Under the Golden Dome

The UTGD Newsletter is for MEMBERS ONLY

If you are NOT a member and would like the UTGD Newsletter, sign up today!

“Under the Golden Dome”, is emailed weekly to subscribing members to keep them apprised of legislative developments at the Vermont Statehouse that affect agriculture. Legislative priorities are set annually by the organization following the elected delegate session determining policy in November.

Amber Perry (802) 434-5646 or ambervtfb@gmavt.net

The Vermont Legislature is in session. You are able to review the active bills, sponsors and progress made by Clicking HERE.

 Stay Tuned for UPDATES ON YOUR  COUNTY  MEETINGS
http://vtfb.org/vermont-farm-bureau-calendar.php

KNOW THE LAW WHEN YOU DRIVE YOUR EQUIPMENT
One of our members was driving a large piece of farm machinery (a chopper) down a local road from one field to another.  He came to a narrow spot in the road and stopped to let traffic by in both directions, then proceeded into the lane.  Imagine his surprise when blue lights started flashing!  A local sheriff told the farmer he was “over-width” for the road and needed to pull his chopper off the road, park it and go home.  The farmer reminded the sheriff of the Right to Farm law and said he had no other way to get to his fields.  The sheriff continued to be quite aggressive about the “law”; the farmer continued to try and make him understand.  Finally, the farmer simply got in the chopper and drove to the field.

This farm is now talking to the selectboard in the town and planning to sponsor an educational meeting with the selectboard and the sheriff’s office.  This is great and absolutely pro-active, but as the farmer said, “Why is this MY job?  They should know the law!”  Please make sure you know your rights and responsibilities, and if anyone else has challenges, let us know so that we can figure out next steps. And thanks to the farmer for sharing this experience.

If you need to get in touch with us:

Amber Perry at 802-434-5646 or ambervtfb@gmavt.net

Jackie Folsom at 802-434-5646 or presidentvtfb@gmvt.net

Facebook:  Look for articles relevant to agriculture at least five days a week on Facebook. Please join Facebook, like us and join in on the conversations.

Newshounds: for those of you who want a daily dose please subscribe to Morning Ag Clips: Newshounds

Contacting representatives Email or in-Person

At the beginning of each term we publish the member names on each committee of agriculture. The members are easy to contact. It’s their first initial; last name @leg.state.vt.us with no spaces.  Please do not use their private home phone numbers, unless you have their permission.

House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry

Senate Committee on Agriculture