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Hastings Agreement Protects Washington Cherries
June 25, 2009 - 10:50am
Secures Commitment for Training of Additional Canine Screening Teams
June 24, 2009 -- (WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04) secured a commitment from the Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee David Price (D-NC) that the training of additional canine screening teams will be funded by the appropriations bill under consideration in the House today. These canine teams will be trained and deployed to screen airline cargo, including fruit like Washington cherries." Learn More »
7th Annual Fairway Classic
June 23, 2009 - 4:58pmJul 25 2009 - 11:00am
Jul 25 2009 - 8:00pm
The Washington Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program is proud to present its 7th Annual Farm Bureau Fairway Classic at the Highlander Golf Course in Wenatchee on July 25.
Onsite check in starts at 11 a.m. with the shotgun start at noon. The dinner and awards program begins at 5 p.m.
If you are interested in playing or would like to sponsor a hole, please contact Kristen Hinton to register. Teams are accepted on a first come, first served basis, so call today!
Fees are as follows:
Team of four: $340
Individual player $85
Hole sponsorship: $300
Your entry fee includes greens fees, golf cart, range balls, dinner, awards and prizes.
Funds raised at the Farm Bureau Fairway Classic support the YF&R programs that strive to secure the future of American agriculture.
Department of Labor Inspections Taking Place in Okanogan County
June 15, 2009 - 8:09amThe federal Department of Labor is conducting inspections in the Okanogan County area beginning the week of June 15.
The Farm Bureau Employer Deskbook has detailed instructions on how to prepare for this inspection, and includes the actual checklists that inspectors use. To purchase a deskbook, please contact Kim Bresler at kbresler@wsfb.com.
The Wage and Hour Inspection Instuctions and Checklists are available free of charge on our website. Learn More »
Farm Bureau Briefing Aids Member with ICE Encounter
June 12, 2009 - 9:23amA Farm Bureau member was recently visited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Our member followed the Farm Bureau advice, and told us that it really helped the interaction go smoothly. All members should review this Labor Brief. Learn More »
An Update re: DNR Lease Issue
June 24, 2009 - 12:01pmBy Dan Fazio, Director of Employer Services
After the WFB meeting with legislators on June 23, DNR immediately contacted WFB and agreed to an emergency meeting to discuss the issue. That meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 25.
DNR indicated that it would be willing to modify leases as suggested by WFB. The Agency and WFB will meet again on July 2 to discuss any broader policy issues that are not covered this week.
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Farm Bureau Meets with Legislators to Discuss DNR Issue
June 23, 2009 - 4:57pmBy Dan Fazio, Director of Employer Services
On Monday, June 22, I briefed legislators from the 35th legislative district regarding a DNR issue that has members perplexed.
Farm Bureau members were the successful bidders for DNR contracts to harvest secondary forest products like salaal and huckleberry, but the Agency inserted language forcing the company to purchase workers' comp coverage for anyone who enters the property. This language goes well beyond our state workers' comp law, which of course requires companies to purchase the industrial insurance only for employees. Learn More »
Farm Bureau Will Testify Friday on Proposal to Increase Legal Services Funding
May 27, 2009 - 1:02pmBy Dan Fazio, Director of Employer Services
The Washington State Bar is considering proposals to increase funding to legal services programs for indigent people. The Bar intends to send funds to groups that engage in lobbying and political activities.
One group in particular, Columbia Legal Services, has concentrated its offices in Eastern Washington and has targeted farmers and farm worker issues. During the last legislative session, Columbia Legal Services lobbied against a pilot program that would assist farmers in obtaining a legal and stable workforce.
In addition, Columbia Legal Services has worked aggressively with state agencies to adopt cumbersome new labor and employment regulations. For example, CLS lobbied for the new L&I heat stress regulations and asked L&I to adopt a policy wherein the Agency would file crop liens on farmers if there is a wage payment issue.
Senators Cantwell, Murray Support Cuba Trade Legislation
May 26, 2009 - 1:57pmBy Patrick Connor, Director of National Affairs
Following meetings between Washington Farm Bureau leaders and our state's U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray during WFB's May 18-20 "DC Days" trip, both Senators have signed on as cosponsors to S. 1089 - The Promoting American Agriculture and Medical Exports to Cuba Act. The bill was introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), along with 15 cosponsors.
Farm Bureau supports S. 1089 and thanks Sens. Cantwell and Murray for cosponsoring the bill.
The legislation facilitates the export of U.S. agricultural products, medical devices and medicines to Cuba and lifts all restrictions on travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens and legal residents. Learn More »
ESSB 5850 Partially Vetoed as Requested by Farm Bureau
May 18, 2009 - 12:07pmThank you to all the Farm Bureau members and our friends who urged the governor to partially veto Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5850, "AN ACT Relating to protecting workers from human trafficking violations."
As requested by Farm Bureau, the governor vetoed section four of the bill. The governor's veto message contained the exact logic and argument that was proposed in the Farm Bureau letter requesting a partial veto. Learn More »
Tests Confirm H1N1 Did Not Originate on Mexico Hog Farm
May 15, 2009 - 11:09amOfficials with Mexico’s agriculture department on Thursday announced test results indicating the H1N1 influenza strain that infected 4,300 people in 33 countries did not originate from hogs at a Smithfield Foods operation in Veracruz. The hogs at the Granjas Carroll de México farm also tested negative for other viruses.
April 24 was the first day the flu outbreak received broad media coverage. At that time, pork producers were already losing approximately $17.17 on every hog marketed, according to an analysis conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Learn More »
