The WFB Update podcast

A helpful conversation with Farm Bureau’s Rick Gastelum along with Cristina Rodriguez and Ellen Saline of L&I’s Employment Standards Program. The group discusses how L&I works to develop new administrative policies and how this process is working in regards to SB 5172 (the "Ag Overtime" legislation). It’s a helpful conversation where numerous questions are answered to help our members know what’s ahead.  

An urgent conversation with Corwyn Fischer, Dominique Damian, and Bre Elsey about an overreaching rule that L&I is trying to rush through regarding wildfire smoke. The process in which this rule is being handled is very frustrating and could have negative repercussions that lead to much more regulation for agriculture operations.

If you would like to get more information on this rule, visit the Washington Farm Bureau's website at: https://wsfb.com/take-action. You will be able to read various talking points and a breakdown of the rule draft. Also, you can email your own comments to the appropriate individual at L&I to voice your opinion on this important issue. Comments are due June 29, 2021.

A fun conversation with Averie Golladay about her years of experience showing rabbits and lambs at the fair, the impact and benefits that this has had as well as the skills that have set her up in a positive way as she looks forward to her future. She also shares about the obstacles that students faced this past year as COVID-19 presented many challenges to fairs and the students who take part.

Hear about Corwyn Fischer, one of the Washington Farm Bureau’s Safety Directors. Corwyn talks with Ben about his back ground on the farm, growing up in Dryden, pursuing basketball, piloting barges, and eventually joining the staff. Corwyn talks about his love for the outdoors and for his family. We’re excited for you to hear this story as you get to know your WFB team!

Hear a bit of the story of Jeff Lutz, one of the Washington Farm Bureau’s Safety Directors. Jeff shares his long history of farming, serving with Farm Bureau as a County Officer, State Board Member, and eventually joining the staff. You’ll hear Jeff’s heart for Farm Bureau members, the experiences that have shaped who he is today, and his love for his family. We’re excited for you to hear this story as you get to know your WFB team!

Encouraging the agriculture community to share this message far and wide!

A conversation with Policy and Membership Specialist Caleb Gwerder about his fascinating journey that includes playing semi-professional soccer, working in digital marketing, and serving on a pit crew. He shares about his hobbies and where he looks for guidance. It’s a fun conversation and you’ll want to hear it as you get to know your WFB team!

Former WFB State President Bob Stuhlmiller shares the story of his family and his experience with Farm Bureau. It is an exciting and dramatic tale that involves adventurous grandparents, a serendipitous bank visit, the birth of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau, and the start of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. Bob shares his enthusiasm for Farm Bureau, the proud moments of his time with the organization, and the high value he places on collaboration and sharing across the fence.  

This is the second part of a conversation with Denny Wallace, and Jason Bullock , FFA Executive Director. The two of them share about the impact of agriculture education and what FFA looks like moving into the future. There are so many resources and opportunities available through FFA and, if you would like more information on this program, you can visit their website at: www.washingtonffa.org.  

This is the first part of a conversation with Denny Wallace, and Jason Bullock , FFA Executive Director, as they share some of their story and background as well as their heart for agriculture education and investing in the lives of students. There are so many resources and opportunities available through FFA and, if you would like more information on this program, you can visit their website at: www.washingtonffa.org