Interim Joint Natural Resources Committee To Meet Jan. 29
The Joint Interim Natural Resources Committee carried through with this meeting agenda: leg.state.nv.us/App/InterimCommittee/REL/Document/29490. Much of the matters that came before the committee were organizational, laying out groundwork for the process and plans that have been crafted to this point to gather information and possible ideas for legislative proposals for the 2025 Legislative session.
One major point of business being watched is the agenda item on the appointment of the Public Lands Subcommittee. Where once this legislative working group was a major point of focus during interim sessions, the new structure of “Joint” committees has now somewhat reduced the attention given the Public Lands Subcommittee. On the other hand this smaller committee still has the ability to focus on specific topic areas and it also increases the overall attention given to natural resource issues because of the double-duty of two working groups dealing with the general subjects of the state’s natural resource landscape.
Thank You To Nevada Department of Agriculture
We greatly appreciate the advocacy effort that the NDA made recently through their work of submitting comments to the BLM on their proposed regulations for Temporary Closure and Restriction Orders. The comment letter from Director Goicoechea not only effectively communicated the everyday concerns of livestock grazing permit owners, but also the need for enhanced direction responding to when “temporary” might not have an ending point.
NFB was able to use the Department’s comment letter as the framework for the comments that we submitted for the public input process.
NFB Selected For New Horizon Award
NFB was selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation as one of the six states in the country to receive the New Horizon Award, which honors the most innovative new state Farm Bureau programs. Nevada’s award was for Group 2, structuring the groupings of state Farm Bureaus of similar sizes. The award was for the “Nevada Ag Wagon.” This is for an educational mobile unit that utilizes virtual reality technology to teach urban consumers and Agricultural In The Classroom activities which cover general agriculture and specialty crops.
NFB was also recognized for program and activities in three areas: Advocacy, Coalitions and Partnerships as well as Engagement and Outreach.
Market Intel Offers Insights Into The Rising Cost Of Interest Expenses
Operating loans and other forms of financing cost farmers a whopping 43 percent more in 2023 than in 2022 and are forecast to remain elevated for much of 2024, causing working capital (cash) stocks to decline faster and forcing farmers to lean on expensive credit to provide liquidity.” According to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Bernt Nelson in his recently released Market Intel report entitled “Interest Expenses Threatening Farm Financial Health”’ fb.org/market-intel/interest-expenses-threatening-farm-financial-health. Nelson’s report offers a great overview of the forces coming together as well as a solid understanding of how liquidity relates to the concerns of present circumstances.
Farm Bureau President Notes Possible Future Improvements From Supreme Court
The United States Supreme Court heard oral testimony earlier this month on a couple of important cases pertaining to the legal concept of deference. This application has been in place for a number of years and unfairly accepts the perspective of government agencies on regulatory matters which exceed or differ from what Congress passed.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President offered his viewpoint in a recent “Zipline” column regarding the importance of the outcome (expected in June) on these cases; read it here: fb.org/the-zipline/a-prime-opportunity-to-bring-balance-back
NFB Group Participates In AFBF 105th Annual Meeting
Thank you to the 30-plus group of Farm Bureau leaders, members and staff of the NFB for their participation in the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in Salt Lake City. The proximity of the national convention made getting to the 105th annual session much easier than longer distance locations, but the commitment of time was still necessary to be part of the outing. Thank you for those who were part of the educational sessions and updates on pressing issues as well as the important work of the voting delegates determining the policy positions that are setting the course for Farm Bureau advocacy.
We are especially proud of the Clark County Farm Bureau and their success in highlighting the Urban Farm Conference that they hosted last August. As a result of their being selected as one of the two-dozen county Farm Bureaus from across the United States for the County Farm Bureaus Programs of Excellence, they had an exhibit booth in AFBF Trade Show. This platform provided for those who came by their booth the opportunity to learn more of the purpose for the Urban Ag Conference and the progress being made in building bridges within the ag community of So. Nevada.
