Scientists whose study found a positive relationship between taller grass and sage-grouse nest success are concerned environmental groups are using findings to incorrectly label livestock producers as responsible for the birds’ decline.
A passion for farming, family, friends and Farm Bureau leads Cole and Sammie Coxbill in the work they do for agriculture. This young couple, members of the Goshen County Farm Bureau, have been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Committee for 2015-17. The committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S.
The expansion of federal jurisdiction, broader definitions and regulation of new areas that are not jurisdictional and the increase in regulatory uncertainty were stated in a recent policy statement by The Energy Council as some of the reasons the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should withdraw the proposed “Waters of the U.S.” rule. In the December 2014 policy statement, The Energy Council calls for a replacement proposed rule to reflect the necessary consultations that should take place with the States.
–WWP has four staff attorneys and as of 2011 had received over $2.3 million in EAJA funds
In June 2014, fifteen landowners in Fremont County, Wyoming and Lincoln County, Wyoming filed a civil trespass lawsuit against Western Watersheds Project (WWP) and Jonathan Ratner WWP Director for Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, and John Does 1-10 with the Western Watersheds Project, Inc. for intentionally and without landowner permission trespassing and entering private property.
In a July response filed by Western Watersheds Project, the group alleges the case is an attempt to silence the group. According to the landowners’ attorney, Karen Budd-Falen, this lawsuit is strictly about trespass. “Private citizens do not have the right to cross private property without permission,” said Budd-Falen.
“All in with Farm Bureau YF&R” is the theme of the Jan. 16-17, 2015 Joint Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Conference in Deadwood, S.D. The Wyoming Farm Bureau and the South Dakota Farm Bureau are joining together for a joint conference you won’t want to miss. The conference is open to all young agricultural producers between the ages of 18-35 (no membership necessary) and all Farm Bureau members. Children are welcome.
A public hearing on the proposed listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act will be held Dec. 2 in Sundance, WY. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service will hold an informational meeting from 6-7 p.m. followed by a public hearing from 7-8 p.m. The Crook County Commission encourages attendance at this meeting as the potential listing will impact not only Crook, but Weston and Campbell counties as well. The public hearing will be at the Crook County Courthouse basement.
Wyoming families facing hunger received a boost mid-November with the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher (YF&R) Committee “Harvest for All” project. The annual food and fund drive to benefit Feeding America food bank affiliates in Wyoming raised the equivalent of 6,503 meals for Wyoming families.
Northwest College student Bryce McKenzie discussed agriculture issues at a recent Wyoming Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Collegiate Discussion Meet and earned $300 cash and a trip to Nashville, Tenn. McKenzie competed Nov. 13 in the event held at Sheridan College. Fifteen competitors representing Sheridan College, Eastern Wyoming College, Northwest College and the University of Wyoming entered the competition.
SHERIDAN— Trespass and illegal data collection and transportation were among the many policies adopted at the 95th annual meeting of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB). Held Nov. 13-15, 2014 in Sheridan, Wyo., the meeting is an important step in the grassroots policy development process of Farm Bureau.
SHERIDAN—Sharleen Castle, of Albany County, was awarded the 2014 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) Leadership Award at the 95th annual meeting of the organization. Presented Nov. 14, the award is given to those who have gone above and beyond in their agricultural leadership service in the organization.