| OCR Text |
Show Farm Bureau Membership Reaches 20,000 in Utah Garfield County was among 21 counties out of 29 Utah counties which recorded increased membership in the Utah Farm Bureau. For the first time Jn the organization's history, membership in the Utah Farm Bureau has topped the 20,000 mark, according to UFB President Frank O. Nishiguchl, Garland. Membership stood at 20,343 Utah families at the close of the Farm Bureau membership year, which concluded in March, Nishiguchi said. "Reaching our long-standing goal of 20,000 is a milestone for us," said Nishiguchi, "Because each of those memberships represents a family, not just one individual. These numbers mean we are now probably the largest citizens' orgzanization in Utah, representing not only farmers and ranchers, but other Utahns with a rural background who share our principles and beliefs." Claiming to represent more than 80 percent of all the state's farmers and ranchers, the Utah Farm Bureau membership has grown consistently since 1966. The 1983 growth was seen in 21 of 28 county Farm Bureau organizations, Nishiguchi said, and occurred in all areas of the area. He said 19 of 28 county Farm Bureaus now have an all-time high membership. Utah Farm Bureau is the state's largest farm ranch organization, and is part of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Nishiguchi serves on that organization's Board of Directors. AFBF's President, Robert Delano, has been cited for the last three years by U.S. News & World Report as the most influential non-government leader in the agriculture industry. In 1983, the Utah organization was named top state Farm Bureau in the nation for its activities and programs. Utah's agriculture industry has seen a resurgence in recent years that has made it one of the state's largest industries, with an impact of some $2.5 billion on Utah's economy. There is more cultivated land now In production in the state than there was in 1970, Nishiguchi said. Various segments of the industry have vigorously pursued new markets outside the state, as alfalfa hay, dairy breeding cattle and processed turkeys have been exported to Japan, and dairymen have found new customers on the West Coast. Utah fruit growers, faced with urban encroachment only a few years ago, particularly in Utah County, literally moved their orchards to new rural areas and now have more trees coming into production than before. The apple crop is estimated to triple within three years, and Utah is now the nation's second largest producer of tart cherries. Utah is a major sheep and wool producer among western states, and given the multipler effect on .the agriculture dollar, the beef cattle industry is estimated to generate $1.6 billion in economic activity in Utah annually. In Garfield County individuals interested in membership in the statewide farming and ranching organization should contact Maloy Dodds at 676-2257. |
