Utah Farm Bureau members gather on the south steps of the Utah State Capitol during ‘Farm Bureau Day on the Hill’ in late February. Members from across the state gathered for legislative briefings, to visit with their legislators, and for an ag expo in the rotunda where leaders visited with capitol guests and elected officials to talk about the important of agriculture in Utah.
We recently wrapped up our 105 th American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City, and I am so grateful for the time we had as a Farm Bureau family to look to new frontiers in our organization and across agriculture. There’s nothing like gathering, exploring innovative solutions, and tackling challenges together to energize us for the year ahead.
I felt that energy across our convention, from the trade show to our inspiring speakers to our robust policy discussions as we set priorities for the coming year. Farmers and ranchers are always looking to make each season better than the last, and the AFBF Convention helps us achieve that goal for our farms, our families and our communities.
Throughout the week, we hosted training opportunities and workshops to equip members and help them take their leadership and advocacy to the next level. We celebrated innovative and engaging programs from our county Farm Bureaus and recognized our outstanding Young Farmers and Ranchers through our competitive events.
One of my favorite parts of the convention is getting to walk the Trade Show floor and meet members from across our Farm Bureau family. The Trade Show is the place to be—and you could tell by the lines of folks just waiting for those doors to open each morning. It’s also a place to give back, a value we share across our organization. This year, the Utah Farm Bureau organized the Miracle of Ag service project where event attendees helped
to fill over 5,000 boxes of food for families facing hunger.
We kicked off convention by reigniting our advocacy on the farm bill. Farm Bureau led the way in 2023 calling for action, from working with groups across food, agriculture, conservation and nutrition to rallying our grassroots advocates. And thanks to those efforts, we did see a temporary extension to protect farm programs for now. While we are grateful for that extension and understand that Congress needs to address the budget, we also know that we cannot afford further delays when it comes to the farm bill. We are inviting folks to send a resounding message to Congress to deliver a new farm bill for our farms and our country. The road to a new farm bill has become longer than any of us would have liked, but together we can see it through.
We were also honored to welcome
SALT LAKE CITY – A landmark alliance is launching free, anonymous, online mental health and wellbeing services to provide a nationwide safety net of confidential and on-demand support to farmers, ranchers and farm families.
Unveiled at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) 2024 Convention in Salt Lake City, Farm Family Wellness Alliance’s groundbreaking solution harnesses the best resource to build farm family wellness—access to a community, including a network of farmers and ranchers who understand the challenges and rewards that come with the agricultural way of life.
Access to services starts at Togetherall, a safe, clinically moderated peerto-peer community, where members around the world are there to listen, support and give members’ mental wellbeing a boost. Access to the platform is available to members of a farm family aged 16 and older.
Togetherall also offers a range of wellbeing tools, such as self-assessments and access to additional support services through a partnership with Personal Assistance Services. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, financial health, improving sleep and more.
To learn more about the Farm Family Wellness Alliance and the services available through the Togetherall platform, visit www.farmfoundation.org/ farm-family-wellness-alliance/.
and Grow Through the ‘Miracle of Agriculture’.
Utah Farm & Fork (ISSN 1068-5960)
Matt Hargreaves, Editor
9865 South State Sandy, Utah 84070-3205
Phone Numbers:
General Inquiries: (801) 233-3000
Address Changes: (801) 233-3011
Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003
Fax: .(801) 233-3030
FB News E-mail: matt.hargreaves@fbfs.com
Web site: .....http://www.utahfarmbureau.org
Local Display Ad Information: Aubree Thomas (801) 233-3217
Utah Farm Bureau Federation Officers
Chairman and President
ValJay Rigby, Newton*
Vice President Wade Eliason, Moroni*
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Spencer K. Gibbons, Richmond
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Darren Hedin, Centerville
* Denotes member of the Board of Directors
County and State Farm Bureau leaders across the nation are sharing resources that will help farmers and ranchers keep safety top-ofmind through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As part of this year’s ASAP commemoration, March 4-8 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting the week with its theme “Cultivating Safety: Protecting Our Future.”
A different safety focus will be highlighted by the Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers each day of the week:
• Monday, March 4
– Animal Safety
• Tuesday, March 5
– Fire Safety
• Wednesday, March 6
– Cost of Safety Prevention
• Thursday, March 7
– Eye Safety
• Friday, March 8
– Tick/Lyme Disease Awareness
During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers to make safety a priority on the farm. Emphasizing the need for safety education on America’s farms and ranches is a continuing priority for the Utah Farm Bureau. It’s important to
support members of our agricultural communities as they strive to save lives and prevent injuries and lost time on the job.
The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page (facebook.com/AgSafety). Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel (http://tinyurl.com/2fjnsn89) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #ASAP24 and #USAgCenters. The 12 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1...............................Chris Chambers, Smithfield
District 2 .........................................Logan Wilde, Croydon
District 3 Tyson Roberts, Layton
District 4 .................................Russ Kohler, Midway
District 5......................................Steve Hanberg, Randlett
District 6 ....................................Trevor Barnson, Junction
District 7 ...............................Jared Buhler, Lynndyl Women’s Chair..........................Dot Jensen, Tremonton Promotions & Education Chair..........................................
.......................................................Sherrie Tate, Washington Young Farmer & Rancher Chair.................................... Brady Spackman, Lewiston
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has been awarded $3,040,043.28 through the USDA AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which aims to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses, and support the development of value-added products for consumers.
“The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is excited for the opportunities for our producers that the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant funding will bring,” said UDAF Commissioner, Craig Buttars. “Programs like this make a tremendous difference in our state’s ability to support the economic viability of farms and food
businesses and keep legacy farms in operation. Increasing in-state processing as well as distribution and storage capacity are among our state’s greatest needs.”
UDAF will be issuing $2,310,934.44 in two rounds of competitive sub-award grants to support the development of middle-of-the-supply-chain activities for Utah-based food and farm activities. The first round of applications will go until the end of March, and any remaining funds will be issued in a second round in spring of 2025. UDAF will also be hiring a full-time Supply Chain Coordinator to address critical gaps in the state. Middleof-the-supply chain includes activities that happen after production, but before they reach the market or end-consumer and may include the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products. Eligible food products include fruits and vegetables, dairy, grains for
human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products (excluding meat and poultry products and animal feed products). Applicants may either apply for the equipment-only simplified project track or the infrastructure project track.
UDAF will prioritize projects that support the modernizing or improving of distribution, processing and/or manufacturing equipment, projects that will construct new facilities, and projects that will improve water efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or improve air/water quality related to processing, as well as projects led by new and beginning farmers, or historically underserved farmers and ranchers.
The grant application window for the first round of funding is open until March 31. To apply, visit ag.utah.gov/ rfsi. For more information, contact Allison Ross at aross@utah.gov.
I can still remember my first county Farm Bureau meeting like it was yesterday. After becoming frustrated with challenges on my farm, dad encouraged me to get outside my own fencerows. He emphasized that if I wanted to have a true voice in shaping the decisions affecting our farm, I needed to step up and start at the county level. I did just that, and the next thing I knew I
was my county’s young farmer chair.
County leaders are the lifeblood of Farm Bureau, embodying the spirit of grassroots advocacy and playing a pivotal role in shaping our organization and American agriculture. They are the driving force behind our policy process and membership programs. Our strength and influence as a national organization starts with our active and
engaged local leaders.
From membership growth to giving back to our communities, we see county leaders stepping up and driving agriculture and rural communities forward. These leaders are working to bring positive change and new ideas that strengthen their counties, states and our entire federation.
Each year, we get the chance to celebrate some of these successes at our convention through our County Awards of Excellence, a showcase of the incredible abilities and innovations of our grassroots leaders. And, let me tell you, this past year was full of them. From Wisconsin, we
heard about the Winnebago County Farm Bureau’s Community Night where they not only taught the importance of agriculture but also raised money for charity. We also heard about Farm Bureau Day at the Fair in Adams County, Ohio, where they provided attendees access to free health care screenings, food, games and even a tractor show. All 24 of our winners demonstrated their leadership and commitment to quality programming within their counties and I encourage you to check out some more of the incredible stories we heard in Salt Lake City. I am constantly inspired by what our counties are doing
in their communities and can’t wait to see what success stories come next.
County leaders are also critical in sharing agriculture’s story at a time when the public is more curious than ever about where their food comes from. Their voices provide firsthand examples in our advocacy efforts and can have a meaningful impact on our policymakers. Our policy experts in Washington do a great job working with Congress to advance Farm Bureau priorities, but we are even more eff ective when county leaders engage directly with their representatives. Nothing is more
SATURDAY • MARCH 9, 2024
Laura Holmgren of Box Elder County was named the runner-up in the 2024 American Farm Bureau (AFBF) Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet. The competition was concluded at the recent AFBF Annual Convention in Salt Lake City and is considered a top honor for young farmers and ranchers nationally.
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 agriculture topic. The judges look for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication
while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions. 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. Success-
ful participants are productive think -
ers, rather than emotional persuaders, and assist the group in creating ways to implement the solutions discussed and highlight Farm Bureau’s involvement in those steps.
“I have been participating in the Discussion Meet since college and have had the privilege to help coordinate this contest for others several times. It’s been central to my Farm Bureau experience in that the topics are real problems we’re seeking to solve as farmers and ranchers,” Holmgren said.
As the runner-up in the Discussion Meet, Laura received a $25,000 credit toward new Case IH equipment, courtesy of Case IH.
assistant.
The Holmgren family came to Utah from Sweden in the 1800s and the family has never left the Bear River Valley. For generations, the farm’s central point has been cattle and feed crops for the cattle. The Holmgrens are proud to be a part of introducing diversity through raising onions, cover crops, and implementing new and effective irrigation systems. They also served for six years on the State Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, including two years as chairs.
Laura competed against 37 other contestants from around the country in this competition, with all competitors having won their own state Farm Bureau competitions. For winning the Utah competition, she received an ATV courtesy of Intermountain Farmers Association (IFA) and Karl Malone Plaza Cycle and an expense-paid trip to the
The competitors spoke on topics ranging from agricultural financing for young farmers and water use, to climate policies and working with elected officials.
Laura and her husband Riggin are raising their two daughters on their family farm in Northern Utah, near Bear River City. Laura moved from her childhood home in Southern Utah to attend Utah State and get her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences. She now works for her alma mater through USU Extension in Box Elder County as a program
American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher conference in Omaha, Nebraska.
The winner of this year’s AFBF Discussion Meet was Matthew McClanahan of Tennessee. The third-place finisher was Cole Lickley of Idaho, with Kylie Wheeler of Indiana placing fourth.
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) welcomes the launch of a new USDA workforce development initiative aimed at building the next generation of conservation delivery providers.
The Working Lands Climate Corps is a promising opportunity to provide on-the-ground education and training to develop the skillset needed to address natural resource challenges.
Climate Corps fellows, working with state and local organizations, will
gain the skills needed to provide conservation technical assistance to agricultural producers who are voluntarily making climate-smart investments on their operations.
FACA appreciates USDA’s commitment to building the next generation of boots on the ground, but we also acknowledge the immediate need for more capacity today. We encourage USDA to continue to prioritize ongoing capacity-building and recruitment efforts. These two efforts
are complementary and necessary to build a robust workforce to scale conservation delivery.
FACA members are united in support of climate policies that are voluntary, market-based and scientifically sound. Learn more about FACA policy recommendations and see the full list of member organizations at agclimatealliance.com .
News release courtesy of Utah State Senate Gov. Spencer J. Cox, President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz released the following statement regarding the governor’s withdrawal of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Legislature’s joint resolution rejecting the proposed land exchange of state school and institutional trust lands and mineral interests for federal lands and mineral interests.
“Utah has sought for a collaborative,
■ 15-year term grazing permits, which are up for renewal, are currently posted at trustlands.utah.gov and will be offered for competitive bid
■ This offering represents currently-held grazing permits, which are scheduled to expire June 30, 2024
■ Interested livestock operators must submit applications April 1 through April 30, 2024
For a complete list of available permits, visit trustlands.utah.gov. For questions, call 435-896-2559 for permits in southern Utah, or 801-538-5134 for northern Utah.
Grazing proceeds from trust lands benefit Utah’s public schools and other state institutions.
SALT LAKE CITY – The American Farm Bureau Federation Convention held its annual convention in Salt Lake City for the first time since 2007. Meetings were held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown SLC, with close to 5,000 farm and ranch leaders from around the country attending.
Though the full convention opened on Sunday, there was plenty of exciting programming that took place on Saturday. From tours of Utah agriculture to the opening of the trade show and Cultivation Center Stage, Saturday had plenty to offer for attendees.
Top agriculture influencers Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik recorded a live episode of their podcast
“Discover Ag,” where they talked about Dave Davis from the Utah Food Retailers Association and Melva Sine from the Utah Restaurant Association, came together to discuss opportunities for collaboration between food companies and retailers and the restaurants they supply.
narians, and a sit-down visit with Rep. Celeste Maloy.
Sunday continued with an actionpacked day of programming, focused on the hottest topics and most pressing issues for farmers, ranchers and consumers in 2024.
trending topics in the food and ag space. Later, a panel of leaders representing food processors and retailers, including
Saturday also saw the beginning of competitive events for the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program, and programming around the topics of consumer engagement were held on the Cultivation Center Stage. Recordings from the Cultivation Center Stage are available at Recordings of all Cultivation Center Stage content will be available at tinyurl.com/bdh23ers , with presentations on wildlife damage considerations, the shortage of rural food animal veteri-
The slate of activities includes two general sessions, 12 workshops, the live pitch competition for the final four Ag Innovation Challenge teams and the Sweet 16 round of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. AFBF President Zippy Duvall delivered his keynote remarks during the opening general session and state Farm Bureaus were presented with awards of Excellence. Utah Farm Bureau earned all four awards.
The mid-general session, featured an informative and motivational keynote address from global futurist and bestselling author Jack Uldrich. He urged
The time; 4:10 pm. The place; my office, at Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was at my desk preparing lesson plans for the next day when the phone rang. It was the principal, Dr. Ron Gonzales. He told me that it had been reported to him that someone had observed some of “MY STUDENTS”, his words, smoking marijuana behind my shop in the morning before school started. My mission, should I choose to accept, was to apprehend said students and convince them that they needed to select a “non-school” place to smoke, or better yet, quit the practice altogether. I accepted the mission excited for the opportunity to catch those knuckleheads and save them
from a life of drugs.
The next morning, I arrived at the school early. I entered my classroom but kept the lights off to avoid detection. The surprise must be… well a surprise. I carefully crossed the pitchblack shop, avoiding everything until I found the anvil with my shin. But not a word passed my lips, swear or otherwise. There would be no warning for the dastardly dudes behind my shop who had paused before the start of their day to “take the edge off” (their words). I found the door handle, took a deep breath, gave a mighty shove, and jumped out of the shop onto the back patio.
An important leadership concept has application in this part of the story; “prior planning prevents poor performance”. In my excitement, I had
failed to consider that the door was designed to open 90 degrees before it connected with the door stop. At that point, one of Newton’s laws of physics kicked in and the door recoiled from the door stop at twice the speed of the initial force, making contact with the unbalanced force –me – that had acted upon it in the first place. With cat-like reflexes, I managed to move most of myself outside of the trajectory of the door, which was trying to return to its original state. Most of me… except for my foot and shin –same shin – which when caught by the door spun me around just in time to see butts flying, literally and figuratively, over the fence and around the corner as well as the butts that littered the ground, the evidence left in their haste to vacate the premises. I didn’t catch anyone.
Looking back, I wonder why I never considered the fact that the shop did not have any windows, they would
have never seen the light from the classroom or the shop… but I digress.
Dr. Gonzales was correct. I recognized at least four of those students as mine, all four in 3 rd period. A bold plan began to form in my mind. Finding an empty plastic bag, I collected the evidence left on the ground, determined to confront my students.
I had a hard time concentrating during the first and second periods. Finally, the bell rang for third period, and I was almost surprised when all four perpetrators came to class. I took roll, took a deep breath, and launched into my tirade. If you see any similarities between my lack of “prior planning” in this situation and the previous situation with the door, you are very observant. I told them that Dr. Gonzales had called me and asked me to check on illegal activities happening behind my shop. I talked about the evils of
Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®.
The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Utah the award is presented with state partners: Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of Utah’s agricultural and conservation leaders.
The application deadline date is August 1, 2024. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation. org/ApplyLCA . Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org .
If mailed, applications must be postmarked by August 1 , and mailed to: Leopold Conservation Award c/o Utah Farm Bureau Federation
9865 S. State Street Sandy, UT 84070
The Utah Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in November.
The first Utah Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2007. Bennion Ranch of Vernon received the award in 2023.
“Utah’s farmers and ranchers are always thinking about how to wisely use our resources and take care of the land,” said ValJay Rigby, Utah Farm Bureau Federation President. “I’m really proud of their dedication to preserving our land and water, which is top of mind for many Utahns right now. I look forward
to recognizing these hardworking farm and ranch families with this prestigious award for all they’ve done and keep doing.”
“The Leopold Conservation Award demonstrates that Utah farmers and ranchers are stewards of the land and truly care for the environment,” said Brent Tanner, executive vice president of the Utah Cattlemen’s Association.
“Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and they continue today to utilize tried and true practices, along with emerging technology, to conserve water, improve range ground, and enhance wildlife habitat,” said Western AgCredit President David Brown. “Utah farmers and ranchers have a great conservation story to tell, and we encourage them to showcase their contributions to environmental stewardship by applying for the Leopold Conservation Award.”
“As a national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO.
“Recipients of this award are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.
The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Utah is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit, Utah Cattlemen’s Association, Sand County Foundation, Utah Department of Natural Resources, CKP Insurance, Producers Livestock Marketing Association, The Nature Conservancy in Utah, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward. org .
Mental and behavioral healthcare vouchers are now available for Utah farmers, ranchers, and their families
Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) recently announced the official launch of the ECommerce Accelerator (ECA) program designed to empower small businesses in rural Utah.
This comprehensive six-week program is designed to equip small businesses with the skills and strategies needed to succeed in the online marketplace. The program includes individual consultations, mentoring services, and regular milestone check-ins. Participants will learn about various aspects of establishing an online presence, such as website development, online marketing, search engine optimization, and customer relationship management.
The Utah Legislature has fully funded
this service. It is free to selected small businesses in rural Utah.
“When I passed the Agriculture and Rural Small Business Innovation Initiative in the 2023 Utah Legislative Session, I was hoping it would have a positive impact on rural Utah,” said Representative Carl Albrecht of House District 70. “It has done just that, thanks to Utah State University Extension. Rural Utah businesses and agricultural producers now have another tool to help them in growing markets throughout the state, nation, and the world.”
The ECA is part of the broader ROI program, which has been instrumental in driving economic growth and teaching remote work skills across the state.
The ECA specifically targets agricultural
and rural small businesses, offering a personalized approach to help them thrive in the digital landscape and boost sales through ecommerce.
The ECA program has already demonstrated its effectiveness during the pilot phase, working closely with two businesses to list their products and services online.
assisting more rural companies in navigating the e-commerce landscape and achieving sustainable growth.
As the program officially launches, USU Extension aims to expand its impact,
“The USU Extension E-Commerce Accelerator program has the potential to be an economic game-changer for small rural businesses, including our ag producers,” said Ken White, vice president of Utah State University Extension. “In the pilot, this program has already proven to help level the playing field and open access to markets previously unavailable to small rural businesses.” USU Extension invites interested businesses to learn more about the ECA program and explore its opportunities for growth and success in the online marketplace. For more information, visit the ECA webpage, tinyurl.com/5hfssufk.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John Curtis (R-UT) recently introduced a bill to protect Utah’s public lands from Wall Street activist investors. The bill prohibits Natural Asset Companies (NACs), or any similar entity, from entering into any agreement that would impact land in the state of Utah.
“Wall Street shouldn’t be allowed to control Utah’s land just to meet with ESG goals,” said Rep. Curtis. “Western communities rely on public lands for their livelihoods, recreation, and more. This rule, and any similar proposal to authorize Natural Asset Companies, is a direct threat to that way of life.”
“The creation of Natural Asset Com-
panies (NACs) poses one of the greatest threats to rural America in our nation’s history. If NACs were to be permitted in the United States, private interests, including foreign-controlled sovereign wealth funds, could invest in a NAC to either purchase or manage public and private lands. In the case of private land, NACs could acquire the management rights to conservation easements without the landowners’ consent. Essential economic activities like farming, grazing, and en-
ergy extraction would be permanently prohibited on NAC-protected land, and recreating on Utah’s incredible natural lands could be curtailed. In states like Utah, where the federal government owns 67% of the land and is pushing for
more conservation easements, the effect of NACs could be devastating. I appreciate and support Congressman Curtis’ efforts to push back against NACs and protect Utah by sponsoring this important legislation,” said Marlo Oaks, Utah State Treasurer.
In October 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a rule that would allow Natural Asset Companies (NACs) to own the rights to ecological performance (i.e. natural assets) and license rights to minerals, water, or air from “sovereign nations or private landowners.” In January 2024, the rule was abruptly pulled after receiving widespread opposition. While this rule has been withdrawn for now, Curtis’ bill would stop any similar rule from impacting Utah’s lands, protecting the state from future versions of this proposal.
EMS volunteers serving in rural areas are eligible for health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members through a partnership of local agencies, the Utah Association of Counties, and the State of Utah.
Utah Farm Bureau’s Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, held a “Miracle Project” during the American Farm Bureau Convention (AFBF) in Salt Lake City to put together non-perishable food boxes to be donated to several food banks in Iowa.
During the tradeshow hours, farmers and ranchers from across the country lined a conveyor belt, ready to play their part- whether that involved assembling boxes, adding food items, or taping boxes and stacking on a pallet.
“It was really extraordinary to watch - it wasn’t just Iowa, but we had a lot of volunteers from Iowa. Wee had a long line of people boxing this food up. It was remarkable to watch it all happen,” said Troy Rindlisbacher, production manager for the Nephi Crops Farm for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the Juab County Farm Bureau President.
The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints donated everything needed
for this project, including food boxes, semi-trucks, drivers, and conveyor belts. Clayton Beckstead, executive director for the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation, said that without the church’s donation, this project wouldn’t have been possible.
After three days of work, Farm Bureau members had assembled nearly 3,000 food boxes. Each box will feed a family of four for four days and includes 20 different items such as cereal, tuna, beef stew, dry milk, peanut butter, jam, raisins, soup, chili, rolled oats, and hot cocoa mix.
Amanda Nigg, known as FarmFitMomma on Instagram and a keynote speaker at the AFBF Convention, said it was an honor
“This is an amazing way to help people,” said Richard Whitaker, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “You don’t just give them random items of food. You give them things that actually create meals that they can eat for four days. In fact, there’s even a can opener there so people don’t have to worry about how to open these cans.”
to be able to play a part in alleviating food insecurity.
“It was great to get in there and physically help fill boxes, knowing we were easing the mental burden so many are facing when it comes to nutrition,” she said. “It’s all about making an impact!”
Two weeks after the conclusion of the AFBF Convention, two semi-trucks filled with pallets of food boxes began the trek to Iowa.
Iowa was picked as the first recipient for this project both because of the current need for their food banks and previous involvement with the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation. Iowa Farm Bureau leaders have previously visited Utah and participated in “Miracle Projects” to get guidance on how to start a similar program in their state.
“We just thought it would be a great way to kind of kickstart what they’re wanting to do out there,” Beckstead said.
Michelle Book, CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa, said it was a lucky day to get such an amazing donation.
“It’s beautiful, nutritious food. It’s all things I would buy at the grocery store to feed my own family,” Book said. This donation is estimated to feed more than 10,000 Iowans. To wrap up the service project, the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation is planning to make an additional donation to Iowa, while also sending around 50 pallets of food boxes to Kentucky in March.
By Susan Furner, VP of Consumer Engagement, Utah Farm Bureau Federation
Registration is open for the 2024 Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Conference held in Richfield at the Sorensen Administration Building on the Snow College Campus, March 21-23 . To register go to UtahFarmBureau.org and click on the calendar and events tab. Registration is $50 for adults and $10 for children 8 and older. Children under 8 are free. The theme this year is, “It’s a Farm Thing” with motivational speakers talking about family relationships, rising above adversity, educational opportunities, and more!
After the tours on Thursday, we will meet at the Sorensen Administration Building for dinner and a Paint Night with instruction from Made by Kate.
Friday, we’ll have a day of fun workshops and networking opportunities. We’ll end the day with a dinner and an evening of entertainment by Tim Gates and his band!
You will want to stay to the last minute because we have a powerful lineup of speakers for Saturday morning!
A tour to Redmond Salt Mine is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Children under 8 years of age are not allowed on the Redmond tour. We will also offer a dairy tour and sod farm tour.
Most guests will be staying at the Richfield Hampton and Ramada Inn in Richfi eld, as long as rooms are available.
Watch for more information on UFBF’s social media channels and an updated agenda on the UFBF website under the Women’s Leadership Conferences registration link.
For more information contact Susan Furner at susan.furner@fbfs.com.
As the #1 ag insurer for 25 years, ¹ an ag background is an advantage for Farm Bureau agents. If you know someone looking for the freedom and flexibility to grow their own business, we want to hear from you. Your quality referral could earn you $2,500!² Email AgentRecruiting@fbfs.com today!
The Utah Century Farm and Ranches Committee is searching for farms and ranches that have remained in the hands of the same family for one hundred years or more. The Century Farm and Ranch designation honors the commitment of Utah farm and ranch families to the state’s agricultural industry. Applications for this year’s designation will be accepted through April 1.
A Century Farm & Ranch must meet the definition of a farm as set forth in the Utah Farmland Assessment Act (Greenbelt) and have received that designation by the County Assessor.
The farm and/or ranch must have been in continuous ownership and operation by a family for at least 100 years from the present calendar year back. Except for the original owner, lineal descent must be traced through a son, daughter, grandson or granddaughter (including in-laws) of the previous owner/operator.
Century Farm & Ranch applications are available through your local County Extension Service office or on the Farm Bureau website at www.utahfarmbureau.
org.
Take or send the completed application along with an application fee of $100
made payable to: Utah Century Farm & Ranch Committee to your local county USU Extension office.
The DEADLINE for receiving the applications is APRIL 1.
The County Extension Agent will verify and sign the application then send it to the Utah Century Farm and Ranch Committee for review.
Once approved, the applicant will receive notification from the Century
Farm & Ranch Committee. Arrangements will be made with the local County Extension Agent to present the Century Farm & Ranch designation to the recipient family. Presentations are typically done at county fairs.
The application fee covers a 2’ x 3’ metal highway sign with the Century Farm & Ranch logo, a personalized metal name plate, and a Century Farm & Ranch certificate signed by the Governor, the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Food, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Farm Bureau.
For more information, contact Susan Furner at susan.furner@ fbfs.com.
Continued from pg. 1
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack—a fellow Farm Bureau member—to our convention again this year. He met with all our state leaders to take our policy questions head on, and then he addressed all our attendees at our closing session. He is a humble leader and his commitment to agriculture shines through in his work. I am grateful for how our friendship has grown over the years.
The hallmark of our annual convention, however, is our voting delegate business session where our grassroots policy making process is in action. At Farm Bureau, our members establish our policies, which rise from the county level to our state conventions and on to the national stage. At our delegate meeting each year we ensure our policy continues to reflect the views of
farmers and ranchers across the country. We also saw this year that our delegates remain overwhelmingly family farmers who operate the full range of farm sizes, with almost two-thirds operating small and mid-sized farms. I look forward to taking these priorities back to Washington. This is how we continue to work towards new frontiers in agriculture. I am thankful for the hard work and dedication of our members and delegates as they set our direction for 2024, engage in their communities, and provide the leadership to ensure a bright future for agriculture.
I also want to take a moment to say a genuine thank you for the honor of being reelected as your American Farm Bureau President. It is a true privilege, and I look forward to continuing to serve you. As I mentioned in my keynote address, I see such a bright future for 2024 and I am excited to take on new frontiers together.
Continued from pg. 5
inclusive approach to managing our public lands, including in the management of the Bears Ears National Monument, yet the Biden administration continues to ignore our good faith input. The federal government has signaled that it once again plans to adopt a restrictive land management plan that will harm recreational access, grazing, and other traditional public uses of these lands. When the administration is prepared to have a serious and good faith collaborative discussion about land management, we stand ready to renew discussions of a land exchange.”
H.J.R. 26, sponsored by Rep. Casey Snider, accomplishes the following:
1. Rejects the proposed exchange of state SITLA and mineral interests in and around the Bears
Ears National Monument for United States government lands.
2. Recognizes the state would better manage and administer the lands in the proposed exchange for the benefit of the state’s trust land beneficiaries and economy than the federal government.
3. Rejects the federal government’s proposed land management plan.
Those interested can view the letter from Gov. Cox withdrawing the MOU at http://tinyurl.com/bp8ymwwn.
It is common for many farms and ranches to need seasonal or temporary work on a ranch or farm to use the H-2A labor program. The following points will not be an inclusive understanding of how the program works and review important parts of the H-2A program.
It is important to know the H-2A program has specific rules and regulations that include provisions for living conditions, pay, and transportation. There has been a serious increase in audits and fines over the last year and plan for more during the 2024 year. Here are key points to remember:
workers in corresponding employment who are not able to return to their residence within the same day (1).
Employers can house workers in temporary labor camps that they own or control, or they may use rental or public accommodations, such as hotels or mo-
tels (1).
H-2A employers must provide housing at no cost to H-2A workers and to those
have been in the fridge. Fines are hard to understand, and it takes a good working relationship with H-2A employees to make sure they also help keep the rules of the contract.
H-2A workers and domestic workers in corresponding employment must be paid special rates of pay that vary by locality (2). Utah has seen several fines of this kind over the last two years, many have made local and state news, and we should expect more for 2024.
Vice President- Membership & Farm SafetyThere have been multiple employers fined in our state for this. In some cases, it has come down to food be left exposed on the table that the inspector felt should
Workers must be guaranteed an offer of employment for a total number of hours equal to at least 75% of the work period specified in the contract (2).
The employer must pay all covered workers at least the highest of the following applicable wage rates in effect at the time work is performed: the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR), the applicable prevailing wage, the agreed-upon col-
lective bargaining rate, or the Federal or State statutory minimum wage (3).
There have been multiple fines for this in our state as well. Most of these fines can be avoided just by annual maintenance. The employer must either provide or pay for inbound transportation and daily meals to the place of employment or reimburse you for reasonable costs once you complete 50% of the work contract (4).
Once you complete the work contract, your employer must provide or pay for your return transportation and daily meals (4).
These are just a few of the rules and regulations. For more detailed information, you may want to visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website or consult with a legal expert.
Employers using the H-2A labor program please make sure to read completely the details of the contracts you are using for the current year. Work with legal officials to make sure all documents and
H-2A continued on pg 22
Representatives from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Food Bank of Iowa, and the Miracle of Agriculture Foundation post for a photo in Iowa during the delivery of food put together during the AFBF Annual Convention held earlier in Salt Lake City.
convention goers to get comfortable being uncomfortable, because the future of agriculture could surely bring a lot of change, including more use of cover crops and robotic technology. He encouraged farmers there to get into reverse-mentoring, to learn about new technologies and ideas influencing agriculture. Uldrich lastly concluded by imploring Farm Bureau members to give themselves time to stop and think about trends, and to continue asking questions.
The Farm Dog of the Year and Distinguished Service Award was announced during this session as well, which was Skippy, owned by Georgia Farm Bureau members Donald and Laura Adams. Utah Farm Bureau members Caleb and Samantha Smith and their dog Cinco, were named the finalists from the Western Region, but still came away with
$1,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, and Purina products.
The workshops on Sunday focused on opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agricultural trade, an analysis of the 2024 elections, and a panel discussion on hot topics in agricultural policy. The Cultivation Center Stage presentations include a Ted-style talk from farm fitness infl uencer Amanda Nigg (known as FarmFitMomma), perspectives from the next generation of agriculture leaders and a demonstration of a new national mental health resource available for farm and ranch families.
The convention concluded after general sessions on Monday, which included remarks from the United States Secretary of Agriculture and an inspiring keynote address. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the closing general session and announced more than $200 million in
loans and grants for fertilizer production and renewable energy.
“I think it’s important for us to recognize as a country the incredible contribution that is made by farmers and ranchers and producers that, indeed, makes our country the strongest and most powerful in the world,” said Secretary Vilsack. He also discussed conservation, consolidation and loss of farmland.”
Best-selling author and former associate athletic director of student counseling at the University of Michigan, Greg Harden, addressed attendees as closing general session keynote speaker. Harden counseled more than 400 student athletes who would go on to careers in the four major professional sports, including seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
Harden shared that he felt self-doubt
and fear were the greatest threats facing people today. He shared great insights into leadership that apply to both athletic teams as well as organizations.
In addition to general session programming, eight workshops were offered, covering a variety of topics.
Representatives from all four corners of the Agriculture committees discussed the challenges and opportunities in drafting and passing a new farm bill. They gathered for the “Farm Bill Update” workshop.
Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced, and Utah Farm Bureau’s Laura Holmgren took home 2nd place in the Discussion Meet.
The annual meeting ended with the meeting of AFBF voting delegates, which set policy for 2024.
powerful than sharing your story.
At Farm Bureau, we continue to recognize this need for engaged county leadership by working with state staff to provide free or low-cost in-person and online learning opportunities for our volunteer leaders at every level. We want to build up farmers and ranchers through leadership development and effective outreach training to help better themselves, their farms and their communities.
One great accessible way we do this is through Farm Bureau University, an online library of leadership development resources free to our members. A farmer’s job isn’t confined to their own fencerows, and your learning and leadership opportunities shouldn’t be either.
FB University has numerous on-demand workshops, modules to strengthen your skills in advocacy, and tools to improve the overall health of your county Farm Bureau. You can take these classes onthe-go and at the pace that works for you and your farm.
Our AFBF team is regularly building this library of online courses, so be sure to check back. None of us has graduated from the need to learn, and at Farm Bureau, we want to continue to celebrate, elevate and develop our leaders wherever you are in your journey.
County leaders are crucial to our organization, and if you are currently serving, or have served, I want to say thank you for your dedication and commitment to making our organization better. And to those who are interested in becoming a leader or just looking for a chance to step up, I encourage you to see what you can do at your next county Farm Bureau meeting. Our rural communities and American agriculture need strong leaders, and you never know where that journey beyond your fencerows might lead.
To register for Farm Bureau University, sign in with your state’s specific organization code. For Farm Bureau members in Utah, it is the state initials ut+ fb (ex. utfb).
Also, check out more CAE winners in recent years on Farm Bureau University. It can be found by clicking Resources -> County Activities of Excellence Archives.
SALT LAKE CITY – Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2024. Key topics ranged from artificial intelligence, to labor, to crop insurance.
For the second year, delegates were polled at the beginning of the voting session regarding their farms. The results show 99% of those who cast votes operate family farms and nearly two-thirds represent small to mid-size farms as defined by USDA.
“Delegates again demonstrated their readiness to seize the opportunities and take on the challenges facing agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s crucial that Congress pass a new farm bill and address the labor shortage in 2024. The policy set forth by Farm Bureaus in all 50 states and Puerto Rico will guide AFBF in its efforts through the process. We look forward to making our members’ unified voice heard as they work to ensure a strong food supply for America’s families.”
Delegates to the AFBF business meeting voted to create new policy to address the growth of artifi cial intelligence in agriculture. AI has the potential to enhance farming practices and conserve resources, but privacy rights must be respected.
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a strong agriculture workforce, delegates voted to stabilize wage rates for guest workers and revise H-2A and H-2B programs to better meet the needs of America’s farms.
They reaffirmed their support for increasing reference prices in the farm bill and maintaining a strong crop insurance program, including an expansion of eligibility to ensure more commodities are covered.
On foreign investment, delegates added policy in support of additional funding to improve data collection on the foreign ownership of agricultural land. Delegates also voted to support the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. reviewing foreign investments in U.S. agribusi-
nesses, natural resources and real estate. Delegates called for changes to the contract poultry pay system to ensure long-term economic sustainability for farmers, and to require more transparency from chicken companies.
On trade, delegates added policy to recommend Congress investigate fertilizer supply chain outages and tariffs placed on imports.
Beyond policy changes, AFBF President Zippy Duvall and Vice President Scott VanderWal were unanimously re-elected for another twoyear term.
Delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF board of directors and national program committees. Additionally, Dot Jensen of Utah was re-elected to a two-year term on the National Women’s Leadership Committee.
Kevin Lussier of Florida was elected chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, taking over the position in March at the end of the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference for a one-year term.
AFBF appreciates the more than 80 speakers and more than 4,500 registered attendees who helped make the 2024 Convention such a success.
Planning for the American Farm Bureau’s 2025 Convention has already begun. Mark your calendar to meet us Jan. 24-29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
drugs, any drugs, all drugs. I talked about how marijuana was a gateway drug and could lead to other things. I talked about shoulder to the wheel and nose to the grindstone, and about preparing for graduation and work. I told them I was disappointed and expected better from them. I stomped my feet and pounded on the desk to make my point. At the height of my preaching, I opened the evidence locker, my desk drawer, pulled out the plastic bag, and holding it high said, “And I have evidence.” With disgust, I threw the bag, filled with roaches (a joint that has been mostly consumed), on the desk. After a pregnant pause for effect, and looking at the four perps, I said, “Now what do you want me to tell the principal?”
All I saw were smiles. After another
pause on their part, one of them said, “We just saw you take a baggie filled with pot out of your desk drawer. What do you want us to tell the principal?”
Curses! Foiled again.
Just one more misstep in a long line of many in my first couple of years of teaching. We disposed of the evidence down the toilet. That was 1980, 43 years ago, and I hope that the statute of limitations has passed. There was regret on both sides. Them for the loss of the product, and me for one more mistake made and a hard lesson learned. Some of them slapped me on the back and said, “You’re OK Deimler.” But I didn’t feel OK. I felt like I had lost and had failed to inspire them to do better and be better.
But all was not lost. They promised that they would find a different place to smoke. I promised that I would talk to them in the future to help them be better instead of trying to CATCH
them being bad. All of them did graduate. I remember that because all four of them found me at the graduation ceremony and said thanks for being a great teacher. Was I a great teacher because I didn’t turn them in? Because I tried to meet them where they were and work with them from that place.
I don’t know. I do know that I was grateful to show a little grace to them because I was in desperate need of grace myself. Lessons were learned, grace was given on both sides, and an opportunity to go forward and improve was provided. Sounds like a good ending to me.
files are correct and meet current requirements of the H-2A labor program. It is up to you to make sure that those working for you are protected from harm, receive the care promised in the contracts, have adequate living standards, sanitation, food, and safe transportation. When these regulations and rules are followed everyone comes out a winner. # # #
1. Fact Sheet #26G
2. H-2A: Temporary Agricultural Employment of Foreign Workers
3. Final Rule: Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants
4. H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program
5. Fact Sheet #26G
6. Fact Sheet #26F
7. Fact Sheet #50
Morgan County
▶ Board Meetings held the first Thursday of each month
North Box Elder County
▶ Board Meetings held the fourth Thursday of each month
Salt Lake County
▶ Board Meetings,Third Thursday of every month at UFBF Office in Sandy, 7 p.m.
Utah County
▶ Board Meetings,Third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m.
Weber County
▶ Board Meetings, Last Thursday of every month. 7 p.m. at Weber Extension Office
State and Regional Activities
▶ UFBF Women’s Conference, March 21-23 at Snow College at Richfield Campus
▶ UFBF Campaign School, March 11-12 in Sandy
▶ Utah Water Users Association Conference, March 18-20, St. George
▶ Southern Utah Range Conference, March 26-28, in Orderville & St. George
▶ YF&R Tour of Utah, April 3-6, in Northern Utah
▶ UFBF State Board Meeting, April 26, in Sandy
DWR Board & RAC Meetings
No Wildlife Board or RAC Meetings scheduled in March.The next RAC meetings schedule in April, focusing on Big game & Antlerless permit numbers, CWMU rule amendments & Management plans, and LOA management plans. DWR Board meeting April 9. Visit wildlife.utah.gov for details.
• Northern RAC, April 10, 6 p.m. Weber County Commission Chambers (2380 Washington Blvd., suite #240) in Ogden.
• Central RAC, April 11, 6 p.m. Wildlife Resources Conference Room (1115 N. Main St.) in Springville.
• Southern RAC, April 16, 6 p.m. SUU Hunter Conference Room (405 Univ. Blvd. in Cedar City).
• Southeastern RAC, April 17, 6 p.m., John Wesley Powell Museum (1765 E. Main St.) in Green River.
• Northeastern RAC, April 18, 6 p.m. Wildlife Resources NER Office (318 North Vernal Ave.) in Vernal.