Wyoming Stock Growers Association New and Amended Policies and Directives – Adopted June 2014

Wildlife Committee

Resolution:  Bighorn Sheep

Whereas there are currently numerous difficult wildlife related issues in Fremont County including grizzly bear expansion, wolf conflicts and concern over sage grouse; and

Whereas there are unaddressed issues with the ever-expanding feral horse populations in the area; and

Whereas the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is facing ever-increasing budget shortfalls to meet current wildlife programs; and

Whereas the presence of Bighorn sheep can lead to additional federal land grazing restrictions; and

Whereas there is a lack of broad landowner support in the area;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Wyoming Stock Growers Association opposes the introduction of Bighorn Sheep into the Ferris Mountain, Green Mountain, Crooks Mountain, Granite Mountain Rocks, Beaver Rim and Sweetwater Rocks areas west of the North Platte River.

Ag Promotion, Education and Enhancement

Resolution:  College of Agriculture

Whereas a strong University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is important to the agriculture industry; and 

Whereas enrollment in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources continues to increase; and 

Whereas state-of-the-art facilities with adequate space are essential to the College’s mission of research, teaching and extension;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) urges the UW Board of Trustees and President to prioritize and request funding for the following: 

Upgrade of the Laramie Research and Extension Center

Expansion of the Animal Science/Molecular Biology Building to at least its original intended size

Long-term renovation of the main College of Agriculture and Natural Resources building.

Be it further resolved that WSGA requests that the Wyoming Legislature appropriate funding in a timely manner for these capital improvements. 

Ag Finance and Tax

Resolution: Federal Taxation

Whereas the ability to expense agricultural equipment for federal tax purposes is critical to agricultural operation;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) urges Congress to act immediately to restore the Section 179 small business expensing limit for 2014 to an amount of not less than $500,000 and to extend the Bonus Depreciation provisions that expired in 2013. 

Be it further resolved that WSGA urges Congress to permanently establish a five year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment.

Resolution: States Rights

Whereas the federal government is imposing more and more restrictive regulations on ranches and other businesses; and 

Whereas the federal government is adding burdensome regulations through many non-legislative agencies including the EPA and Fish and Wildlife Service; and

Whereas the federal government is adding onerous tax burdens through such programs as the Affordable Care Act; and 

Whereas the federal government is increasingly exercising power outside of its Constitutional boundaries and trampling the state’s and citizen’s rights established by the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Wyoming Stock Growers Association supports legislation that limits the federal government to the enumerated powers under the Constitution and returns the balance of power to the states. 

Private and State Lands

Resolution:  Trespass to Collect Data

Whereas unauthorized parties frequently trespass on private and state lands to collect data; and

Whereas this illegally collected data is often used against the interests of the landowner;

Therefore, be it resolved that Wyoming Stock Growers Association supports legislation to increase the penalties for trespass under both the criminal statutes and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department statutes and to prevent the use of illegally collected data.