June 2, 2023

Newsletter for June 2, 2023

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This Issue:

Nevada Legislative Update – We’ll Know More In A Week
US Supreme Court Ruling On Sackett Case Continues To Reverberate
While We’re On The Subject Of Government Agencies Grabbing For Control Beyond Their Authority…
Department of Ag Addresses Livestock Movement
“My Little Ag” Me Series Of Books Available On-Line

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Nevada Legislative Update – We’ll Know More In A Week

As this newsletter hits your email inbox, the count-down to the end of the 2023 Nevada Legislature will be down to three calendar days…what may take place in the course of those three days is impossible to even guess. There are several key water bills that Nevada Farm Bureau and other water stakeholders have been hoping to get past the finish line, but to do so would mean a whole lot more action than the majority political powers appear to be interested in doing.

The end-game process is at best a crap shoot with anything possible (both for good or ill). In short, the next issue of this newsletter will provide more definite details than what is available now.

We do greatly appreciate all those who have followed and assisted in the 82^nd Legislative Session. For the most part there were good outcomes, although not all as wonderful as we might have hoped. It could also have been a lot worse.

US Supreme Court Ruling On Sackett Case Continues To Reverberate

Last week we had the opportunity to share the hot news of the US Supreme Court’s decision in support of Chantell and Michael Sackett and ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers wrongfully claimed that they could regulate “wetlands” on the Sackett property in Idaho.

Since the ruling came out, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall has had more of an opportunity to develop his thoughts on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. EPA.

As we have also pointed out, because of a couple of rulings in state-based challenges to the current Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulations over half of the states in the country have successfully put the regulations in their states on hold. Nevada isn’t among that group of states where the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule is on hold through court case rulings. We’re currently still having to operate with several of the concepts that the Supreme Court has ruled against, including providing for the federal agencies to regulate on water which might not even exist except by some implied connection.

Ideally, EPA and the Army Corp. will now withdraw their rule and probably go forward in trying to invent new ways of grabbing the control they seek.

While We’re On The Subject Of Government Agencies Grabbing For Control Beyond Their Authority…

This article needed to be drafted before the Thursday, June 1^st the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public meeting at the Reno-Sparks Visitors and Convention Center, but we will be giving the matter more attention in upcoming issues.

Nevada Farm Bureau is currently working with engaged Farm Bureau members and other Western State Farm Bureaus in participating in the public comment period that will be the only real opportunity for input on the BLM’s proposed rule to insert the multiple use that they are trying to invent – “Conservation” into the multiple-use law that Congress established in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA).

Even going into the June 1^st meeting there have been a couple of prior sessions, held in Denver and Albuquerque, where the format was identified as being less than conducive to actually providing public input. It seems that the agency is intent to use every avenue they can use to justify their self-established authority for creating a non-use system that they say will operate as an “equal” with legitimate uses.

They also believe that it isn’t necessary for them to follow the troublesome details of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), instead declaring that they can apply the Department Categorical Exclusion (CX) at 43 CFR 46.210 (c) to comply with NEPA.

This link will take you to the Federal Register Notice for the rule, but will also provide a portal to use in providing your comments regarding the rule. If you wish to draft comments and send them by email, this address will give you the chance to do so: BLM_HQ_PRA_Comments@blm.gov

Those who wish to mail their comments by the U.S. Postal Service (and also a good address to use in your digital letter):

U.S. Department of the Interior

Director (630)

Bureau of Land Management

1849 C. St N.W. – Room 5646

Washington, D.C. 20240

Attention: 1004-AE92

Document Number: - 2023-06310

Department of Ag Addresses Livestock Movement

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has issued new health certificate requirements for horses, cattle, swine, sheep and goats entering Nevada. Any livestock animal from a state where Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been diagnosed or visiting an infected state and then returning to Nevada, must be accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) noting them to be free of signs of VSV.

“Protecting our animal industry is our top priority,” said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM. “It’s important that we monitor for these animal diseases and take action, including issuing new entry requirements, to prevent impacts to animals and our agriculture industry.”

VSV is a viral disease that can cause blisters on horses, cattle, swine, sheep and goats. While it can be spread to humans and it’s important to use personal protective equipment and practice good sanitation when handling infected animals, there are currently no active cases in Nevada.

Animal owners should work with their CVI-issuing veterinarian to ensure these new entry requirements are being met. The full requirements are available on the NDA website and read:

NEW ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES WITH VSV DIAGNOSIS 5/19/2023

Currently, all horses, cattle, swine, sheep, and goats from a state where Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has been diagnosed, or visiting an infected state and then returning to Nevada, except those moving directly to slaughter, must be accompanied by a CVI that includes the statement:

“I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within seven (7) days of shipment date and have found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV). During the last fourteen (14) days, these animals have not been exposed to VSV nor located on a VSV confirmed or a VSV suspected premises.”

“My Little Ag” Me Series Of Books Available On-Line

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA) has a series of free, downloadable books to engage children in agriculture. The series, called “My Little Ag Me”, helps introduce children to various agricultural professions to cultivate their interest in such careers. The five-book series is free to all, available online as printable pdfs, and books are roughly 15 pages each. In addition to the book series, there are also two online learning modules about the books, an educator’s guide, two career challenge videos and an online game for children to play.

The My Little Ag Me series includes:

The Vibrant Variety: Jonah meets a plant scientist and produce buyer working together to create a variety of potatoes for tastier french fries.
The Artistic Arrangement: Follow along as Jayce learns how to arrange flowers from an agriculture science teacher.
The Cow Conundrum: On a field trip to a dairy farm, two friends get to see firsthand how a veterinarian treats a sick cow.
A Berry Good Project: While helping with the school’s strawberry patch, Rowan learns about integrated pest management strategies from their local agricultural extension agent.
The Prized Pumpkin: Follow two friends as they work with an agronomist and beekeeper so they can grow the best pumpkin. This book is also available in Spanish

Check out the downloadable books by Clicking Here.

Have A Great Weekend!