Category: National Grange News
Legislative Policy Book a great resource for sessions
September and October are busy months here at the Grange, with 29 of our State Granges holding their annual sessions during this time. Thus, this seems like a perfect opportunity to remind Grangers how to best use their Legislative Policy Book. The Legislative Policy Book is both a summary of our Grange policy and a … Continue reading “Legislative Policy Book a great resource for sessions”
TeamSpeak focuses on meeting ‘truths’
On Aug. 30, several members gathered through the use of TeamSpeak, an internet-based phone conferencing program, to talk about conducting a Grange meeting. The TeamSpeak meetings, which are held monthly on announced dates at 8 p.m. EST and again at 8 p.m. PST, work to inform members about issues of interest in our order and … Continue reading “TeamSpeak focuses on meeting ‘truths’”
‘Thank you’ to farmers, workers on Labor Day
Labor Day this weekend, I know the holiday is overshadowed by a drought that has been extremely challenging for thousands of farm and ranch families. President Obama and I will continue to do all we can to help drought-stricken producers. In a nation where one of every 12 jobs is supported by agriculture, we know … Continue reading “‘Thank you’ to farmers, workers on Labor Day”
Grange to fight huge infringement case
WOOD VILLAGE, Ore. – Nearly two weeks ago, as Grange members across Oregon finalized preparations to present our organization to fairgoers of the Oregon State Fair, the public learned of a new proposed casino that would be called “The Grange.” Situated in the suburbs of Portland, less than 5 miles from the Washington-Oregon state line, … Continue reading “Grange to fight huge infringement case”
Wildfire rips through Grange community
MANTON, Calf. — As wildfires rage across many states in the West and Southwest, one group of Grange members has been particularly hard-hit, with several members’ homes destroyed or damaged by the yet uncontrolled blaze dubbed the “Ponderosa Fire.” Fire officials say more than 60 homes have been destroyed, including those of two Grange members, … Continue reading “Wildfire rips through Grange community”
National Grange joins new Farm Bill coalition, will rally in D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Grange joined forces with more than 40 other agricultural organizations as part of the Farm Bill Now coalition this week, and promised to rally with coalition members on Capital Hill next month. The coalition’s objective is to raise public awareness about the importance of passing the 2012 Farm Bill. Provisions … Continue reading “National Grange joins new Farm Bill coalition, will rally in D.C.”
Grange supports USDA’s effort to crack down on food stamp fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the National Grange cheered the Dept. of Agriculture’s enhanced efforts to fight food stamp fraud. The Grange reacted to the Aug. 9 announcement by Agriculture Undersecretary Kevin Concannon, in which he said new measures allow the department to impose strict financial sanctions on retailers that defraud the Supplemental Nutrition Association … Continue reading “Grange supports USDA’s effort to crack down on food stamp fraud”
National Grange lauds USDA’s investment in rural electric infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Grange today applauded the Thursday, Aug. 9, announcement by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, that electric utilities in rural areas of 18 states will receive loan guarantees to improve their local electric lines, transmission facilities and to implement smart grid technologies. “The National Grange is pleased with the USDA’s continued … Continue reading “National Grange lauds USDA’s investment in rural electric infrastructure”
National Grange pleased with the continuation of Medicare prescription premiums
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, Aug. 6, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced that premiums for Medicare prescription drug plans are to remain at their current levels for 2013. The average premiums for 2012 were expected to total about $30 and have averaged $29.67. “Premiums are holding steady and, thanks to … Continue reading “National Grange pleased with the continuation of Medicare prescription premiums”
National Grange urges EPA’s cooperation with livestock producers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Grange today urged the Environmental Protection Agency to cooperate with a group of livestock producers who filed a petition July 30 with the EPA requesting a one-year waiver from the agency’s renewable fuel standard (RFS) rule. The rule requires that 15 billion gallons of domestically produced ethanol be incorporated into … Continue reading “National Grange urges EPA’s cooperation with livestock producers”
Grange celebrates 150th anniversary of Morrill Act, seeks to honor members who are Land-Grant alums
The National Grange today is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Public Land-Grant University System, established under the Morrill Act of 1862. The legislation, better known as the Morrill Land Grant Act, named after its sponsor, Justin Morrill, founded the system of federal funding for public institutions that agreed to “teach such … Continue reading “Grange celebrates 150th anniversary of Morrill Act, seeks to honor members who are Land-Grant alums”
National Grange optimistic about Farm Bill progress
The National Grange, America’s oldest advocacy organization for agriculture, said Friday it is optimistic about the progress on the 2012 Farm Bill after the Senate version passed 64-35 Thursday. The bill, officially known as the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, includes savings of $23.6 billion from current Farm Bill spending levels, including … Continue reading “National Grange optimistic about Farm Bill progress”
National Grange Lauds President Obama’s Executive Order to Speed Broadband Expansion for Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Grange today lauded President Obama’s decision to sign an Executive Order that will make broadband expansion up to 90 percent cheaper and faster for those along federal lands and roadways. This plan will drastically expand and speed the deployment of broadband access for rural Americans. “By connecting every corner of … Continue reading “National Grange Lauds President Obama’s Executive Order to Speed Broadband Expansion for Rural Areas”
As Senate prepares to debate Farm Bill, take time to thank a farmer
By National Grange President Edward L. Luttrell May 29, 2012 As the Senate prepares to debate the 2012 Farm Bill, a significant piece of legislation, we see scrutiny of the agriculture industry and the recent “record profits” by the media, economists, and laypersons often having little knowledge of either agriculture or the bill itself. While … Continue reading “As Senate prepares to debate Farm Bill, take time to thank a farmer”
National Grange Wishes USDA a Happy Sesquicentennial
WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Grange President Ed Luttrell commended the United States Department of Agriculture on its 150th anniversary today. “In 1862, Abraham Lincoln had the foresight to introduce legislation that would establish a Department of Agriculture. Although the country was in the middle of the Civil War, President Lincoln knew that the nation’s strength … Continue reading “National Grange Wishes USDA a Happy Sesquicentennial”
