 ft.. cutting. 813-512-3225

Used RoterraLely Roterra- looking for a used Roterra that is in working condition, or needs minimal work to be field ready. Cary 775-691-7655. [email protected]

Windmill Working or easy fix windmill, with or without tower. And 20’/30’ non-leaker container. Call 775-557-2804.

PropertyPasture WantedPasture Wanted for 20-40 pair in Northern Nevada. 775-287-6978

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or email ad copy to Jessica at [email protected]:Address:City / State / Zip Code:Phone: Membership No.Ad Copy:

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Nevada Farm Bureau Federation®

2165 Green Vista Dr. , Suite 205, Sparks, NV 894311-800-992-1106 | www.nvfb.org

Existing Farm Bureau Bank loans are excluded from this offer. *Rate disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and based on exceptional credit. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of equipment offered as collateral. Up to 90% financing for new and 85% forused equipment. Loans subject to credit approval. Rates are accurate as of 12/12/14. Rates and financing are limited to farm equipment model years 2005 or newer and are subject to change without notice. A down paymentmay be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $75,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank may be required for new or used equipment purchases. Financial information required for loan requests over $75,000. Commercial vehicles and trailers may be subject to an additional documentation fee. Farm Bureau Bank does not provide equity or cash-out financing on commercial vehicles and equipment. Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by, and used by Farm Bureau Bank FSB under license from, the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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March 2015