AG POLICY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
9-Resolution passed in 2009
8-Resolution passed in 2008
7-Resolution passed in 2007
AGRICULTURAL ZONING - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, zoning ordinances can have a beneficial or detrimental effect on agricultural practices.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA urges all townships and/or counties to zone agricultural land for agricultural practices.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, agricultural practices on land zoned for agriculture use has priority.
CLEAN AIR - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes air quality is essential to the health and well-being of the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency rule that addresses the National Air Quality Standard is not based on credible scientific evidence that particulate matter emissions cause adverse health effects; and
WHEREAS, these standards will be impossible and cost-prohibitive for agriculture to comply with.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a legislative effort or companion rules that would give agriculture an exclusion from the coarse particulate matter standards.
CLEAN WATER RESTORATION ACT - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, pending Clean Water Restoration Act legislation does not address the water stewardship of the ranching industry or the desirability of local and state control; and
WHEREAS, the removal of the word "navigable" from the definition of "waters of the United States" would allow the federal government to override state and local jurisdiction over land and water management.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any change to the definition of the "waters of the United States" in reference to the Clean Water Act of 1972.
CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, cattle producers are ardent stewards of all natural resources including land, livestock, water and air; and
WHEREAS, agriculture makes positive contributions to the environment; and
WHEREAS, pending climate change legislation would put the United States at a large trade disadvantage in comparison to other countries; and
WHEREAS, the pending legislation would result in large energy cost increases, particularly for those in agriculture.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA works to reduce or eliminate efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, related climate change legislation or promulgated rules.
CRP - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, CRP has had an impact on producers and communities; and
WHEREAS, proper management of CRP is critical.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA’s position concerning CRP is as follows:
OPPOSE
1. The expansion of CRP in North Dakota.
2. Any attempts to make perpetual easements a part of CRP.
3. Any added benefits for haying and grazing that would unfairly subsidize contract holders.
4. Whole-farm enrollment in CRP.
SUPPORT
1. The control of weeds and insects.
2. Targeting CRP to highly erodible land.
3. The following guidelines for haying and grazing due to disaster declaration:
a. Guidelines be established in advance so producers can respond accordingly or get the best quality forage possible.
b. Only livestock producers from eligible counties may hay CRP.
c. Non-eligible counties may allow haying and grazing by producers in eligible counties.
d. CRP hay cannot be sold.
e. Uncut portions that must be left in blocks cannot exceed 25 percent.
f. Hay must be removed from CRP by November 1.
g. Payment reductions should be reflective of the forage value.
h. Owners holding CRP contracts should not be allowed to charge additional fees for the right to harvest CRP acres.
ENDANGERED SPECIES - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Endangered Species Act, as currently written and enforced, has the potential for restricting use on some North Dakota agricultural lands, both public and private, with devastating effects on social, cultural and economic values; and
WHEREAS, when endangered species populations reach established recovery levels, current delisting procedures are cumbersome.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA encourages the streamlining of the delisting process.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA urges Congress to amend the act to insure reasonable criteria for designation of an endangered species and to insure protection of private property rights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the introduction of any endangered species from other areas into North Dakota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department seeking authority to declare a species endangered.
FEDERAL LAND USE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes in the concept of multiple-use on federal lands; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that livestock grazing is an integral part of the multiple-use concept; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that livestock producers are the original stewards of the land; and
WHEREAS, livestock producers are the only users to pay for forage use on federal lands.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a federal grazing fee formula that is fair and equitable with considerations for the value of livestock, the value of forage and the economic impact on local communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the raising of federal grazing fees past the point of diminishing returns.
FEDERAL LANDS LEGISLATION - 9 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the efforts of North Dakota federal land grazers to obtain Congressional legislation preserving their historic and legal right to use these lands.
FEDERAL TAX - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Federal Income Tax code is complex and restrictive of economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA supports the tax principles that taxes ought to be related to benefits received, ought to modify economic activity as little as possible and must not exceed ability to pay.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the concept of evaluating a transaction, consumption or flat-tax to replace the present tax code.
MILL LEVY CAP - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA regrets that the legislature allowed combining various county mill levies which resulted in increasing total mills allowed; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA has always affirmed that mill levies should be capped.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA reaffirms its support for mill levy limitations and opposes increases above present caps without a vote of the people.
NOXIOUS WEEDS - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, cattlemen recognize the need for government cutbacks in spending and that priorities need to be determined.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA feels that noxious weed control is a high priority and that these programs be fully funded.
RUSSIAN OLIVE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, in some parts of the state, the Russian Olive tree is the only tree that will grow; and
WHEREAS, many in agriculture have planted the Russian Olive in their tree belts; and
WHEREAS, there has been a proposal to list the Russian Olive as a noxious weed.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt to list the Russian Olive as a noxious weed.
STATE WATER RIGHTS - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the federal government, through the Reed Amendment in 1993, attempted to override North Dakota state water laws, as well as that of several other western states.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA urges our Congressional delegation and governor to vigorously oppose any future attempts by the federal government to diminish North Dakota's right to allocate state water rights.
WATER APPROPRIATION - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, recreational needs are growing at a rapid pace, creating more demand on the waters of the state; and
WHEREAS, this increased pressure on water resources may lead to attempts to change the priority ranking for water allocation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt to diminish agriculture’s and livestock’s priority ranking for the waters of the state under the jurisdiction of the State Water Commission.
CLEAN WATER - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that clean water is essential to the health and well-being of the nation; and
WHEREAS, federal regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and animal feeding operations (APOs) may force unnecessary and costly restrictions on animal agriculture; and
WHEREAS, voluntary, incentive-based conservation is a proven, effective method.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a voluntary, incentive-based and locally controlled approach to clean water.
FARM POLICY CONFLICTS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, many of the current federal farm policies, conservation programs and legislative actions are being influenced by wildlife and conservation organizations that are putting wildlife production and hunting opportunities ahead of food production and ag producers' livelihood; and
WHEREAS, these policies may require producers to choose between participating in farm or conservation programs and their property rights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes legislation or policy that requires landowners to forfeit any of their property rights, such as controlling access as a part of any state or federal programs or actions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the right of the producers to voluntarily close their private lands to public access as a means to bring awareness and change of these restrictive policies being advocated by these wildlife organizations.
FEDERAL BUDGET AND TAXES - 8 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA requests Congress and the Administration to continue a realistic examination of spending priorities in order to make real and significant budget cuts and to further develop a balanced budget.
HEALTH INSURANCE - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the vast majority of Americans are covered by health insurance provided by either government or private or public employers on which neither social security nor income taxes are paid; and
WHEREAS, the owners and operators of sole proprietorships, partnerships and sub-chapter S corporations cannot deduct from net income any health-care costs for themselves.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the total inclusion as an ordinary business expense of health insurance costs for the owners of such businesses who work more than half time for their business.
IMPUTED INTEREST RATES - 8 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports improvement or repeal of the federal imputed interest rate rules, which effectively set the interest rate which is charged on seller-financed transactions of homes, farms, ranches and small businesses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA resists all attempts by the federal government to set interest rates on owner contracts of real estate and business.
WHEREAS, recreation and hunting are vital to North Dakota's economy; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota ranchers and farmers need a symbiotic relationship with recreation and hunting enthusiasts; and
WHEREAS, the short-term leasing of hunting rights has proven a viable option for hunters and landowners; and
WHEREAS, severing certain land-use rights can have a long-term negative impact on producers' ability to properly manage their operations; and
WHEREAS, property is something tangible that is held by a title, and access is merely the use of property; and
WHEREAS, the use of land can be rented, loaned or ascribed by the title holder to another party.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the sale of hunting or recreational access rights that effectively sever those from the surface of the land.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA recognizes the difference between a property title versus a land use.
NATIONAL GRASSLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the 2002 Dakota Prairie Grassland Plan will spell economic disaster to those communities dependent on these lands for livelihood while accomplishing nothing beneficial to the land or wildlife, in fact, scientific and empirical evidence indicate the result will be the opposite.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the 2002 Dakota Prairie Grasslands Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the 1987 management plan, with some needed and agreed upon changes, be renewed along with the present 10-year grazing agreements existing between the U.S. Forest Service and the grazing associations.
PREDATOR CONTROL - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, predator populations are increasing very rapidly, creating problems in livestock industry and wildlife populations.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the reclassification of mountain lions and coyotes from furbearer to predator.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports continued state and federal funding for predator control.
RENEWABLE ENERGY - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, there is a concern among cattle producers about the influence of renewable energy policy on the availability and price of feed grains and other feedstuffs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a transition to a fair market-based approach for the production and usage of renewable fuels produced from livestock feedstuffs.
STATE SCHOOL LANDS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, some state grant lands have been sold and are now on the county tax roll; and
WHEREAS, the return in interest to the state school trust fund is far greater than the present rental rate on state grant lands; and
WHEREAS, it has been proposed to sell selected state grant lands to the North Dakota Department of Transportation at appraised value to be used as mitigation acres to replace no-mow areas located across the state.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports amending the sale policy of state grant lands by the Board of University and School Lands to allow the transfer of these lands into private ownership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the sale or transfer of selected state grant lands to the North Dakota Department of Transportation to replace no-mow areas.
SURFACE DAMAGES COMPENSATION - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, surface property owners often do not get adequate protection or fair compensation for mineral development when they do not own the minerals or when those minerals are segmented beyond the surface owner’s control; and
WHEREAS, compensation for surface damages often do not reflect the overall negative impact to the value of the surface property beyond the initial damage site.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a fair compensation plan to surface owners that better reflects the lost productive value of the land.
TRESPASSING - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, many landowners in North Dakota feel their property rights are being abused by trespassing; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA has always been a strong supporter of property rights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports legislation or legal actions that would initiate a no-trespass law on ag property.
WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, certain groups are proposing the declaration of wild and scenic rivers; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of this land is privately owned; and
WHEREAS, "wild and scenic" designations would curtail grazing and mineral development, stop range improvements, require relocation of homesteads and have a severe and depressing economic hardship on producers affected.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any such federal and/or state designation of any portion of a river or stream in the state of North Dakota.
WILDERNESS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, certain groups are now proposing wilderness designation on the National Grasslands in North Dakota; and
WHEREAS, this proposal will require acquisition of private and state lands which are within the boundaries of these proposed "wilderness" areas; and
WHEREAS, many thousands of acres of privately-owned minerals that underlie these lands which may be legally explored and developed regardless of surface ownership; and
WHEREAS, being developed agricultural lands, which were once in private ownership, do not meet the conditions and criteria in the 1964 Wilderness Act, as well as not being a legal use under the Bankhead Jones Act; and
WHEREAS, present legal use of these lands would be severely curtailed to the detriment of the local and state economies if such "wilderness" designation was made.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA vigorously opposes wilderness designation of any of the National Grasslands in North Dakota.
CAPITAL GAINS TAXES - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the impact of inflation has increased property values far beyond their tax base value, thus forcing retirement sellers to pay capital gains taxes on non-existent real income; and
WHEREAS, most cow herds have a zero tax basis, making the entire selling price subject to capital gains tax; and
WHEREAS, capital gains taxes are making it impossible to equitably transfer properties from one generation to another.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a major reduction in capital gains should be one of the most important tax priorities for our Congressional delegation and for our federal tax lobbying efforts, both independently and through National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and other organizations.
DEATH TAX - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, death taxes continue to be a burden for farmers and ranchers; and
WHEREAS, death tax is in actuality nothing more than government confiscation of private property.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association continue to work for the permanent elimination of death taxes.
ELK - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, elk, which were introduced into North Dakota by releasing them in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and on the Fort Berthold reservation, have overpopulated their range and are escaping onto private lands; and
WHEREAS, they are large grazing animals comparable to cattle and horses, and they are destructive to fencing, prefer corn and grazing fields in summer and haystacks in winter, all of which make them very difficult to manage; and
WHEREAS, elk are known possible carriers of Bangs and other infectious diseases to both domestic elk and other livestock.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, all appropriate actions be enforced to prevent escape and overproduction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any release of elk into the federal, state or private lands in North Dakota.
FSA FORECLOSURES - 7 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes transfer of title or easements to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, or any other entity except legitimate agricultural producers, as a result of Farm Service Agency or other farm credit foreclosures.
PRAIRIE DOGS - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the prairie dog is a nuisance rodent that destroys grasses, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion and invasion by noxious weeds, and is a known host to vectors that carry Bubonic Plague that is threatening to humans; and
WHEREAS, they exist throughout the West in numbers well above endangered levels.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NDSA opposes any listing of the prairie dog as a threatened or endangered species.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA urges the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to declare the prairie dog a pest and the proper authorities to enforce their control.
UNIFIED TAX CREDIT - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Unified Tax Credit increases are set to expire in 2010; and
WHEREAS, the loss of the increases in the Unified Tax Credit would be a serious burden to livestock producers.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA strongly supports establishment of an inflation index of the Unified Tax Credit at the highest level if the death tax is not permanently eliminated.
WETLANDS - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the federal government's current policy on wetlands affects the use, value and private property rights on millions of acres of privately owned agricultural land; and
WHEREAS, the federal government's official method of defining wetlands is gravely flawed and leads to wetlands delineation of ranch and farm land which should not be considered wetlands; and
WHEREAS, cattle grazing is a beneficial maintenance use of wet areas and thereby protects natural wetland values; and
WHEREAS, surface inundation exists for a significant portion of the growing season of every year under normal precipitation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any federal wetlands regulatory authority over all man-made wet areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA petitions to accomplish changes to benefit the livestock industry in the federal wetlands policy.
AG POLICY & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
9-Resolution passed in 2009
8-Resolution passed in 2008
7-Resolution passed in 2007
AGRICULTURAL ZONING - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, zoning ordinances can have a beneficial or detrimental effect on agricultural practices.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA urges all townships and/or counties to zone agricultural land for agricultural practices.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, agricultural practices on land zoned for agriculture use has priority.
CLEAN AIR - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes air quality is essential to the health and well-being of the nation; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency rule that addresses the National Air Quality Standard is not based on credible scientific evidence that particulate matter emissions cause adverse health effects; and
WHEREAS, these standards will be impossible and cost-prohibitive for agriculture to comply with.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a legislative effort or companion rules that would give agriculture an exclusion from the coarse particulate matter standards.
CLEAN WATER RESTORATION ACT - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, pending Clean Water Restoration Act legislation does not address the water stewardship of the ranching industry or the desirability of local and state control; and
WHEREAS, the removal of the word "navigable" from the definition of "waters of the United States" would allow the federal government to override state and local jurisdiction over land and water management.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any change to the definition of the "waters of the United States" in reference to the Clean Water Act of 1972.
CLIMATE CHANGE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, cattle producers are ardent stewards of all natural resources including land, livestock, water and air; and
WHEREAS, agriculture makes positive contributions to the environment; and
WHEREAS, pending climate change legislation would put the United States at a large trade disadvantage in comparison to other countries; and
WHEREAS, the pending legislation would result in large energy cost increases, particularly for those in agriculture.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA works to reduce or eliminate efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, related climate change legislation or promulgated rules.
CRP - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, CRP has had an impact on producers and communities; and
WHEREAS, proper management of CRP is critical.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA’s position concerning CRP is as follows:
OPPOSE
1. The expansion of CRP in North Dakota.
2. Any attempts to make perpetual easements a part of CRP.
3. Any added benefits for haying and grazing that would unfairly subsidize contract holders.
4. Whole-farm enrollment in CRP.
SUPPORT
1. The control of weeds and insects.
2. Targeting CRP to highly erodible land.
3. The following guidelines for haying and grazing due to disaster declaration:
a. Guidelines be established in advance so producers can respond accordingly or get the best quality forage possible.
b. Only livestock producers from eligible counties may hay CRP.
c. Non-eligible counties may allow haying and grazing by producers in eligible counties.
d. CRP hay cannot be sold.
e. Uncut portions that must be left in blocks cannot exceed 25 percent.
f. Hay must be removed from CRP by November 1.
g. Payment reductions should be reflective of the forage value.
h. Owners holding CRP contracts should not be allowed to charge additional fees for the right to harvest CRP acres.
ENDANGERED SPECIES - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Endangered Species Act, as currently written and enforced, has the potential for restricting use on some North Dakota agricultural lands, both public and private, with devastating effects on social, cultural and economic values; and
WHEREAS, when endangered species populations reach established recovery levels, current delisting procedures are cumbersome.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA encourages the streamlining of the delisting process.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA urges Congress to amend the act to insure reasonable criteria for designation of an endangered species and to insure protection of private property rights.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the introduction of any endangered species from other areas into North Dakota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department seeking authority to declare a species endangered.
FEDERAL LAND USE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes in the concept of multiple-use on federal lands; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that livestock grazing is an integral part of the multiple-use concept; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that livestock producers are the original stewards of the land; and
WHEREAS, livestock producers are the only users to pay for forage use on federal lands.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a federal grazing fee formula that is fair and equitable with considerations for the value of livestock, the value of forage and the economic impact on local communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the raising of federal grazing fees past the point of diminishing returns.
FEDERAL LANDS LEGISLATION - 9 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the efforts of North Dakota federal land grazers to obtain Congressional legislation preserving their historic and legal right to use these lands.
FEDERAL TAX - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Federal Income Tax code is complex and restrictive of economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA supports the tax principles that taxes ought to be related to benefits received, ought to modify economic activity as little as possible and must not exceed ability to pay.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the concept of evaluating a transaction, consumption or flat-tax to replace the present tax code.
MILL LEVY CAP - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA regrets that the legislature allowed combining various county mill levies which resulted in increasing total mills allowed; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA has always affirmed that mill levies should be capped.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA reaffirms its support for mill levy limitations and opposes increases above present caps without a vote of the people.
NOXIOUS WEEDS - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, cattlemen recognize the need for government cutbacks in spending and that priorities need to be determined.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA feels that noxious weed control is a high priority and that these programs be fully funded.
RUSSIAN OLIVE - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, in some parts of the state, the Russian Olive tree is the only tree that will grow; and
WHEREAS, many in agriculture have planted the Russian Olive in their tree belts; and
WHEREAS, there has been a proposal to list the Russian Olive as a noxious weed.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt to list the Russian Olive as a noxious weed.
STATE WATER RIGHTS - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, the federal government, through the Reed Amendment in 1993, attempted to override North Dakota state water laws, as well as that of several other western states.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA urges our Congressional delegation and governor to vigorously oppose any future attempts by the federal government to diminish North Dakota's right to allocate state water rights.
WATER APPROPRIATION - 9 (AP)
WHEREAS, recreational needs are growing at a rapid pace, creating more demand on the waters of the state; and
WHEREAS, this increased pressure on water resources may lead to attempts to change the priority ranking for water allocation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any attempt to diminish agriculture’s and livestock’s priority ranking for the waters of the state under the jurisdiction of the State Water Commission.
CLEAN WATER - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the NDSA believes that clean water is essential to the health and well-being of the nation; and
WHEREAS, federal regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and animal feeding operations (APOs) may force unnecessary and costly restrictions on animal agriculture; and
WHEREAS, voluntary, incentive-based conservation is a proven, effective method.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a voluntary, incentive-based and locally controlled approach to clean water.
FARM POLICY CONFLICTS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, many of the current federal farm policies, conservation programs and legislative actions are being influenced by wildlife and conservation organizations that are putting wildlife production and hunting opportunities ahead of food production and ag producers' livelihood; and
WHEREAS, these policies may require producers to choose between participating in farm or conservation programs and their property rights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes legislation or policy that requires landowners to forfeit any of their property rights, such as controlling access as a part of any state or federal programs or actions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the right of the producers to voluntarily close their private lands to public access as a means to bring awareness and change of these restrictive policies being advocated by these wildlife organizations.
FEDERAL BUDGET AND TAXES - 8 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA requests Congress and the Administration to continue a realistic examination of spending priorities in order to make real and significant budget cuts and to further develop a balanced budget.
HEALTH INSURANCE - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the vast majority of Americans are covered by health insurance provided by either government or private or public employers on which neither social security nor income taxes are paid; and
WHEREAS, the owners and operators of sole proprietorships, partnerships and sub-chapter S corporations cannot deduct from net income any health-care costs for themselves.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the total inclusion as an ordinary business expense of health insurance costs for the owners of such businesses who work more than half time for their business.
IMPUTED INTEREST RATES - 8 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports improvement or repeal of the federal imputed interest rate rules, which effectively set the interest rate which is charged on seller-financed transactions of homes, farms, ranches and small businesses.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA resists all attempts by the federal government to set interest rates on owner contracts of real estate and business.
WHEREAS, recreation and hunting are vital to North Dakota's economy; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota ranchers and farmers need a symbiotic relationship with recreation and hunting enthusiasts; and
WHEREAS, the short-term leasing of hunting rights has proven a viable option for hunters and landowners; and
WHEREAS, severing certain land-use rights can have a long-term negative impact on producers' ability to properly manage their operations; and
WHEREAS, property is something tangible that is held by a title, and access is merely the use of property; and
WHEREAS, the use of land can be rented, loaned or ascribed by the title holder to another party.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the sale of hunting or recreational access rights that effectively sever those from the surface of the land.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA recognizes the difference between a property title versus a land use.
NATIONAL GRASSLANDS MANAGEMENT PLAN - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, the 2002 Dakota Prairie Grassland Plan will spell economic disaster to those communities dependent on these lands for livelihood while accomplishing nothing beneficial to the land or wildlife, in fact, scientific and empirical evidence indicate the result will be the opposite.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the 2002 Dakota Prairie Grasslands Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the 1987 management plan, with some needed and agreed upon changes, be renewed along with the present 10-year grazing agreements existing between the U.S. Forest Service and the grazing associations.
PREDATOR CONTROL - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, predator populations are increasing very rapidly, creating problems in livestock industry and wildlife populations.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports the reclassification of mountain lions and coyotes from furbearer to predator.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA supports continued state and federal funding for predator control.
RENEWABLE ENERGY - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, there is a concern among cattle producers about the influence of renewable energy policy on the availability and price of feed grains and other feedstuffs.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a transition to a fair market-based approach for the production and usage of renewable fuels produced from livestock feedstuffs.
STATE SCHOOL LANDS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, some state grant lands have been sold and are now on the county tax roll; and
WHEREAS, the return in interest to the state school trust fund is far greater than the present rental rate on state grant lands; and
WHEREAS, it has been proposed to sell selected state grant lands to the North Dakota Department of Transportation at appraised value to be used as mitigation acres to replace no-mow areas located across the state.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports amending the sale policy of state grant lands by the Board of University and School Lands to allow the transfer of these lands into private ownership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes the sale or transfer of selected state grant lands to the North Dakota Department of Transportation to replace no-mow areas.
SURFACE DAMAGES COMPENSATION - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, surface property owners often do not get adequate protection or fair compensation for mineral development when they do not own the minerals or when those minerals are segmented beyond the surface owner’s control; and
WHEREAS, compensation for surface damages often do not reflect the overall negative impact to the value of the surface property beyond the initial damage site.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports a fair compensation plan to surface owners that better reflects the lost productive value of the land.
TRESPASSING - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, many landowners in North Dakota feel their property rights are being abused by trespassing; and
WHEREAS, the NDSA has always been a strong supporter of property rights.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA supports legislation or legal actions that would initiate a no-trespass law on ag property.
WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, certain groups are proposing the declaration of wild and scenic rivers; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of this land is privately owned; and
WHEREAS, "wild and scenic" designations would curtail grazing and mineral development, stop range improvements, require relocation of homesteads and have a severe and depressing economic hardship on producers affected.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any such federal and/or state designation of any portion of a river or stream in the state of North Dakota.
WILDERNESS - 8 (AP)
WHEREAS, certain groups are now proposing wilderness designation on the National Grasslands in North Dakota; and
WHEREAS, this proposal will require acquisition of private and state lands which are within the boundaries of these proposed "wilderness" areas; and
WHEREAS, many thousands of acres of privately-owned minerals that underlie these lands which may be legally explored and developed regardless of surface ownership; and
WHEREAS, being developed agricultural lands, which were once in private ownership, do not meet the conditions and criteria in the 1964 Wilderness Act, as well as not being a legal use under the Bankhead Jones Act; and
WHEREAS, present legal use of these lands would be severely curtailed to the detriment of the local and state economies if such "wilderness" designation was made.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA vigorously opposes wilderness designation of any of the National Grasslands in North Dakota.
CAPITAL GAINS TAXES - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the impact of inflation has increased property values far beyond their tax base value, thus forcing retirement sellers to pay capital gains taxes on non-existent real income; and
WHEREAS, most cow herds have a zero tax basis, making the entire selling price subject to capital gains tax; and
WHEREAS, capital gains taxes are making it impossible to equitably transfer properties from one generation to another.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that a major reduction in capital gains should be one of the most important tax priorities for our Congressional delegation and for our federal tax lobbying efforts, both independently and through National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and other organizations.
DEATH TAX - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, death taxes continue to be a burden for farmers and ranchers; and
WHEREAS, death tax is in actuality nothing more than government confiscation of private property.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association continue to work for the permanent elimination of death taxes.
ELK - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, elk, which were introduced into North Dakota by releasing them in Theodore Roosevelt National Park and on the Fort Berthold reservation, have overpopulated their range and are escaping onto private lands; and
WHEREAS, they are large grazing animals comparable to cattle and horses, and they are destructive to fencing, prefer corn and grazing fields in summer and haystacks in winter, all of which make them very difficult to manage; and
WHEREAS, elk are known possible carriers of Bangs and other infectious diseases to both domestic elk and other livestock.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, all appropriate actions be enforced to prevent escape and overproduction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any release of elk into the federal, state or private lands in North Dakota.
FSA FORECLOSURES - 7 (AP)
BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes transfer of title or easements to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, or any other entity except legitimate agricultural producers, as a result of Farm Service Agency or other farm credit foreclosures.
PRAIRIE DOGS - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the prairie dog is a nuisance rodent that destroys grasses, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion and invasion by noxious weeds, and is a known host to vectors that carry Bubonic Plague that is threatening to humans; and
WHEREAS, they exist throughout the West in numbers well above endangered levels.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NDSA opposes any listing of the prairie dog as a threatened or endangered species.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA urges the North Dakota Department of Agriculture to declare the prairie dog a pest and the proper authorities to enforce their control.
UNIFIED TAX CREDIT - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the Unified Tax Credit increases are set to expire in 2010; and
WHEREAS, the loss of the increases in the Unified Tax Credit would be a serious burden to livestock producers.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA strongly supports establishment of an inflation index of the Unified Tax Credit at the highest level if the death tax is not permanently eliminated.
WETLANDS - 7 (AP)
WHEREAS, the federal government's current policy on wetlands affects the use, value and private property rights on millions of acres of privately owned agricultural land; and
WHEREAS, the federal government's official method of defining wetlands is gravely flawed and leads to wetlands delineation of ranch and farm land which should not be considered wetlands; and
WHEREAS, cattle grazing is a beneficial maintenance use of wet areas and thereby protects natural wetland values; and
WHEREAS, surface inundation exists for a significant portion of the growing season of every year under normal precipitation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDSA opposes any federal wetlands regulatory authority over all man-made wet areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NDSA petitions to accomplish changes to benefit the livestock industry in the federal wetlands policy.