Winter is always jammed packed with agriculture conferences and livestock events. I wish that I was in Seattle right now for the American Farm Bureau Federation (“AFBF”) annual meeting. I’m still debating whether I will be heading to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado next week for the Simmental Show. It’s my favorite cattle show (and this blog made …
Some Suggestions for Your New Year’s Resolutions
Here we are. Last day of 2009. I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. I started 2009 in Cheyenne, Wyoming and ended it in New York City at Rincker Law, PLLC. I am extremely grateful for my friends and family who have been supportive along the way. It’s snowing outside here in NYC today — nothing better than …
YPC Spotlight: Interview with Holly Foster (Part II)
In yesterday’s blog, Holly Foster answered questions about her involvement with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) Young Producers’ Council (“YPC”). In Part I, she described her involvement on the Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee and her goals for the organization. Here are the rest of her answers to the interview. 1. What are the hot topics in your committee …
Part III: Debrief from NYFB Farm Animal Welfare Conference
At the recent New York Farm Bureau (“NYFB”) Farm Animal Welfare Conference, Kay Johnson Smith from the Animal Agriculture Alliance was one of the keynote speakers. I was extremely impressed by her poise and presence. I love seeing such powerful, articulate women in the forefront of agriculture issues in Washington. The underlying theme of Ms. Smith’s talk was that those …
YPC Spotlight: Interview with YPC Chair Dustin Dean
As you know, I am very involved with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association‘s (“NCBA”) Young Producers’ Council (“YPC”). I was able to get our Chair, Dustin Dean, to answer a few questions for me about YPC. Dustin is from Texas and I have known him since my days at Texas A & M University (when he was attending that other Texas ag …
What is the Biggest Legal Issue Affecting the Agriculture Industry?
In 140 characters or less, the following people on Twitter answered that question as follows: 1. @PoppyDavis from Washington D.C. – “4 produce: FoodSafety regs that conflict w/ environmental regs & make farmers responsible 4 what happens in process & transit.” 2. @nycUlla from New York City and Delhi, New York – “I would say consolidation (anti-trust).” 3. @craig_leach from …
New Jersey To Vote On Open Space Funding Affecting Farmland and Rural Communities
Historically, the New Jersey Legislature has appropriated significant monies for Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation Funding for the Garden State; however, since state revenues are down in New Jersey and the Garden State Preservation Trust (“GSPT”) is virtually depleted, the New Jersey Legislature left this issue for its voters to decide this November. The Green Acres, Water Supply and …
Looking for Some Ag Tweeps?
Good, bad, or indifferent, social media is everywhere. . . especially in the agriculture industry right now. Mike Haley (a.k.a. @FollowFarmer and @FarmerHaley), a Simmental cattle producer in Ohio, compiled a significant list of all ag-focused tweeps on Twitter here. Both @CariRincker and @RinckerLaw are on this very expansive list of agriculture folks ranging from livestock producers to agriculture organizations, …
YPC Spotlight: Interview with Brandon Carlson
Last January in Phoenix at the annual convention, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”) organized Young Producer’s Council (“YPC”)– a suborganization under NCBA for members ages 18-35. YPC serves as a great way for young people to get involved in NCBA. YPC elects producer members to be a voting member on NCBA. YPC is chaired by Dustin Dean and vice-chaired by Steven …