WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2012 — “The Labor Department’s notification today that it is withdrawing proposed rules that would have prevented many young people from working in agriculture is the right decision for our nation’s family-based agriculture system. Farm Bureau appreciates the administration’s decision and efforts by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to listen to farmers, ranchers and other rural Americans. We also know that this would not have happened without the efforts of Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and others in Congress, and we thank them for standing up for agriculture and the rural way of life.
 
“This victory for farm families is due to the thousands of farmers and ranchers who sent comments to the Labor Department opposing the rules and continued to voice their concerns with members of Congress. This announcement shows the strength of American agriculture and grassroots action.
  Learn More »

Release No. 0132.12

Contact:
Office of Communication 202-720-4623
 
Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford Regarding a Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States
 
Assures Consumers That Existing Safeguards Protected Food Supply; Reiterates Safety of Consuming Beef Products
 
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2012 – USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford today released the following statement on the detection of BSE in the United States: Learn More »

The Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee is holding a Spring Leadership conference you don't want to miss ...

Join Farm Bureau members from around the state in this picturesque setting to learn about the Flavors of the Gorge
Registration is $30
The conference will kick off on May 9 and end before lunch on May 11, 2012.

Visit this page for more details and to register!

Speakers will provide the inside scoop on how you can find your niche in Farm Bureau by taking advantage of all the resources and training available.

Whether you’ve been a member for three decades or three months, you’ll walk away from this conference with a better understanding of all that your Farm Bureau membership entitles you to, as well as a renewed focus on your role.

Of course, there will also be great food, entertainment and fun!   Learn More »

In a great decision issued by the 9th Circuit , the court ruled that
Congress can indeed delist a species. In a rider to a budget bill last April, Congress ordered the delisting of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population. This following a delisting that was overruled by the courts.

This is great news from an ESA perspective as it means we will eventually be able to delist not just list species. 

For more info go here.

The National FFA Organization is accepting applications for its 2012 New Century Farmer conference.

The highly competitive conference is open to college of agriculture students who intend to pursue careers in production agriculture. Those selected will be among the first in the nation to learn about the latest technological developments in agriculture and will receive business management advice.

The conference is free to students who are selected and will take place July 8-14 in Johnstown, Iowa. The deadline for applications is March 15 at 2 p.m. PST.

To learn more about the program or download an application, go to www.ffa.org/collegiate.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Contact: Jo Lynne Seufer, (509) 228-6320
jo.lynne.seufer@rma.usda.gov
 
USDA RMA Funds Rural Tax Education Program
 
SPOKANE, Wash., November 28, 2011 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces the availability of a newly created website titled: Rural Tax Education (ruraltax.org) providing farmers and ranchers a resource for agricultural related income and self-employment tax information that is both up-to-date and easy to understand.
 
“Farmers and ranchers wanting up-to-date tax information will want to put the Rural Tax Education website in their list of browser favorites,” said Dave Paul, Director of RMA’s Spokane Regional Office serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington states.  
  Learn More »

The Time to Sign up for WAFLA is Now
Take Advantage of Free Membership in the Washington Farm Labor Association

As a Washington Farm Bureau member, you are eligible for a free membership for the remainder of the year with the Washington Farm Labor Association. However, it is important to note that WFB members are not automatically enrolled in WAFLA. You need to create a login [insert link] to take advantage of the many services and resources available to you through WAFLA.

The good news is that joining is easy. Simply enter your contact information and create your login by clicking on any “Join” tab at http://wafla.org. Learn More »

Brought to you by the Freedom Foundation’s Citizen Action Network 
Everywhere you go, you see the economy in action. It is the lifeblood of any nation, allowing people to prosper and improve their lives. Over the last few decades, our market system has become increasingly over-regulated and constrained, burdened by politicians and social engineers. If allowed to continue, our country will plunge further into debt, darkening our children’s future. What would happen if we were to unleash the free market once again in our country? What could we achieve both as individuals and as a society? How does the free market system work and how can it turn things around for America? Learn More »

According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, exports of Washington-grown products have reached a new high. From October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, the value of Washington-origin farm and seafood products set a record pace.

Washington food exports were worth $1.91 billion in the last quarter of 2010, a figure matched in the first quarter of 2011. Each quarter represents a new record, beating the previous record of $1.89 billion set in the third quarter of 2008.

“I commend our Washington state growers, who have rightly earned the reputation of producing the finest quality products in the world,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “Their tireless work to market our products overseas will help spur economic development and job growth here at home.” Learn More »

The City of Tacoma's Planning Commission is seeking volunteers to fill three openings – one available representing Council District No. 1, one representing the development community and one with expertise in public transportation – for three-year terms from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2014.

The Planning Commission advises the City Council on issues related to the city's Comprehensive Plan, mixed-use centers development, land use and development regulations, transportation, capital facilities, and other long- and short-range planning studies.

The Planning Commission meets at 4 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in Room 16, Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market St.

Click here for more information. The deadline to apply is June 10.