Volume 64, Number 1 Spring 2012

CountryPolitanMeet a Nevada Ranch Family...By Zach Allen

Nevada Farm Bureau

Meet the Phil and Carla Pomeroy, a Fallon, NV ranch family. Phil Pomeroy has been on the ranch his entire life. Phil and his wife Carla married 27 years ago, and have been farming and ranching since then. Phil is a third generation Lahontan Valley rancher.

On their 150-acre property, they raise beef cattle and grow alfalfa hay. In addition to their cattle and hay operation, they rotate small grains and corn. Last season they grew corn.

In addition to raising Angus cattle and alfalfa, they have raised two children, George and Casey. George is a pilot and Casey will soon be completing her degree in Accounting.

Nevada’s second largest cash crop is alfalfa hay. Every county in Nevada produces alfalfa hay, including Churchill County, where Phil and Carla’s ranch is located.

Hay produced on their ranch is sold to dairies in California, sold locally to neighboring farms and ranches, and they

have even exported their hay overseas. A lot of Nevada hay is exported, most goes to California. According to the 2009-10 Nevada Agricultural Statistics, nearly 250,000 tons of alfalfa hay was exported to California.

When asked about the forth generation, with either George or Casey someday taking over the responsibilities of operating the ranch, Carla said, “Right now George is an ag pilot, so he is still in ag, and Casey has a degree in Accounting; they are spreading their wings, but someday, I believe they will come back and continue the ranching here in Fallon.”

Further discussions about the future of the ranch, Carla said, “Just living here and ranching isn’t enough, there has to be other means of income. So it’s good that George and Casey have other careers, so when they come back there are multiple income sources.”

An early spring visit to the Pomeroy ranch meant calving. Most of their cows had already given birth, so young calves and their moms made for great pictures. Photo by Zach Allen

Pictured is Carla on one of the most important vehicles on a ranch, an ATV. Here, Carla and the dogs were off to check on the cows. Photo by Zach Allen

Spring Edition | Page 3 | www.nvfb.org

Nevada Farm Bureau Forms Political Action Committee Sparks, NV – Nevada Farm Bureau is excited to announce that a Political Action Committee (PAC) has been formed. Nevadans For Families And Agriculture has been formed to support candidates running for office in Nevada.

Nevada Farm Bureau is a grassroots, advocacy organization that is guided by policy. Farm Bureau policy has a direct affect on Nevada agriculture and producers. In addition to affecting ag producers, Nevada Farm Bureau policy affects all Nevadans, with policy on education, taxes, environment, and much more.

The PAC is comprised of six committee members representing a cross section of our state. The committee will only focus on statewide races. This PAC will not endorse any candidates running for federal offices.

The purpose of Nevadans For Families And Agriculture is to recruit and develop potential candidates for elected office. The PAC will also seek to influence the nomination, election, or selection of qualified candidates to public offices within Nevada. Potential candidates will demonstrate basic beliefs and/or actions which are consistent with Farm Bureau policies, regardless of political affiliation.

The level at which candidates will be supported will be determined by a majority vote of committee members. Candidate support will come in the form of an endorsement, assistance, and/or training and education.

The upcoming November elections are extremely important to Nevada. All Nevadans have a voice, and as Farm Bureau members you have the ability to help elect candidates to serve Nevada. This PAC will support candidates on an individual basis, regardless of political party affiliation!

How can you help? How can you have your voice heard? The number one way you can help is to make a donation to Nevadans for Families And Agriculture. Your contributions will go to support candidates who demonstrate their beliefs and policy’s are aligned to Farm Bureau’s policy and beliefs.

Nevada Farm Bureau has made it easy for you to have a voice and make a donation.

Onlinewww.nvfbpac.orgVisit the Donate page and simply fill out the form and make a donation with your Visa or MasterCard.

MailUse the form located on page 8 and send a check or provide your credit/debit card information for a donation to:Nevadans For Families and Agriculture2165 Green Vista Dr. Ste. 205Sparks, NV 89431

—ConneCt with Farm Bureau—

/NvFarmBureauNews @NVFarmBureau Nevfarmbureau

www.nvFB.org

Spring Edition | Page 4 | www.nvfb.org

the BeneFits oF a nevada Farm Bureau memBershipNevada Farm Bureau is excited to announce two new benefits for Nevada Farm Bureau members! Nevada Farm Bureau has added Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Office Depot to our list of benefits!

Ready to rent a car? Here is how you rent a car and receive a discount through Nevada Farm Bureau.WebVisit www.nvfb.org/enterpriseYou will be automatically redirected to a custom Enterprise Rent-a-Car / Nevada Farm Bureau web page. The Nevada Farm Bureau Discount in built in, so you don’t have to enter any codes!

PhoneCall 1 800 rent-a-carTell them you are a Nevada Farm Bureau member and have an account number. Your account number is L540197

Enterprise has more car rental locations than any other car rental company. Choose from airport locations or from one of the thousands of neighborhood locations.

Use the coupon below for a Free Upgrade!

The Office Depot benefit offers members savings up to 86%. Take advantage of discounts online or at any Office Depot location!

Benefit includes free next day delivery on all orders over $50 and $5.95 flat rate on orders under $50.

To make an online order, simply visit www.nvfb.org/officedepot. You will be redirected to a custom web page where you can shop. The products are the same and layout of the Office Depot site are the same. The only difference you will be using a Nevada Farm Bureau account.

Cut out the Store Purchasing Card below and start shopping today!

www.nvfb.org/benefits  

Save on Office Supplies NO COST

NO APPLICATION

NO OBLIGATION

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITSThe Nevada Farm Bureau has partnered with Office Depot® to bring you a FREE national discount program.

Up to 86% Off Preferred Products

11,500 Additional Products Discounted Below Retail

Free Next-Day Delivery

Terrific Copy & Print Pricing 2.5¢ B&W · 29¢ Color at Office Depot® Stores or Online

Monthly Specials

Every Day Exclusives

FREE Lamination of your Discount Card

Valid in store only. Must present this original coupon to cashier at time of purchase. Photocopies/reproductions no valid. Not valid for purchases made in Office Depot outlet/clearance stores. Cannot be combined with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards. Coupon is good for one-time use only, is not transferable, is not for resale or auction and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. While supplies last. No rain checks. No cash back. Void where prohibited. Limit 1 coupon per household/business.

Coupon Code 263212698

Store Discount Card Receive your discounts at any Office Depot® store.

Store Purchasing Card SPC Account # 80117890341

CARDHOLDER INSTRUCTIONS: Present this card to an associate at your local Office Depot Store. You must pre pay when using self service copiers. To order online, go to www.nvfb.org/officedepot and click on Shop Online.

OFFICE DEPOT ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin sale transaction as normal. Self Service copy transactions must be paid for at the register.2. Press, “Total” and then select, “Charge” or, “F1>SPC Account” (touch screen only).3. Enter SPC# and wait for register to re-price.4. Purchases made using the card do not qualify for Worklife Rewards®.

Office Products = Pricing adjustments in accordance to national program’s contract terms Version 10/10

Black & White copies = 2.5¢, Color copies = 29¢, Binding, Folding, Cutting 35% off retail.

Clip & Go!

Start saving today! Any questions, call 800-992-1106 or email nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org

To receive your savings online, go to: www.nvfb.org/officedepot

When you purchase products through this program, a portion of the sale goes to support the Nevada Farm Bureau!

Save on Office Supplies NO COST

NO APPLICATION

NO OBLIGATION

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITSThe Nevada Farm Bureau has partnered with Office Depot® to bring you a FREE national discount program.

Up to 86% Off Preferred Products

11,500 Additional Products Discounted Below Retail

Free Next-Day Delivery

Terrific Copy & Print Pricing 2.5¢ B&W · 29¢ Color at Office Depot® Stores or Online

Monthly Specials

Every Day Exclusives

FREE Lamination of your Discount Card

Valid in store only. Must present this original coupon to cashier at time of purchase. Photocopies/reproductions no valid. Not valid for purchases made in Office Depot outlet/clearance stores. Cannot be combined with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards. Coupon is good for one-time use only, is not transferable, is not for resale or auction and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. While supplies last. No rain checks. No cash back. Void where prohibited. Limit 1 coupon per household/business.

Coupon Code 263212698

Store Discount Card Receive your discounts at any Office Depot® store.

Store Purchasing Card SPC Account # 80117890341

CARDHOLDER INSTRUCTIONS: Present this card to an associate at your local Office Depot Store. You must pre pay when using self service copiers. To order online, go to www.nvfb.org/officedepot and click on Shop Online.

OFFICE DEPOT ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin sale transaction as normal. Self Service copy transactions must be paid for at the register.2. Press, “Total” and then select, “Charge” or, “F1>SPC Account” (touch screen only).3. Enter SPC# and wait for register to re-price.4. Purchases made using the card do not qualify for Worklife Rewards®.

Office Products = Pricing adjustments in accordance to national program’s contract terms Version 10/10

Black & White copies = 2.5¢, Color copies = 29¢, Binding, Folding, Cutting 35% off retail.

Clip & Go!

Start saving today! Any questions, call 800-992-1106 or email nvfarmbureau@nvfb.org

To receive your savings online, go to: www.nvfb.org/officedepot

When you purchase products through this program, a portion of the sale goes to support the Nevada Farm Bureau!

Spring Edition | Page 5 | www.nvfb.org

Meats and Cheese Drive Slight Increase in Retail Food PricesWASHINGTON, D.C. – Retail food prices at the supermarket increased slightly during the first quarter of 2012 with protein staples – meats and cheese – showing the greatest increase in price, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey.

The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $52.47, up $3.24 or about 7 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Of the 16 items surveyed, 13 increased and three decreased in average price compared to the prior quarter. The cost for the overall basket of foods increased about 7 percent compared to one year ago.

About two-thirds of the quarter-to-quarter increase in the marketbasket of foods was due to higher retail prices for sliced deli ham, sirloin tip roast, ground chuck, bacon and cheddar cheese.

“Retail prices for meats and cheese were higher in the first quarter of the year due to generally strong demand and tight supplies, a situation that carried over from 2011,” said John Anderson, an AFBF senior economist. “According to Agriculture Department data, retail meat prices probably peaked sometime in the first quarter, and wholesale prices have declined noticeably in recent weeks. This suggests that retail meat prices may decline as 2012 progresses.”

Reversing a decline in the prior quarter, sliced deli ham increased 74 cents to $5.43 per pound; sirloin tip roast increased 60 cents to $4.75 per pound; ground chuck increased 36 cents to $3.53 per pound; shredded cheddar increased 33 cents to $4.65 per pound and bacon increased 16 cents to $4.21 per pound.

Other items that increased in price compared to the fourth quarter of last year were bagged salad, up 37 cents to $2.85 per pound; flour, up 27 cents to $2.65 for a 5-pound bag; Russet potatoes, up 26 cents to $3.01 for a 5-pound bag; orange juice, up 19 cents to $3.36 for a half-gallon; apples, up 19 cents to $1.59 per pound; toasted oat cereal, up 6 cents to $3.13 for a 9-ounce box; large eggs, up 5 cents to $1.77 per dozen; and vegetable oil, up 1 cent to $2.97 for a 32-ounce bottle.

Whole milk decreased 23 cents to $3.53 per gallon; white bread decreased 7 cents to $1.85 for a 20-ounce loaf and boneless chicken breasts decreased 5 cents to $3.19 per pound.

“Retail prices for meats and cheese were higher in the first quarter of the year due to generally strong demand and tight supplies, a situation that carried over from 2011.”- John Anderson, AFBF Senior Economist

Several items showing an increase in retail price from quarter-to-quarter also showed year-to-year increases. Compared to one year ago sirloin tip roast increased 20 percent, ground chuck increased 14 percent and sliced deli ham increased 11 percent.

The year-to-year direction of the Marketbasket Survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http://www.bls.gov/cpi/) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.

“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. USDA’s new Food Dollar Series may be found online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/.

Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $52.47 marketbasket would be $8.40.

AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, has been conducting the informal quarterly Marketbasket Survey of retail food price trends since 1989. The mix of foods in the marketbasket was updated during the first quarter of 2008.

According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world. A total of 64 shoppers in 24 states participated in the latest survey, conducted in March.

See Milk & Egg Trends on Page 7

Nevada Farm Bureau Members Receive 10% DiscountMembership Discount Code #809019789

Nevada Store Locations

Visit Grainger’s website at http://www.grainger.com

Grainger2401 Western AveLas Vegas, NVPhone (702) 385-6833

Grainger1175 American PacificHenderson, NVPhone (702) 385-6833

Grainger900 Packer WaySparks, NVPhone (775) 331-7504

Spring Edition | Page 6 | www.nvfb.orgCountry– Nevada Farm Bureau_Hidden Costs–6067010/27/11Publication: Nevada Farm Bureau PubMaterials Due: to printer- 10/31

Trim: 4.1325 x 10Creative:Susan Schmidt

Account:Mike Jensen

Production:

Proofreader:

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Spring Edition | Page 7 | www.nvfb.org

Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB. Farm Bureau Bank, FSB is a service to member institution that provides banking services to Farm Bureau members. Services are not available in AL, IL, MI, MO, MS, OH or WY and may not be available in some counties or parishes. Farm Bureau, FB and the FB National Logo are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used under license by FB BanCorp and its subsidiaries, including Farm Bureau Bank FSB. FB BanCorp is an independent entity and the AFBF does not own, is not owned by, and is not under common ownership with FB BanCorp or its affiliated entities.

Created by Farm Bureau to serve the uniquebanking needs of Farm Bureau members

Deposit Services Vehicle Loans

Credit Cards Equipment Loans

Business Services Mortgage Loans

CALL OR CLICK TODAY

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Milk and Egg Trends...For the first quarter of 2012, shoppers reported the average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $2.46, up 9 cents from the prior quarter. The average price for one gallon of regular whole milk was $3.53, down 23 cents. Comparing per-quart prices, the retail price for whole milk sold in gallon containers was about 25 percent lower compared to half-gallon containers, a typical volume discount long employed by retailers.

The average price for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.42, up 8 cents from the last quarter, about 40 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.46).

The average price for a half-gallon of organic milk was $4.19, up 28 cents compared to the prior quarter, about 70 percent higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($2.46).

Compared to a year ago (first quarter of 2011), the retail price for regular milk in gallon containers was up about 2 per-cent, while regular milk in half-gallon containers rose 9 percent. The average retail price for rBST-free milk increased 6 percent compared to the prior year, while organic milk was up 13 percent.

For the first quarter of 2012, the average price for one dozen regular eggs was $1.77, up 5 cents compared to the prior quarter. The average price for a dozen “cage-free” eggs was $3.39, up 42 cents compared to the prior quarter but nearly double (90 percent higher) the price of regular eggs. Compared to a year ago (first quarter of 2011), regular eggs increased 8 percent while “cage-free” eggs increased 6 percent.

Ag Fast Fact

Every county in Nevada grows alfalfa. 2009 data shows that 210,000 acres harvested hay producing 420 thousand tons of hay. Much of Nevada’s hay is exported to California to support their dairy industry.

Nevadans For Families And AgricultureSupport Nevadans For Families And Agriculture, DONATE TODAY!Your support will go to candidates who have proven they support Farm Bureau policies and Nevada Agriculture! Your Support is Crucial to a Successful 2012 Election!

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: _______________________

Phone: ___________________________ E-Mail ___________________________________________________________

Your Donation: $20 $50 $75 $99 $100 $250 Other $______ Payment Form Check Visa / MasterCard(Please Circle) (Please Circle)Contributions under $100 do not require you to be identified in financial reports that Nevadans For Families And Agriculture provide to the Secretary of State. Contributions from an individual within an election cycle that exceed $100 require a report which includes your name and amount contributed. These reports are public documents.

Credit Card # _______________________________ Expiration __________________

Authorized Signature _________________________________________________________________

Send Check to: Nevadans For Families And Agriculture 2165 Green Vista Dr. Ste. 205

Sparks, NV 89431Paid For By Nevadans For Families And Agriculture

www.nvfbpac.org

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Cut And Mail With Donation!- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

nevada Farm Bureau Federation

2165 Green Vista Dr. Suite 205Sparks, NV 894311-800-992-1106nvfarmbureau@nvfb.orgwww.nvfb.org

inside this issue...

Meet a Nevada Ranching Family ................ CoverPolitical Action Committee Formed ............. Pg. 3Farm Bureau Member Benefits .................... Pg. 4Retail Food Prices ...........................................Pg.5