News from Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation

Innovative, Action-Oriented County Farm Bureau Ideas Sought

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:59:26 GMT

--County Activities of Excellence entries due Sept. 5

Innovative and action-oriented county activity ideas are being sought for the 2008 Wyoming Farm Bureau County Activities of Excellence competition. The entry deadline is Sept. 5, 2008.

If your county has conducted an OutSTANDING, innovative program or activity, we invite you to enter it in the County Activities of Excellence competition. We know there are many outstanding county activities and we want to recognize those county Farm Bureaus for their hard work and dedication as well as share ideas across the state.

Wyoming Farm Bureau applauds removal of Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse from Endangered Species List

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:26:27 GMT

LARAMIE—July 9, 2008— The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation applauds the removal of the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse from the Endangered Species List. “We, as well as the private property owners whose land supports the mouse, are pleased that the Fish & Wildlife Service has taken this action,” Ken Hamilton, Wyoming Farm Bureau Executive Vice President, said. “Ideally, we would hope that money could be spent out on the land now rather than the courts, but history shows that groups will target legal challenges based on a procedural issue rather than on any scientific issues.”

“We feel this whole process has served to point out some serious problems with the current Endangered Species Act and shows the need for a more rigorous review of information to see if it really is valid information,” Hamilton concluded. “At some point Congress will need to look at the law to try and bring some common sense back into the discussion.”

Wyoming Farm Bureau awards nine college scholarships

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:39:44 GMT

Laramie--The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation recently awarded nine college scholarships to the children of Farm Bureau members.

“Providing opportunities for our members’ children to receive a college education is what the Farm Bureau scholarship program is about,” Wyoming Farm Bureau President Perry Livingston said. “$5,500 is awarded at the state level. Add that to county Farm Bureau scholarships around the state and roughly $20,000 is awarded each year to children of Farm Bureau members in Wyoming. We are proud to support our youth.”

“Ag Books for Kids” winners announced

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:17:38 GMT

Students from across Wyoming learned more about agriculture and were recently recognized for their participation in the 2008 Wyoming Farm Bureau (WyFB) “Ag Books for Kids” contests. The 2008 contests included: Coloring Contest for kindergarten and first grade; Poster Contest for second and third graders; and a Book Report Contest for fourth and fifth graders.

This year county Farm Bureaus across the state donated 311 “Harvest Year” books by Cris Peterson to Wyoming elementary schools as part of the WyFB Young Farmer & Rancher Committee “Ag Books for Kids” project. The students then had the opportunity to participate in a contest to show what they learned about agriculture.

Wyoming Farm Bureau appeals sage grouse decision

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:44:01 GMT

Laramie—Citing the extensive record supporting the United States Fish & Wildlife Service's decision that the sage grouse does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Pacific Legal Foundation has filed an appeal in the sage grouse case on behalf of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation and several other defendant interveners. The notice of appeal in the Western Watersheds Project v. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) case was filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on April 28.

NEPA Symposium May 30 in Casper

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:55:14 GMT

A look at the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its application in Wyoming will be the focus of a May 30 symposium in Casper. The symposium is open to the public and sponsored by the Wyoming Farm Bureau Foundation.

“The focus of the symposium will be to highlight issues surrounding NEPA compliance and its impacts on various entities in Wyoming,” Ken Hamilton, WyFB executive vice president, said. “It will also focus on how agriculture producers can be better informed on the NEPA process.”

The “NEPA: An Overview and Applications in Wyoming” symposium will begin with registration at 8 a.m. at the Casper Ramada Inn (formerly the Holiday Inn on the River).

Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference May 2-3 in Evanston

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:43:29 GMT

United States Senator John Barrasso will speak at the YF&R Conference Saturday afternoon.

Wyoming young farmers and ranchers are invited to attend the “Super Bowl of Information” May 2-3, 2008 in Evanston. The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Leadership Conference is open to all young agricultural producers (between the ages of 18-35) and all Farm Bureau members. Children are welcome. Topics range from financial strategies to agriculture issues to livestock and farming.

Hosted by the WyFB YF&R Committee, the conference begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008 in Evanston at the Best Western Dunmar Inn.

“Wyoming Agricultural Literacy Week” the week of March 24th

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:54:06 GMT

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 24^th “Wyoming Agriculture Literacy Week”. Shown with the Governor from left to right are Farm Bureau members: Uinta County ranchers Carson, Monte, Kristi and Logan Ellis; Laramie County farmers Todd and Laura Fornstrom; Carbon County rancher Chalsey Kortes; Wyoming Farm Bureau Media Director Kerin Clark and Kadra and Kyler Clark.

CHEYENNE—Recognizing the importance of the Wyoming agriculture industry and educating school children through reading, Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal has declared the week of March 24^th “Wyoming Agricultural Literacy Week.”

“There are many great books that tell the story of agriculture accompanied by detailed pictures,” WyFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee Chair Chalsey Kortes said.

What does agriculture have to do with you?

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:37:33 GMT

By Kerin Clark, Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation

You can drive to the grocery store and find the food you need. You have a roof over your head and clothes to wear to school or work today. With only two percent of our nation’s population working in production agriculture, many people may be tempted to answer the question “What does agriculture have to do with you?” with a simple “not much.” If that is your answer, then take a minute to think about what tomorrow would be like without agriculture.

“Moving to the Country” Brochure Available from Wyoming Farm Bureau

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:53:09 GMT

LARAMIE—Open spaces, no neighbors, quiet mornings…all features of moving to the country. Many of these features are compliments of Wyoming agriculture. The food and fiber producers in Wyoming are truly the first environmentalists. It is their irrigated meadows that create and maintain the beautiful, green open spaces of our valleys.

A new brochure, “Moving to the Country—Some things you should know,” has been developed to provide resources for those who are thinking about moving to the country here in Wyoming. Developed by the Wyoming Farm Bureau as a resource tool, the brochure highlights the importance of understanding water rights, easements, landscapes, livestock and farming operations and how these issues relate to living in the country.

Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Legislative Meeting Feb. 25-26 in Cheyenne

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:10:05 GMT

Wolf management plans in Wyoming, animal health issues, electricity production, legislative reports and Wyoming’s economic outlook are a few of the topics that will be presented at the 2008 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Legislative Meeting Feb. 25-26. The meeting will be at the Little America Hotel in Cheyenne. Held annually to coincide with the legislative session, the meeting provides Farm Bureau members the opportunity to meet with their legislators one-on-one and receive updates on current issues.

It’s time to speak up for agriculture

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:10:03 GMT

By Lynne Finnerty, AFBF

If someone told you that you could influence whether USDA locates or maintains a farm service center in your community, would you do whatever you could to ensure that farmers had access to the services they need?

What about if you could affect the types of loans and government programs available to you? Wouldn’t that be great?

If someone told you that a major company that sells farm equipment and supplies was considering opening a store in your area, wouldn’t you want to have a say in the company’s decision?

Good news! Farmers have a voice in hundreds of marketing and policy decisions, if they participate in the Census of Agriculture.

Court affirms victory for grazing rights

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 14:51:54 GMT

Dec. 20, 2007—The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver issued a victory for grazing rights on Monday, Dec. 17. A three-judge panel affirmed a U.S. District Court ruling against the environmental groups that were seeking to block grazing on the Pole Mountain area of the Medicine Bow National Forest land near Laramie.

In the case, Center for Native Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Alliance v. Rick Cables, in his official capacity as Regional Forester, Region 2, United States Forest Service et. al., environmental groups brought the lawsuit asking that livestock be removed from Forest Service lands in the Pole Mountain area of the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming citing water quality and Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues.

“This decision clarifies that a mere nonpoint source water quality problem due in whole or in part to livestock grazing is not cause to run permittees off the range," Attorney Dan Frank said. “Livestock grazers and federal agencies that issue permits recognizing grazing rights still have to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) if a water quality problem arises. What it (the decision) does stand for is that if livestock grazers and federal agencies are out there implementing BMPs, the Court is going to say that the permittees and agencies are doing what they need to be doing.”

Senator Enzi addresses Wyoming Farm Bureau members

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:17:32 GMT

CASPER--“I want to work with you to get the things done that you need to stay in business here in Wyoming,” Senator Mike Enzi told members of the Wyoming Farm Bureau attending the organization’s 88^th annual meeting in Casper. Enzi spoke to the Wyoming Farm Bureau on Nov. 10 addressing many different issues from disaster relief to water to hopeful amendments to the Farm Bill.

Wyoming Farm Bureau donated the equivalent of 4,357 meals to Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:17:09 GMT

Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies received 643 pounds of food, $850 and 18 man hours from the Wyoming Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee.

Casper—The Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies (WFBR) was the recipient of 643 pounds of food, $850 in monetary donations and 18 working man hours from the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Committee this past week. The food and monetary donations are enough to provide 4,357 meals to Wyoming families who are in need.

Wyoming Farm Bureau sets policy for coming year

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:18:07 GMT

Laramie—Water and wolves were among the issues discussed at the 88^th annual meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB). Held Nov. 8-10, 2007 in Casper, the meeting is an important step in the grassroots policy development process of Farm Bureau.

“Farm Bureau policy is founded on the protection of private property rights,” Ken Hamilton, WyFB executive vice president, said. “The discussions focused on many different issues that affect private property rights.”

Working with Congress is a relational business

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:28:50 GMT

CASPER--“There are approximately 45,000 lobbyists in Washington and 18,000 people who work on Capitol Hill,” American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Mark Maslyn last week told members attending the 88^th annual meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau. “It is because of you and people like you in the other states that make phone calls, write letters, attend town hall meetings and build relationships with their Congressional Delegation, that we are able to accomplish things in Washington.”

Maslyn serves as the executive director of public policy for AFBF. “Congress relies on you to give them information; it’s a relational business,” Maslyn stated.

Maslyn covered a wide range of national issues from water to trade to the Farm Bill.

Senator Barrasso addresses Farm Bureau members

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:58:03 GMT

United States Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke to members of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation on Nov. 9 at their 88^th annual meeting held in Casper. Senator Barrasso is shown here with Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation President Perry Livingston.

CASPER-- United States Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke to members of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation on Nov. 9 at their 88^th annual meeting held in Casper. “It is an honor to represent Wyoming,” Senator Barrasso said.

Senator Barrasso described his experiences since he was sworn into office in June. He then told the audience about an amendment he has introduced to the 2007 Farm Bill that will promote veterinary drug research at state colleges across the country, including the University of Wyoming.

Carl Larson receives Wyoming Farm Bureau Leadership Award

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:23:16 GMT

Uinta County’s Carl Larson (left) was awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Leadership Award for 2007 by WyFB President Perry Livingston.

Casper—Carl Larson, of Uinta County, was awarded the 2007 Farm Bureau Leadership Award at the 88^th annual meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB). The award is given to those who have dedicated their time and talents to the betterment of Farm Bureau and Wyoming agriculture. The strength of Farm Bureau comes from the grassroots efforts of the county Farm Bureaus.

Tom and Helen Jones receive Wyoming Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:20:30 GMT

Johnson County’s Helen (left) and Tom Jones (right) were awarded the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award for 2007 by WyFB President Perry Livingston (center).

Casper—The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) bestowed the Distinguished Service award to Tom and Helen Jones, of Buffalo, who have contributed much to the Farm Bureau organization in Johnson County and Wyoming. Presented last Friday at the organization’s 88^th annual meeting, the award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to agriculture.

UW’s Jessie Berry wins Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet

kclark@wyfb.org (Kerin Clark) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:29:17 GMT

Jessie Berry receives her awards for winning the Wyoming Farm Bureau YF&R 2007 Collegiate Discussion Meet from sponsor Dan White, First Interstate Bank UW Student Union Branch Manager.

LARAMIE--University of Wyoming (UW) student Jessie Berry discussed agriculture issues at a recent Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Collegiate Discussion Meet and earned $300 cash and a trip to Baltimore, Maryland. Berry competed Oct. 16 with eight other Wyoming agriculture college students in the event held at the UW College of Agriculture.