Over a month ago we reported on the plans that the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were making for the agency to conduct an Environmental Assessment for drought and targeted grazing.  Their plan is to hold these sessions as part of workshops as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. These sessions are scheduled to take place throughout Nevada on this announced schedule:

• December 5 – 3 to 5 p.m. – Ely, Bristlecone Convention Center
• December 7 – 3 to 5 p.m. – Elko, Western Folklife Center
•  December 9 – 3 to 5 p.m. – Winnemucca, Convention Center
• December 13 – 3 to 5 p.m. – Virtual workshop

Kathryn Dyer of BLM is the lead on this project. In a recent article in the Progressive Rancher, Dyer indicated that the purpose of these workshops is to answer questions and discuss the types of flexibilities that have been analyzed through the NEPA process.  It will also cover how to request drought or cheatgrass related adjustments.

It was noted in the Progressive Rancher article that the workshops will not be in time to develop adjustments or projects for individual grazing permits, but will give you insights into the timeframes you need to work with in order to work with your BLM grazing staff,

In order to participate in the virtual workshop on Dec. 13 you need to contact m.brown@agri.nv.gov to register and obtain the link for participating.

Last week we highlighted the on-going survey work that the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has been collecting with Farm Bureau member input on the consequences of drought conditions.  By measuring the impact of drought, through farmer/rancher member responses, Farm Bureau has been able to draw attention to need when working with federal policy makers.  States included in the survey have at least some area categorized under D3 or D4 drought as of the October 13^th drought monitor map or who have been surveyed before. Several states have been added given current conditions. For those who have not participated in the past…this survey is meant to provide a window into member level challenges on the farm/ranch because of persistent drought conditions.

Please share your experience by clicking on this link and completing the AFBF Drought Survey.  Thank you to those who have already provided your input!  It is greatly appreciated.

Nevada Farm Bureau voting delegates adopted a policy at the 2022 annual meeting which states the view of placing more or a priority on sustainability and also assisting producers to gain a better understanding of what practices can be effective in improving productivity along with sustainability…

Agricultural Sustainability:                                                   104

     We encourage the creation and funding of programs designed to improve the profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations and that enhance rural agricultural economic diversification.

     We support educational sessions and workshops for the purpose of helping in understanding regenerative agricultural practices and principles.

This focus is also available through resources promoted on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF’s) web page for sustainability.

No one knows the real story about farming’s sustainability better than real farmers, like seventh-generation Iowa farmer Mitchell Hora. Watch this video which features Hora sharing his family’s work, carried out all across the nation by other like-minded farmers and ranchers who are working to build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation and the world.