August 8, Whitman

President Pete McClymont welcomed everyone to the Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab at 8:10.

Don Adams and Andy Applegarth provided an overview of the Lab.

• Membership Chairman Scott Reynolds provided an update on the drought relief activities in which NC has been involved. NC has worked on getting the CRP acres released and the roadside haying. NC will be speaking with Nebraska Legislators about extending the capital gains exemption for another two years. In addition, NC will be working to establish a drought package in the new Farm Bill.
• NC Director of Membership Melody Benjamin provided an update to the Board on recent wild fires. The Hay Hotline, which was established to aid ranchers affected by drought, was expanded to accept donations of feed and fencing supplies for fire victims. Crawford Livestock is acting as a distribution center for donated supplies. In addition, the NC Research and Education Foundation is accepting cash donations.
• President-Elect Jay Wolf provided an update on the Workers Compensation issue. It was decided a sub-committee will monitor the issue and report to either the Marketing and Commerce or Taxation Committee. Jana Dyer with Darr Feedlot agreed to serve on the sub-committee.
• Chuck Folken, chairman of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, informed the Board on the EPA Proposed CAFO rule comments. EPA’s proposed changes were published in the Federal Register June 30 and public comments are due on August 29. NC will be submitting comments and has been in communication with NCBA which will also be submitting comments. These changes deal with who needs a permit, the permitting process, what comprises a Nutrient Management Plan and what would trigger a public comment period and a public hearing.
• Mr. Folken also updated the Board on the Coarse Particulate Matter issue. NCBA has been working this issue for a couple of years and NC will be monitoring as well. This issue could have broad implications to not only livestock operations but for general farming practices and rural life.
• Mr. Folken also provided an update on Ground Water Monitoring. The Nebraska DEQ has been closely monitoring 27 feedlots in Nebraska based upon their biannual ground water monitoring submissions. NC, DEQ, USDA-ARS and private consultants are developing a protocol for further investigations. A motion was made by John Maddux, seconded by Anne Burkholder that NC establish a committee to explore a funding mechanism and protocol for the ground water monitoring studies. Motion passed.
• NC executive vice president Michael Kelsey informed the Board that the definition of an Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) is any operation that houses cattle in a pen for 45 days a year (not continuous) and the pen does not have permanent vegetation or crop residue. These AFOs must have already requested an inspection. If they have not, they are in violation. There are a lot of operations in Nebraska that have not requested an inspection. NC will be working on this issue during the next legislative session.
• Melody Benjamin provided an update on the Regional Round-ups. So far, Region 5, 9, and 1 have occurred and Regions 7 and 8 are scheduled.
• NC Member Services chairman Scott Reynolds updated the Board on the current status of the membership. NC membership is up over last year and the goal for the year, which ends October 31, is 500. Mr. Reynolds recognized 13 of the Board members who have recruited at least one new member. A motion was made by Scott Reynolds, seconded by Levi Whipps, that every board member recruit 5 new members by October 31, 2006. The motion unanimously passed with all board members voting. Discussion occurred on recognizing new members at the Annual Convention. A motion was made by Levi Whipps, seconded by Scott Reynolds, to incorporate a new member reception into the schedule of the 2006 and future conventions. Motion passed.
• Melody Benjamin updated the Board on the Sandhills Task Force, noting NC has a vacancy on the Task Force. NC’s appointee must live in the Sandhills and be an active producer. The next Task Force meeting will be in September.
• Michael Kelsey provided an update the diesel shortage. The shortage is in isolated areas mostly along Interstate 80.NC will continue to monitor the situation and is pursuing appropriate action especially as harvest is nearing.
• President Pete McClymont provided an update on the recent NCBA meeting. NC submitted three resolutions concerning BQA, export research and estate tax. NC withdrew the export research resolution and was able to accept compromise resolutions concerning the BQA and estate tax resolutions.
• Mr. Kelsey informed the Board that the Senate recently voted down the Death Tax bill that was passed in the House. The bill was defeated by three votes. Both Nebraska Senators voted for the bill. There is a chance that the issue will be reviewed again before the October break. NC will be working on a state estate tax proposal during the next Legislative session.
• Lee Weide, vice president of operations, updated the Board on sponsorship agreements. Besides the normal sponsorship for the NC Midyear and Annual Convention, NC has established 12 sponsorship agreements with companies for 2006.

President McClymont announced that the next Board meeting will be at NCTA in Curtis on October 10 beginning at 9 a.m.