Spring 2017 Countryside Magazine - Utah Farm Bureau

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Tart Cherry Power

Wool Works Wonders

Farm Bureau Visits D.C.

COUNTRYSIDE U TA H FA R M B U R E A U N E W S • S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

PASTURE TO PLATE:

How Beef Is Raised Vol. 63 No. 3 SPRING 2017

You bought insurance for your phone. What about your life? Are you one of the 30 million Americans who doesn’t have life insurance?1 We can help. Contact your Farm Bureau agent and schedule a SuperCheck® today.

Auto | Home | Life | Annuities | Business | Farm & Ranch | fbfs.com

1 LIMRA Life Insurance Consumer Studies, Facts About Life 2016. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services LI168 (2-17)

SPRING 2017

CONTENTS

22

14

18

COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

3 FROM THE FIELD

8 SAFETY & WELLNESS

Women in Agriculture by Ron Gibson

Vol. 63 No. 3

10 FEATURES

Spring into Fun by A.J. Ferguson

26 AGENT SPOTLIGHT Mike Nielsen

28 PUBLIC POLICY

10 WASTE WOOL WORKS WONDERS by Matt Hargreaves

Farmers and Ranchers Ready for Action in 2017 by Zippy Duvall

Saving Money on Your Next Vacation by Teresa Hunsaker

Principles and Opportunities Found in Committees by Sterling C. Brown

14 NEED SOME BOUNCE IN YOUR STEP? TRY THE CHERRY WITH MORE

7 THOUGHTS

22 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

30 POLITICS

18 FARM BUREAU VISITS WASHINGTON, D.C.

4 BEYOND THE FENCEROWS 21 MONEY MATTERS

WOTUS Rule Sent Packing by Randy Parker

32 ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

Hi-Horned Red Cow’s Calf by Baxter Black

A Seat at the Table By Julia Misiego

The Rural-Urban Divide by Stewart Truelsen

by Matt Hargreaves

by David Bailey

24 ANIMAL CARE

Pasture to Plate: How Beef Is Raised by Becca Ferry

Note: For classified ads, please visit utahfarmbureau.org and click on the newsroom section.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 1

School and Institutional Trust Lands State of Utah | trustlands.utah.gov

SITLA GRAZING PERMITS ■ 15-year term grazing permits, which are up for renewal July 1, 2017, are posted at trustlands.utah.gov and offered for competitive bid ■ This offering represents currently-held grazing permits, which are scheduled to expire June 30, 2017 ■ Interested livestock operators must submit applications April 1 through April 30, 2017 For a complete list of available permits, visit trustlands.utah.gov or call the SITLA Richfield Office at 435-896-6494.

Grazing proceeds from trust lands benefit Utah’s public schools and other state institutions.

Vol. 63, No. 3

(ISSN 1068-5960) Matt Hargreaves, Editor Business Address: 9865 South State Sandy UT 84070-3205

UTAH FARM BUREAU FEDERATION OFFICERS Chairman and President: Ron Gibson*, West Weber

[quarter-page ad] Vice President:

Rex Larsen, Spanish Fork Contact: General Inquiries: (801) 233-3000 Address Changes: (801) 233-3009 Farm Bureau News: (801) 233-3003 Classified Ads: (801) 233-3010 Fax: (801) 233-3030

CEO and Secretary/Treasurer: 3.3125" × 4.375" Randy N. Parker, Riverton

FB News e-mail: [email protected] Website: utahfarmbureau.org Local Display Ad Information: Jennifer Dahl [775] 752-3061 [email protected]

*Denotes member of the Board of Directors

Board of Directors: District 1: John Ferry, Corinne District 2: Jim Wayment, Ogden District 3: Flint Richards, Erda District 4: Wayne Jarrett, Nephi District 5: Jöel Hatch-Jensen, Huntington District 6: Edwin Sunderland, Chester District 7: Craig Laub, Beryl Farm Bureau Women’s Chair: Belva Parr, Lindon Young Farmer and Rancher Chair: Brett Madsen, Chester

Magazine Design & Production Hales Creative, LLC Design Director Kelly Nield Designers Kahli Flake Kelly Nield

Cover Photo Courtesy of Heidi Randall Studios www.heidirandallstudios.com

[quarter-page ad] 3.3125" × 4.375"

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sandy Utah and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205. Published quarterly for all Farm Bureau members (April/Spring, July/ Summer, October/Fall. December/Winter). Published expressly for farmer/rancher Farm Bureau members and others who specifically request copies. February, March, May, June, August, September and November. All eleven issues published by the Utah Farm Bureau Federation ln Sandy, Utah. Editorial and Business Office, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205.

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FROM THE FIELD

Women in Agriculture:

The Voice, Face and Heart of Agriculture By Ron Gibson | President, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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n December 2, 1935, Delia Bennett left her comfortable and loving home in West Point, Utah, married a man named Louis Gibson and moved to his family farm in West Weber, Utah. The union of these two incredible people continued to build on the heritage of both of their families: Integrity, hard work, dedication to family and land, and immense sacrifice. Louis was a 3rd generation farmer in West Weber and Delia brought her love of farming and family from growing up on the Bennett Farms in West Point. Both of these farms are still thriving today. The West Point Farm is run by Delia’s nephew, Allen Bennett (Bennett Farms), and we are now looking forward to the six generation of Gibson’s to run our farm in West Weber. I cannot even imagine what it would have been like to be married and start a family right in the middle of the Great Depression. Delia worked side by side with Louis, every day of her life. She took care of the yard, house and family, and still found time to help on the farm. See, the farm was every bit as much hers as it was his. She gave everything she had for the success of her family. Some of my earliest recollections of Grandma are riding with her in the corn truck as we harvested the corn. Somehow, even though we were in the truck all day, when we stopped for lunch, she had fresh sandwiches,

potato chips, and drinks ready for the whole crew. To me, she was as solid as a rock. I knew that I could always count on her for anything. Grandma lived her whole life in the service of others. She didn’t tell me how to live, she showed me. Grandma was a perfectionist when it came to her yard. She loved pretty flowers and there was never a weed to be found. After our twins were born, we felt pretty swamped with all our responsibilities. I thought I was overworked on the farm, and I know Andrea was with the kids. One day, after breakfast, I came out of my house to go to work and my 80-yearold grandma was weeding the flowerbed in my front yard. I felt horrible that she was there. She didn’t say a word, she just wanted to help. I doubt I will ever get that image and feeling out of my mind. As I got married I was also blessed to find a wife who would sacrifice everything she could to help our farm and family be successful. I can’t count the times that I have come home from the farm with bad news, changing our plans and not being able to do the things we had hoped. Never once has Andrea complained. Women play a vital role in the world. They make the world a better place. They make our farms and ranches profitable and the places we want them to be. Today’s women have taken on ever more responsibilities in

agricutlure, from lobbying, promoting, and educating, to working extra jobs to secure insurance for their families. I am very proud of the women that make our State Farm Bureau succeed. In March, we had the opportunity to take a delegation of Utah Farm Bureau Members to Washington, D.C. We met with all six of our congressional delegation. I was very impressed with the Farm Bureau Leaders that were there. They represented us all so well. I was most impressed, however, with the women on that trip. Women have a very real way of communicating. Cheryl Lewis did a great job of explaining to Senator Lee the impact of the national monument designation in San Juan County. This designation impacts her personally, as a mother, as a wife and as a partner in the challenging business that their family is involved in. Misty Wall, Juab County Farm Bureau President, explained to Mia Love the value of agriculture to her and to her family. She asked Representative Love to remember her face when she voted on issues that would impact rural Utah. Joël Hatch-Jensen, a Member of our State Board of Directors, shared with Representative Chaffetz the challenges she faces with wild horses on her ranch. She explained to him how they are left unchecked with no food or water. How they have increased in population 10 times more than the management plan says should be there. Representative Chaffetz will remember her when he thinks of wild horses. To all women in Farm Bureau, thank you for who you are! You are creating a legacy right now, as did my grandmother many years ago. It is worth it. We need you. Your family needs you. Together we will make a very positive difference in the world.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 3

BEYOND THE FENCEROWS

Farmers and Ranchers Ready for Action in 2017 By Zippy Duvall | President, American Farm Bureau Federation

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f ever there was a time for farmers and ranchers across America to get outside our fencerows, 2017 is it. Many of agriculture’s major policy issues are in the headlines every day. It’s time to engage. We are encouraged by the quick attention Congress and the administration are giving to issues like regulatory reform and federal land management. Farmers breathed a collective sigh of relief with President Trump’s executive order to withdraw the Waters of the U.S. rule and with congressional action to roll back the Obama administration’s Planning 2.0 rule for federal lands. But we know the work is far from over on these and other issues facing America’s farmland. Lawmakers need to hear from each of us, the very people impacted every day by the regulations and policies they create. It’s not enough to simply list what we do and don’t want. We need to talk about how these issues affect our businesses and everyday life. And while we’re excited to see movement on regulatory reform, that’s not the only issue on the front burner for Farm Bureau. Access to new markets and a stable workforce are also top priorities. If we’re going to see our rural economies prosper, farm and ranch businesses must be given room to

It’s not enough to simply list what we do and don’t want. We need to talk about how these issues affect our businesses and everyday life. succeed and grow. We need to be able to hire the workers required to grow America’s food. Farm Bureau supports keeping our borders secure, but we know what’s at stake for agriculture if reasonable visa reform is left off the table. Already this year, demand for H-2A workers is up nearly 20 percent. Lawmakers need to hear from farmers like you who have seen crops go to waste because you couldn’t find the workers you needed to keep your farm running. Farmers and ranchers are ready for a balanced solution that allows us to keep up with the demand for American-grown food. Domestic and international markets alike are important for keeping U.S. farmers in business. American-grown products have a reputation for being the best in the world. But being the best won’t protect us from high tariffs or nonscientific trade barriers abroad. We need new markets that give American farmers and ranchers a level playing field worldwide. And no matter what you may hear about manufacturing, that’s exactly what trade

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agreements have done for American agriculture. Take NAFTA for example: our agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled since that agreement was passed. With dropping commodity prices and farm incomes down, expanding trade is critical to the health of the rural economy. We already export nearly one-quarter of our output. We simply cannot walk away from the rest of the world and continue to prosper. There are numerous versus in the Bible about the importance of witnessing and personal testimony. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” American agriculture has a plentiful harvest of policy issues and elected leaders who are ready to listen. The workers are few, but we can accomplish a lot if we share our stories, our struggles and our desire to provide this nation with food and strength. Will you join us in reaping the harvest?

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Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 5

THOUGHTS

WOTUS Rule Sent Packing By Randy Parker | CEO, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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any Americans celebrated when on February 28th President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Immediately after the Presidential signing, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt addressed the 2017 American Farm Bureau Advocacy Conference, where I joined more than 550 farm and ranch leaders from across America in a standing ovation as he held up the executive order. For years we have been hearing about regulatory abuses by the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) related to the Clean Water Act and the expansive new rule. EPA and the Corps have disregarded the positive conservation efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers for too long. Farmers and ranchers have felt bullied! One farmer was ordered to abandon planting fruit trees on his farmland because he had not planted trees there before. Another was told he must preserve tire ruts caused by his own vehicle as a wetland and never to disturb them again. In 2012, farmer John Duarte was plowing 4–7 inches deep into his fertile California soil, preparing his 450-acre

farm to plant winter wheat. The Corps issued Duarte a cease-and-desist order, charging him with “deep ripping” or plowing more than three-feet deep. In nearby Fort Bridger, Wyoming, Andy Johnson was told to take down a stock-watering pond he had constructed, or face $37,500/day fines. His pond complied with all the necessary state permits. Andy, with the help of the Pacific Legal Foundation, won a protracted legal battle with the EPA. Recognizing they were jeopardy of losing the case, EPA dropped the charges along with millions of dollars in fines. Normal farming practices like plowing, building stock watering ponds and determining the crop you’ll grow are just a few of the 56 farming practices protected under the original 1972 Clean Water Act. Only arrogant federal regulators and overreaching regulations would question the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) bedrock ruling in Rapanos v. United States (2006). SCOTUS declared a “regulatory agency cannot exceed what Congress intended, especially where the administrative interpretation alters the federal/state balance.” In 2016, Utah’s legislature overwhelmingly passed HCR 1 disapproving of this expansion of federal powers. The resolution condemned

the expansive definition of “tributaries” and “water features” that would make it impossible for farmers and ranchers to know where WOTUS regulatory powers begin and end on private property. As President Trump set a new path forward, he told EPA and the Corps to ensure the nation’s navigable waters are protected, but to “promote economic growth, minimize economic uncertainty and show due regard for the roles of Congress and the States under the Constitution.” As Mr. Pruitt held up the Presidential Order, he told us “help is on the way! We are going to go back to the states and say, ‘We’re going to restore cooperative federalism.’ We’re going back to the states and say ‘We want you to be our partners, not your adversaries.’” The way forward is a bit murky and legally bumpy. When the WOTUS rule was finalized in June 2016, a landslide of litigation followed, including suits by Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt—yes, the same Scott Pruitt who today heads the U.S. EPA. Utah, Oklahoma, and 29 other states are challenging whether or not these agencies have the authority to impose WOTUS. Farm Bureau’s “Ditch the Rule” Campaign was highly successful in drawing attention to this regulatory overreach. The EPA’s “Ditch the Myth” efforts attacking American Farm Bureau were found to have violated federal appropriations laws against publicity, propaganda and lobbying by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). We look forward to an open and honest process under the Trump Administration.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 7

SAFETY & WELLNESS

SPRING INTO FUN By A.J. Ferguson | Vice President—Farm Safety, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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he days are longer and temperature is warming up, and it is time again to brush the dust off the ATVs and watercraft in preparation for fun in the sun! While brushing off the dust, we feel it is import to brush up on some safety tips for both as well. In an effort to meet the growing demands for off-highway vehicle (OHV) and personal watercraft (PWC) youth education courses, Utah State Parks has made classes available online at stateparks.utah.gov. Cost for the OHV class is $30 and covers ATVs, off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and side-by-side ATVs. The cost of the PWC course covering JetSki and SeaDoo-type boats is $34.50, which includes a $5 certification fee. Upon successful completion of the course, students print a temporary certificate valid for 60 days and later receive a permanent certificate by mail. Students are strongly encouraged to thoroughly study all materials prior to taking the test. Students who do not pass the course must pay a second registration fee and retake the test. “Safety is our number one concern. We want to reduce the number of accidents by educating youth to operate ATVs and PWC safely and emphasize the importance of wearing safety equipment, and following

laws and rules,” stated OHV/PWC Education Coordinator Ann Evans. “Online courses provide easier access to education courses and allow students to learn at their own pace.” Utah law requires youth 8–16 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! OHV Education Course before operating a machine on public lands, roads or trails. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. Utah youth, 12–17 years of age, are required to complete and pass the Utah PWC Education Course in order to operate PWC (Jet Ski, Wave Runner, Sea-Doo) without an adult on board. Children who are younger than 12, may not operate a PWC without a responsible adult onboard. Since the creation of the education courses, approximately 22,000 students have completed the PWC course and more than 60,000 students have taken the OHV course. For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov, call (800) OHVRIDE or (800) RIDE PWC. Whatever the reason you have for using an ATV or PWC, remember, safety is the key to making it a good experience. Watch out for your life and your loved ones. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at (801) 233-3007.

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SAFETY TIPS FOR RIDING YOUR ATV •

Fit the ATV to the rider. (Three to six inches of space between rider’s seat and ATV)



One person per machine



Check your ATV before riding



Always wear your helmet (DOT or Snell approved)



Get qualified training



Ride within your skills



Always supervise children



Never ride alone. (Have another operator/machine)



Preserve the environment



Avoid wearing clothing that could get caught the ATV



Stay on marked trails



Don’t harass wildlife



Obey federal and state rules



Look ahead for obstacles



Wear protective clothing



Watch local weather reports



Ride sober

INDUSTRY ADVOCACY

UTAHNS LEAD IN NATION’S CAPITAL T

he American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) brings together farm and ranch leaders from across the nation to make recommendations of issues ranging from the farm bill to animal care and to call on members of Congress. As part of the advocacy efforts, Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) leaders are involved in several of the 15 Issue Advisory Committees (AIC). AFBF policy is a grassroots-driven process. The AICs are an important component in addressing the critical needs of America’s farmers and ranchers. According to AFBF President Zippy Duvall, our members across the nation need to get more engaged in Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts! Jay Humphrey serves on the Water AIC, Ray Rowley serves on the Agriculture Labor AIC, Rulon Fowers serves of the Public Infrastructure AIC and Chief Executive Officer Randy Parker serves as state staff to the Federal Lands AIC. Efforts of the AICs culminated in the recent Advocacy Conference, where more than 550 Farm Bureau members from across the country came together for training and an opportunity to call on members of Congress on the critical issues ­facing food producers. At the Advocacy Conference, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the President’s

decision to withdraw the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule and start over. UFBF Women’s Leadership Committee members JaNae Titmus, Dot Jensen, and Sherrie Staheli joined the Utah delegation to make calls on Capitol Hill. The Utah team called on staff in each of the Congressional offices and had face-to-face visits with Representatives Rob Bishop, Chris

Stewart, and Mia Love. Concerns with trade and the farm economy, immigration policy and shortages of farm workers, and federal land policies were discussed. We want to thank these leaders, and the many other Farm Bureau members who get involved, for the sacrifice of their time and energy to advocate for Utah agriculture.

We want to thank these leaders, and the many other Farm Bureau members who get involved, for the sacrifice of their time and energy to advocate for Utah agriculture.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 9

WASTE WOOL WORKS WONDERS By Matt Hargreaves | Editor, Countryside Magazine

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s in most businesses, Albert Wilde wanted to see how he could maximize the value of his family’s sheep business and minimize the waste that took place. The answer came in an unconventional place—the basketball court. “I was playing basketball with a friend of mine that had a wood pallet business, and he talked to me about the idea of starting a business for yard mulch. He had plenty of leftover wood products, and he was looking for manure to mix with it,” Wilde said. The two men got together and began a successful partnership of making mulch for local greenhouses and nurseries. While it was nice to find another avenue for the manure from his livestock, the idea got Wilde thinking even further about how to solve another problem his wife presented

to him—how to keep house plants and hanging baskets alive while she was out of town? Wilde, a 6th-generation sheep rancher from Morgan County, got to thinking about the wool from his sheep and if it would have any value as a soil amendment. For most sheep ranching families, the value they get from wool can vary depending on the quality, but also the location of where the wool comes from on the animal. Typically, wool from the belly and underside of the sheep is not worth as much, because of the shortness of the strands and the amount of work needed to clean the vegetation and organic matter that gathers in this wool during the animal’s activities. During shearing time, much of the belly wool goes for as little as five cents a pound, or can even go unsold,

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which is why it is often referred to as ‘waste wool.’ Belly wool can account for approximately 20 percent of the total wool from a sheep’s fleece, so it represents a fair amount of wool that doesn’t generate much return. Despite some claiming the wool wouldn’t break down in soil, Wilde was convinced there had to be a way to get more value from the waste wool, and so he tried a non-scientific experiment of placing some wool in hanging baskets around his home before leaving for a few days, and compared it with other plants. Though it was successful, Wilde found it impractical to place loose wool around the plants because it could blow away. It was also not very visually appealing. Wilde worked with his mulch partner to use his pellet machine to compress the wool to see if it would make it more user-friendly.

Brian Gold from Pineae Greenhouses in Ogden later approached Wilde to see if he had organic steer manure for another project he was working on, and Albert asked if he’d be willing to try some wool pellets to see if it reduced the amount of water needed in Gold’s tomato plants. While a little hesitant, Gold experimented and found that after seven days, the plants with the wool pellets had retained about 40 percent more water than those without. Impressed by the early results, the greenhouse wanted to see more information and to find out if the wool pellets added any nutrients to the plants as well. The nursery used the pellets in a trial for its organic tomato plants, using 30 pots with no fertilizer, 30 pots with an organic blood meal fertilizer, and 30 pots with varying amounts of wool pellets. The nursery researcher was thinking it would be 60 days for the wool pellets to release any nutrition; however, 38 days into the trial, the pots with no fertilizer were not looking good, the blood meal pots fared no ­better, and yet the ones with wool pellets looked ready to ship out.

Photos courtesy of J12 Ranch & Livestock and Circle JB Ranch & Livestock

Beyond the nutrients in the wool itself, there are great benefits to be achieved ranging from water savings to soil health.

GOOD FOR SOIL Wilde was convinced he had something special on his hands, and reached out to researchers at Utah State University (USU) to better determine what nutrients could be found in the wool pellets. Jason Barnhill, a USU Extension agent in Weber County, told Wilde of finding only one older European study, in which wool had been used to repel snails. Wilde has since begun working with USU greenhouse researcher Bruce Bugbee to learn additional benefits of the wool

pellets, and anticipates the final results of the research this summer. Additional research has found nutritional contents of the wool pellets to include nine percent nitrogen, one percent phosphate, and two percent potash. By taking months to break down, Wilde is hoping to market the pellets as a natural, slow-release fertilizer.

Beyond the nutrients in the wool itself, there are great benefits to be achieved ranging from water savings to soil health. Wool naturally absorbs water—about 20 times its weight—so gardeners and landscapers can conserve more water. As the wool soaks up in the soil, it fluffs up and expands, increasing soil porosity and improving the soil’s ability to retain oxygen.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 11

GOOD FOR RANCHERS While Wilde is happy to have found a product that delivers positive results for consumers, he is most happy about what it can mean for those in the sheep industry. Word of successful trials in greenhouses spread quickly, and wordof-mouth marketing led to features on Utah’s Fox 13 News affiliate and articles from bloggers in the U.S. and Canada that went viral. Wilde starting getting requests from local nurseries and others around the country. With the success Wilde had, he quickly realized he would not have enough wool from his own sheep to mass produce this product—so he looked to his fellow sheep ranchers to buy their waste wool. Rather than paying the going rate, Wilde looked to improve the bottom line of his fellow sheep ranchers and paid 60 cents per pound for the waste wool. For Wilde, he truly ascribed to the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats. “For the best of the junk wool, you may get 25 cents. The worst of it you get 5 cents. For some, you get nothing at all. We just wanted to raise the market for low-end wool,” Wilde said. “It helps those with larger flocks, by helping on the back end. It also helps the smaller sheep ranchers, because many were just throwing that waste wool away. We’ve even had ranchers

It also helps the smaller sheep ranchers, because many were just throwing that waste wool away. We’ve even had ranchers across the country willing to give us the wool, if we’d just come pick it up.

across the country willing to give us the wool, if we’d just come pick it up.” While still in its infancy, Wilde is optimistic his product is poised for continued growth as more research comes back. His wool pellet fertilizer is registered in Utah and Illinois, and he anticipates selling in additional states going forward. Wild Valley Farms Wool Pellets are currently sold in 8-ounce bags for $8.99 and 16-ounce bags for $12.99 on his website. The products can also be found on Amazon.com and Wilde is working on getting them into

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additional garden shops and greenhouses locally. Truly innovative in nature, Wilde has a patent pending on his wool pellets and recently attended the American Farm Bureau’s Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge, where he received encouragement and motivation for the future. With benefits to yards and gardens, as well as the sheep industry as a whole, Wilde is hoping the future of wool is far from a waste. For more information about the wool pellets, visit www.wildvalleyfarms.com.

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Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 13

NEED SOME BOUNCE IN YOUR STEP? TRY THE CHERRY WITH MORE By Matt Hargreaves | Editor, Countryside Magazine

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fter a long harsh Utah winter, the coming of spring is a welcome sight. The grass is greening up, the bees are buzzing and the birds are chirping. In Utah’s farm country, blossoms are out on the large variety of fruit trees that give color to the landscape, with beautiful hues of white, pink, and purple. While not up to its peak production performance, it’s as if the land is getting back into shape after a long period of inactivity. Many of us may be in a similar situation personally, needing to get our bodies back into peak shape after a cold winter. Thankfully, one notable Utah crop is being recognized for doing just that. One of the first crops on the mind of fruit farmers day and night are the sweet and tart cherries many food ­shoppers look forward to. They’re a worrisome crop for farmers because Utah’s spring weather can teeter between 70+ degrees one day, and a freezing 25-degree night the next. Those cold spells are enough to send a chill down a farmer’s spine, as delicate fruit blossoms can only take so much before being damaged—or what’s worse—losing an entire crop. While the harvest of tart cherries is still months away, this fruit with a pucker factor can be enjoyed year-round and increasing research shows the health benefits are perfect for

recovering athletes—no matter if you’re a chiseled endurance athlete or simply a weekend warrior that looks forward to putting the next sticker on your vehicles bumper. The Montmorency tart cherry is the predominant sour cherry grown in the United States, with the largest growing region being in upper Michigan; however, Utah ranks second in the nation in the production of tart cherries. The fruit was discovered by Roman soldiers along the Black Sea and introduced to the rest of the Roman territory, including the Parisian suburb of Montmorency, where it was first cultivated in the 18th century. These cherries were used extensively in desserts in the United States—including the traditional cherry pie—but more recently have been used in food products ranging from granolas and cereal bars, to salads and new-age foodie desserts. Recent research; however, has given more credibility for using tart cherries for health benefits as well, because of the phytonutrient anthocyanin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits, and also give relief for gout and osteoarthritis symptoms. Athletes have also begun using tart cherries for the benefits of decreasing muscle pain and reducing muscle damage,

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and reducing recovery time. Improving the recovery time between workouts is critical for maintaining a consistent exercise regimen, whether you are a sponsored athlete or not. “There are many sources of nutrition to aid muscle recovery in endurance athletes. I prefer natural food sources that are delicious and versatile,” said Matt Fitzgerald, a certified sports nutritionist, endurance coach, and author. “Tart cherries are at the top of my list. I encourage all endurance athletes to make tart cherries their natural recovery superfood as I have.” The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) recently shared some of the research benefits of tart cherries. According to the CMI, one recent study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped accelerate recovery, maintain muscle function and reduce certain markers of exercise-induced inflammation among a group of cyclists participating in a simulated road race. “Cyclists who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate before a three-day simulated race experienced less inflammation and oxidative stress compared to those who drank another beverage, according to a new U.K. study published in the journal Nutrients,” the CMI stated. Two other studies related to running found that marathon runners who drank Montmorency tart cherry juice

“We’ve obviously been a fan of the fruit because of taste, but seeing more about the health benefits really positions our crop for growth in the future.”

before and after running long distances “experienced a faster recovery of muscle strength and less muscle pain compared

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 15

to those who drank a different beverage. The randomized trials had runners drink either the Montmorency tart cherry juice or a placebo twice a day for 5–7 days before the marathon, on race day and for up to 48 hours following the race.” Additional benefits have been found in research for athletes participating in weight lifting, as well as sprint sports like soccer, rugby, and lacrosse. Related to athletic performance and the ability to recover, is the need for rest and improved sleep. With a reported $84 million spent on over-the-counter sleep aids, many are clearly looking for a better night’s sleep. Researchers also found Montmorency tart cherries naturally contain melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. Tart cherries were found to increase sleep time, increase sleep efficiency, and reduce insomnia in older adults. “It has been really exciting to see the results of these studies coming out,” said Ray Rowley, a cherry farmer from Santaquin who farms with his brothers as part of South Ridge Farms and serves on the CMI’s Research Committee. “We’ve obviously been a fan of the fruit because of taste, but seeing more about the health benefits really positions our crop for growth in the future.”

“There are many sources of nutrition to aid muscle recovery in endurance athletes. Tart cherries are at the top of my list.”

The health benefits of consuming tart cherries has really been in the news lately, with the fruit being featured by experts on a range of popular television programs, including Food Network programs, Live with Kelly, and Dr. Oz, as well as a variety of trade publications. But even beyond the health aspects, the CMI also reported that tart flavors are on the rise among trend experts as well, due to consumers’ changing palate that prefers a less sweet taste. “There’s no denying the power of tart, it’s fundamental to our sense of taste,” said Stella Parks, a food blogger at BraveTart, who was named one of Food & Wine’s 2012 Best New Pastry Chefs. “People crave the excitement of sour flavors. Tart cherries are a natural match for cocktails and desserts, but I love using that bright pop of sour to cut through the richness of grilled meats, or to add a burst of intensity to salads and grains.” The fruit can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from frozen whole, dried, canned, or in juice or concentrate form. The possibilities are endless. To find a local source of tart cherries, simply visit www.utahsown.org and search for cherries. Whether it’s making it easier for your body get up and get active, or simply because of taste, tart cherries are certainly making an impact much greater than their small size would indicate.

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FARM BUREAU VISITS WASHINGTON, D.C. COUNTY PRESIDENTS & STATE BOARD TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON, D.C., TO MEET WITH UTAH’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

By David Bailey | Vice President, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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eventy seven of Utah Farm Bureau’s leaders recently traveled to our nation’s capital to visit with each member of Utah’s congressional delegation. The trip, which is undertaken every four years by the state and county leaders, was a success in every sense of the word. There were 25 County Farm Bureaus represented on the trip that mostly consisted of County Farm Bureau Presidents and State Board member couples who are involved in an agricultural enterprise and have a passion for agriculture. While in Washington, D.C., participants were able to visit both of Utah’s Senators as well as all four Representatives. At each visit, assignments were made for discussion about Utah’s agricultural priority issues. Prior to meeting with Utah’s congressional delegation, the group met at the American Farm Bureau office headquarters for a tour and visited with members of the American Farm Bureau staff. Staff members briefed the group on Farm Bureau priority issues such as the Endangered Species Act, farm labor/ immigration, the Water Rights Protection Act, trade, and government overreach. Each issue that was presented and discussed was prefaced by a personal story of how these priority issues impacted agriculture in Utah and particularly how these

issues affect these agricultural leaders, which own and operate a variety of agricultural enterprises. Time was given for each elected official to respond and discuss what they are doing to protect and enhance the future vitality of Utah and American agriculture. The format of these visits was met with genuine respect from both the participants and the congressional representatives. For many of the participants, this experience was a first and a unique opportunity to be involved with meeting of their member of congress in such a personal and intimate setting. “The highlight, among many, was hearing our legislative men and women speak of the unity between their offices and our Farm Bureau policies and ideals,” said Belva Parr, State Women Leadership Committee chair from Utah County. “Knowing we have their support gives me hope for our future.” In a thoughtful gesture as Senator Hatch was finishing up his remarks and visit with the group, he presented each couple with an American flag that had hung over the United States Capitol building. In addition to the training and the congressional visits, participants had the opportunity to visit some of the most historical places in and around Washington, D.C. The group toured popular historical sites such as Mt. Vernon (President

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George Washington’s estate), the Holocaust Museum, Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery and many National monuments and museums. At Arlington, four of our leaders had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Randy Parr participated in the wreath laying and afterword said “The distinct honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on behalf of my father, uncles, son and fellow veterans is an experience I will always cherish.” Shay Lewis, attendee from San Juan County added “I am amazed at the many times in our nation’s history that divine intervention has been so pivotal. We are a blessed people and you can see it in the faces of those we came in contact with during the trip.”

It was a trip every American should take. We have such a better appreciation for the sacrifices so many great Americans have made to make our free society possible. The unique opportunity of being in Washington, D.C. to visit our congressmen and the historical sites and learning first-hand about our nation is one that each participant will not soon forget. Traveling with other Utah Farm Bureau leaders that have a unique perspective concerning the future of agriculture was truly great opportunity for many of the participants. Of particular note was the happenstance experience of bumping into newly elected Vice-President Mike Pence. Our Capitol tour timing was just right and most of our group witnessed Mr. Pence being escorted through the building just a few feet away surrounded by mobs of secret service and his security detail. Mr. Pence took time to shake many of our groups hands as he proceeded through the rotunda area. Utah Farm Bureau is committed to making this type of trip not only possible but meaningful as well. Farm Bureau members are on the frontlines every day. They understand the issues and face many of the challenges first-hand that exist in our industry. Many have been involved with Farm Bureau from a very young age and have grown up attending many Farm Bureau meetings. These experiences and meetings that take place in our nation’s capital are among the most critical of what we do here at Farm Bureau.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 19

I have included a few quotes below about some of the experiences from the participants: “It was a trip every American should take. We have such a better appreciation for the sacrifices so many great Americans have made to make our free society possible. We were moved to tears on the battlefield of Gettysburg, at Fort McHenry where the Star-Spangled Banner was written and at Arlington National Cemetery. We were so proud to represent the farmers and ranchers of Utah as we spoke to our Utah representatives about issues facing the hardworking people in our state. Farm Bureau is truly a grassroots organization that allows us to participate in the political process with respect and dignity that represents the family values we have in the agricultural community. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!” —Brett Behling, Emery County “We had a great experience in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. It was great to meet with our Senators and Representatives. Many of them seemed receptive to our concerns and needs. The highlight for us was Gettysburg and our amazing tour guide. He made that area come to light. Also, the laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown was a highlight. Thanks to all of those who made this a great experience. We are really glad that the weather was as good as it was and making new friends was amazing.” —Rex Larsen, Utah County

“It was so powerful to have farmers and ranchers telling our Senators and Representatives why the issues mattered on their farms and ranches and sharing the effects of recent changes in immigration and trade to their operations.” —Flint Richards, Tooele County “I loved it, it was incredible to see the different historical sites that represent the history of our country.  The highlight of our trip was shaking the vice presidents hand.  It was great then to meet with these members of congress and to see the progress that is being made and to understand that their values are meeting up with our concerns and values.” —Caralee Kohler, Wasatch County

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$ MONEY MATTERS

Saving Money on Your Next Vacation By Teresa Hunsaker | Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences educator

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ccording to Joe Robinson, author of “Work to Live; A Guide to Getting a Life,” taking a vacation is as important as watching your cholesterol or exercising. As we enter vacation season, here are some tips to help make vacationing a reality.

• Start with your budget. Remember that quality is more important than quantity. Take the available dollar amount you have to spend, divide it by the average cost per day, and you will have the number of days you can spend on vacation. Your vacation should be designed around available funds, not the number of days you have available off work. • Travel off-season. If possible, try to travel just before or after peak season. Prices are lower, the weather is still decent, most shops and restaurants are still open, and it is less crowded. • Plan your trip early, but be ­flexible with dates, travel times, stop-overs, and airports. • Get a credit card that offers rewards for travel or gasoline. Be sure not to carry a balance, or rewards will not offset the cost of interest.

Make sure passports have at least six months left prior to the expiration date for your return travel. Some countries limit access if your passport is about to expire. • The best price on airline tickets is round 45–47 days ahead. Use multiple search engines and aggregates in your search, or use “incognito” mode in your browser. • Some airlines offer a free stopover (a break of more than 24 hours) in their hub cities in route to another country. Find these deals under “­special offers” or “stopovers.” • Check out coupons for long-term parking at longtermparking.com. Look for ways to save on meals such as entertainment.com, valupak.com, or ­hotcoupons.com. Headed to a theme park? Visit themeparkinside.com for deals. Visit gasbuddies.com or gaspricewatch.com for the cheapest gas prices. • Get your passport well in advance. Make sure passports have at least six months left prior to the expiration date for your return travel. Some countries limit access if your passport is about to expire.

• Check the visitor’s bureau for the destination you plan to visit. Many list upcoming events and offer discount coupons for attractions, restaurants and hotels. • Check websites for discount coupons, free admission days, group discounts for AARP, AAA, military personnel, Farm Bureau memberships, etc. Websites like valpak.com and hotcoupons.com have coupons for specific zip codes. • Learn about your credit card’s miles programs, as many do not have black-out dates for reward travel, but hotel/resort cards do. • See if your travel rewards credit cards offer trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. There are also many websites and apps to help you travel smart and save money. Take time to find what works best for you.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 21

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

A SEAT AT THE TABLE By Julia Misiego | Women’s Leadership Committee Coordinator

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uring a past internship of mine I attended a meeting with my boss and many other professionals of his same rank. I naturally took an out skirting seat, to show deference to the professionals in the room. But my boss motioned for me to come closer, to come into the circle of discussion. After some reluctance, I did. I didn’t contribute anything to the discussion, but the mere act of feeling like I was included and important has stayed with me ever since that day. That experience empowered me. Now, whenever I don’t feel entirely confident in a meeting, I remember that my boss felt I was important enough to have a seat at the table, even as an intern. Just as my boss helped to empower me, how can we help empower other women leaders? In discussion of this topic, we must first establish the answers to two fundamental questions: First, are women leaders necessary; and second, are women leaders in short supply in organizations and businesses, enough to warrant discussion of empowering more women leaders? As to the first question, I’m sure no one would doubt the necessity of leadership of both men and women. In their book titled The Athena Doctrine: How Women (and the Men Who Think Like Them) Will Rule the

Future, John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio discuss different findings from 64,000 people surveyed in 13 different nations. They discovered that people around the world link traditionally-feminine traits to the essence of a modern leader, and traits that they desire in a leader. Traits like empathy, flexibility, passion, expressiveness, patience, and loyalty. The Pew Research Center found similar results, when in regards to honesty, ethicality, providing fair pay/ benefits, and mentoring employees, women ranked higher than men. Whereas on negotiating profitable deals, and being willing to take risks, women ranked much lower than men (who are often more willing to take risks). In their book, Gerzema and D’Antonio highlight an example of a woman who has brought her exclusive perspective to a leadership ­position, Major General Orna Barbivai, the highest-ranking woman in the Israeli Defense Force. She said she approached military strategy from the perspective of a mother, because mothers can see various angles on consequences and can adjust and take action accordingly. She also believes that “strength is the essence of restraint” and that women can actually deescalate conflict. She should

22 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Spring 2017

know, since two of her daughters staff checkpoints in Syria and the Gaza Strip. In Farm Bureau, the value of women as volunteers and leaders is constantly felt in our efforts to reach out to consumers, as data consistently shows that women make the majority of purchasing decisions in the U.S., and women are more willing to listen to other women. This isn’t to say that one gender is inherently “better” than the other, but to illustrate that in order to have a well-rounded business or organization, women and the corresponding strengths they bring with them are absolutely essential to success. Second, is this discussion relevant? Of Fortune 500 companies, 26 of the CEOs are women, about five percent. How many CEOs named John do you think there are? 31. There are more CEOs named John than there are women CEOs in Fortune 500 companies.

We can also see a gap in government. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, in the House of Representatives, women hold just 83 (19.1 percent) of the 435 seats, and in the Senate, women hold just 21 (21 percent) of the 100 seats. The above mentioned examples are not a result of official discrimination or enforced rules. Officially, anyone is able to run for office or apply for a job, and the answer isn’t to hire or vote for someone solely based on gender. There are many reasons why the same amount of women as men don’t reach the top of the corporate ladder, or run for office. The Pew research center again offers some suggestions as to what is holding women back from top jobs. Of those surveyed, the top three reasons were: women are held to higher standards, family responsibilities don’t leave enough time, and perhaps we aren’t ready to hire or elect women leaders. Even though many women choose not to climb the corporate ladder, or run for office, or sit on boards, there could be many who desire to but don’t feel qualified, able, etc. What can everyone do to empower more women leaders in our organization? We can start by evaluating our own biases. Sheryl Sandberg, CEO of Facebook, has discussed a phenomenon called the likeability gap. Studies have shown that success and likeability are positively correlated in men, and negatively correlated in women. That is, the more successful men are the more people like them, whereas the more successful women are the more people are not sure about them; they seem out for themselves, a little too political, bossy, etc.

Do we react differently to the exact same request depending on which gender delivers it? Have you ever called a woman “bossy” or another expletive for demonstrating strong leadership? Have you ever received an email from a woman that was not riddled with explanation points and thought she was in a bad mood? I know I have. This is where we can look at ourselves, and once we are aware of our biases, act to correct them. Sheryl Sandberg also offers several tips to help women in the workplace and organizations. One is to encourage women to take a seat at the table, and if you are a woman, to take a seat for yourself. If entering a full conference room and all the seats around the table are taken, but there are still some on the outskirts of the room, don’t sit on the outskirts, pull a chair up to the table. Even if you aren’t as high ranking as the other members at the table, you should still express the confidence to insert yourself. This is where we can all make a difference by inviting women to the table, literally and figuratively, even if they are not in a current leadership position. This could help them realize they enjoy sitting at the table, or that they do want to be more involved. And if not, is anything lost or made worse by inviting that person to move her chair up? Next, what action can women exclusively take to empower themselves? Do something even when you don’t think you’re qualified. More men will apply for a job they are not qualified for than women, and they are more likely to negotiate their first salary than women. So stretch yourself, do something you want to do even if you are worried

that you aren’t fully qualified. Take that art class, run for Farm Bureau County president, run for public office, or apply for that promotion. Strengthen your language. The following phrases are some commonly used by women, but that weaken our language: • I’m not a (math person, expert, etc.), but . . . • I feel like . . . • I just wanted to follow up . . . • Sorry to bother you . . . • I may be wrong here . . . These phrases can be useful to seem more deferential, and at times do have their place. We don’t need to be impolite; however, you should generally never apologize for asking someone to do their job, or for being more knowledgeable. Utah Farm Bureau is full of many strong women, women who run their own farms and operations, who care for and raise families, women who serve on boards and as County Farm Bureau presidents, bringing their admirable qualities to the Farm Bureau table. We even have an entire committee devoted to leadership of women. My hope is that we can each conduct a self-evaluation of our thoughts and actions in regards to leadership and who we promote and trust. That we can make a commitment to action, no matter how small, to evaluate our biases and make conscious decisions to empower other women, and to empower ourselves, by sitting at the table, taking on stretch assignments, and strengthening our language. Information taken from presentations by Sheryl Sandberg, Lindsay Calvert’s workshop at AFBF FUSION, and additional sources.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 23

ANIMAL CARE

PASTURE TO PLATE: HOW BEEF IS RAISED By Becca Ferry | State Ag Promotions Committee

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pringtime means new life, and on our ranch springtime means new calves. We raise Black Angus beef cattle and every spring our cows give birth to new calves. Our family has been ranching for five generations and we take pride in the animals we raise and the quality of beef we produce. We enjoy being part of the process of providing food for our family, friends and community. Our kids help by caring for the bum calves from the ranch. Bum calves are young heifers or bulls which have been orphaned or abandoned, and need extra care because of a variety of reasons. If a calf gets especially sick or is not thriving, we nurse it back to health. If a cow abandons her calf, we bottle feed it. Typically a cow cares for only one calf so if she has twins, she keeps one and we care for the other. The calves are brought back to our barn so they can get personal care. They get bottles, heat lamps when it’s cold and

medicine if they need it. We are like the calf hospital. They have shelter and access to pasture grass and water. These little calves grow up together and form their own herd with unique personalities. Cows are social animals and enjoy being together. They are smart and learn to trust those that care for them. In turn, our kids can identify the different calves out in the pasture even before they get close enough to see their ear tag. As ranchers, we understand the privilege it is to grow food for others to eat. There are many different opinions on how food should be raised. Here are some of the things we’ve been asked about in raising beef.

GRASS-FED VS CONVENTIONAL (GRAINFINISHED) BEEF: All cows eat grass. The difference between grass fed beef and conventional beef is what cows eat as they mature. Conventionally raised cows eat

24 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Spring 2017

grass until 12–18 months of age. Then they are taken to a feedlot where they eat a balanced diet of grains, grasses and different types of minerals for 4–6 months. Different breeding ­techniques and diets enable cattle to add weight efficiently. These practices are economical and keep the cost of beef down at the grocery store. Grass fed cattle continue to eat grass their entire lives, which can be six months or more than conventionally raised beef. One of the reasons why grass fed beef costs more is because of the limited grass growing seasons in North America. A cow’s diet can produce different types of nutrition in the beef. Some people prefer the nutrition available in grass fed beef while others prefer the taste of conventionally raised beef.

HORMONES AND ANTIBIOTICS: Ranchers work closely with veterinarians to ensure animals are healthy. Some ranchers choose to give their

cows growth hormones. The hormones are tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have not been found to pose any health risks to consumers or cows since their debut on the market in the 1950s. These hormones help the cows grow more quickly and convert nutrients into lean muscle. All beef has naturally occurring hormones. Just like people, animals can get sick. And just like people, antibiotics are only given to cure the illness and not as a daily practice. Cows given antibiotics are monitored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), FDA, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They set a withdrawal time for the antibiotics to ensure no residue is leftover in the cows. Consumers can be sure that no antibiotics are in their meat. The beef cattle industry in Utah is thriving. It is our largest agricultural commodity. Beef is raised by families who make careful decisions about what’s best for their animals, the environment and for consumers. Informed consumers have many choices of what to eat and can know that beef is raised safely in many different ways. Whatever your personal preference, Utah ranchers provide a wide variety of beef that can all of us can enjoy. As for our family, we eat our conventionally raised beef. We give antibiotics when needed and sometimes choose to supplement with hormones. We love beef, and we love the well-known slogan, “Eat beef. It’s what’s for dinner.”

For references and more information check out factsaboutbeef.com.

Photos courtesy of Heidi Randall Studios

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 25

AGENT SPOTLIGHT

FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES AGENT SPOTLIGHT:

MIKE NIELSEN

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began my career with Farm Bureau Financial Services in 2009 as a sales associate for Brandon Jensen in Cache Valley, and later became a full-time agent at the end of 2010. In May of 2013 I was offered a chance to move back to Roosevelt where I was born and raised. We just purchased a building in October of 2016 and moved our office to State Street in Roosevelt. I met my wife Kristen while going to school at Utah State (Go Aggies!) and we have been married for eight years now, and have three children. I know it is true love because my wife moved with me from Cache Valley back to the Uinta Basin, and that is not something that just anybody would do. We enjoy spending time as a family doing just about anything in the outdoors. We pride our agency on educating our customers on how insurance works. We will tell you how it works, and then we will help fit the policy to your needs. Our agriculture coverage is hard to beat, from one policy one

We pride our agency on educating our customers on how insurance works. We will tell you how it works, and then we will help fit the policy to your needs. deductible, to optional coverage for equipment breakdowns. Farm Bureau offers great options that many of our competitors do not.

26 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Spring 2017

We would love to provide you with a risk assessment for you, your family and your business. Please feel free to call my office at 435-722-4990.

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Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 27

PUBLIC POLICY

PRINCIPLES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOUND IN COMMITTEES By Sterling C. Brown | Vice President, Public Policy, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

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ommittees are working units of an organization. Committees actually do the bulk of the work. Service on a committee is often where one gives his or her greatest service. It is also where one gets real understanding of both leadership and issues. Appointment or participation to a committee is an honor and a privilege. These are principles of efficient and effective committees. Productive committees are all around us. We see them in our home, church, school and profession. Our standard of living and way of life is, in large part, a result of effective committees. Committees play an important role in our families, communities and society. A good example of this is a legislative committee. Think about it. All laws begin as an idea. And, there were 535 new laws passed this past Utah legislative session. There were an additional 300 ideas, or bills, that didn’t pass. Reviewing and studying these proposed new laws, combined with the realities of balancing a growing, demanding, highly transparent $16 billion budget, requires work. This work takes place in committees.

When a bill is introduced in either the State Senate or the House, it is sent to a standing committee for study and to receive public comment. The committee chair sets a date and time for a hearing on the bill. Citizens can best keep track of the committee’s schedule by checking the legislature’s website (le.utah.gov). Citizens interested in a particular bill should be in the committee room when the hearing is scheduled. This is where citizens can have direct input to the legislature on any proposed legislation. The committee makes an initial determination if the proposal should go forward in the legislature. If it votes to do so, the committee can suggest amendments to the bill, approve it for further action by the full Senate or House, or disapprove it. Pictured here is Utah’s 2017 Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (NRAE) Standing Committee. Senator Margaret Dayton (a republican from Orem) sits third from the left, and chairs this committee. To her left are six additional Senators and committee members. To her right are two legislative staff members. In front of the committee

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is Representative Gage Froerer (a republican from Huntsville) and LuAnn Adams, Commissioner of Utah’s Department of Agriculture and Food. Representative Froerer is presenting one of his bills to the committee. Commissioner Adams is responding to the presentation and to questions asked by committee members. Seated behind Representative Froerer and Commissioner Adams are members of the public, also invited to provide input and make comments as part of the committee meeting. Of the 85 bills Utah Farm Bureau carefully followed, initiated and influenced this session, nearly 60 of them were heard in this Senate NRAE Standing Committee. Without question, these seven Utah Senators are important decision makers regarding the state regulations and laws governing Utah’s farmers and ranchers. Remember, committees do the bulk of the work. It’s here where Utah Farm Bureau has its greatest impact in implementing Farm Bureau policy. There are 104 Utah lawmakers. As mentioned, only seven of them serve on the Senate NRAE Standing Committee, where most of Utah

Farm Bureau bills are considered. Influencing, educating or lobbying seven lawmakers is much more realistic and practical than 104. At times, citizens and Farm Bureau members get discouraged when considering their involvement in impacting bills on Capitol Hill because of the number of lawmakers involved. This is unfortunate. When considering your interest, time and involvement on Utah’s Capitol Hill, think of it in terms of one lawmaker or one committee. That approach breathes optimism, hope and achievement. If the committee passes the bill, it is put on a “calendar” to be voted on by the full Senate or House. If the bill passes by simple majority, the bill moves to the other Chamber (House or Senate). Here, the bill is again heard by a committee and, if passed, voted on by the full House or Senate. Finally, a conference committee made

Our standard of living and way of life is, in large part, a result of effective committees. Committees play an important role in our families, communities and society. of House and Senate members works out any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The resulting bill returns to the House and Senate for final approval. The bill, if passed, then waits for the Governor’s signature. This incremental, legislative process is dependent on committees. In these legislative committees, complex, challenging issues are studied. Leadership is defined and developed. A significant amount of time and resources is invested into these committees. “Work” is the motto, theme, and the environment of these committees.

Farm Bureau members are citizens first. Citizens have an increasingly important role in influencing legislation. Remember this, since your lawmaker’s authority is given to them by the voters of his or her own district, then each lawmaker has to be interested in the input from voting residents in their district. Farm Bureau’s greatest influence on legislation stems from the local communities and organizations participating in local committees. Some of the greatest service given is while serving and influencing local committees. Please let me know if you’d like more information on how you can participate in this policy process.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 29

POLITICS

THE RURAL-URBAN DIVIDE By Stewart Truelsen

T

he election of Donald Trump as the nation’s 45th president drew attention to the rural-urban divide. It wasn’t the only dividing line in the election, but it is credited with helping Trump win. Rural voters tended to vote Republican and urban voters Democratic in this election. The divide may have less to do with party labels and more to do with political philosophy. Rural Americans are more conservative than urban dwellers, and their priorities often differ. A presidential election with similarities to this one occurred in 1948 when Harry Truman defeated Thomas Dewey. Only then the party labels were reversed. Truman was the Democrat running for election after serving out President Roosevelt’s last term, and Dewey was the Republican. Both men traveled the country by train to campaign, but Dewey did so at a more leisurely pace and made far fewer speeches than Truman. By all accounts, he was a shoo-in and had nothing to worry about, although Truman was drawing large crowds wherever he went. On a hot, sunny day in September Truman drew 90,000 for a speech at the National Plowing Contest in Dexter, Iowa. Introduced by legendary farm broadcaster Herb Plambeck, Truman

unloaded on special interests and the eastern establishment. “The Wall Street reactionaries are not satisfied with being rich,” he said, “They want to increase their power and their privileges regardless of what happens to the other fellow. They are gluttons of privilege.” The Des Moines Register said his speech was “harsh and demagogic.” A writer for The New Yorker thought the speech was “deplorable.” But Truman struck a chord with rural audiences. He had, after all, been a farmer early in his career, and had populist appeal. Truman’s campaign distributed a sixteen-page, four-color comic book about his life, and that was considered innovative. In contrast to today’s politics, neither candidate engaged in name-calling. When Truman won in a huge upset, Dewey reflected that it was due to the farm vote, which he said switched sides in the last days of the campaign. The farm vote was a larger share of the electorate then, but it is still important today because farmers and ranchers get out and vote. In an analysis after the recent election, National Public Radio said the rural-urban divide grew in 2016 from where it was in 2012 and 2008, and it was because rural counties became progressively more Republican. The

30 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Spring 2017

NPR analysis said it was impossible to tell what is causing the widening rural-urban gap because of the number of factors related to voting patterns. One striking similarity between the election of Truman in 1948 and Trump in 2016 is that a segment of the population felt left out or passed over by the losing party. Dewey was criticized for speaking over the heads of voters. Truman, on the other hand, played upon farmers’ fears that a Republican administration would lead to another depression, especially in farm prices. The farm economy is always on farmers’ minds, but in the 2016 election they had other serious concerns. A major example was the regulatory overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency. It isn’t just that farmers abhorred the fines, paperwork and legal fees. They viewed EPA as a threat to private property rights. This issue was not a high priority with urban dwellers, who seldom face a loss of property rights or EPA intrusion in their affairs. The rural-urban gap is more than just politics, of course, and attempts to bridge it go way back. Beginning in 1955, the National Farm City Council began promoting better understanding between rural and urban citizens, which included National FarmCity Week, the week leading up to Thanksgiving. The idea was to recognize the interdependence of rural and urban communities. This is a good thing for politicians to keep in mind when running for state or national office. Cities never get overlooked in a political campaign, but rural America does. Politicians do that at their own peril.  Stewart Truelsen is a food and agriculture freelance writer and a regular contributor to the Focus on Agriculture series.

USU EXTENSION LAUNCHES E-LEARNING GARDENING COURSES

GARDENING

By Julene Reese | USU Extension

U

tah State University Extension recently launched a series of online gardening courses designed for beginning gardeners. The courses will teach participants about annuals and perennials, basic botany, fruits and nuts, pest management, soil basics, trees and shrubs, turfgrass and vegetables. USU Extension horticulturists Mike Caron, JayDee Gunnell and Jerry

Goodspeed are developers of the courses. According to Caron, the courses will help fill a need within the industry to educate landscapers and nursery professionals, especially those new to the area or the industry, in best management practices in horticulture and gardening in Utah. “The courses may particularly be of benefit in training new employees,”

he said. “They also provide training through online means for those who are unable to attend gardening classes in their own communities due to lack of offerings, distance or schedule.” Registration is available at garden. usu.edu. Cost is $25 with $5 off until May 1, 2017, using the promo code FARM. Contact Caron at 801-768-4919 for further information.

Spring 2017 | COUNTRYSIDE | Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition 31

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

Hi-Horned Red Cow’s Calf by Baxter Black | DVM

I

have calved a lot of heifers in my lift . . . thousands. All of us who have that type of experience know that after the sweat and strain, the slick and sticky, the hope and pull, the grunt and sigh, when the wet little creature plops on the ground, sometimes there is a moment that time stands still. A second, or two or five, we stare, our world suspended, waiting for a sign. Then the new baby sniffs, or blinks, or sneezes, or wiggles an ear, and at that moment it feels as though a burden has been lifted from our shoulders. We did it. We did it again. Just regular common people like us, engaged in that age-old profession of stockman, have participated in a miracle; life being passed from one generation to the next. It is no small thing to be a part of and every time it happens, it renews us. The miracle never diminishes. As urbanization inexorably isolates people from the land, fewer and fewer humans are able to participate in this ancient experience. It is our loss. We have finished calving at my place, none of the cows needed help delivering, for which I’m thankful. But each new little critter trailing after his mama or kickin’ up his heels makes ya smile. Last week the high-horned red cow finally calved. Baby was solid red like mama. I sat there the next day a’horseback and studied him for a few minutes. Long enough to figure out it was a bull calf and getting’ plenty to eat. Satisfied, I swung away and started back through the mesquite on a cow trail. I heard a mama bawlin’ and looked back to see that it was the high-horned red cow. I swept the horizon for her calf, then looked down. There he was right behind my horse’s hind leg trailin’ along with us. I stopped. The little calf bumped into my stirrup. He looked confused. He could hear his mama but something didn’t smell right. I reached

down and patted his head. He looked up at me, as if to say, “What are you doin’ here?” About that time my dog stuck his nose to the baby’s tail. He jumped like a deer, straight-legged and trotted back toward his mama in his ungainly tryin’-out-his-new-legs, kinda gait. It was pretty funny. The dog and I couldn’t help but laugh. www.baxterblack.com

32 Utah Farm Bureau News Special Edition | COUNTRYSIDE | Spring 2017

EXCLUSIVE

$500

CASH ALLOWANCE 1

FOR ELIGIBLE FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.

HELPING YOU THROUGH EVERY SEASON.

Chevrolet is proud to present this exclusive $500 offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles.

FARM BUREAU

1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Spark EV; 2016 Malibu and Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L, Spark, SS and City Express, and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.

FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE CHOICE HOTELS

SALT LAKE BEES

Members receive a 20% discount off the rack rates of participating hotels worldwide. Remember to give your Utah Farm Bureau ID along with your Choice Privileges member # to receive your discount while earning Choice Privileges points! Discount subject to availability at participating hotels and is not for use in conjunction with any other discount offer or promotional rate. Advance reservations are required through 1-800-258-2847 or at choicehotels.com.

Great for a family night outing—that won’t break the bank! $12 per voucher. Redeem your voucher at the Bees ticket window for the best seat available in the stadium—excluding Diamond Seating. Save: $6.00 to $9.00 per ticket. Blackout Dates July 3 and 24. 2017 Regular Season is April 6 through September 4. The Salt Lake Bees full schedule can be found at www.slbees.com. Call 801-233-3010 to purchase your vouchers. Visa or MasterCard accepted.

LAGOON

AVIS CAR RENTAL

Season Passes: $116 including tax, regardless of number purchased. Purchase less than 4 at Lagoon for $125.95 each. Single Day Passes: $42 including tax. Ticket window price, including tax, is $57.71. Farm Bureau members save $15.51 per ticket. Call 801-233-3010 to purchase tickets.

Farm Bureau members always receive up to 25% off Avis base rates. In addition, you can stack your discount with other Avis offers like dollars off, a complimentary upgrade or a free weekend day. Avis Car Rental operates one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,450 locations in more than 165 countries. Call Avis at 1-800-331-1212 and mention your Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD): A298844 to receive your Farm Bureau discount.

AQUATICA

PEARSON TIRE

From the waters of SeaWorld® sprouts a whole new waterpark — Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark.™ Aquatica tickets are now available at a discounted price from Utah Farm Bureau, with $34.30 for a single day adult ticket, and $29.05 for a single day child. Members save $10–11 per ticket on the normal gate price. If you are planning a vacation to California, be sure to add this park to your itinerary, conveniently located 25 minutes from SeaWorld. Tickets are available to purchase from Utah Farm Bureau; please contact Julia Misiego at 801-233-3010.

Save up to 10% on all tires, labor and auto parts purchased at Pearson Tire, Direct Tires Stores and many associate stores throughout the west. Call Pearson Tire in Richfield, St. George, Beaver (Monty’s Pearson Tire), Provo or Salt Lake for the associate store nearest you or call Leif Anderson at 435-660-1889. Must show Pearson Tire’s Discount Card to receive the discount. Go online to www.utahfarmbureau.org to download the card. Call 801-233-3010 with questions.

For more information about the benefits of membership, visit www.utahfarmbureau.org and search for member benefits, or download the ‘FB Benefits’ app in iTunes or Google Playstore.