Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine

Extreme Farmer Learns from Mt. Everest

+ TAKE ME OUT TO THE ‘FARM’ GAME!+ TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF CONCUSSIONS

IN YOUTH SPORTS+ IS FOOD JUST FUEL?

Vol. 61 No. 3

SUMMER 2015

We can help you protect your family and plan for a future that’s financially secure. Contact your Farm Bureau agent today.

Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services M129 (2-15)

Auto. Home. Life. Farm/Ranch. Retirement.

You already count on us to protect your stuff.

But who’s protecting your life?

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SUMMER 2015 CONTENTS

Vol. 61, No. 3

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(ISSN 1068-5960)Matt Hargreaves, Editor

Business Address9865 South State Sandy UT 84070-3205

General Inquirires [801] 233-3000Address Changes [801] 233-3009Farm Bureau News [801] 233-3003Classified Ads [801] 233-3010Fax [801] 233-3030

FB News [email protected]

Websiteutahfarmbureau.org

National Ad RepThe Weiss Group9414 E San Salvador Dr #228Scottsdale AZ 85258[480] [email protected]

Local Display Ad InfomationJennifer Dahl[775] [email protected]

UTAH FARM BUREAU FEDERATION OFFICERS

Chairman and PresidentLeland J. Hogan*, Stockton

Vice PresidentStephen A. Osguthorpe*, Park City

CEO and Secretary/TreasurerRandy N. Parker, Riverton

*Denotes member of the Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

District 1John Ferry, Corinne

District 2Ron Gibson, West Weber

District 3Ken Patterson, Syracuse

District 4Rex Larsen. Spanish Fork

District 5Joël Hatch, Huntington

District 6Edwin Sunderland, Chester

District 7Craig Laub, Beryl

Farm Bureau Women's ChairBelva Parr, Lindon

Young Famer and Rancher ChairmanMeagher McConkie, Altamont

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sandy Utah and at additional mailing offines. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205.

Published quarterly for all Farm Bureau members (April/Spring, July/Summer, October/Fall. December/Winter). Published expressly for farmer/rancher Farm Bureau members and others who specifically request copies. February, March, May, June, August, September and November. All eleven issues published by the Utah Farm Bureau Federation ln Sandy, Utah. Editorial and Business Office, 9865 South State, Sandy UT 84070-3205.

Cover PhotoFlickr/Rachel Kramer

FROM THE TOP: Farm Bureau Thanks Hatch for Work on Trade . . . . . . . . . 2FROM THE TOP: EPA’s New Water Rule is Even Worse than Farmers Feared . . 3THOUGHTS: Liberal “Watchdog” Attacks Ivory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4SAFETY & WELLNESS: Tackling the “Concussion Crisis” in Youth & Adult Sports 7Farm Bureau Presents PRCA Rodeo at the Utah State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . 8FEATURE: High Octane Cherry Farmer Lives Life to the Extreme . . . . . . . 10FEATURE: Take Me Out to the ‘Farm’ Game! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Farmers Bridging the GAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Farm Bureau Adds New Promotion Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Is Food Just Fuel? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Protecting the Viability of Utah Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24MONEY MATTERS: Cutting Costs with Coupons & Rebates . . . . . . . . . . . 27ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE: Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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CONTENTS

2 Utah Farm Bureau News—Countryside Edition

But, the American economy—specifi-cally farmers and ranchers—have a huge stake in global trade and the current trade promotion authority in Asia that has recently passed through Congress. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation allows the Congress to consider, without amendment, the trade agreements that the Administration negotiates. Other governments view this as a signal of serious Congressional interest in moving ahead with trade negotiations. This legislation includes improved market access through tariff reduction and science-based sanitary standards as chief negotiat-ing objectives for agriculture.

TRADE—A POSITIVE TRADE BALANCEOver the past 40 years, TPA and its earlier versions have provided valu-able oversight to trade agreements negotiated by the White House.

Last year, in agriculture alone, America’s farmers and ranchers exported more than $152 billion in food, fiber, feed and energy com-modities and products to customers

around the world and providing the United States a positive net trade of $43 billion over imports. But these numbers are more than high-level economics. According to USDA statistics, every $1 billion in agri-cultural exports supports 9,000 U.S. jobs, not just on the farm but also in transportation, food processing and packing, shipping and sales.

However, 2015 projections sug-gest U.S. agricultural exports could fall by $12 billion.

While some of this decrease is the result of lower commodity prices for certain crops, it was also the result of the ongoing chal-lenges U.S. negotiators faced in reaching multi-lateral agreements and resolving trade conflicts with our international trading partners. Their reasoning was simple—why should they negotiate on the tough issues when the potential exists for Congress to change the details. TPA is the tool that leverages the strength of our system.

TPA is particularly important to breaking the logjams in both the

Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, which include nations that represent significant and important growth markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

PASSAGE BY CONGRESSFarm Bureau appreciates the work by Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden on the recently passed bipartisan TPA legislation and thanks them for their leadership. This sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are ready to complete new agreements that will break down trade barriers and open new markets from Asia to Europe.

American farmers and ranch-ers lead the world in producing the food we all love. To keep these family farms going, we must expand access to new markets across the globe through trade.

Farm Bureau Thanks Hatch for Work on TradeBy Leland Hogan, President, Utah Farm Bureau Federation

Though dominating press coverage recently, trade issues seem to understandably get pushed to the background of everyday thoughts for most of us. Foreign trade is not immediately tangible and doesn’t weigh in on day-to-day decision-making for most of us. Many assume trade issues are out of their hands.

FROM THE TOP

Utah Farm Bureau News—Countryside Edition 3

Perhaps it’s no surprise that EPA failed to listen. This rule was never really about protecting water sources: It’s about giving EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the power to regulate any activity on the land that they choose to regu-late. And that’s what the rule does.

What is a “water of the U.S.”? Only the agencies can say, and their word is final. Under the new rule, just about any patch of land might be found to be “waters of the U.S.” You don’t have to see water flowing there, or even spot signs of flow. The rule gives EPA and the Corps the trump card: the power to use remote “desktop tools” to identify and regulate a so-called “tributary” on your land—or even just places where a “tributary” used to be—whether or not you

can see anything that looks like a water feature. What’s more, the rule automatically regulates other waters within certain distances of any such invisible or historical “tributary.” So much for clarity.

The rule does provide several exclusions from regulation. But most of the exclusions, including the one for farm ponds, apply only to features “created in dry land.” Was your farm pond “created in dry land”? Who knows! EPA’s hundreds of pages of regulatory “clarity” don’t help you distinguish between “waters” and “dry land.” Only the agencies can say for sure.

Identifying bodies of water, and especially bodies of water regulated by the federal govern-ment, shouldn’t be rocket science. But EPA has made it impossible

for farmers and ranchers to look at their own lnd and know what falls under federal jurisdiction and what doesn’t. But if the govern-ment does later find that your land is “waters of the U.S.,” you will already be in violation of the law for farming there, even though you had no reason to know your land was regulated. This puts landowners at risk of steep fines in “gotcha” enforcement just for using their lands. It sounds crazy, but it’s true.

It’s time for Congress to step in and check EPA’s blatant overreach. Farmers and ranchers know the importance of protecting water resources. Federal rules should let them continue taking care of the land while producing our food, fiber and renewable energy.

by bob stallman, president, american farm bureau federation

The Environmental Protection Agency finally released its new “clean water” rule and actually managed to make it worse than we expected. Despite an unprecedented marketing campaign by EPA, the proposed rule was fiercely opposed by the vast major-ity of state and local governments, businesses and groups repre-senting almost every part of the American economy—including farmers and ranchers. We called on EPA to ditch the rule, go back to the drawing board and craft a rule that won’t cripple farming and ranching.

EPA’s New Water Rule is Even Worse than Farmers Feared

FROM THE TOP


The newly formed Campaign for Accountability (CfA), a self-described “watchdog,” is nothing more than another partisan attack group just like its parent Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Taking aim at Utah’s conservative Republican State Representative Ken Ivory, champion of the western “transfer of federal lands to the states” movement, CfA filed charges recently claiming Ivory, President of the American Lands Council (ALC), is defrauding taxpayers in his efforts. Without hesitation, the liberal Salt Lake Tribune piled on taking their own shot with headlines calling Ivory a “snake oil salesman.” While the Tribune does not agree with the merits of Ivory’s cause, it didn’t go so far as to call his actions criminal.

While agreeing law enforcement should look into the complaints, the Tribune editorial of June 2 argued “the whole matter comes uncomfort-ably close to an attempt to criminalize a political disagreement. That’s a direction that has horrible political and First Amendment implications that would be best avoided.”

The legal action seeks to derail growing support in efforts to force the federal government to recognize its obligation under the Equal Footing Doctrine of the U.S.

Constitution to transfer the feder-ally controlled lands to the western states and previously done in the eastern states. Utah Farm Bureau has long held that the federal govern-ment is obligated to transfer lands as our Enabling Act requires.

Equal footing is a constitutional law doctrine based on the Federalist Papers and embraced by the original 13 states. It simply says, subsequent states would be admitted to the Union and afforded the same legal rights as the preexisting states. Sovereignty and self-determination were paramount among the beliefs of the Founders and fundamental to the rights claimed in our 1776 Declaration of Independence, and ultimately fought for and won in the Revolutionary War.

The IdahoReporter.com recently shined light on the deception per-petuated by the so-called watchdog. They called the Ivory complaint “high political drama peppered with high-dollar deception!” The innocu-ously named CfA is nothing more than a “union and environmental radical attack group,” with its parent company CREW “a team of well-trained, environmental extremists and hyper-connected D.C. insiders.”

CfA and CREW have well-documented ties to liberal billionaire George Soros, who funnels millions

of dollars to Media Matters to attack conservative Republican candidates. According to Congressional Weekly, CREW, which received at least $250,000 from Soros, “has taken aim almost exclusively at Republican members of Congress.”

Some don’t like the fact we Utahns want our birthright and to claim equality among the states. Some suggest we gave our rights away in our Enabling Act at state-hood. Others claim we have just waited too long! Hogwash!

Liberal interests who believe in an all-powerful central government like CfA and Soros want to control or squash “transfer” debate in the courts. They are using deceptive and unfounded attacks on Ivory, on Utah’s Legislature (which passed the Transfer of Federal Lands Act), on our counties (which are chal-lenged by federal land ownership and management policies), and our underfunded education system. With 67 percent of Utah federally owned, the government not paying property taxes nor contributing significantly to our local economies is hurting Utah.

Utah Farm Bureau policy adopted at the 2014 Convention calls for “the transfer of public lands from federal management to state and local governments.” The 6 million member

Liberal “Watchdog” Attacks Ivoryby randy parker, chief executive officer, utah farm bureau federation

THOUGHTS


American Farm Bureau adopted policy in January 2015 that mirrors Utah’s policy.

How about a history lesson? The 1915 Utah Legislature ( just 19 years removed from statehood) memorialized the importance of private property rights for growth and development. They called on the national government’s “speedy return” to policies disposing of the lands to the states “that will afford an opportunity to settle our lands and make use of our resources on terms of equality with the older states,” and to relieve the taxation burden borne by Utah government.

The Sagebrush Rebellion was born out of frustration and passage of the 1976 Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA) that claimed perpetual federal ownership of the western public lands. The national government, for the first time in our nation’s history, officially abandoned the Founders ideal of equality among the states. The West cried foul! I was a proud Sagebrush Rebel then and continue to be to this day. As a result of ongoing federal

claims, Utah and other western states are little more than possessions of the national government to be dictated to by far-away landlords.

The 2012 Legislature, with an overwhelming, bipartisan major-ity, passed the Transfer of Public Lands Act. It asked two important questions. First, should the national government keep its statehood promise? Second, can we afford the transfer of ownership?

Answering the first question, the ALC (Ivory and team) and the Utah Legislature are mounting formidable political and legal battlefronts pursu-ing the statehood promise.

In the second question, a trio of Utah Universities provided a resounding “yes” as to whether or not we can afford it. According to its more than 700 page report, not only can we afford it, we can make a profit under state ownership. They went on to point out the transfer would lift the “burden of federal management that is a drag on economic growth!”

A recent PERC (Property & Environment Research Center) study reports that state managed lands in

the west generate $14.51 for every dollar spent on management of activities like timber, grazing, energy, mining and recreation. Our finan-cially broke federal counterparts generate only 73 cents for each dollar spent managing federally owned public lands. We can do better.

Rather than managing our public lands for multiple use and sustained yields benefitting the American people, federal land management policies today promote dying forests, non-use and weed infested rangelands that are the catalyst for catastrophic wildfires!

These partisan, left-wing attack groups like CfA and CREW need to be exposed for their radical, anti-American agendas. It is un-American for these radical minorities to use the courts to deny Utahns and Westerners the right to ask the question, and to get an answer to the question of equality among the states.

Thanks to the Utah Legislature, Governor Herbert and Ken Ivory for their tenacity and leadership in seek-ing an answer for all of us.

Utah State FairSeptember 10-20, 2015

“DISCOVER The Utah State Fair”

BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE!(ADULT GATE ADMISSION)

Redeem this ORIGINAL coupon at any ticket gate at the Utah State Fair to receive one free admission with the purchase of one adult gate admission. Additionally, during same transaction, bring three copies of original coupon to receive up to three more free admissions. Limit four total free admissions. Not redeemable for cash or valid with any other promotions.

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No matter the season, you can reap this benefit.To help members out and to show our appreciation, we’re extending a $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of any new 2014 Chevrolet vehicle. From Equinox to Traverse and more — a new vehicle can be exactly what a growing family needs to thrive.

1 Offer available through 4/1/17. Available on qualified 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet vehicles. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.


Summer is here! Many youth will be outside playing and having fun in the sun. Of course, this is also the time when many youth and adults will be enrolled in summer sport activities that will keep them busy and in shape. Unfortunately, more sporting activities lead to a greater opportunity for the players to receive a traumatic brain injury.

A recent publication by the National Safety Council stated, “It’s a simple concept, kids should be active. Kids should play sports. But kids should not be hit in the head.” While many have heard about the lawsuits over concussions in professional sports, athletes of all ages and playing levels can sustain concussions.

The most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than 250,000 children visited hospi-tal emergency departments in 2009 with brain injuries from sports and recreation. This staggering number led to the White House hosting a “Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit” to discuss what could be done to reduce this number.

It is important that parents of youth involved sports—or even adults who are coaching or playing sports—understand how to prevent and recognize the signs and symp-toms of a concussion. The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) created a

website at concussionchecklist.org for parents, athletes, coaches and others to evaluate sporting programs for concussion safety.

So what is a concussion? It is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth.

It is essential to understand that different sports pose different levels of risk. SLI lists some important ques-tions for parents to ask when they or their children participate in sports.

According to the CDC, you can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms can show up right after an injury, or may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury. So, parents or spouses should watch for changes in how the person who was injured is acting or feeling. Signs and symptoms to watch for are as follows:• Appears dazed or stunned• Can’t recall events prior to or after

the hit, bump, or fall• Is confused about assignment or

position• Loss of consciousness (even

briefly) • Answers questions slowly• Moves clumsily • Shows mood, behavior or person-

ality changes

Pay attention to any signs that worsen over time. Children should be seen by an emergency department if s/he has:• One pupil (the black part in the

middle of the eye) larger than the other

• A headache that get worse and does not go away

• Repeated vomiting or nausea• Slurred speech• Convulsions or seizures• Difficulty recognizing people or

places

What do you do now that you know what to look for? Seek medical attention right away, a professional that is experienced in evaluation for concussion can determine how serious it is and when it is safe to return to normal activities including physical activity and school. Then help them take the time to get better.

Finally, help them get the support they need when returning to work or school. Talk to teachers, school nurse, coach and maybe a counselor about their concussion symptoms. The individual suffering from the concussion may feel frustrated, sad and even angry because they can’t return to recreation and sports right away or they can’t keep up with their work load or school assignments. Talk often with them about these issues and offer your support.

Tackling the “Concussion Crisis” in Youth & Adult Sports

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No matter the season, you can reap this benefit.To help members out and to show our appreciation, we’re extending a $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of any new 2014 Chevrolet vehicle. From Equinox to Traverse and more — a new vehicle can be exactly what a growing family needs to thrive.

1 Offer available through 4/1/17. Available on qualified 2014 and 2015 Chevrolet vehicles. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used herein under license by General Motors.

by a.j. ferguson, vice president, farm safety, utah farm bureau federation

SAFETY & WELLNESS


We are excited to add sponsorship of the State Fair Rodeo to other Farm Bureau sponsored activities at Utah’s oldest and most attended annual event. This year’s theme “Under the Big Top” brings into focus the magic and excitement of attending our longest running celebration and what makes this The Great State of Utah!

The Farm Bureau Rodeo at the Utah State Fair is set to welcome competitors from Utah and from across the country to one of the final qualifying rodeos before the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Last year’s contestants included Utah’s own Kaycee Feild (Reigning Bareback World Champion), NFR Top 15 Finalists from Utah including bareback competitor Caleb Bennett, the saddle bronc riding Wright Brothers (Cody, Jesse and Jake) and bull rider Tim Bingham. You can expect another star-studded line-up of cowboys and cowgirls looking to add to their point totals for NFR qualifying. Stock contractor Bar-T Rodeo is no stranger to success with

many outstanding animal athletes selected to perform at the NFR.

NFR TICKET DRAWING Opening night, Thursday, September 10th will be a night loaded with fun and excitement. For the inaugural event, in addition to a great rodeo, Farm Bureau members will be given the opportunity to enter a drawing for two tickets to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas worth around $150.

FARM BUREAU TICKET DISCOUNT In addition to the 2-for-1 FairPark gate admission pricing, Farm Bureau members will receive 2-for-1 discount tickets for reserved seating at the Farm Bureau sponsored rodeo at the Utah State Fair for the first 1,000 purchases each performance (six ticket maximum purchase and based on availability). Rodeo ticket purchases also include admission to the State Fair.

JOIN US Please join us at the State Fair for other great Farm Bureau sponsored

activities including the Horse Pull Competition, Little Hands of the Farm educational activity, Baby Farm Animal & Agriculture Educational Experience, enjoy the outstanding agriculture exhibits, plants and animals, presented by FFA, 4-H and members from across the state and much, much more.

FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE FAIR Saturday, September 19th is your day! Farm Bureau Day at the Utah State Fair is an opportunity for members to support Utah Agriculture’s Showplace, rub shoulders with our city cousins and support the Dutch Oven Cook-off Competition and Utah State Fair Junior Livestock Auction.

HOPE TO SEE YOUUtah Farm Bureau President Leland Hogan invites all members and friends to join us “Under the Big Top” for fun, food, agriculture and the Farm Bureau Rodeo. Let’s help fill the arena for the 2015 Farm Bureau presents PRCA Rodeo at the Utah State Fair!

Farm Bureau Presents PRCA Rodeo at the Utah State FairUtah Farm Bureau and the Utah State Fair are announcing an expanded partnership with a sponsorship agreement for the 2015 State Fair Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association (PRCA) Rodeo. We are proud to announce the Farm Bureau presents PRCA Rodeo at the Utah State Fair. It will feature four nights of fun and action packed rodeo for Farm Bureau members and all attendees September 10–13, 2015.

FARM BUREAU NEWS


Orem—What could an unassum-ing fruit farmer possibly have in common with extreme sport athletes pushing the limits of what’s possible? How about being one and the same. Randall Ercanbrack has developed a work-ethic that is second to none and is grateful for the lessons it taught his children, but little did he know being a farmer would help him in one of the most trying experiences of his life.

Ercanbrack grew up in Orem, Utah, as the 5th-generation involved in farming and ranching. His ancestors raised livestock in the 1860s & 1870s, and sold some fruit to the stores in the mining towns in Utah and around Salt Lake City. As his family focused more on the fruit business, Randall longed to be on the farm—even after graduating with an engineering degree from Brigham Young University. But if Randall wasn’t in the orchards, it was a safe bet you could find him in the mountains.

“I was obsessed with the moun-tains as a kid. I dreamed about the mountains. It was where I went for freedom and got answers to my ques-tions,” Ercanbrack said. “My parents let me experience adventure as a kid, letting me climb Mt. Timpanogos on my own when I was a teenager—and that was in the day without cell phones! I would just tell my mom that I’d call her when I got to Sundance, to have her come pick me up.”

Though Ercanbrack loved being outdoors, it wasn’t until later in life that he cranked his passion up a notch and began ascending high glacial peaks.

“I wanted to push the limits and escape my comfort zone,” Ercanbrack said. “Climbing lets me do that.”

Ercanbrack began by regularly climbing many of the peaks around Utah, including Mt. Timpanogos, Y Mountain, and Mt. Nebo in Utah County, and others in Utah—includ-ing the state’s highest mountain,

King’s Peak. Ercanbrack then moved out to climb higher mountains, including Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier in Washington State and Mt. Whitney in California. He also traveled internationally to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Aconcagua in Argentina. The later two are part of the Seven Summits, a mountaineering feat of climbing the tallest peak of all seven continents.

During these climbing adventures, Ercanbrack also made a few visits to Mount Everest base camp with dif-ferent climbing groups. On his second visit to Everest, he brought along his adult daughter Haley. Having trained and climbed with Randall on other peaks in recent years, the base camp adventure only enticed both Ercanbracks to return and ascend to the summit of Everest.

Aside from continued physical training, Randall Ercanbrack had to prepare mentally for the rigors of the mountain. More than an extended

HIGH OCTANE CHERRY FARMER LIVES LIFE TO THE

EXTREMEBY MATT HARGREAVES, EDITOR, COUNTRYSIDE MAGAZINE


weekend adventure, climbing Mount Everest requires a 60-day commit-ment to allow for training at altitude once in Nepal. After arriving at base camp, itself at an impressive 17,598 ft. in elevation, ascending to the various camps along the route to the summit requires a series of up and down expeditions to allow climbers’ bodies to acclimate and recover.

Ercanbrack also had to make sure all was in order on the farm, because he would be returning at about the busiest time of year for cherry farm-ers getting a crop ready for harvest. With the real potential for danger on the climb, Ercanbrack also wanted to make sure all his financial affairs

were in order—should the worst come to pass.

“Farmers are so busy taking care of their farm and everyone else, that they forget to take care of the business side of things,” Ercanbrack said. “Farmers need to get trusts and estate plans ready in case something unforeseen happens—whether that’s on the farm or somewhere else.”

With his preparations taken care of, Ercanbrack left for Katmandu, and then onto the town of Lukla.

Ercanbrack and his daughter Haley were ascending Everest with an adventure company called Madison Mountaineering, which was based out of Seattle. The highly

experienced group included climb-ers from Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Norway, India and the United States. Starting out, the group spent 13 days making various ascents to places like Namche, Lhotse, and Gorkshep, until they arrived at base camp. From there, they spent an additional five or six days training on the ladders they would use on the Khumbu Icefall, to practice tech-niques needed for traversing many crevasses they could encounter on the trip.

“Up here at elevation, you want to react, not think. That’s why we trained so much,” Ercanbrack said. “You’re also doing things like check-ing your hands every hour, to make sure they haven’t frozen.”

In addition to the mountain guides, sherpas, and climbers, there were others accompanying the moun-taineering crew, including a filming crew from NBC and Eve Girawong, the Madison base camp doctor.

On April 22nd, the climbing crew left base camp to begin their first set of ‘rotations,’ which would take the crew to stops at Camp 1 and 2 before coming back to base camp a few days later. They said goodbye to those at the camp and had ascended successfully to Camp 1. Randall Ercanbrack had been climbing well, but was experiencing a few breathing challenges—but nothing he felt that was too serious.

Ercanbrack and the others left Camp 1 at about 8 am on April 25th to make a four-hour climb to Camp 2. Almost having reached their destination, Ercanbrack said he felt the ground start shaking beneath his feet. This was the beginning of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal.

“All of the sudden, the ground shook like a wave. There was lots of


noise—like bombs going off. I looked and all around, snow was coming down. It looked like a 30 ft. dust storm, but of snow,” Ercanbrack said. “Right then, I just thought ‘this is over, go hard for 5o yards.’ So I tried as hard as I could to get some cover.”

Ercanbrack remembers having about seven seconds to move and try to prepare for the impact of the ava-lanche coming his way. Ercanbrack and others drove their ice axes into the ground and braced for impact.

“The snow just covered me and I couldn’t breathe. There was just ice and snow all over,” Ercanbrack said. “I just turned into pure survival mode and was cranked full of adrenaline. I kept telling myself, ‘I’m coming home. Failure is not an option.’ I just knew I was coming home.”

After emerging from the snow cover, the crew knew they wouldn’t be summiting the mountain. For some, it was a very difficult thing to process. Without knowing the devastation that awaited below, the grief of not being able to complete something you’ve trained so hard for was devastating.

“We could see the summit from where we were,” Ercanbrack said. “But for me, being a farmer really helped me deal with the situation. As a farmer, I’ve seen weather destroy crops and faced other situations out-side my control. Being a farmer, you have to be able to deal with things like

that and remain positive. This really helped me on the mountain.”

Having dug themselves out, the crew tried to assess their situation and what to do. They were concerned about any new crevasses that could have been created from the earth-quake, but they decided to continue up to Camp 2 to communicate with their team down below. Camp 2 is the safest place on the mountain, but Ercanbrack and others had to figure a plan because their rations wouldn’t last for too long.

At Camp 2, Garrett Madison, the owner of Madison Mountaineering and the guide in charge of the ascent learned that the avalanche slammed straight into base camp—tragically killing Eve Girawong.

“Those of us up high on the mountain were lucky; those in base camp were not,” Madison said in a dispatch to those following the company’s website. “[Girawong] sup-ported us throughout the expedition, took good care of us and ensured that we were healthy throughout. We are just totally devastated that we lost her in Base Camp due to windblast from the landslide.”

Despite the safety of Camp 2, the team assessed they would need to descend to Camp 1 to have any opportunity to meet up with a rescue helicopter. At such a high elevation, the helicopters couldn’t get enough lift in order to make it down. As it

was, the specially equipped heli-copters would essentially have to free-fall momentarily to get enough speed to take off. The urgency to meet up with the helicopters was due to the worsening medical condition of Randall Ercanbrack.

“I was coughing up blood and experiencing HAPE,” Ercanbrack said.

HAPE stands for ‘High Altitude Pulmonary Edema,’ a potentially life-threatening condition of fluid building up in the lungs that only improves when climbers descend to lower elevation.

“I was on medication and still try-ing to get my 6,000 calories a day to keep up my energy,” Ercanbrack said. “My daughter really helped me keep it together. The hard part was having to leave Haley [on the mountain with the rest of the climbers] while they got me off the mountain.”

After Ercanbrack made it down, the helicopters returned to the mountain until all the climbers were taken back to base camp, and then to a hospital in the closest town.

“At base camp, it was just totally destroyed. You couldn’t even recognize it,” Ercanbrack said. “We just sat with some of the sherpas and ate the dried cherries I had brought with me.”

Having received more treatment from a respirator to get “junk” out of his lungs, Ercanbrack left the hospital

Continued on page 25

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As we enter the “dog days of summer,” farmers and ranchers throughout Utah are in full swing to bring you the best food Utah has to offer. But did you know that agri-culture contributes to many other parts of our lives—many we don’t even think about? With little—and not so little—kids hitting the baseball and softball diamonds throughout the state, have you thought about the critical role agriculture plays in baseball?

While no Major League Baseball (MLB) team calls Utah home, residents are crazy for ‘America’s Pastime,’ as evidenced by atten-dance to minor league teams in Salt Lake, Ogden, Orem and St. George, and participation in amateur leagues throughout the state. Let’s take a moment to see all the ways farmers and ranchers contribute to the ‘old ballgame.

BASEBALLSLegend has it the Ancient Romans played a game similar to what we call baseball today, with balls made from strips of animal hide wrapped around wild grasses. Today, baseballs are made from four strands of high quality wool—150 total yards! The core is then surrounded by rubber or cork from cork oak trees in Spain or Portugal. The ball is then covered

by two pieces of cowhide, stitched together with exactly 216 stitches. Lower quality baseballs have a core made of cotton yarn. One cow can provide approximately 144 baseballs!

GLOVE OR MITTThe shape of gloves can vary on posi-tion on the field and the size of the player’s hand. Gloves are also made from cowhide. One cow can provide enough materials for approximately 12 gloves.

BATSBats are made from solid pieces of wood and must be no more than 2.6

inches in diameter at its thickest point, and no more than 42 inches long. Most bats have historically been made from northern ash trees, though some have increasingly been made from maple.

Yellow pine trees in the southern U.S. have also been used to create pine tar. Pine resin is also dried and powered for use in resin bags for players.

UNIFORMSAccording to Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom, the first official baseball uniform was adopted in 1849 by the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York City. It consisted simply of a flannel shirt, blue wool pants, and a straw hat. Hats were later fashioned out of Merino wool, which is a high-quality wool. Today, baseball uniforms are cotton-based, with most U.S. cotton grown in the southern states. Cotton is an excellent natural fiber that keeps players cool.

SOILVarious soil and mineral types from around the country are used in many elements of baseball, including limestone chalk used for baselines, clay used to build up pitching mounds, and a special mud used to rough up baseballs before they are used. Soil from central

Take Me Out to the ‘Farm’ Game!by matt hargreaves, editor, countryside magazine

While not on the mind when you first see a batter hit a screaming drive down the third base line, agriculture is clearly front-and-center in the game of baseball and many other sports.


Utah has also been rumored to find its way into MLB stadiums.

TURF GRASSWhile artificial turf is used in some stadiums, nothing quite has the feel of traditional baseball than playing on turf grass. Most fields include a mixture of Kentucky Blue grass, rye, fescue, and other grasses.

In addition to the traditional ways you may see agriculture at the ballpark—eating things like hotdogs & hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, sunflower seeds, beverages, etc.—agriculture processing has been used to create other items used by players, including vitamins and pharmaceuticals, bandages, and the printing of programs.

While not on the mind when you first see a batter hit a screaming drive down the third base line, agri-culture is clearly front-and-center in the game of baseball and many other sports. Just one more reason we have to thank a farmer or rancher the next time you see them. Play ball!

Sources for the story include ‘Baseball Needs Agriculture’ by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom, ‘Agriculture in Sports’ by Oklahoma Agriculture in the Classroom, and The Baseball Charm by XX.


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Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification is quickly becoming a standard third party designation for produce farmers of fruits and vegetables all over the country. There are many different GAP cer-tifications, but most in Utah choose to use Global GAP, which is used by large food buyers, including as Sysco and Wal-Mart. Though this is not a government required certifica-tion, many stores and food buyers are now limiting their purchases to farmers that are GAP certified. Kroger Company (supplier of Smith’s grocery stores) and Associated Foods being among the most recent to require the certification.

CONSUMER BENEFITSGAP certification is voluntary program that was created to help reduce contamination risks associ-ated with growing food. Many of the requirements of GAP align with Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations, but the third party cer-tification includes aspects outside of government regulation.

These extra efforts made by the farmer help to limit contamination risks. However, because farming happens in nature—which is an uncontrollable force—some things are out of the farmer’s hands. In the

instance where there is a food safety concern, having better traceability on their products makes it easier to determine which farm is in question and exactly where on the farm the problem originated. This will help prevent breakouts of foodborne illnesses including E. Coli, listeria, and salmonella.

“GAP gives consumers additional assurance that the food that they buy is being grown in the safest manner possible,” said Shawn Olsen, Utah State University Extension professor of agriculture.

Some of the ways GAP helps reduce the risk of contamination include; water testing systems, wildlife monitoring, rodent control systems, large equipment training, proper sanitation stations, keeping detailed records, and training for all employees on sanitation and food handling. These are just a few of the things that farms that choose to be GAP certified are audited on yearly.

“I like to think of it in the case of a restaurant,” said Jeremy East, a produce farmer in Davis County. “You wouldn’t hire a cook or a server to work in your establishment if they hadn’t received their food handlers permit. The same goes for food pro-ducers. You want to ensure that you and your employees have had the

proper training before they handle the food that is grown on your farm.”

IMPACTS ON FARMERSEach grower who becomes certified reduces their farm’s risk of contami-nation and spreading of foodborne illness, which in turn lowers the chances of an outbreak that could affect farmers all over the country, according to North Carolina State University Extension.

Many Utah farmers already implement many of the require-ments that would qualify them to be GAP certified and are proud to provide consumers with safe, healthy products. But by obtaining this certification, they have a way to monitor themselves and have a set standard to follow.

“Most [farmers] are already handling their products in a safe man-ner,” East said. “Getting GAP certified allows them to ensure they are using the safest practices and that their employees are receiving proper food handling training as well.”

Because of this, more and more of the farmers in Utah are willing to obtain this designation, but have been running into challenges due to few resources in the state to help in the certification process.

Utah State University Extension has begun providing materials and

Farmers Bridging the GAPby bailee woolstenhulme, communications intern, utah farm bureau federation

Food safety is an ever-growing concern among consumers. Although the U.S. has one of the safest food systems in the world, farmers are address-ing these concerns by going above and beyond government standards of food safety by getting a voluntary third party certification.


opportunities for Utah farmers to get information on how to become GAP certified. Most recently, USU Extension offered an educational workshop on April 6 and a tour of Jeremy East’s produce farm, which is GAP certified, on June 6. These tours and workshops gave farmers ideas of what it takes to get certified.

USU also has materials for farms that aren’t sure if they are ready to be certified or can’t afford the costs of an audit, to do a self-audit, which is encouraged by the university for all farms, large or small.

“Regardless of size, I think that every farmer should at least com-plete a self-audit of their farm,” said Olsen. “It allows them to evaluate themselves and help them create a farm safety plan that will help them in the long run.”

The process to get certi-fied can be stressful, costly, and

time-consuming. The average cost of an audit can range anywhere from $300–$500 and because there are limited auditors in Utah (UDAF does not currently have many resources for certification), many of these farmers have to pay for the travel and accommodations for auditors to come in from other states.

For a single farm to cover the costs of this—especially small farms—it can be stifling. However, most farmers who are able to get GAP certified say that the benefits of the program outweigh the costs.

“It has been worth it for us,” East said. “It has opened doors for us to large food buyers that [farmers] in larger states such as California normally work with.”

Though there may be some walls to climb, farms of any size can par-ticipate in GAP to help their farms grow. The program can be adjusted

according to a farm’s needs, rang-ing from just the essentials needed to receive the certification to an extravagant updated plan, according to East.

“I would say that more that 50 percent of Utah farmers are happy with the program and either are or want to become certified,” said A.J. Ferguson, Utah Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Farm Safety. “Though it can be extremely costly, most farmers are glad they are certified and wish they had done it sooner.”

The federal government has no plans to make GAP a requirement in all states, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Choosing to participate will be up to the food retailers and farmers, furthering the array of choices American consumers have when it comes to their food purchases.


The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) Board of Directors voted recently to add a new statewide committee to oversee promotional activities in Utah. The newly created Ag-Promotions Committee was created to help bridge the information gap between farmers, ranchers and consum-ers who directly benefit from agriculture.

UFBF took the action after carefully evaluating various avenues and exploring a number of dynamics related to promotional and edu-cational activities currently being conducted through both the Farm Bureau Women’s and Young Farmers and Ranchers programs.

The formation of the commit-tee was in response to a growing movement that the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has been a part of for some time. In late 2014 AFBF formed a similar national committee named the AFBF Promotion and Education Committee or “P&E” Committee. Several months ago the UFBF Board formed an exploratory ad hoc committee made up of various state board members, county presidents and state staff to assemble informa-tion and perspectives on the matter.

The committee gathered infor-mation and perspectives from across

the country and looked at what other state Farm Bureaus are currently undertaking. That information was balanced with the changing needs and current programs that UFBF is currently using to fulfill its mission. The exploratory committee wrestled with the matter and ultimately decided something unique and dif-ferent was needed.

Many of the details of the com-mittee are still in the works, but promoting present-day agriculture and presenting accurate information is the main theme and assignment of the new committee. Since its inception in 1916, Utah Farm Bureau has always been in the promotion

business. Most, if not all, of the current activities UFBF is involved with are promotion and education based. However, time is changing how consumers view agriculture and the technology used to grow our food. This new committee will focus on events and activities that will help consumers better understand the truths and realities of producing food in our modern, global world.

All of us can benefit from a greater understanding of the what’s, how’s and where’s about our food, yet it can be challenging in today’s complex media world. Food blog-gers, celebrity chefs, and cooking competitions have become popular

Farm Bureau Adds New Promotion Committeeby david bailey, vice president organization, utah farm bureau federation


and often impact what people think about their food. Farmers and ranch-ers are also striving to make their voices heard.

Consumers want to learn and understand what is happening in our agricultural world. They are more interested than ever to connect with their food source. Unfortunately emotion often times trumps science and misinformation can spread like wildfire.

Bringing some balance into the conversation on food is one of the goals of Leland Hogan, President of the Utah Farm Bureau.

“One of the main goals of forming a new committee that promotes agriculture is to make certain con-sumers are getting accurate, science based information,” Hogan said. “This information will help them make well-informed decisions about feeding their families.”

The new Ag Promotions commit-tee will coordinate closely with the Farm Bureau Women’s and YF&R committees to help facilitate and car-ryout meaningful events and activities that promote agriculture. The mission

of all three committees are closely aligned and will be a tremendous strength as they work together to increase awareness of agriculture.

The dynamics of each county are unique and the challenges of pro-moting agriculture vary within each county. Currently, Weber County Farm Bureau is the only county in the state to form a Promotions specific committee on the county level. Each county board can decide if a Promotions committee is needed in their own county.

Having a UFBF sponsored state Promotions committee will give counties more resources and direction about promotional type of activities. Hopefully it will lead to new and impactful ways of reach-ing consumers and telling Utah’s agricultural story. The UFBF board expects the new committee to officially be in place by late 2015. More details about the dynamics of the new committee will become available as we approach the annual meeting in November.

There are currently nine other states across the country that have

statewide Promotional type com-mittees. AFBF expects that list to grow as other states learn about the national committee and get more involved with the changing dynamics of our information age.

“People today are more inter-ested than ever in where their food comes from, said Bob Stallman, AFBF President. “The members of the national Promotion & Education Committee will fill an important role in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers by providing tools and resources to other Farm Bureau members who are eager to help share agriculture’s story.”

This past February AFBF hosted the first ever ‘FUSION’ Conference that brought together the Women’s, YF&R and Promotion committees under one roof. The conference was a great success and AFBF will host this type of conference every other year going forward. This will provide valuable training and net-working opportunities for attendees as they gain skills and knowledge about how to become better at promoting agriculture.


The second article focused on a powder-based meal replacer called Soylent. When mixed with water, this “nutritional drink” is supposed to provide a perfect balance of all of the nutrients that you need in a meal. It’s marketed as a simple, healthy, and affordable alternative to food—something that’s hassle-free and good for anyone who doesn’t want to bother with meal planning or food preparation. The central question of this article was essentially this: Is

food just fuel? Is it something that only provides energy and nutrients? Or, is there something about real food and an actual eating experience that can’t be replaced by a dietary supplement or product?

I sometimes meet people who want really specific meal plans or a

“prescription” of exactly what they should eat. I know people who fear food. I know people who blame food. And I know people who feel guilty or apologetic whenever they eat food.

To them, food is an enemy. I agree that personal discipline and reason-able restraint is a commendable quality when it comes to eating. I also believe that there are situations when it can be advantageous to think of food as fuel only or even as medicine. And yet, I sincerely hope that there’s an element of enjoyment, pleasure, delight, and appreciation that accom-panies the vast majority of your food choices and eating experiences.

Is Food Just Fuel?by marlene (israelsen) graf, ms, rd. clinical assistant professor, nutrition, dietetics, and food sciences department, utah state university

I recently read two articles that struck me. One was published in TIME magazine (March 2015) and titled, “The 50 Healthiest Foods of All Time.” As I looked through the list and viewed the accompany-ing pictures and recipes, I was impressed by the vast and beautiful spectrum of color, taste, and functionality of foods on that list. It was a reminder to me that all foods have their virtues—and yet, no one food has it all.


In the interest of time and in honor of “real food,”—here are a few fun facts of 10 personal favorites on the list of “50 Healthies Foods of All Time.” Keep in mind that this is only a partial list. Perhaps we’ll explore more foods on that list in a future article.

AVOCADOS• There are more than 500 varieties

of avocados in the world. Avocado trees do not self-pollinate. They need another avocado tree close by to bear fruit. Avocados will ripen more quickly with a banana or apple close by and/or in a brown paper bag.

• Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, folic acid, and protein. You can swap avocados for butter in baked good recipes and their texture makes them one of the first fresh foods a baby can enjoy.

BLUEBERRIES• Blueberries are one of the only

natural foods that are truly blue in color and the United States is the world’s largest producer of them. They grow best in acidic soil with a pH of 4 to 5 and make a good container plant.

• Blueberries are especially rich in antioxidants and may help protect vision, lower blood sugar levels, and keep the mind sharp by improving memory and cognition.

CAULIFLOWER• Cauliflower is typically white

but may also be purple, green, or orange. Cauliflower that is stored in a bag in the fridge will stay good for up to a week. The stem and leaves are edible and can be added to soup stocks.

• Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate,

and fiber. It contains compounds that appear to stop enzymes from activating cancer-causing agents in the body and seems to also increase the liver’s ability to neutralize potentially toxic substances.

EGGS• To determine if an egg is fresh

or hard-boiled, just spin it. If it wobbles, it’s fresh. If it spins easily, it’s hard-boiled. A fresh egg will sink in water. A stale egg will float. The color of an eggshell does not affect its nutritional value, quality, flavor, or cooking characteristics. Hens that lay brown eggs have red feathers and red ear lobes, are usually larger, and require more feed. Thus, brown eggs typically cost more than white eggs.

• Eggs are a great source of protein and contain several vitamins and minerals. Egg yolks are one of the few food sources of vitamin D and choline. Eggs also have a compound called lutein, which supports vision and appears to help prevent age-related cataracts. The cholesterol in eggs doesn’t appear to have much of an effect on blood cholesterol (as we once believed).

GREEK YOGURT• Conventional yogurt is an excel-

lent source of calcium, potassium and protein, but the Greek varieties have double the protein, half the sodium and half the carbohydrates of regular yogurt. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei are often added to yogurt, increasing healthy gut bacteria and improving immunity.

• Greek yogurt is a good substitute for whole milk in pancakes and muffins. Since yogurt is more acidic than milk, it blocks the action of the

baking powder—making the final product denser and chewier. After baking, instead of topping cupcakes with whip cream, try using Greek yogurt instead.

MUSHROOMS• Mushrooms are actually fungi

and, unlike plants, don’t require sunlight to provide energy for themselves. China is the largest producer of edible mushrooms—producing about half of the world’s supply.

• Mushrooms are rich in nutrients and flavorful. They are an excel-lent source of vitamin D and also contain zinc, magnesium, ribo-flavin, and potassium. In Eastern cultures, mushrooms are often used for medicinal purposes.

POULTRY• Most people believe that white

meat is a healthier choice than dark meat when it comes to poultry—but that’s not necessarily the case. While white meat is still a good protein choice, keep in mind that fat in dark meat contains a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK is also made in our liver and dispensed by the gall-bladder when fat enters our small intestine. The CCK in dark meat helps promotes satiety and fullness.

• Dark meat also has more B vitamins than white meat and is rich in taurine. Some studies suggest that taurine can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women and it may also help protect against diabetes and high blood pressure.

If your diet already includes all of the foods on this list, then good job. If not, I’d encourage you to select at least one to learn more about and experiment with. I’ve discovered

Continued on page 25


Farmers and ranchers are citi-zens first. Only secondly are they farmers and ranchers. They share the same concerns that all other citizens have about infrastructure, health services, education and the numerous other issues that are not peculiar to farming and ranching. Rural Utah is more than just agricul-ture, of course. As in the beginning, agriculture remains the backbone of rural Utah’s economy. Though it is the most basic of industries, and in many ways the most important, there is perhaps no industry is so taken for granted as agriculture.

Locally based ranching interests are critical to rural communities. Agriculture and related industries are the catalyst for more than 80,000 Utah jobs. Utah’s food and agricul-ture industry generates more than $17 billion in economic activity and is the catalyst for 14 percent of Utah’s Gross State Product.

Livestock production is the back-bone of Utah’s agriculture industry, contributing more than 70 percent of our state’s $1.7 billion in farm gate sales. These contributions, and its economic ripple effect, are signifi-cant in rural Utah. Utah’s 45 million acres of grazing rangelands are heavily dominated by government ownership with only eight million privately held acres. For Utah’s live-stock industry to thrive and continue

making major contributions to Utah’s economy—especially rural communities—management of the “common lands” must focus greater attention on historic cattle and sheep production in this area.

Perhaps no single issue more seriously threatens public land graz-ing than proposed designations of wilderness areas, national parks and monuments. Utah is home to 18 col-orful National Parks and Monuments and 33 different Wilderness Areas. The opposition of the livestock industry to wilderness is not a mindless, bull-headed obstinacy. It is based on the simple reasoning that restriction of access, elimina-tion of opportunity for vegetative management and severe restriction on predator and weed control will simply make it uneconomic to continue to livestock grazing long term in wilderness areas, despite what laws state. You cannot repeal the laws of economics.

Seasoned BLM and Forest Service managers have warned of it and experience in other parts of the West where wilderness has been around for a time has proven a steady decline in livestock graz-ing. Local and county government officials are not blind to these facts. They can see their already thin tax base eroding even further.

Study after study illustrates that tourism is not enhanced by wilder-ness designation. Common sense supports that contention. The basic purpose of wilderness designation is to restrict access. We cannot afford to trade an industry so basic as agriculture for wilderness use, particularly when a wilderness man-agement model will clearly not bring economic development to the state. Why change when existing manage-ment models adequately protect the resources we have?

Agriculture is more than working farms and ranches, rural character and scenic vistas. Sustainable agriculture is foundational to Utah’s economy and our standard of living. Utah’s local, county and state elected officials can give greater recognition to agriculture as one of the most important economic generators in the entire state. Continued strong positions of support and advocacy by all state agencies for multiple use of public land and a defense of the graz-ing of domestic livestock to harvest the renewable resource and provide an economic base for rural com-munities is needed. More vigorous promotion of Utah-produced agri-cultural products will yield increased market opportunities and sustainable farm and ranch businesses.

Protecting the Viability of Utah Agricultureby sterling c. brown, vice president, public policy, utah farm bureau federation

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS


that the more you understand some-thing, the less you fear it. Challenge yourself. I’m confident that you can find creative and practical ways to incorporate new nutrient-rich foods into your current lifestyle.

Marlene Israelsen Graf is a registered dietitian and clinical assistant profes-sor in the Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Department at Utah State University. She’s also worked as a clinical dietitian and as a Family

Consumer Science Agent for the USU Extension Program. She grew up on a farm in a small community in Cache Valley and is thankful for her Ag roots. She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

to look at the destruction in town. When he and Haley finally reunited, an immense sense of relief took over. At the same time, grief continued to wash over the Ercanbracks for the loss of their friend, Dr. Girawong. Randall also had a sense of relief; for listening to a feeling he had. Randall had planned for his wife to be at base camp with the doctor until he had an uncomfortable feeling about it a few weeks before they were supposed to leave and cancelled the plans.

Having descended from the mountain and finding devastation

and chaos in the cities of Nepal, the Ercanbracks eventually found their way back to the U.S. They were reunited shortly after returning home as NBC Dateline flew Randall to Phoenix so he and Haley (who lives in Arizona) could be interviewed by the program in an attempt to promote a humanitarian mission back in Nepal.

“I’m coming back to Nepal,” Ercanbrack said. “Whether I climb the highest mountain or not, I’m com-ing back to help the people.”

Despite the tragedy of the earthquake and avalanche on Everest,

Ercanbrack feels living life to the fullest is the only way for him.

“Dying takes care of itself, living takes energy,” Ercanbrack said. “You need to live life without fear.”

With Randall and Haley having returned to the U.S. and re-entered their normal routines of life, they and Madison Mountaineering continue to prepare for ways to give back to the humanitarian effort in Nepal. Those interested in helping can do so at internationalmedicalcorps.org/eve.

“High Octane Cherry Farmer Lives Life to the Extreme,” continued from page 12

“Is Food Just Fuel?,” continued from page 23

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Presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit, and the Utah Cattlemen’s Association

L e o p o l d C o n s e r v a t i o n Aw a r d

In his influential book, A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. The development of a land ethic was, he wrote, “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.” A land ethic is alive and well today in the thousands of American farmers, ranchers, and foresters who do well by their land and do well for their land.

Sand County Foundation proudly presents its Leopold Conservation Award to a private landowner who exemplifies the spirit of a land ethic — an individual or a family committed to enhancing the natural resources that are in their care.

In Utah, Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit, and the Utah Cattlemen’s Association. The Leopold Conservation Award winner receives an Aldo Leopold crystal and $10,000.

Leopold Conservation Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation, inspire other landowners through their example, and help the general public understand the vital role private landowners can and do play in conservation success.

2014 recipientJohnson Family

Johnson Mountain Ranch LLC

Call for ApplicationsUtah 2015

131 WEST WILSON STREET | SUITE 610 | MADISON, WI 53703 | (608) 663-4605 | WWW.SANDCOUNTY.NET

L e o p o l d C o n s e r v a t i o n Aw a r d

2015 Call for Applications

Application Deadline: August 3, 2015For further information, please see the Leopold Conservation Award website:

www.leopoldconservationaward.org

National Program Sponsors:

The Utah award is sponsored by:

ApplicationsIf you, or someone you know, is a Utah landowner who is committed to land management practices that increase conservation, we invite your application for the Leopold Conservation Award.

Please provide the following information:Nominee: Name, address, phone, email, website, type of agricultural operationNominator (if different): Name, address, phone, email

Each response must be clearly numbered and limited to 1,000 words. Nominations must be typed on 8 ½ X 11 inch paper. Please paper clip/binder clip (do not staple) your document, for copying purposes. If you wish, include supporting materials (news clippings, photos, maps, etc.) Do not send DVDs or videos. Please indicate if you would like the materials returned.

Where applicable, indicate the local, state and federal agencies and partner organizations involved with the nominee’s conservation practices.1. Conservation Ethic – Describe how the nominee has voluntarily exceeded the minimum

obligations of regulation and general agricultural practices to enhance and conserve natural resources.

2. Ecological Community – Describe how the nominee’s agricultural operation works with natural systems (soil, water, plants & wildlife, etc.). Describe how this benefits others.

3. Innovation & Adaptability – Describe how the nominee has overcome business or conservation obstacles by utilizing or experimenting with new techniques to adapt to changing demands and threats (consumers, markets, weather, regulations, etc.).

4. Resilience – Describe the business and conservation methods used by the nominee to maintain healthy land and ensure the operation remains productive into the future.

5. Leadership and Communication – Describe significant efforts the nominee has made to share his/her conservation ethics and techniques with others inside and outside of agriculture. Describe community service, positions held, leadership roles and media outreach.

6. Additional information. Describe any other relevant accomplishments and/or challenges.7. Attach three letters of recommendation. At least one should be from a natural resources

conservation organization or agency.

Please sign and submit the following statements with the application.1. I agree to be a nominee for the Leopold Conservation Award.2. I manage and/or own the property described in this application.3. The agricultural operation described in this application is in compliance with all applicable

regulations, and provides a positive example of environmental stewardship.4. I understand I may be asked to be available for communications/media opportunities to

promote the message of voluntary private lands conservation.5. I understand a video may be produced featuring my agricultural operation, which will require

my participation.

All materials must be mailed to:Leopold Conservation Awardc/o Utah Farm Bureau Federation 9865 S. State StreetSandy, UT 84070

Producers Livestock Marketing

The Nature Conservancy

USDA NRCS

Utah Farm Bureau Federation


For many of us, the thrill of shaving a few dollars off the grocery bill, finding a gas pump with the least expensive gas or getting ‘two-for-one’ deals is all part of a day’s work. But for others, the excitement just isn’t there. In fact, studies indicate that only about 20 to 30 percent of con-sumers use coupons. (Lu, Moorthy, 2007) No matter where you fall on the spectrum of interest in “finding a deal,” here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to cutting your costs—whether through rebates,

coupons or other promotions.

1. Find a system of organizing and managing the coupons or rebates you find. This may mean setting up file folders, using a small accordion file to carry with you or setting up notifications on your smart phone. No matter what method you use, the main thing to remember is that you have the coupons. Both time and money will be lost if you don’t use them.

2. Use multiple sources (including apps) that will help you in the process. There are many websites that have collectively pooled promotions, rebates and coupons for your local area, and for many different kinds of savings. While it is true that it may take you a few hours to become familiar with options available to you, it can mean hundreds of dollars in savings a year when you use them. You can even sign up for daily alerts on many websites.

3. Categorize your coupons and rebates according to your living expenses including food, personal care and grooming, entertainment, eating out, car maintenance, etc. This method helps keep coupons and rebates more organized for your refunds according to spending catego-ries, instead of having them all mixed in together. After they are organized by spending category, you can then organize them by expiration dates.

4. Prioritize your anticipated needs. As an example, I know it is about time for me to have my tires rotated, plus I need an oil change. This is something that needs to be done; I know it’s coming, so I start a few weeks ahead looking for deals or promotions from various auto/tire companies for upcoming offerings. It really isn’t much of a sale, even with a coupon, if you don’t need it, or if it isn’t something you would normally use. If you already have a year’s supply of shampoo, don’t bother with the coupons on shampoo…unless we are talking

“free.” Then it becomes a matter of space and managing the items, which is especially critical on items that have expiration dates or that don’t store well for long periods of time.

5. Stack coupons. There is no sense in paying full price for items and using a coupon because you just

won’t save as much as you could if you doubled things up. So instead, buy items on sale and add value to that sale by using one or more coupons (especially a store coupon with a manufacturer’s coupon) if you can double stack.

6. Know when a deal is a deal. This means knowing average price points, deal prices and “stock up” prices (which means these are rock bottom prices). There are many times when a sale is not really a deal. With a little effort and time, you will come to know the price of things you normally buy. Keep a notebook log, if needed.

7. Learn the lingo and policies associ-ated with coupons and rebates. It pays to spend some time learning the acronyms and terminology. BOGO (Buy One Get One) is a simple one, but there are many others. Know what stores price match. Know what stores do not offer rainchecks on things. All of this, and much more, is important in getting the best deal possible.

Learning how to play the game of coupons and rebates extends to so many more aspects of our spending than just the grocery store. It is amazing how much money can be saved in our overall budget with just a bit of time invested up front.

ReferencesLu, Q., and Moorthy, S (2007). Coupons Versus Rebates. Marketing Science, Vol. 26, No. 1.

Cutting Costs with Coupons & Rebatesby teresa hunsaker, family and consumer science educator, utah state university extension, weber county

MONEY MATTERS

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I’m closin’ in on sixty with a vengeance, Mister Jim,

And I wouldn’t ask no favors if I weren’t out on a limb

But is seems like no one’s hirin’? Cowboyin’s all I know

And I worked for you a couple times, the last, not long ago.

It’s been ten years? Oh, really? Well . . . I run into Buster Cole

And he said you might be lookin’ so I gathered up my roll

And bummed a ride off Buster. That’s him a’waitin’ in the car.

I could go back to Brawley, but that seems so dadgum far!

Yeah, I know I quit ya last time but the winter froze me out.

My knees were always achin.’ Think I had a touch of gout

But now I’m sound and solid as horseshoe, Mister Jim.

You’ve got the place fixed up real nice, all lookin’ neat and trim.

You painted the ol’ bunkhouse! Man, I really liked it there.

Do ya still have Peg and Molly? Now, they were quite a pair.

They could drag that big ol’ hay sled through the snow just like a plow!

Oh, she did? I’m really sorry. Guess ya feed with tractors now.

Ain’t that Rocket! Good a young horse as I started anywheres.

Who’s ridin’ all yer green stuff? Oh, you sold off all yer mares?

If ya wanted we could git a couple yearlin’s, split the cost.

I’d be more than glad to . . . oh, sure. I just thought . . . Well, yer the boss,

But you still work cows a’horseback ‘cause there ain’t no other way

And fer that you need a cowboy, even one that’s turnin’ gray,

And I’m yer man! You know me! You don’t need my resume,

Can ya put me in the bunkhouse, Mister Jim, whataya say?

A baler? Not on purpose . . . Me, I’ve always chased a cow.

Well, I ’preciate the offer but I think I’ll pass for now.

Give my best to your good missus. Yer divorced? The heck you are?

I guess things are tough all over, C’mon Buster, start the car!

www.baxterblack.com

Prideby baxter black, dvm

dairyutnv.comthecowlocale.com

ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE

FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

MEMBERSHIPADVANTAGE

SAN DIEGO ZOO & WILD ANIMAL PARK $43/adult and $33/child (ages 3-11). A separate ticket is needed for each venue. (Members must order at http://www.utahfarmbureau.org/apps/benefit/)

CHOICE HOTELS: Members receive a 20% discount off the

rack rates of these participating hotels worldwide. Remember

to give your Utah Farm Bureau ID along with your Choice

Privileges member # to receive your discount while earning

Choice Privileges points! Discount subject to availability at participating hotels and is not for use in

conjunction with any other discount offer or promotional rate. Advance reservations

are required through 1-800-258-2847 or at choicehotels.com.

BEES VOUCHERS: Only $10.00! Redeem your voucher at the

Bees ticket window for the best seat available in the stadium,

excluding Diamond Seating.Minimum savings: $7.00 per ticket. Vouchers are not valid on July 4 or July 24.

Great for a family night outing—won’t break the bank! Call 801-233-3010 to

purchase your vouchers. Visa or MasterCard accepted.

DAYS OF ’47 CELEBRATION RODEO: America’s original

extreme sport! The Days of ’47 Rodeo is traditionally Utah’s

largest rodeo, drawing world champion cowboys, cowgirls and

rough stock. Members save $4.00 per ticket. Tickets can be ordered by calling Caleb Caputo at 801-325-7214.

LAGOONSeason Passes: $106.45, includes tax, regardless of number purchased. Purchase less than 4 at Lagoon for $117.10 each.Single Day Passport: $39.94, includes tax. Ticket window price, including tax, is $53.20. Farm Bureau members save $13.26 per ticket.

SEVEN PEAKS$33.00 Pass of All Passes AVAILABLE NOW! Day passes are $15.50 (regular price $24.99)$43/adult and $33/child (ages 3-11). A sepa-rate ticket is needed for each venue. (Members must order at http://www.utahfarmbureau.org/apps/benefit/)

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS–HOLLYWOOD$84 for 3 days! All Visits must be com-pleted by 3/18/16. Save $11 off single day admission and get TWO days FREE! (Blackout dates apply. Members must order at http://www.utahfarmbureau.org/apps/benefit/)

LEGOLAND–CALIFORNIA$71/adult (2nd day free) Regular price is $85 for ages 13+• $66/child (2nd day free) Regular price is $79 • FREE for children 3 and under. (Includes water park and aquarium. LEGOLAND and Water Park must be visited on the same day. All visits must occur before Dec. 31, 2015. Members must order at http://www.utahfarmbureau.org/apps/benefit/)

SEA WORLD–CALIFORNIA$53/guest with 2nd day free. Regular pric-ing is $89 for ages 10+ and $83 for 3+

Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine

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Transcript of Utah Farm Bureau Countryside Magazine