"You can expect us to, and we do have an appreciation for, your industry," Herbert said. "We understand how important it is for agribusiness to be successful, in all its component parts, particularly if we're talking about expanding the economy and having vitality and making sure we have jobs and wealth. . . . It really seems to me that all wealth comes, basically, from the land."

The administration of Herbert and Gov.-elect Jon Huntsman Jr. also will work to protect and expand private property rights, Herbert said, and to foster an environment where small businesses, like farms, can thrive.

"If we're going to have a good economy, we need to make sure we protect private property ownership," Herbert said, "And in fact see if we can't even expand it . . . and do some of the things like have been done in Nevada, for example, and Clark County, where they've actually sold off public land — some wilderness land areas, because growth is coming in the way — and generated over $1.3 billion that has been put back, at least in Nevada, into the state and local coffers to pay for things like education. We'd like to try that same kind of approach here in the state of Utah."

During the next four years, the administration will trumpet limited government, individual responsibility and the free-market system, Herbert said.

"And nobody understands those principles better than people in agriculture," he said. "You are the epitome of small business. You are the epitome of self-motivated people, who literally go out there and lift yourselves up by your own bootstraps to become successful in producing products that somebody in the marketplace will appreciate and purchase. We'll do all we can to get government off your backs and out of your wallets . . . and see what we can do to work with you in running interference with some of the encroachments the federal government has in your own lives."

The Utah Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention will be held through tonight at the Salt Lake City Marriott Hotel, 75 S. West Temple.

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E-mail: jnii@desnews.com