Legislative issues, Wyoming’s economy, trucking issues, and generational differences are a few of the topics that will be presented at the 2012 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Legislative Meeting.  The meeting will be Feb. 27-28 at the Holiday Inn 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. 

 Legislative Meeting Agenda

            The meeting begins at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 with registration.  Attendees are scheduled to hear from House Agriculture Committee Chair Representative Mark Semlek and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Gerry Geis during the noon luncheon. 

            At 1:30 p.m. Keith Kennedy with Custom Ag Solutions will talk about “Farming is a Risky Business.”  Participants will take part in a simulation making decisions for a cattle and hay operation, as they consider risk management options for their operations.

            Following this presentation, Kennedy will talk about “Complying with Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures.”  Attendees will learn how to develop a SPCC plan for their operation, using a free online tool.

            Monday’s afternoon activities also include legislative briefings from WyFB lobbyists and membership awards. 

            Monday evening provides the one-on-one visits with the legislators during the “Legislative Reception” that includes hot hors d’oeuvres.

            Activities begin Tuesday at 8 a.m. with informational speakers.  Sheila Foertsch, with the Wyoming Trucking Association, will discuss “Trucking Issues in Wyoming” at 8 a.m.  Topics covered will include state specific issues including highway funding, size and weight regulations, as well as enforcement challenges.  According to Foertsch, federal issues usually become state issues.  Federal issues discussed will include the most recent final rule regarding hours of service regulations, a possible mandate of electronic on board recorders, the federal ban on hand held cell phones, CSA 2010, the driver and mechanic shortage and challenges with medical certification of commercial drivers.

            At 9 a.m. Erin Taylor will discuss “The State of the Economy in Wyoming.”  Taylor is the executive director of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association.  Downward natural gas prices combined with a mild winter and increased storage means decreased revenues for Wyoming.  According to Taylor, the decrease is to the tune of $51.1M for this biennium and more than $113 million for the next biennium.  “That’s funding for Wyoming highways or local governments,” Taylor said.  “Does this mean more budget cuts are on the way?  It’s possible.”

            The final session is “Bridging the Generational Divide” presented by Kyle Perry, director of leadership development for the American Farm Bureau Federation.  Generations aren’t simply separated by years.  This workshop will help participants better understand generational differences that affect how people approach life, work and volunteering.

            The meeting will adjourn after the luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Visit www.wyfb.org for on-line meeting registration and agenda or you may call 307.721.7723  or e-mail dgiroux@wyfb.org to pre-register by Feb. 17. 

            Room reservations may be made by calling the Holiday Inn at 1-800-HOLIDAY by Feb. 16.   The group id is “WYF” for the room block.

The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general agriculture organization.  The primary goals of the organization are to protect private property rights and help members achieve an equitable return on their investment.  On the web, www.wyfb.org.

-FB END-

 

Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation

2012 Legislative Meeting

AGENDA

 February 27 – 28, 2012

Holiday Inn, Cheyenne, Wyoming

 

Monday, February 27

 8:00 a.m.   WyFB Board of Director’s Meeting

11:00 a.m.           Registration 

Noon         Luncheon

Senator Gerry Geis, Senate Ag Committee Chair & Representative Mark Semlek, House Ag Committee Chair will update the membership on the activities of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees

1:30  p.m.  Speaker - Keith Kennedy – Custom Ag Solutions

“Farming is a Risky Business”

2:15 p.m.   Speaker – Keith Kennedy – Ag Business Association    

“Complying with Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures”

3:00 p.m.   President’s Comments:  Perry Livingston, WyFB President

3:10 p.m.   Legislative Issues:  Ken Hamilton & Brett Moline, WyFB Lobbying Team

4:00 p.m.   Membership Awards – Tim Pexton, WyFB State Membership Chair

6:30 p.m.   Legislative Reception – hot hors d’oeuvres

Tuesday, February 28

8:00 a.m.   Speaker – Sheila Foertsch – Wyoming Trucking Association

“Trucking Issues in Wyoming”

9:00 a.m.   Speaker – Erin Taylor – Wyoming Taxpayers Association

“The State of the Economy in Wyoming”

10:00 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. Speaker – Kyle Perry – AFBF Director of Leadership Development

 “Bridging the Generational Divide”

11:45 p.m. Luncheon

*Meeting Adjourned*