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Show Holiday Issue,' 1967 UTAH FARM BUREAU Unionization of Farm Labor recommend those engaged as producers of agricultural products continue to maintain suitable wages and housing, thereby discouraging unionization of farm labor on a national basis. Local We Federal Lands favor the multiple use of public lands. supported federal legislation establishing the Public Land Law Review Commission. We hold that a comprehensive review of administrative practices, regulations, policies, and statutes relative to public lands Is vital to the sound and effective use of these resources. We recommend that, as this study Is conducted, full recognition be given to established state water laws. The conclusions and recommendations of the Commission are of vital concern to farmers and ranchers. We believe the Congress and all federal agencies administering public lands should withhold any changes in basic policy, fees, and regulations for use until the Commission has completed its report. We recommend that basic changes in established public land use be subject to Congressional approval. Users of federal grazing lands should be given greater security of tenure as an incentive for improving them. Mandatory management practices designed to improve grasslands should first be proved and, if necessary, modified to meet local conditions. We urge cooperative action to eliminate undesirable vegetation for the purpose of improving grazing capacity, reducing fire hazards, increasing water yields, and improving wildlife habitat. We urge of range analysis procedures and development of more accurate measures of carrying capacity. We favor legislation requiring that each state receive a greater percentage of the mineral royalties from federal lands within the state. We feel that many scattered, small plots of federal land could be better managed if they were sold to private individuals. Most of these lands are now used for grazing by the ranchers who own the adjoining land. We recommend that these ranchers begiven the first chance to purchase them at the fair appraised value. We We Water Policy Water being the of the West as well as all other areas makes it necessary to establish sound water policies. We believe that federal agencies having responsibility for water programs should abide by state water laws and that Congress should pass legislation requiring such compliance. should be regarded as Water rights and rights-of-wa- y property rights. Neither the proprietorship functions of the United States derived from ownership of public lands, nor the exercise of its powers relating to interstate commerce and the general welfare should be permitted unduly to interfere with prior rights to the use of water or the orderly acquisition of such rights in the future. We believe that in order to promote the beneficial application of water both private and public funds must be invested. Security of water rights once established must be protected in order to encourage such investment. We recommend that the American Farm Bureau continue its efforts to secure the enactment of federal legislation to preserve the state control over water rights. life-blo- od Dairy Research concern the inroads being made by synthetic dairy products in our state and neighboring areas. We ask that the Farm Bureau and the American Dairy Association work closely in research and in the promotion of new dairy products on a basis that would compete with synthetics in the marketing centers. Funds for this research should come from the dairy industry. We feel that legislation is not the answer. We view with NEWS efforts to subdue rioters and maintain law and order. Affairs Activity We recommend that Farm Bureau Members takp an active part in all education problems and activities and the evaluation of the same. To accomplish this, we request each County Farm Bureau to appont a Local Affairs Committee to act as a watch dog with respect to all Farm Bureau policies related to education and taxation. ask Farm Bureau to make a study of the capital gains provision of the Federal Income Tax Law to see if the same provisions would be appropriate in the State law. We should know what the relation would be between payments to State and Federal tax and what effect it would have on other state taxes. There are numerous matters pertaining to regulating and controlling wild animals and birds which are highly important to farm people. These folks, however, do not have the information necessary to make wise decisions on these problems. Some of these problems are: 1. Control of Skunks 2. Control of Starlings and Magpies 3. Availability of Fish and Game Personnel for Assistance. We suggest that Farm Bureau gather information on these matters and publish in the newsletter and Farm Bureau News. We Board of Big Game Control We recommend that the structure of the Board of Big Game Control be continued as presently provided bylaw. We encourage the Farm Bureau Membership to take greater interest in meetings of the Big Game Board to present local problems and conditions. Each county Farm Bureau should be responsible for representation and prepared documented information and be unified in its views prior to the meetings, and that the same procedure apply in appearances before the State Fish and Game Commission. Dove Hunt to damage to unharvested crops and fruits and danger to life and property, it is recommended that the dove hunting be eliminated from unharvested crop land, orchards, and densely populated areas. Due Welfare Funds and Strikes Inasmuch as public funds are used in the Welfare Department, we feel anyone on strike is unemployed through their own choice and should not be eligible for state or federal aid. Import Quotas Farm Bureau commends those members of the Utah Congressional Delegation who have supported efforts to have all Import quotas reviewed. In the past unfavorable quotas of agricultural and industrial products have depressed the domestic markets and placed undo hardships upon American Agriculture and other industries. Farm Bureau should lend its strength to all Congressional Representatives who are working to have quotas revised, to protect these markets for American Industries. Recommendation on Sheepherder Labor Noting that the surrounding states are now certified for Basque sheepherders, and due to the extreme and acute shortage of competent sheepherders in the State of Utah, we recommend the immediate certification of Utah in this Program; thus allowing importation of Basque labor for this specific purpose. Weed Control We suggest that State and County Farm Bureaus work to bring about better control of weeds on public land and rights-of-wa- y, also on private land where it is neglected. Theft of Livestock original Bear River Compact. crimes. Parent Responsibility Tuition Increase resolve that legislation be passed making parents responsible for the acts of their juvenile children. We are not opposed to an increase intuition if it proves to be necessary, but we feel all schools should livs within funds provided. Voting Bond Elections Reaffirm We feel that legislation or constitutional amendment should be passed sc only those who pay taxes cn Property be qualified to vote in bond elections and encourage property owners to vote. 7l Law Enforcement end Riots In the light of riots and many evidences of disrespect for law presently occurring, we believe a renewed effort is needed to inculcate in all citizens respect for law. iVe recommend that all Farm Bureau members and organizations support to the utmost of our ability our law enforcement agencies in upholding and sustaining the law. We believe that riots are nourished and enof law enforcement couraged by our own officers; that the courage and power of law enforcement officers should be revived; that such officers be reassured that we, the people, will stand back of them in their non-supp- ort recommend that Farm Bureau initiate action to get baler twine, baler wire, and fuel oil exempted from sales tax, insasmuch as they are cost of production items. We Information on Control of We are in favor of the development of the water resources of Bear River. However, we insist that any Mure developments must abide by the provisions of the We Sales Tax Exemption Capital Gains Theft or shooting of livestock is on the increase. We believe that better enforcement of the laws on these crimes is needed, and urge the law enforcement agencies of the state lend their efforts in this direction. A stricter enforrpmat Zl uie brand inspection laws of the state would aid in the apprehension of those engaged in livestock theft. We commend the enforcement officers of the State Fish and Game Department for their aid in apprehending livestock thieves. We urge that individual livestock owners cooperate with law enforcement agencies byswearingout complaints against people who are apprehended in these Bear River Development Page 5 with the state officials to determine the feasibility of emergency extension permits and if such is permissible, to work out a plan to properly notify the permittees so they can plan their activities and time of leaving the state. Religious Training are aware that certain groups are attempting to eliminate religious training from the Utah School Program, we recognize the need for religious Instruction in the lives of young people and feel that the present plan is well accepted and is not in violation of any basic rights of citizens. We favor continuation of the present system of allowing high school credit for Biblical subjects preWe sently taught. Truck License Extension Many transient farm laborers 'tome into the state to help with the fall harvest and often purchase a truck license under the law which allows a quarterly permit. Very often the harvest period extends into October which is a new quarter and the third quarter permit becomes void. We ask the Farm Bureau officers and staff to meet Birds and Animals Penalty for Destruction of Property The tendency to destroy public and private property by hunters and fishermen is deplored. Hunting and fishing on private and public lands is a privilege and not a right. We point with concern to the illegal shooting of domestic animals, elk, deer and other livestock. In the past hunting season, many animals were destroyed by hunters and others motivated only by the desire to kill or destroy. Existing laws punishing these people are inadequate. In addition to fines (monetary punishment), the privilege to hunt or fish should be revoked for a period of years in accordance to the seriousness of the offense include confiscation of fire arms. --- to Sugar Beet Testing We support The Beet Growers Association in obtaining the best possible contract for sugar beets. Board of Equalization our support to the UtahCounty Farm Bureau the Utah County Commission in the legal action taken against the Tax Commission. While we realize that the We pledge ani Tax Commission must have certain powers in connection with the tax equalization, we also feel that wo fundamental principles of tax administration have been violated in the commission's action in Provo and Orem during 1967. 1. The County Commissioners have been denied the right to sit as a Board of Equalization as provided by law. 2. In its effort to provide equalization, the Tax Commission singled out two communities and raised tax values more than 400 on agricultural lands. The values of the other lands in the same school district, the same county and state were not changed. We contend that this type of equalization is as unlawful as that which the commission attempted to correct. Constitutional Amendments The Utah Farm Bureau pledges its support to the passage of all five Constitutional Amendments in the election of November, 1968. They are: 1. To provide for the exemption of inventories from property tax. 2. To provide a system for assessing farm land on some other basis other than values based on sales for commercial or industrial development. 3. To provide for a method of retiring judges. 4. To establish annual sessions of the Legislature. 5. To provide for increased pay to legislators but to keep the right to .increase pay within the Constitution. YS iel uiat these suggested amendments are important and were well prepared by the 1967 Legislature. We further feel that Utah farmers are anxious to cooperate with other groups in working for the passage of those amendments not directly affecting agriculture in appreciation for support of those who have pledged their supassessment amendment. port to a land-us- e Turkeys The turkey industry has indicated its desire to control own production through efforts of its producers, and to avoid government controls. We commend this stand and pledge Farm Bureau to its assist them in achieving their goal. Length of Pheasant Hunt The problems of managing pheasants in Utah are unique because of the varying nature of the resource and the social problems encountered. As aconsequence, there is no pattern of management based on the experience of other states that is entirely adaptable to Utah. Further, the pheasant is the only game species which occurs primarily on privately owned land and its management depends to a large extent on land use practices and the willingness of the landowner to permit its harvest. Because of the recreation afforded by the pheasant resource, expenditures of pheasant hunters in urban and rural communities, and problems of public hunting on private lands, virtually everyone has an interest in management of the pheasant resource. Farm Bureau will support a pheasant hunt of t). : ? days with additional days in counties where farrv and . on have time. sportsmen's organizations agreed additit on (Continued Page 6) L |