Arizona Agriculture: The Arizona Dairy Industry Returns from the Precipice to Lead the State's Farming Commodities!

Last fall, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service came out with its 2010 Arizona Agricultural Statistics. Full of a wealth of statistical information on Arizona’s 2010 year in agriculture, it highlights our major agriculture commodities. While cattle took the leader board in 2009, Arizona Dairy is listed at the top of the heap for 2010 with $658 million in cash receipts alone (cattle was $638 million for 2010).
 
This is quite a feat considering that just a few years ago the dairy industry was in the throes of some very tough economic times. While some of the dairy crisis at the time was connected with the world financial meltdown, much of it was also attributed to lost global market in key areas, for example, dry milk.
 


Third-generation dairy farmer Wes Kerr talks about how they care for their animals and herd genetics.

Drive a Commercial Vehicle? Cell Phone Use has been Banned

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) ban on hand held cellular phones took effect Jan. 3, 2012.  Drivers operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) (10,000 lbs GVWR or more) in interstate commerce  and drivers transporting hazardous materials who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a CMV for multiple offenses.

Our 2012 Legislative Session: Predicted to be Short, But Still Significant

By Arizona Farm Bureau President Kevin Rogers
Arizona Farm Bureau’s Government Relations team is preparing for a new legislative session at the State Capitol. 2012 is a presidential election year and all 90 of our state senators and representatives are up for re-election – considering many are running with new constituencies due to re-districting, we anticipate a short session.
 

Curious About the Farm and Ranch Perspective of the GOP Candidates?

 
If you want a quick view of the Republican candidates' take on American agriculture, Harvest Public Media has put together a comprehensive overview. In a Harvest Public Media article, writer Jeremy Brown said, “Whoever wins, the 2012 presidential election is sure to change the country, and the farm.” In the article, the publication breaks down each GOP candidate’s stance into five areas: the farm bill, biofuels, agriculture and the environment, the future of farming and broader global issues that concern farmers.

Continuing to take the Contrarian's Path from National, Arizona Food Prices are Up 1 Percent from Last Quarter

Arizona retail food prices at the supermarket are up slightly in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the latest Arizona Farm Bureau Federation Market Basket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 basic grocery items was $51.39, up 68 cents or about 1% above the third quarter of 2011. Comparatively, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national survey was $49.23, down $3.89 or 7% lower compared to the third quarter of 2011.

Protecting Agriculture in Arizona: Where Have all the Arizona Apples Gone?!

One man can change things ... for good or ill. Fortunately, in the agriculture industry, there's more good that's done. And while one man helped devestate the Apple industry in Arizona, another man and his farm is helping bring it back.

Food Production: The Facts and Faces of Arizona's Farmers and Ranchers

Recently, Arizona farmers and ranchers came out in force to present their stories on how they raise healthy and productive animals for Americans in a caring and sustainable way. Since we recorded their presentations, you can view what they said on YouTube. Select link below to view the video clips.

Pictured in photo nearby: From left to right: Jim Boyle, Sharla Mortimer, Bas Aja, Glenn Hickman and Donald Davidson. Julie Murphree kneeling in the forefront.

Arizona Agriculture: Helping Arizona Families Stretch Their Food Dollar with Fill Your Plate!

Launched in 2007, Arizona Farm Bureau's Fill Your Plate helps create a common bond between Arizona farmers and ranchers and Arizona families by offering valuable information about Arizona agriculture, food and managing their food budgets. In fact, it's one way we're building community! Fill Your Plate provides chefs and Arizonans with an opportunity to find and purchase locally grown food and along the way make friends with Farmer John, Bill and Betty. Here, TV3 Tells our story!

Arizona Ag Women on the Jan D'Atri Show!

Arizona Farm Bureau's "AZ Ag Women" were on the Jan D'Atri radio show recently. This time the focus was on Arizona agriculture women and Food Check Out Week. They were a hit. Jan's listeners said they never knew there were so many great Arizona farmers and ranchers!

Arizona Ag Women!

Young Guns!

Back to Constitutional Basics

Arizona Farm Bureau Board of Director's member Rock Cramer presents the case for Americans to get back to constitutional basics. It's time to insist that our political class go "Back to Constitutional Basics" to perserve this nation and our constitution! "Back to Constitutional Basics" was adopted as policy on November 13, 2009 by Arizona Farm Bureau at its annual convention of 110 delegates representing every county in the State of Arizona.

THE H-2A VISA PROGRAM: MEETING THE GROWING NEEDS OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE

 

Also ...

American Farm Bureau Federation testified before Congress regarding the H2-A program.

View File

Arizona Agriculture Video Tells Our Story

Arizona Farm Bureau recently updated its video "Today in Arizona Agriculture." If you are wanting an informative and colorful way to tell the Arizona agriculture story send viewers here.

New H-2A Rules

Employers: Another New I-9 Form and More!

Use of E-Verify is the law in Arizona. If you are hiring do a careful review of all links below. Remember, it is against federal law to use E-Verify on existing employees. Additionally, you cannot use E-Verify to pre-check the legal status of a new hire. You only use E-Verify once you have hired the new employee.

If you sign up for E-Verify (Basic Pilot) you must do so online here. You will be required to take an online tutorial - it can take up to two hours. You will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. You must comply with all of the requirements of the I-9 process and complete an I-9 for each new hire.

 

Let's Eat Video Now Available

Arizona Farm Bureau, in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Agriculture and USDA, recently completed an educational video encouraging Arizona families to eat more fruits and vegetables. The Boelts family from Yuma is featured in the video

Labor Issues: When ICE or Other Government Agencies Come Knocking ...

Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLC, provides careful instructions on your rights as an employer and procedures to follow when a government agency visits or calls regarding Social Security MisMatches, including how you should respond if non-governmental third parties contact you seeking information. The law firm encourages you to carefully follow certain steps in order to protect your company and your employees. The three memos below spell out procedures and processes.