From Deseret News archives:
Farmers, ranchers urged to get into politics
Farm Bureau official says ag industry impacts all of Utah
"Agriculture impacts every business," said Todd Bingham, vice president of the statewide group that met to discuss politics, water rights, legal issues and other items of interest. "Silence gives consent, and we must bring up the issues that mean the most to us. In the last couple of years, agriculture lost five active agricultural producers in the state Legislature. That caught us off guard a little bit."
Bingham hosted a panel discussion on the future of agriculture and politics with Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, and Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan, during the meeting. Both politicians agreed that the state's agricultural industry must be its own cheerleader if it wants to be heard on the Hill.
"I think agriculture needs to sell itself. We have a good cause," said Stowell, a sheep rancher who served two decades as an Iron County commissioner and mayor of Parowan before his election as a state senator in 2006. "People in the Legislature are really supportive of agricultural issues, but we have to speak up."
"We do have an active cowboy caucus and have formed some strategic alliances," said Noel. "But when we lose the agricultural-based people in the Legislature, we lose a voice. There is still a great feeling and love in the state of Utah for people who farm, it's still there, but we need to build on that."
One politically sensitive topic that chafed Noel, Stowell and several ranchers in the audience was the issue of global warming and climate change. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s decision to sign the Western Climate Initiative that calls for Western states to set limits on greenhouse-gas emissions was bashed by several at the meeting.
"I believe this is a critical issue for us. I have no idea why the governor went down that road on renewable energy," said Noel. "It will increase the cost of power. It could be devastating to the state. This is poor policy."
One rancher in the audience asked Noel if legislators would vote for a resolution that states they are firmly against the governor's position on global warming and climate change.
"I have gotten more phone calls on this issue than on any other," Noel said. "They're worried about the impact on the consumer. It's the wrong direction to go."
He added that he thought such a non-binding resolution might find favor with Republicans, although he did not believe Democrats would sign on.
E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com
Comments
- Korver's return hits snag 12:59 p.m.
- Salt Lake City woman shot 12:53 p.m.
- Woman suffers critical injury 12:50 p.m.
- China vows to slow emissions 12:18 p.m.
- Baseball player on mission in Wash. 12:10 p.m.
- Foundation for LDS young women 12:10 p.m.
- Robotic hamsters are the new craze 11:47 a.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies 11:27 a.m.
- Prevent problems by spaying dogs 11:01 a.m.
- Turkeys lurking in your home 11:00 a.m.
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Holiday television program listings
- Rivalry has had some 'turkeys'
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Temple Square to use LEDs
- Highland players make special friend
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
261 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
227 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
210 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
130 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
125 - Boys basketball rankings
114 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112
This obviously could have been avoided. Shut the cave down and fill it with...
So sorry for this families loss
Why don't you poll SMU fans and see how many of them would trade any of their...
sorry, BYA leads the BYA-U series 3-2 Utah counts a spring scrimmage...
please stop with the smack kitty fans ! you guys are complete losers ! we are...
Why don't you quote some studies that prove your points? No studies exist...
You do not need a really expensive player at PG or PF for that matter. You do...
Some think this series allows double standard. But it's not about sex, It's...
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. If your life doesn't include...
"Utah 2 losses to schools that will be playing in BCS bowls." nope!...



You can be the first to comment on this story.