Tuesday December 13 Ag News

 POLL SHOWS RURAL NEBRASKANS ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT DROUGHT

Concerns about severe drought are at their highest level since the Nebraska Rural Poll began questioning the state’s rural residents about weather events.

The 2022 poll asked a series of questions about severe weather, mirroring questions first asked in 2015 and again in 2020. Comparing responses across the three years shows that rural Nebraskans’ concerns about severe weather have fluctuated over time, depending on the weather experienced in a given year. Respondents expressed the most concern over extreme temperatures and more severe drought this year. Concerns about drought declined from 48% in 2015 to 21% in 2020 before increasing to 55% this year.

When asked about more frequent extreme rains or floods, the level of concern was highest in 2020. Just less than 30% of respondents were concerned about those conditions in 2020, compared to just less than 25% this year and 15% in 2015.

“Rural Nebraskans’ concerns about potential weather problems in their area seem to be influenced by their recent experiences,” said Becky Vogt, Rural Poll manager. “Concerns about more severe droughts are at their highest level, which is not surprising given that most of the state is currently experiencing drought conditions. And the concern about extreme rains or floods was highest in 2020, fresh after the flooding of 2019.”

The concern about severe drought and more extreme summer temperatures is especially true for Panhandle residents. More than three-quarters of those respondents are concerned about more extreme droughts, compared to about half of residents of the northeast, southeast and south-central regions.

Concerns about severe weather may be reflected in Nebraskans’ opinions about climate change. Slightly less than half of rural Nebraskans surveyed say that recent extreme weather is related to climate change. Several questions about climate change were also included in the 2008 and 2013 Rural Polls. Just more than 60% of respondents this year say people will learn to adapt to climate change, compared to more than 70% in both 2008 and 2013. Respondents’ opinions about human activity contributing to climate change and having a responsibility to reduce its effects are similar to those shared in 2013. The proportion agreeing with these sentiments was highest in 2008. Fifty-nine percent of respondents this year agree that people have a responsibility to future generations to reduce the effects of climate change.

“These trends in rural Nebraska are similar to what we’re seeing across the country,” said Heather Akin, assistant professor of strategic communication at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “Direct experiences with extreme weather tend to evoke more concern about climate change, but we’re also seeing more uncertainty in terms of how people think their communities will manage in the future.”

Four in 10 rural Nebraskans surveyed this year say too much attention is paid to global climate change. Sixty-nine percent of those working in agriculture agree with that statement, compared to less than a quarter of respondents with food service or personal care occupations.

“Farmers and others in the agricultural sector experience weather and climate events firsthand and are used to seeing and adapting to weather changes, which may be a factor here,” Akin said. “It’s also possible that people in agriculture see other issues, like the economy, as more urgent priorities than climate change right now.”

According to the poll, rural Nebraskans’ support for some renewable energy sources, especially wind, has waned. This comes as wind generation in the state tripled from 2015 to 2021. This year, less than half of respondents favor additional investment in wind energy, down from 75% in 2015. Similarly, 62% support more investment in solar energy this year, compared to 74% in 2015. The support for increased investment in hydroelectric energy is unchanged from 2015. Additionally, nuclear and coal have more support for increased investment. In 2015, just less than 25% favored more investment in nuclear energy. That increased to 36% this year.

“While we saw a decrease in rural Nebraskans’ support for wind and solar, we can’t say whether it’s temporary or part of a long-term trend,” Akin said. “The majority of rural Nebraskans say we should invest about the same or more in these renewables.”

But some Nebraskans might be more wary of energy sources like wind turbines being in their backyard.

“Even when there is general support for investments in energy sources or the environment, local opposition is a common reaction at the beginning of the development process,” said Steve Schulz, associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. “Local acceptance tends to improve after a project has been completed.”

This year, 1,105 rural Nebraskans completed the Nebraska Rural Poll — an 18% response rate. In 2022, the poll asked respondents about their community, the economy and employment, their individual and family’s well-being, and views toward natural resources.  

The poll, now in its 27th year, is sent annually to 7,000 households in rural communities across the state.

The Nebraska Rural Poll is the largest annual poll gauging rural Nebraskans’ perceptions about policy and quality of life. The margin of error is plus-or-minus 3%. Complete results are available at https://ruralpoll.unl.edu. The Department of Agricultural Economics at Nebraska conducts the poll with funding from Nebraska Extension.



Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors Elects Steve Hanson as President

Last week, during Annual Convention, the Nebraska Cattlemen Board of Directors elected Steve Hanson of Elsie, Nebraska, to serve as President.

Steve Hanson is a fourth-generation cattle producer who owns and operates Hanson Farms with his wife, son, and grandkids. The Hansons also own the Sillassen Ranch in Arthur, Nebraska, where they run a cow-calf operation and raise Angus/Simmental-cross calves for their feedlot.

Executive Director of Nebraska Cattlemen, Pete McClymont, stated, “We are grateful for Steve Hanson’s willingness to sacrifice time away from his operation to serve his fellow Nebraska beef producers. Nebraska Cattlemen is proud to have Steve in our leadership as his previous work with the Nebraska Beef Council, Federation of State Beef Councils, and USMEF make him a great fit for this role.”

Nebraska Cattlemen President Steve Hanson said, “As President, one of my main goals is to help pull the many segments of the cattle community in the same direction for the betterment of agriculture. We all must work together to solve the problems on the horizon. Commonsense leadership may not solve all of our problems, but we can certainly work on the answers.” He continued, “I look forward to working alongside Nebraska beef cattle producers as we continue to keep Nebraska’s beef industry a global powerhouse.”

Prior to his current position as President of Nebraska Cattlemen, he previously served as chair of the Nebraska Beef Council and the Federation of State Beef Councils. He serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Steve Hanson began his one-year term as Nebraska Cattlemen President on Friday, December 9, 2022.



Nebraska Cattlemen Extends Application Deadline for Executive Vice President Position

Today, Nebraska Cattlemen announced they are extending the application deadline for Executive Vice President (EVP) from November 25, 2022 to January 6, 2022.

The EVP is the chief executive officer of this volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization and serves at the direction of the Nebraska Cattlemen Executive and Finance committee and the Board of Directors. The position is full-time and on-site at the Nebraska Cattlemen office in Lincoln, Nebraska. The successful candidate will have supervisory and leadership experience of multiple people for more than three years.

Nebraska Cattlemen has several staff serving on the member services, communications, policy, administrative, and producer education teams. NC owns and operates the Market Reporting Service, an in-house market information clearinghouse that services cattle feeders and producers in Nebraska and several surrounding states. NC owns and publishes the Nebraska Cattleman magazine, which goes to nearly 15,000 beef cattle enthusiasts in and around Nebraska 10 times yearly. Auxiliary entities include the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation, the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund, and the Nebraska Cattlemen State Political Action Committee.

The right candidate will be ready to take Nebraska Cattlemen forward successfully and execute the vision laid out by the Nebraska Cattlemen Strategic Plan. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and relevant experience. They must demonstrate practical oral and written communication skills and have successful supervisory skills for multiple people. They must be willing to travel extensively in and out of state and often at night or on weekends. The successful candidate will have experience developing and maintaining an annual budget and possess competent computer literacy. Solid knowledge of agriculture in general and all aspects of the beef cattle industry is required. A passion for the Nebraska cattle industry and serving the producers, feeders, and allied industries that make Nebraska the Beef State is a must.  

Visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org to learn more about the Nebraska Cattlemen, its programs, policies, activities, and members.

For a comprehensive list of responsibilities or to make inquiries, contact Melody Benjamin at mbenjamin@necattlemen.org or voice or text at (308) 760-6464. Applications will be accepted until January 6, 2022, and should include a cover letter of introduction and a resume. Applications may be emailed to Melody Benjamin at mbenjamin@necattlemen.org or sent via USPS mail to 1179 296th Trail, Lakeside, NE, 69351, to arrive by January 6, 2022.  



Foundation Celebrates 10 Years at Annual Grower’s Gala Celebration

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation held its annual Grower’s Gala on Dec. 5, during the 2022 Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention. The evening included dinner, a live auction, and entertainment by the Sherman County String Band.

Lancaster County Farm Bureau sponsored the annual “deck of cards” raffle, and Jill England of Hall County Farm Bureau was the lucky winner of a Winchester Model 70 Rifle.

“The Grower’s Gala provides a fun chance to say thank you to so many of the supporters who make possible the progress in agricultural literacy in Nebraska,” said Megahn Schafer, Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation executive director. “It was extra special to recognize board members past and present as we celebrated the 10th birthday of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.”

Preliminary fundraising totals from the event  topped $57,000 to support the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom program, scholarships and awards, and consumer engagement efforts.

“All in attendance contributed to the year of Growing Food, Growing Minds, and Growing Nebraska. Thanks to generous gifts made at the Grower’s Gala, even more Nebraska students and families will experience agriculture and all it offers to our state. I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Schafer.

The evening also recognized retiring Foundation board members and Promotion and Education Committee members Hilary Maricle of Boone County and Paula Peterson of Lancaster County. Brooke Engelman of Jefferson County, Dawn Kucera of Madison County, and Rebecca Schwarz of Phelps/Gosper County were also recognized for their service on the Promotion and Education Committee.

“These volunteers have provided countless hours of service. They expand our team and grow the reach of our programs across Nebraska. It has been an honor to work alongside them,” said Schafer.

Special thanks to auctioneer Clay Schaardt of Schaardt Auction Service; Meal Sponsor, Douglas County Farm Bureau; Entertainment Sponsor, Summit Carbon Solutions; Gun Raffle Sponsor, Lancaster County Farm Bureau, Gala Sponsors, Aurora Cooperative, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers National Company, FNBO, Hall County Farm Bureau, and Nebraska Ethanol Board.

Additional sponsors included County Farm Bureaus: Antelope, Blaine, Box Butte, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cedar, Cuming, Custer, Dakota, Dawes, Dixon, Douglas, Garfield, Greeley, Hall, Holt, Keith, Knox, Lancaster, Lincoln, Loup, Madison, Morrill, Pierce, Platte, Rock, Seward, Scotts Bluff, Stanton, Thayer, Thurston, Wayne, and Wheeler. Nebraska Farm Bureau member benefit partners: Case IH, Certified Piedmontese Beef, Farm Bureau Bank, Ford, Grainger, Great Wolf Lodge, John Deere, Nebraska Star Beef, Office Depot/Office Max, Wyndham, and Yamaha. Individuals and organizations: AKRS Equipment North Platte, Alumni Hall, Angus Burgers & Shakes, Applebee’s, Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, Aurora Cooperative, Born in the Barn Creations, Buffalo Wild Wings, Casey’s, Central Apple Market and Country Store, Chad’s Kitchen, Cunningham’s Journal on the Lake, The Downtowner Casual Café, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers National Company, FNBO, Fonner Park, Freddy’s, Get Tanked, Graduate Lincoln Hotel, HopCat, Hy-Vee, Indianhead Golf Course, Terry and Shelley Keebler, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, Lincoln Saltdogs, Nebraska Ethanol Board, Mark and Judi McHargue, Nebraska Front Porch Vineyard, Keith and Jane Peterson, Ramada Inn Midtown Grand Island, Residence Inn by Marriott, Rob Robertson, Scarlett Hotel, Patty and Jerry Shorney, Starbucks, The Steel Grill Steakhouse & Bar, Summit Carbon Solutions, Texas T-Bone Steakhouse, Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina, Titan Machinery: Fremont, Tri-City Storm, Walmart, Dr. Ray Ward, Courtyard Marriott, Westside Lanes, Brett Whitson, and Younes Hospitality.

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.  



PRESCRIBED BURNING FOR CONTROL OF CEDAR TREES – Jerry Volesky

Eastern red cedar trees are a significant and expanding problem across many pasture and rangeland acres in Nebraska.  When fire is planned and controlled properly, it can be a very useful tool to control these unwanted plants.

It is estimated that a single cedar tree with an 8-foot diameter could reduce forage production by 3 pounds.  If you had a density of 200 trees per acre, that would translate into nearly a 1/3 loss in forage production because of the effects of area coverage, moisture use, and shading.

In addition to cedar tree impacts on forage production, excessive cedar trees will also dramatically alter habitat for many wildlife species that are adapted to a grassland environment.  While mechanical cutting or shredding and herbicides are options to control cedar trees, a prescribed burn is by far the most economical approach.

Safe and controlled prescribed burns don’t just happen.  It takes preparation, planning, and an understanding of how fire reacts in certain weather conditions, with particular fuel loads, and on various types of topography.

You can begin to learn how to conduct a safe, legal, and effective prescribed burn by attending one of several prescribed fire training workshops held during January and February.  Pheasants Forever, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and other conservation partners sponsor the workshops that will be held at various location across Nebraska.

To see a list of locations and dates, search on the internet for ‘Nebraska Prescribed Fire Workshops’.

 

NET WRAP AND TWINE – Brad Schick

Net wrap and twine are issues every livestock producer must address at least some point in the year. Cattle that consume too much can develop health problems.

With producers feeding more hay this year than usual, there is even more labor feeding and potential concerns about net wrap. If animals do eat the wrap, it can accumulate in the rumen causing obstructions.

North Dakota State University performed research showing that net wrap and even biodegradable twine were not digested by the microbes in the rumen. Steers fed ground hay without the net wrap removed before grinding were monitored in the study. A full two weeks before steers were harvested, they were given feed with all the net wrap removed; and the net wrap fed earlier was still present throughout the rumen at harvest.

What does this mean for our daily operations? Steers or heifers going to harvest are less of a concern due to their lack of time fed the net wrap. Brood cows, however, are more of a concern if we want cows on the operation healthy for years. Although the health concern is very low, grinding net wrapped hay or removing the net wrap if rolled out or busted, is recommended to reduce the chance of our cows having any issues.

A little time can eliminate a big headache and each operation needs to evaluate the risks associated with the decision to remove net wrap and twine.



Learning Farms Webinar to Feature Cover Crop Strategies to Enhance Soil

The Iowa Learning Farms conservation webinar taking place Dec. 21 at noon CST will feature Etienne (Herrick) Sutton, Ph.D. candidate, University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. Sutton’s research focuses on ways in which farmers can strategically manage crop diversity on their farms for improved agricultural sustainability, particularly through the use of cover crops to support agroecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and climate resilience.

Iowa Learning Farms is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach conservation and water quality education program.

In the webinar, “Embracing Real-World Variability to Improve Cover Crop Outcomes,” Sutton will discuss the results of a citizen science study and on-farm experimentation to highlight emerging trends in cover crop management that affect the performance of cover crops in real world use. She will also illustrate how the variability across different farming conditions can limit the realization of the full anticipated benefits from cover crops. Focusing on real world conditions and constraints, Sutton will make a case for approaches to site-specific management recommendations that can reduce uncertainty for farmers.

“Cover crops do add value, but as farmers face growing pressure to reduce the environmental impacts of food production, while also grappling with increasingly challenging weather patterns, research on cover crop management can play a crucial role in helping tackle those issues,” said Sutton. “Although there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for cover cropping, our research suggests that cover crop mixtures that combine functionally diverse Diverse cover crop test plot.species may outperform single-species cover crops and be more reliable across a wide range of conditions.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar access instructions
To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Dec. 21:
    Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172.
    Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID 364 284 172.
    Or, join from a dial-in phone line; dial +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923,  meeting ID 364 284 172.

The webinar will also be recorded and archived. All archived webinars are available on the ILF website, so that they can be watched at any time.

ILF has applied for a Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit for attending this webinar. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the CEU will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

Upcoming webinars in the series
    Jan. 4, 2023: Keith Schilling, University of Iowa.
    Jan. 11, 2023: Joe Otto, Soil and Water Conservation Society.
    Jan. 18, 2023: Lee Burras, Iowa State University.
    Jan. 25, 2023: Maria Lemke, The Nature Conservancy.



American Ag Law Association Presents Awards

The recipient of the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) Distinguished Service Award is selected by the prior three recipients of the award. The selection is based on an AALA member’s consistent demonstration of dedication to furthering the development of agricultural law, strengthening the legal profession, increasing the association’s size and influence, and fulfilling the law-related information needs of lawyers and citizens alike.

Jesse Richardson, professor of law at the West Virginia University College of Law, was recognized with the 2022 award. Last year’s recipient, Anthony Schutz, associate dean for faculty and associate professor of law at the Nebraska College of Law, presented it Nov. 12 during the association’s annual educational symposium in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Maybe members know of Jesse for the dozens of concurrent conference sessions he has presented over the years on water law, zoning, land use, property, and ethics. And some AALA members may believe Jesse attained icon status when he presented an ethics session in his marijuana leisure suit,” wrote Peggy Kirk Hall, director of the Agricultural and Resource Law Program at The Ohio State University, in nominating Richardson.

“With brilliant insight and dry humor, Jesse has expanded our knowledge of the law. He has served in many leadership roles, first on committees, then becoming a board member and president of AALA, helping guide AALA through a difficult period of transition and growth. Since his presidency, Jesse has continued his service to AALA through the conference planning committee and as an editor of the Ag Law Update. He has given of his time and talents willingly, not just in AALA, but also at West Virginia University, where he is a challenging and popular professor and dedicated to helping communities understand and utilize land use law and planning.”

The associationʼs awards committee selects AALA members for other recognitions based on their contributions to the organization and to the development and practice of agricultural law. Each year, the group acknowledges those who have demonstrated excellence as private practitioners, as in-house counsel, as academics, or through their involvement in government or nongovernmental organizations with Excellence in Agricultural Law awards. AALA also gives Professional Scholarship awards to recognize members’ writings, either in the form of scholarly articles or practice-related works like appellate or trial-court briefs. Student scholarly work is recognized with the Student Scholarship Award.

Amber Miller, a partner at Crenshaw Dupree & Milam in Lubbock, Texas, was this year’s winner of the Excellence in Agricultural Law award for private practitioners. It goes to a lawyer who has demonstrated skill and experience in the practice of law that well exceeds the work of other lawyers. In addition to knowledge and experience of agricultural law, award recipients are expected to be well recognized by their peers as exceptional advocates.

Miller has met and exceeded those standards. She has been recognized in several key fields related to agricultural law, government service, service to AALA, and a new role as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech School of Law, teaching ag law to law students. In each of those realms, she is well recognized and enjoys a national reputation for working with private clients, public entities and trade associations.

Michael Formica, chief legal strategist for the National Pork Producers Council, was this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Agricultural Law award for in-house counsel. He earned the award for his tireless advocacy and record of significant accomplishments made on behalf of America’s pork farmers and processors.

Formica is one of the most respected and accomplished attorneys in the Washington, D.C., agricultural trade association community. He has been involved in some of the most important court cases at the intersection of agricultural and environmental law. That includes NPPC v. EPA, which clarified EPA’s authority to require permits for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) under the Clean Water Act.

In the last year alone, Formica led NPPC’s efforts to challenge state laws that restrict pork production. That included securing an injunction against California’s Proposition 12; obtaining a stay of Question 3 in Massachusetts; obtaining certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court in NPPC v. Ross; and obtaining the U.S. government’s support for pork producers in the form of a solicitor general’s amicus brief filed in NPPC v. Ross. A tireless advocate for pork producers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies, he is well-respected among his peers and is quick to offer a helping hand.

Formica received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island. He studied law at Vermont Law School, where he founded the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law.

Michael Olexa of the University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Department was this year’s recipient of the AALA Excellence in Agricultural Law award for academia. He is a distinguished teaching scholar, professor and director of the university’s Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Law. He received the award for his numerous outstanding contributions to the legal profession and agricultural industry, including AALA and the Florida agricultural community.

In his work, Olexa provides public education programming through his many Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) publications. Notably, he and his research assistants have created and continually update numerous handbooks, such as the Handbook of Florida Agricultural Laws. He also has made tremendous contributions as an educator at the undergraduate and law-school levels. He currently teaches two undergraduate courses that are the foundational courses for the agricultural and natural resource law minor at the university.

Olexa has made valuable contributions through his research and academic publications, including a recent article in the Florida Bar Journal addressing the threat of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Florida.

Outside of research, teaching and education, Olexa has used his talents for public service. He has served as a policy advisory to the U.S. secretary of agriculture, chaired the executive council of the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Florida Bar, and served as interim department chair of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s agricultural education and communications department. He currently serves as chair of the agricultural law committee of the Florida Bar.

Prior to earning his law degree at Nova Southeastern University, Olexa served in the U.S. military and earned master’s and doctoral degrees in plant pathology.

The Professional Scholarship Award is given each year to the authors of an article that demonstrates outstanding legal writing and analysis in a topic that is equally important to academics, policymakers and private practitioners. The awards committee received multiple nominations of qualified articles that exceeded the standards set for past awards, yet one publication stood above the others.

The 2022 award went to WVU’s Richardson; Tiffany Lashmet, an associate professor in agriculture economics at Texas A&M University and an Extension specialist in agricultural law with Texas A&M AgriLife; and Gatlin Squires, an attorney at the McAfee & Taft law firm in Oklahoma City. The topic of the article, the scope of the Waters of the United States and its evolution over the last three decades, has proven complex and difficult to follow for academics and private practitioners. Finding a common line through years of court decisions and administration changes in EPA policy has been impossible. The winning article took on that difficult but highly relevant topic and provided a cogent analysis of the Supreme Court’s treatment of the scope of the Waters of the U.S.

To underscore that point, it was not scholarship for scholarship’s sake. It was legal scholarship to deliver a valuable resource to the combined communities of academia, government policymakers, and private practitioners and their clients. It will be a recognized authority on the topic for many years.

The Professional Writing Award went to Michael Fielding, a partner at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City, Missouri. He has written extensively about the subject of distressed agricultural loans, and that dovetails with his impressive 20-year practice in helping counsel lenders. His work has appeared in several publications, yet he specifically received the award for the article “Combining the Academic With the Practical: A Meaningful Framework for More Effectively Resolving Distressed Agricultural Loans,” which appeared in the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law. The article identified seven “hinge points” in the life of a distressed loan, at which lenders need to think carefully about what they do. His work combines those insights with academic literature concerning various cognitive biases. His work is a must-read for anyone who counsels agricultural lenders.

The Student Scholarship Award went to Sarah Patterson, now a graduate of Texas Tech University Law School, for her article titled “Saving the Little Guy: Estate and Inheritance Taxation on Generational Farmers and Ranchers.”  Her article detailed how estate and inheritance tax policy has affected farmers, and she also provided a well-written and useful survey of different possible legislative solutions to those enduring problems.

The American Agricultural Law Association (https://www.aglaw-assn.org) serves as the premier association for agricultural law and policy professionals. Its mission is to inform and engage the law and policy professionals who serve all facets of the agricultural and food communities.