SPARKS, NV, December 29, 2011 – Nevada Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers donated $3,860.00 to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. The donation was made through the organization’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Harvest for All project.

The Young Farmers & Ranchers Harvest for All project was started with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Program forming a partnership and working with Feeding America to help feed the millions of Americans who face hunger.

Nevada Farm Bureau is a general farm organization, which serves as an advocate for farm and ranch families. The money raised for the Food Bank came from donations by Nevada Farm Bureau members. Many Nevada Farm Bureau members give an additional $5 to their annual Farm Bureau membership to support the Harvest for All project.

Denny Martindale, Major Gift Program Director, said the money would provide over 15,000 meals. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada serves over 45,000 people per month and their service area covers over 80,000 square miles. Martindale said, “The contributions made through Nevada Farm Bureau and the growers of our state will help provide over 15,000 meals for the folks in our community. It’s because of the thoughts and importance of these folks that they’re able to do this and really help out in a great way for which we are very, very grateful.”

Nevada Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Doug Busselman said, “We are so excited to be able to donate this money to the Food Bank. There are a lot of people in Northern Nevada that are in need of food, especially during the holiday season. We thank our members for their generous donations.”

With the decision for continuance (which we support and appreciate) Nevada Farm Bureau would still like to stress our organization's opposition to the change of zoning for the 104 acre tract of land on the Main Station Agricultural Research facility.

We want to point out that our opposition is not related to the meat processing facility.

Our opposition is based on the change of agricultural use of our Land Grant University's mission for agricultural research. We will continue to press our point of opposition in whatever future venues that are available, based on the need to maintain agricultural research and education on the Main Station farm.

We don't consider the concept of property value increasing by enhancing zoning status to commercial levels for this property having the same context as private property. These facilities are public resources for agricultural research and education.

As the parties involved in the appeal process work through their agreements, we would recommend that future public meetings are held to share any arrangements that are achieved. We appreciate the idea by Councilwoman Sferrazza to encourage public, townhall type meetings. This would allow for a clearer understanding of the details to be evaluated for potential zoning changes in the future.

SPARKS, NV, December 1, 2011 – Irene Barlow, of Logandale, won the Nevada Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The discussion meet took place at the 2011 Nevada Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Fallon, NV, on November 18, 2011.

The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges look for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

This year’s competitors discussed topics on current and proposed Renewable Energy policies; how farmers and ranchers can convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care; have farmers and ranchers effectively used social media and what strategies can be implemented to expand their usage of social media; how can farmers and ranchers capitalize on the growing world demand for agricultural products; and what role should agriculture play in addressing health and obesity issues.

Barlow currently is the Clark County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Chair. After winning the competition she said, “This was the first year I have competed in the Discussion Meet. It was a truly fun and rewarding experience. You really have to keep on your toes and think quickly.”

For winning the competition, Barlow received $500 and the opportunity to represent Nevada Farm Bureau at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, which takes places January 8-11, 2012.

At the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting, Barlow will be competing against other Discussion Meet winners from across the nation. The winner of the Discussion Meet will have the choice to take home a 2012 GMC Sierra or 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.