FIFTY-EIGHTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE

APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES

2006 INTERIM

 

JOINT AGRICULTURE, PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER RESOURCES INTERIM COMMITTEE

Initial Approved Budget: $25,000

 

 

Topic #1:           Agriculture Issues:

 

1.       Board of Agriculture and Youth Leadership;

2.       Wheat Commission;

3.       National Grain and Feed Mills;

4.       Weeds, Pests, Fertilizers and Predators;

5.       Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program;

6.       Bio-diesel Incentives.

 

The Board of Agriculture is an advisory board, but has certain statutory authority.  The Board of Agriculture only receives $10.00 per day compensation plus travel compared to much higher rates provided to other boards.  The committee will review the Board of Agriculture, its authority, responsibilities, compensation, structure and the feasibility of adding youth leadership members to the permanent board.  The committee will consider whether any legislative changes need to be made regarding the wheat commission, weed and pest control, seeds, fertilizer and predatory animals.  The Committee will consider national grain and feed mills, bio-diesel incentives and the conservation reserve enhancement program.

 

 

Topic #2:         Livestock Board.

 

1.     Review the results of the Task Force studying the Brand Inspection and Brand Recording Programs.

2.     Care of Abused Animals.

 

The Committee will review the results of the task force studying the brand inspection and brand recording programs and review the issue of care of abused animals and the role of the livestock board regarding such animals. 

 

Topic #3:         Agriculture Property Issues:

 

1.     Eminent Domain;

2.     Review results of the Task Force on the Office of State Lands Trust Programs;

3.     Conflicting bids/contributory values on state lands.

 

The committee will continue its study of the effects of the Kelo case and how it affects Wyoming and its agricultural producers and individuals. [Note: Language stricken by Management Council] The Committee will review the results of the Task Force on the Office of State Lands Trust Programs and the effect of conflicting bids and contributory values on state lands.

 

Topic #4:         Water Issues:

 

1.     Well diggers requirements;

2.     Development of smaller water projects;

3.  In-stream flow from stored water;

4.     Pesticide groundwater.

 

The committee will consider the need to make mandatory the current voluntary well digger requirements and the need to develop small water projects for agriculture.  The committee will look at the use of in-stream flow from stored water and receive information on pesticides in groundwater.