- New Resource Available for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
A new Agricultural Resource Guide for those interested in farming and ranching in Washington state has been released by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission's Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program. If you'd prefer to have a copy of "Cultivate the Soil" mailed to you, please contact Viet Tran at (206) 287.4482 or viet.tran@wshfc.org.
- Attend the AFBF Annual Convention in Texas
To see how Farm Bureau policy is enacted on the national level, head to Texas in 2009! The convention will be in San Antonio, home of the Alamo, from January 11-14, 2009.
In addition to many informative sessions and speakers, there are opportunities to attend offsite tours and a Flapjack Fundraiser.
Attendees must make their own travel arrangements and hotel reservations. Hotel registration is due no later than Dec. 1.
If you have questions about the convention, contact Sandy McCaig.
- Future of Farming Study nears Completion
In the spring of 2007, the Legislature directed the Department of Agriculture to undertake a comprehensive strategic study of Washington agriculture, to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, with a goal to keeping it competitive, sustainable, and profitable.
A draft of the study was circulated to stakeholders in November, and the final report will be delivered to the Legislature in January 2009.
The study will underscore the need for resources – land, water, and workers – in order to make agriculture successful, and warn that over regulation, especially in the environmental and labor area, could cause its demise.
The future of farming study resembles the Ag 2000 study that was undertaken in 1986. Ag 2000 generally did a good job defining the long term goals of agriculture, but did not provide a strategic plan to achieve those goals.
- Seeking YF&R Contestants
If you are a Farm Bureau member between 18-35 years of age, consider trying your hand in the Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) contests featured at the Washington Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in November.
There are three main contest areas. The Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement awards involve a significant number of points based on leadership and participation within the Farm Bureau and YF&R programs. The Discussion Meet is based entirely on contestant performance in a 30-minute discussion format.
Winners in each category receive a generous prize package, compliments of Dodge, Kubota, Stihl, COUNTRY Insurance and Financial Services, and the Washington Farm Bureau Service Company. All state winners receive
an expense-paid trip to the 2009 American Farm Bureau Convention, held in San Antonio, Texas, January 11-14.
- Display Your Products and Services at the WFB Annual Meeting
Do you have products you’d like to show off? The Trade Fair at the WFB Annual Meeting is the perfect place!
The Washington Farm Bureau is looking for members who have products or services that they'd like to display at the Trade Fair during the 2008 WFB Annual Meeting in Wenatchee.
The WFB Annual Meeting is Nov. 17-20 and the Trade Fair at the meeting is Nov. 18-19 from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Send an e-mail to tradeshow@wsfb.com, attention Mike, and tell WFB what you have to offer, if you offer Trade Fair pricing, and the amount of space you need. Please remember, no live animals are allowed in the Trade Fair.
- Farm Bureau Hails EPA Denial of RFS Waiver Request
The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision on August 7 to deny a request submitted by the state of Texas to reduce the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard sends a positive signal regarding the substantial economic benefits of renewable fuels, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“We’re pleased that the EPA did not turn its back on the promise of renewable fuels,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. Texas requested a 50-percent waiver of the national volume requirement for the RFS.
Implementation of the RFS will continue as legislated in the Energy Policy Act of 2007, according to the EPA.
- Look Behind the Curtain in Forbes Ranking of Washington
By Troy Nichols and Patrick Connor
It's that time of year again - Forbes Magazine has updated its annual "The Best States for Business" ranking, and once again Washington ranks in the top five in the country.
Rest assured you will soon see Washington's political class - including Governor Christine Gregoire - engage in the usual ceremonial back-slapping. Don't let the wind knock you over. In fact, last year's Forbes ranking is prominently featured in Governor Gregoire's first re-election campaign ad.
So, is everything really hunky-dory when it comes to Washington's business climate?
If you're an aerospace or computer programming powerhouse, it probably is. Not so good, if you're in the coffee business. Unfortunately, the facts on the ground dispute Forbes' claim that successful businesses are springing up like mushrooms overnight in Washington.
- CRP Ruling A Win For Farmers and Ranchers
America’s farmers and ranchers claimed a major win on July 24 when a federal judge in Seattle ruled to conditionally allow haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acreage, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Those provisions were part of the Critical Feed Use program announced in May by the Agriculture Department.
“The court recognized that this temporary USDA program will be of great benefit to farmers and ranchers in dealing with the increased costs of feeding livestock,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.
- Members Encouraged to Respond to WFB Survey
Washington Farm Bureau is conducting a survey of all its members. It is primarily focused on those members who have the WFB health care products but is also asking other members what they think about the services the Farm Bureau provides.
If you are called and asked to go online and complete the survey or are asked questions over the phone please be assured that the information is confidential (this means we will get your answers without knowing it was you) and please be candid and honest.
Your input is important and will help us do a better job. If you have questions please contact Mike Fournier 360-528-2918.
- Open Space Tax Questions on the Rise
Washington Farm Bureau has been receiving calls from members in various parts of the state concerned about higher than expected property tax bills and open space classification continuing eligibility questionnaires.
