Every membership renewal form contains a simple survey, asking for ideas, comments and suggestions. When asked, what do you feel should be LAND’s biggest priority for the next year, here’s a sample of what some of our members are thinking: Protect private property rights. Oppose CRP. Promote ourselves. The takings of land because of flooding caused by government agencies’ inaction to control flooding. Fight the Sierra Club and US Forest Service on grasslands issues. Relax the rules for CRP. Get school taxes off farm land and finance education with income and sales tax.

Whew! That’s a lot for any organization to accomplish....and those are just considered by members to be the “biggest” priority....not the only one!

LAND happens to be served by an equally diverse board of directors. They grow spring wheat, durum, oats, barley, sunflowers, canola, flax, rye, corn, beans, ...did I miss anything? They raise sheep, cattle, buffalo and all forms of wildlife. Some hunt and fish. They own land and lease land. Some have off farm income and experience. Some have family working the land with them.

Before each and every board meeting we hear a crop report. The board spends a few moments talking about their land and how things are growing, harvested or what prep work they are doing for the new season. This sets the tone for our meetings and reminds everyone why we belong to LAND - to protect that right to use our land in many different ways.

At our Annual Meeting we’re going to set priorities for the year...and look for some new board members to help guide the path of our organization. If you believe in the 5th Amendment, if you like the challenge of helping LAND accomplish its goal, please contact us. Maybe you’ll be presenting a crop report, too!