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Articles by Stefanie Smallhouse
Opinion: Ballot measures should reflect what all of Arizona wants, not just Phoenix
Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring every voice is heard and every perspective has a platform. Yet, the democratic process looks different in each state across our union, and here in Arizona, some voices have far more power than others, while some perspectives are completely ignored. Under current law, there are no requirements for the proponents of ballot initiatives to gather signatures from across the state.
We’ve been patient; now it’s time to pass the Farm Bill
Arizona’s agricultural industry contributes $23.3 billion to our state’s economy each year. The success of this industry is attributable to the innovation of our farmers and ranchers, but also to the uniqueness of our climate: temperatures where crops can grow year-round and public lands where cattle can forage freely. The Farm Bill, a legislative package that needs to be reauthorized every five years, provides critical support for farmers and ranchers in the West.
We need collaboration over cynicism to solve groundwater challenges
An unhealthy plate of cynicism with a side of hypocrisy is served up every day in politics. So let me offer a bit of sincerity to sum up the last several months. In November, Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Water Policy Council finalized its report outlining the principle guidelines and key elements for any future groundwater management framework. The Council did not author any proposed legislation, which makes sense.
Farmers have a critical voice in groundwater management. Don't work against us Original
A recent op-ed suggested legislators only have two choices in finding solutions for groundwater challenges: Work with us, or work with them. It is exactly this type of thinking that has stymied efforts for the last four years in addressing these issues and finding the commonsense and workable tools our rural areas so desperately need. The agriculture industry refuses to buy into this fallacy.
Managing Resources for the Next 6 Generations
As a rancher and farmer, I take the stewardship of my land and water resources very seriously – as do nearly all those growing food and fiber in this country. My children are the sixth generation in our family to operate and live on the Carlink Ranch in southeast Arizona. We strive to manage our resources in such a way that the next six generations will have the same opportunities that we have had.
Smallhouse: Drought resilience requires a holistic approach
By Stefanie Smallhouse August 14, 2021 at 6:50 pm CDT While it’s easy to imagine that drought spells apocalypse, experts say what prolonged drought really requires is the appropriate response and a willingness to adapt. (Provided photo/Stefanie Smallhouse) My husband and I took over operating the family ranch in 2000 after the sudden passing of his father; I remember it was an especially dry year. In the desert that is not much in the way of news, but more of a tendency.
Drought Resilience Requires a Holistic Approach
Credit: Stefanie Smallhouse By Stefanie Smallhouse @loveamericanAg My husband and I took over operating the family ranch in 2000 after the sudden passing of his father; I remember it was an especially dry year. In the desert that is not much in the way of news, but more of a tendency. Even so, we were forced to liquidate two-thirds of our cattle herd because we did not have the necessary infrastructure to manage what became a longer-term situation.
Why do farmers want Congress to invest in airports? Our livelihood depends on it
Arizona agriculture plays a critical role in our lives and our economy. In a normal year, Yuma and Maricopa counties support close to 90% of the United States’ winter lettuce. Our food supply chain employs more than 160,000 workers, and around 37% of the state’s nearly 20,000 farms and ranches raise cattle, totaling just under 1 million head of cattle and $521 million of export value. Our dairy industry produces greater than 4.8 billion pounds of milk per year.
In the Age of Digital Technology, Leadership Programs Remain Essential
Credit: iStockPhoto By Stefanie Smallhouse Leadership is an absolutely humanistic element sought in all areas of our lives: school, church, work, family, community and government. A few years ago, an interview with author Simon Sinek went viral on YouTube because it was so relatable. He explained how 35 years of raising kids to think that everyone is a winner, in conjunction with the explosion of social media and digital technology, has had some detrimental side effects to the workplace.
Trump's new water rule clarifies what I must do to keep Arizona's water clean
Stefanie Smallhouse, opinion contributor Published 6:00 a.m. MT Jan. 5, 2019 Opinion: A previous version of the Waters of the U.S. rule paralyzed small businesses with uncertainty and 'gotcha' enforcement of vague regulations. Most farms and ranches use the same water for their families as for their farms.(Photo: Jack Kurtz/The Republic) I have no problem drawing water for my family from the well sitting between my house and my farm.
Pushing Forward for Agriculture
By Stefanie Smallhouse We as individuals are a byproduct of our environment. Isn’t that what we are told? Well, a big part of that environment is the people we interact with on a daily basis. Throughout my life, I have always been surrounded by others who assume there are no limits to what can be achieved. Neither of my parents discouraged me as I crafted and planned my future.
My Turn: Ranchers are environmentalists, too
My Turn: 'Environmentalists' often malign our work. But we care about the environment as much as they do. Maybe more. My husband Andy was taken aback not long ago when a customer opened up a friendly discussion with, “You should know, I’m an environmentalist.” It's an assertion Andy had heard many times. Later that day, standing in our kitchen, Andy repeated the statement to me and said, “What does that even mean?” We both wondered. It rolls off the tongue so easily.
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