Convention Countdown Page 3
Young farmers represent INFB’s future Pages 4, 5
Legislative Timeline Page 7
INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around IFB................... 3 Around Indiana............ 6 Around the Statehouse... 7 State & Nation.............. 8
The Hoosier Farmer
®
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Issue No. 60
Water resources a top priority in next legislative session —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team As Indiana Farm Bureau heads into another legislative session, water issues will be a top priority. The controversial “Waters of the U.S.” rule proposed by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers brought the issue to the forefront at the federal level. The INFB public policy team says there is work to do at the state level as well. “We have lots of information that is not being analyzed,” said Justin Schneider,
INFB senior policy advisor and counsel. “Indiana needs to better coordinate between agencies, project supply and demand into the future, and fill existing data gaps. This will help decision-making at the local, regional and state levels.” INFB has spent many months working with partners to review the state’s water supply and demand, as well as the laws and regulations for water use. “There is widespread agreement that we need to be smart about our water
resources. Representatives from all levels of state government, conservation groups, and users of water have all committed to continued engagement to develop sound state policies,” Schneider added. Addressing water quality concerns is also important to the discussion. The problems that Toledo, Ohio, experienced when blue-green algae affected the city’s water supply increased scrutiny on farmers. The blame in that case fell in part on nutrients lost from farming.
Farm bill meetings begin Dec. 8, continue through Jan. 15 —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau and a coalition of ag groups is partnering with Purdue University Extension Services and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to host a series of informational meetings about the farm bill in December and January. The meetings were announced earlier in the month, but some details have changed since the previous issue of The Hoosier Farmer was published. At each site, INFB is conducting a state policy lunch to brief farmers on the critical issues that must be dealt with by the General Assembly when they convene in January, namely the rapidly escalating farmland tax burden. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Farm Bureau staff will also discuss other priorities including forced annexation, water resources, Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
state budget priorities affecting ag and rural communities, and provide an update on federal tax extenders. Purdue’s registration site includes registration for the lunch. The farm bill portion of each meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Here is the schedule as of The Hoosier Farmer’s Nov. 14 deadline: • Dec. 8 - Hamilton County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center; 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. • Dec. 9 - Huntingburg Event Center; 200 E. 14th St., Huntingburg. • Dec. 10 - Indiana Grand Racing and Casino Trackside; 4300 N. Michigan Road, Shelbyville. • Jan. 6 - Honeywell Center; 275 W. Market St., Wabash. • Jan. 8 - Knights of Columbus; 624 Delaware Road, Batesville. • Jan. 9 - Beck Agricultural Center; 4540 U.S. 52 W, Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Berne, IN Permit NO. 43
West Lafayette. • Jan. 15 - Allen County War Memorial Coliseum (Fort Wayne Farm Show); 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. The meetings are free and open to the general public, but registration is recommended. To register, visit the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture’s website, www.agecon.purdue.edu/ commercialag. Information can also be found by visiting www.thehoosierfarmer.org. Farmers without access to the internet can call their local extension office to register. Discussion at the farm bill meetings will focus on Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs authorized by the farm bill and the tools available to help producers make the appropriate decision for their farms. Crop producers must select one of the new programs, an irrevocable decision that is good for the life of the five-year farm bill until 2018. Program election decisions must be made by March 31, 2015, and are on a crop-by-crop basis. Famers are encouraged to attend one of the farm bill meetings in order to be prepared to make the most informed and best program decision for their individual operations.
Indiana’s efforts focus on providing science and economic information on water quality to farmers in an easy format. One element is a website, www.inagnutrients. org. The site is updated as new information becomes available. INFB is also looking at a regional water issue. Farmers and landowners are concerned about a plan to develop Mounds Lake, a new 2,100-acre reservoir in Madison and Delaware counties. Supporters of the project cite the need for a new water supply to serve central Indiana. Farmers’ concerns include eminent domain, possible drainage impact and transportation issues as roads are closed to flood the area. The project is still in early
phases and is not guaranteed to proceed. Researchers are finalizing feasibility studies conducted earlier this year. The comment period for the Waters of the U.S. proposal is scheduled to close before this edition of The Hoosier Farmer arrives in homes. Indiana farmers have made a strong showing. More than 400 Farm Bureau members attended meetings to discuss the proposal and hundreds of others submitted comments to the EPA and letters to Congress. Water issues will continue to be a legislative and regulatory focus for INFB. Keep reading The Hoosier Farmer, visiting www.ifbgetinvolved. com and watching your email for opportunities to contact decision-makers on water issues.
Indiana Farm Bureau hosted a continental breakfast at the Indiana Statehouse on Nov. 18, also known as “Organization Day,” the day on which the General Assembly gathers to plan for the next session, which begins in January. From left are Jeff Gormong, INFB District 7 director; Rep. Suzanne Crouch, R-Evansville; INFB Vice President Randy Kron; and Katrina Hall, INFB director of state government relations. Photo by Mindy Reef
Megan Ritter, public policy director, talks about INFB’s priorities for the upcoming session with Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson. Photo by Mindy Reef
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NEWS IN BRIEF
News Bites —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
AFBF calls on EPA to ditch the Waters of the U.S. rule—The
Environmental Protection Agency’s and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is a blatant effort to expand federal authority over land use by regulating land as if it were “water,” the American Farm Bureau Federation said. AFBF filed formal comments with the EPA after rallying farmers, ranchers, other regulated industries and members of Congress behind its popular #DitchtheRule campaign. EPA keeps spinning its rule to sell it to different audiences, but individual regulators won’t care about that spin when they’re out enforcing the rule, AFBF said. Agriculture clearly isn’t buying the spin, as 146 agricultural groups joined in the AFBF-led comments. (AFBF 11/14/14)
Karis Gutter named first military veterans agriculture liaison—Deputy Agricul-
ture Secretary Krysta Harden has announced that Karis Gutter, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran and current USDA deputy under secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, is the first USDA military veterans agricultural liaison. The MVA liaison will coordinate USDA leadership across the department to provide information, resources and support for active-duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The MVA liaison will also have authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans. Harden made the an-
nouncement at the Farmer Veterans Coalition and Drake University Agriculture Law Center’s inaugural national conference in Des Moines, Iowa. (USDA 11/14/14)
AFBF women’s program launches online survey on women’s ag goals, needs—The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program has launched “Women in Ag,” an online survey that aims to gauge the goals, aspirations, achievements and needs of women in American agriculture in a number of different areas. All women who are farmers, ranchers, farm/ranch employees, employed in agricultural businesses, pursuing ag-related higher education or supportive of agriculture in other ways are invited to participate in the survey at womeninag.fb.org. Respondents must reside in the United States. Farm Bureau membership is not required to participate. (AFBF
11/7/14)
Purdue workshop focuses on grain storage issues—Purdue
Extension and the Indiana Grain and Feed Association are teaming up for a daylong Post-Harvest Update and Recertification Workshop
in December to help farmers and other agribusiness professionals learn how to store crops securely and economically. Linda Mason, professor of entomology at Purdue and associate dean of the Graduate School, said the workshop is especially timely this year since many corn and soybean producers are dealing with an unusually large harvest. “With record yields and lower crop prices, many farmers will be storing their grains themselves this year instead of taking them to market,” she said. “In this workshop, participants will hear from expert instructors how to protect their stored grain from moisture, insects and other threats, as well as how to protect themselves during loading and unloading.” The workshop is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Beck Agricultural Center, 4540 U.S. 52 W, in West Lafayette. Sessions include: • Insect Biology: Why Resistance Occurs. • Student Research update. • Proactive Management Strategies for Stored Grain. • Economics of Storage. • Adjuvants and the Power of the Spray Droplets. • Regulatory Compliance Within the Fumigation Industry.
Coalition work on big data is crucial to ag’s success —From the INFB Public Relations Team A coalition of major farm organizations and technology providers has announced an agreement on data privacy and security principles that will encourage the use and development of a full range of innovative, technology-driven tools and services. According to Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock, one of the participants, it may be one of the most important milestones the agriculture sector has seen in decades. “Farm data is the next big thing on the agricultural horizon, and if done right it could have more impact on yield and profitability than anything I’ve seen in my farming career,” said Villwock. “As an AFBF board member, I feel privileged to been involved in the early discussions. As a farmer, I hope to use the fruits of the coalition’s labor to grow more food using fewer resources, while protecting farmers’ ownership of the data.” The principles adopted by the coalition promise to greatly accelerate the move to the next generation of agricultural data technology, which includes in-cab
Presenters are Mason; Fred Whitford, coordinator of pesticide programs at Purdue; Klein Ileleji, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering; Corinne Alexander, associate professor of agricultural economics; and Jeff Jones, manager of fumigation services for McCloud Services, a pest management services provider.
Indiana Farm Bureau photo
Administrative/Finance Team
Legal Affairs Team
Public Relations Team
Regional Managers
President...................................... Don Villwock Vice President.................................Randy Kron Second Vice President................. Isabella Chism Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer....Mark Sigler Receptionist...................................... Kim Duke General Fund Accountant.............. Tiffanie Ellis Office Manager & Meeting Planner.Kay Keown Controller.......................................Elaine Rueff Administrative Assistant....................Jill Shanley Executive Secretary..................... Beverly Thorpe
Director & General Counsel ...Mark Thornburg Associate Counsel for Corporate Compliance & Nonprofit Affairs ............Sara MacLaughlin Legal Assistant........................... Maria Spellman
Director & Editor .......................Andy Dietrick Web Designer/Developer..............Diane Brewer Publications Managing Editor & Media Relations Specialist...... Kathleen Dutro Marketing & PR Specialist.............. Mindy Reef Communications Assistant......... Rachel Schrage
Wayne Belden (1 & 3) Greg Bohlander (6) Andrew Cleveland (4 & 6) Janice Deno (3) Jennifer Chandler Gish (9) Seth Harden (7 & 9) Allison Hines (10) Amy Hutson (5) Susan Lawrence (2) John Newsom (1 & 2) Kermit Paris (8) Keegan Poe (5 & 8) Brad Ponsler (10) E.B. Rawles (7) Allie Rieth (4)
District Directors Larry Jernas (1) Kevin Ousley (2) Kevin Underwood (3) Steve Maple (4) Dave Wyeth (5)
Scott Trennepohl (6) Jeff Gormong (7) Mark Bacon (8) Philip Springstun (9) Robert Schickel (10)
Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation
Public Policy Team Director........................................ Megan Ritter Policy Development & Industry Relations.........................Bob Cherry National Government Relations Policy Advisor................. Kyle Cline Policy Advisor & Counsel..............Amy Cornell State Government Relations Director...................................... Katrina Hall Administrative Assistant .............. Diane Helton Administrative Assistant .............Wanda Hunter Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel..................................Justin Schneider Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Direct Retail Business Specialist........Bob White
Organizational Development Team Director............................................... Kim Vail Program Assistant........................ Ashley Beasley Field Services Program Director.....Chris Fenner Young Farmer & Women’s Program Coordinator................ Meggie Foster Collegiate Farm Bureau Coordinator................................ Seth Harden Program Assistant.......................Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator.................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator...........Anna Todd Program Assistant............................ Tracie Trent
Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Director of Affiliate Relations.................. Julie Klarich
displays, mobile devices and wireless-enabled precision agriculture that has already begun to boost farm productivity across the United States. As a farmer member of the big data working group, Villwock worked closely with a number of prominent agribusinesses, including Indiana-based Beck’s Hybrids and Dow AgroSciences LLC. Others involved in developing the data standards include American Soybean Association, DuPont Pioneer, John Deere, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, Raven Industries, The Climate Corporation (a division of Monsanto), and USA Rice Federation. “Privacy and security is and always has been important to farmers, and that is especially true of the data generated with each new crop,” said Villwock. “While farmers are excited about the new tools available, how that data is gathered, protected and shared must be transparent and secure. This has been a very collaborative and productive process.” The “Privacy and Security Principles for Farm Data” can be found at http://bit. ly/1zjQ4Sk.
The workshop includes lunch. Cost is $110, or $95 for those who register before Dec. 12. Continuing education credits have been applied for. For registration information, contact Jayne McElwain, association manager of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, at jmcelwain@ kwkmanagement.com. (Purdue 11/17/14)
Address Letters & Questions To: Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Phone: 1-800-327-6287 or (317) 692-7776 E-Mail Address: askus@infarmbureau.org Duplicate Magazines If you are receiving more than one copy of The Hoosier Farmer®, please cut out both labels and return them to the address above. Magazine Design and Layout Davis Graphic Design www.davisgraphics.com The Hoosier Farmer® is published 14 times per year by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206, and is furnished as a service to voting members and others. Controlled circulation. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hoosier Farmer® P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
Director..................... John Shoup
November 24, 2014
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
3
AROUND IFB
Idea Depot to offer roundtable discussions on a variety of topics —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Are you packed and ready? The Indiana Farm Bureau state convention is only a couple weeks away, and the schedule is packed with activities – and options – to please nearly anyone. Many options are available during the Idea Depot on Friday, Dec. 12, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Idea Depot is an extension of an idea from last year’s convention that proved very popular – roundtable discussions. The format allows convention goers the opportunity to select from a long list of topics and have short, focused discussions on those topics with facilitators and representatives of other county Farm Bureaus. As of The Hoosier Farmer’s Nov. 17 deadline, the following topics were slated for the Idea Depot: • Financing Dos and Don’ts
• Hot Topics for the Legislature • Response to Ag Opposition Groups • Using Social Media • How Do You Educate the Consumer? • Is Your Farm’s Liability Enough? • So You Want a Sustainable Farm • What’s Up in Washington • Annuities vs CDs • How Do You Communicate with Your Elected Officials? • Apps for Productivity • How Is Indiana Farm Bureau Doing? • Building a Strong YF&R Program • Effective County Committees • Private Lands Forestry • Soil Health • Eminent Domain • Cowboy Ethics • Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center (Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland
Security) • Ag in the Classroom • Wild Card Table Topics may change, but it is unlikely they will change much. Some additional reminders and information: Many of the deadlines for signups have passed, but there is one opportunity members can still take advantage of: a little pampering at one of the hotel spas. The spas will stay open late on Friday night, and members will receive a 10 percent discount on individual spa services (packages not included). There are also shorter versions of services available. Contact the spas at the hotels or visit their websites for more information. Convention attendees should bring cash and checkbooks for the Young Farmer silent auction. Some great items will be available, including a golf package valued at $525, donated by
County Farm Bureaus recognized in five program areas —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau’s 2014 county recognition program ended on Sept. 30. One hundred percent of the counties participated, noted Chris Fenner, INFB field services program director, who coordinated the program. This year, counties were asked about five program areas: membership outreach, issue engagement, influential organization, public relations and education, and young farmers and youth. These categories are aligned with the INFB strategic plan.
At the annual convention, county Farm Bureaus will be recognized as “Cardinals,” “Hawks” or “Falcons.” The Cardinal Award will be given to those counties that meet the basic goal for that particular category. The Hawk Award will be given to those counties that complete additional requirements. Any county who fulfills these extra requirements in all five categories will be given the Falcon Award. A full list of the awards received by all counties will be available at the convention, but it can also be found on INFB’s website,
conv.infb.org/awards. Listed below in alphabetical order are the counties that earned the Falcon Award: Allen, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Dearborn, Decatur, DeKalb, Delaware, Dubois, Elkhart, Fountain, Franklin, Gibson, Greene, Henry, Knox, Kosciusko. Lake, LaPorte, Marshall, Monroe, Newton, Noble, Pike, Posey, Randolph, Rush, St. Joseph, Shelby, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vanderburgh, Vigo, Warrick, Wells, White and Whitley.
French Lick Resort. For those wanting to learn a little more about French Lick beyond their website at www.frenchlick.com, the resort maintains of blog at
frenchlickresort.blogspot. com. Convention runs Dec. 1213 at the French Lick Resort. For more information, visit conv.infb.org.
When someone says fresh greens, do you think “18 holes” rather than “salad bar”?
Don’t forget cash or your checkbook for the Young Farmer silent auction at state convention. Many great items will be up for bid, including:
AFBF convention travels to San Diego —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Members still have a few days to register for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in San Diego, California, Jan. 1013, 2015. The convention features well-known late night talk show host Jay Leno, Navy SEALs commander Rorke Denver, IDEAg tradeshow, tours and workshops. For more information
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
on specific activities, visit annualconvention.fb.org. Registration and hotel reservations are due by Dec. 1 and must be made through
Indiana Farm Bureau. More information is available on www.infb.org under the “Events” menu or by calling 317-692-7853.
One round of golf at the Donald Ross course for four people, valued at $525. Donated by our friends at French Lick Resort. Proceeds of the auction go to Feeding America November 24, 2014
4
YOUNG FARMER AWARDS
Young farmer finalists repre —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team The goal of Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Program is cultivating tomorrow’s agricultural leaders for roles in Farm Bureau, government and the community. This year’s finalists in the Indiana Farm Bureau
Young Farmer Achievement and Excellence in Agriculture awards demonstrate how worthwhile that goal is. Young farmers who earn a majority of their income from their farms are recognized through the YFAA award. They are judged on their achievements in their farming opera-
tion and on their leadership abilities. The state Achievement Award winners receive a $6,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; 250 hours maximum free use of one M-Series tractor (and loader, if appropriate) courtesy of Kubota Tractor; the David L.
YFAA finalists Matt & Brianna Chapman, Henry County
Brianna and Matt Chapman with their daughter, Grace.
November 24, 2014
Story & photos by Kathleen M. Dutro
Story & photos by Andy Dietrick
Mike Hertsel didn’t grow up on a farm, but he has fond boyhood memories of working on his grandfather’s small operation. That’s why he and Sarah, his wife of 10 years, feel privileged to raise their family on a farm near Syracuse, Ind. Mike holds a degree in dairy farm science and technology and has worked as a livestock feed specialist for the past decade. Recently, a customer asked Mike to join the team on his 1,500acre grain and livestock farm. Mike jumped at the chance and feels blessed to be part of a family farm where he performs a variety of daily tasks and is taking on more responsibility. Sarah works part time as a cosmetologist at a nearby salon and spends the majority of her time keeping house and caring for the kids (ages 5, 3 and 1). The Hertsels raise some purebred His work on a local grain and livestock farm gives hogs, helping local 4-H’ers learn the life lessons Mike a lot of variety, including helping with the cowthat come from completing a livestock project. calf herd. The family also keeps a small flock of laying hens and raises a good-sized garden every year.
YFAA finalists George and Carly Kakasuleff, Hamilton County
Carly, Vince and George Kakasuleff.
ment in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organization. Indiana’s YFEA winner receives a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit
Grain, hogs and hay are the foundation of Matt and Brianna Chapman’s Henry County farm. Matt farms around 375 acres on his own and also helps his father with 2,700 acres of row crops. Matt is responsible for making all of the decisions for his own acres, including planting, harvesting and marketing, and he also scouts the crops and determines application times for both his acres and his father’s. Another major responsibility is overseeing his father’s swine operation, which includes two 4,000-head finishing barns. The hay operation began while Matt was still in high school. He custom-bales around 125 acres in small square bales for various customers. Besides working on his own grain and hay operation, Brianna, who grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, Matt oversees his father’s finishing operation. has a degree in natural resources and environmental sciences, and used to commute to Indianapolis. But in order to allow her work closer to home, she and Matt have purchased a full-service flower shop in nearby Middletown. A good reason for working from home is the couple’s daughter, Grace, born this spring.
YFEA finalists Mike & Sarah Hertsel, Elkhart County
Sarah and Mike Hertsel and their three children – Caroline, George and Elizabeth – bundle together in front of some hay bales on a cold November day.
Leising Memorial Award; and expenses paid to national convention to San Diego, Calif. The YFEA award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation they own but who are actively contributing and growing through their involve-
Story & photos by Rachel Schrage
George Kakasuleff is the third generation to live and work on the Hamilton County grain farm started by his grandfather in the 1950s. His wife, Carly, grew up in the suburbs but fell in love with farm life. The Kakasuleffs farm with the future in mind. It is important to them that their son, Vince, 3, has the opportunity to be the fourth generation to work the farm. George and Carly both attended college before settling into life on the farm. George has a degree in agronomic business and marketing George and Vince take a good look at the Kakafrom Purdue, and Carly graduated from Indiana suleffs’ combine. The family farms with George’s parents and older brother. University with an informatics degree. Putting her education to good use, Carly is responsible for the farm’s web and social media presence and has an off-farm job, which, along with several other businesses, provides the income necessary to reinvest a large portion of the farm’s income back into the operation. www.thehoosierfarmer.com
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YOUNG FARMER AWARDS
esent INFB’s future leaders Services; $3,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; and expenses paid to national convention in San Diego, Calif. Runners up in both contests receive $1,000 cash prizes from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Winners in these two
contests, as well as INFB’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet (which will be held during the state convention next month), will advance to the national Young Farmer & Rancher contests, where they will compete against young farmers from across the country. National winners
will receive their choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra truck, courtesy of GM. The three national finalists in each competition will receive a Case IH Farmall tractor, courtesy of Case IH, as well as a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in Stihl merchandise.
More on this year’s YFEA and YFAA finalists, including web-exclusive stories and photos, is available at The Hoosier Farmer’s website, www.thehoosierfarmer.org.
YFEA finalists Matt & Carla Schenk, Posey County
The Schenk family: Matt and Carla Schenk with their daughters, Ciara and Mattison.
Farming, an ag technology business and an excavation business are just some of the things that keep Matt and Carla Schenk on the go. The majority of their income comes from the ag technology and excavation businesses, which they operate with Matt’s parents. Matt also works alongside his father on the family farm, raising corn, wheat and double-crop soybeans. The technology business helps farmers keep the high-tech tools of their trade calibrated and working properly, while the excavation business focuses on clearing fence rows, cleaning ditches, building terraces and leveling land. Carla worked as a grain grader and grain merchandizer at local elevators when she first graduated from college, but she eventually decided to stay home with their two daughters, Ciara and Mattison. She helps keep the books, runs a small beauty consulting business and an embroidery business, and is the market master for the local farmers’ market, which she started.
YFEA finalists Chris and Marah Steele, Adams County
Chris and Marah Steele and their children – Cooper, Mayah and Carter (shown standing in front).
On any fall day, a number of things may happen on Chris and Marah Steele’s farm in Adams County: a group of children picking pumpkins, a mother buying freezer beef or one of the younger Steeles collecting eggs. Managing all of these activities with off-farm employment and involvement in their community are what put them in the finalist position for the INFB Excellence in Agriculture Award. Marah spearheads the agritourism venue. It is open to school groups and to the public during the fall. Steele Farms features a corn maze, hayride, pumpkin patch, a farm store and an assortment of animals. The couple also sells freezer meat, including beef, pork and chicken. Until recently, Chris worked for Zurcher BestOne Tire and Auto Care, a family-owned tire distributor in Monroe. He has a new role selling seeds for Pioneer. Their three children – Carter, 8, Cooper, 6, and Mayah, 3 – are the sixth generation on Chris’s family’s homestead farm.
YFAA finalists Nick and Beth Tharp, Putnam County
Nick, Kate and Beth Tharp.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
On a farm with 3,000 sows, there is a litter of piglets born nearly every hour. It is a 24-hoursper-day, seven-days-per-week job. But Nick and Beth Tharp of Coatesville don’t let that get in the way of their plans for future expansion. Alongside Beth’s family, and with the help of six employees, the Tharps wean nearly 77,000 pigs each year and farm more than 900 acres of corn, soybeans and hay. A large portion of their time is focused on animal care and soil improvement. In addition to managing their farm, the Tharps are involved members of their community, holding leadership positions at their church and opening their farm to neighbors and strangers alike for tours. According to the Tharps, their most important job is parenting their one-year-old daughter, Kate, who loves visiting the barns and might be a hog farmer in the making.
Story & photos by Kathleen M. Dutro
Besides farming, the Schenks operate a farm technology business and, as shown above, an excavation business.
Story & photos by Mindy Reef
Marah oversees the agritourism part of the operation, which includes a corn maze, hayride, pumpkin patch, farm store and freezer beef.
Story & photos by Rachel Schrage
One-year-old Kate loves visiting the pigs.
November 24, 2014
6
AROUND INDIANA
Young Farmer Conference slated for Jan. 30, 31 —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Online registration for the 2015 Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leadership Conference, which will be held Jan. 30 and 31 at the Indianapolis Marriott East, opens the week of Dec. 15. “The Young Farmer Leadership Conference is a great event with breakout sessions on farm, business, communication, technology, home and health topics,” said Meggie Foster, Young Farmer and women’s program coordinator for Indiana Farm Bureau. The 2015 event, themed “Lead 2 Succeed,” is focused on personal and business leadership development. Among the speakers are Kelly Barnes, a leadership coach who will speak on developing good habits and living by them, and humorist Mark Mayfield, the topic of whose speech is “Mom’s Rules.
Barnes’ presentation will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, while Mayfield is slated to speak after dinner on Saturday. In addition, the conference offers entertainment designed with the whole family in mind, from a kiddie pedal tractor pull, karaoke, music, a clown, a silent auction and much more, Foster added. Breakout sessions are also planned for Saturday. Topics include “Farm Loans for Beginning and Young Farmers,” “Planning Your Next Farm Shop,” “The Best Apps for Agriculture” and “Tips for Telling Your Story.” A special event on Friday night will benefit Kids Against Hunger (http://kidsagainsthunger.org/), a humanitarian food-aid organization. The plan is for participants, working in hour-long shifts, to pack 30,000 meals. Registration for IFB Young Farmer Leadership Confer-
ence will open in midDecember at www.infb.org/ YFConf. Keep reading The Hoosier Farmer for details. For more information, contact INFB’s organizational development team, 317-692-7830, ODT@infb.org.
Farmers don’t need to ‘bet the farm’ on employee injuries —By John Nagle Farm Training Specialist Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Without ever setting foot inside a betting establishment, many Indiana farmers risk betting the farm by not being properly covered by a workers’ compensation policy in addition to the Rural Guardian farm owners’ policy. Statistics have consistently shown farming to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Purdue University found that in Indiana one out of every nine farm families experiences an agricultural-related injury. Without coverage from a workers’ compensation policy, farmers are risking their farms, livelihoods and
relationship with employees. A workers’ compensation policy provides an added non-tangible benefit of peace of mind in the case of a farm injury. Here are some reasons for a farmer to have a workers’ compensation policy for their employees. In Indiana, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. One exception is that farm workers may be exempt from mandatory coverage under the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Act. When these exempt employees incur a work-related injury, their only recourse may be to bring suit against their employer. Workers’ compensation insurance saves family members, friends
and neighbors from becoming adversaries in the court system. A workers’ compensation policy provides that extra layer of protection for the farmer and employee. Three types of workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who are injured in the course of their employment under the Worker’s Compensation Act: 1) Wage replacement benefits. 2) Medical care and some physical and rehabilitation expenses. 3) Compensation if the medical care can’t return a disabled worker to work or pre-injury health status. Another benefit of a farmer having a workers’ compensation policy is that in most
Matching funds program continues through end of year —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team A special program that matches donations to the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation dollar for dollar will continue through Dec. 31. Indiana Farm Bureau has set aside $15,000 for matching funds. The match applies only to individuals and family farms. While contributions
November 24, 2014
from county Farm Bureaus and other entities are always welcome, they do not qualify for matching funds under this program. Indiana Farm Bureau established the foundation in 2005 to promote a better understanding of legal issues facing Indiana agriculture. IALF’s mission is to develop educational and legal initiatives that support the advancement
of Indiana agriculture. The foundation uses educational programming and support of precedent-setting litigation to accomplish those goals. IALF is a 501(c)(3); contributions may be tax-deductible. To learn more or make a contribution, visit www. inaglaw.org.
cases employees will be compensated regardless of fault, as long as the injury occurred within the scope of the employee’s job. This also removes any concern about whether the employee was engaged in activities directly related to farming.
With a workers’ compensation policy you don’t have to bet the farm on an employee injury. Contact your local Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent for more information about this valuable protection.
Records needed from AITC volunteers, county Farm Bureaus —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Ag in the Classroom volunteers and county Farm Bureaus are reminded that they need to submit their classroom and event presentation record sheets as soon as possible so that Indiana Farm Bureau can accurately complete its report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The report, which is submitted annually to the USDA via the National Ag in the Classroom consortium, allows NAITC to continue receiving funding for the national AITC conference and for some behind-the-scenes expenses such as the national curriculum website, www. agclassroom.org. The information needed to complete the USDA report is gleaned
from the classroom and event presentation forms. The reports also give a “clearer picture of what ages our volunteers are presenting to, what type of lessons and activities they are conducting as well as identifying any materials that are being distributed to students and teachers,” said INFB education coordinator Julie Taylor. Volunteers are asked to turn in presentation record sheets on a monthly or quarterly basis. Forms are available by request in hardcopy form from inaitc@infb.org or if volunteers prefer to “go green” they can access a fillable and savable pdf that can be emailed to inaitc@infb.org on the Ag in the Classroom website, www.inaitc.org, “Volunteers.”
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7
AROUND THE STATEHOUSE
2015 Legislative Timeline Indiana Farm Bureau’s Statehouse lobbying team has prepared the following timeline to guide members and county Farm Bureaus during the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
November – December December 12-13 December 15 January 7 January 12 - February 24 January 30 - 31 March 1 – April 15 March 1 – April 24 April 30 April – May
Pre-session meetings with legislators. State convention. End member postcard campaign. INFB’s “Legislative Kickoff.” First half Statehouse visits. INFB Young Farmer Conference. Second half Statehouse visits. 3rd House activities. Last day of session. Post-session meetings with legislators.
Farmland formula is one focus of legislative tax commission —From the INFB Public Policy Team The Indiana Commission on Business Personal Property & Business Taxation released its final report, and according to Katrina Hall, Farm Bureau’s director of state government relations, the farmland tax problem was “front and center.” Indiana Farm Bureau is pleased that four of the 16 recommendations from the commission offer solutions to the unsustainable tax burden being shouldered by Indiana’s farmers, she explained. “We applaud the work of the all the legislators who sat on the commission, especially the commission chairman, Sen. Brandt Hershman, and are deeply thankful that they recognized that the growing tax burden on family farms impacts not just their profitability but their very existence as well,” said Farm Bureau President
Don Villwock. “The steps outlined in the commission report will go a long way toward creating a fair and stable assessment formula for farmland.” The commission had three specific recommendations pertaining to farmland taxation. First, agricultural land must be assessed for the March 1, 2015, assessment date using the same base assessment rate used for the March 1, 2014, assessment date. Second, agricultural land must be assessed for the March 2015 assessment date using the same soil productivity factors used in 2011. And third, there must be further study of alternative means of agricultural land assessment. In its statement of findings, the commission noted that the “statutory formula that establishes the base assessed value for farmland creates an inherent four-year delay between the factors
in the formula and the base values used to calculate the property tax bill.” That delay in the formula has become painfully evident in the past few years, as the record prices seen three and four years ago are making farmland taxes skyrocket even as current crop prices are plummeting. “I truly appreciate all of the work the commission has done during its four meetings this summer, especially the focus they had on providing significant and lasting tax relief to Hoosier farmers,” Hall said. “We shared our members’ concerns, and the commission listened. This is an excellent beginning, but we will need the help of the entire General Assembly and Governor Pence for these recommendations to be adopted in the 2015 session.” The commission also recommended eliminating the “double direct” test for the agricultural sales tax exemp-
Deadline extended for tax survey The deadline for members to participate in Indiana Farm Bureau’s property tax survey has been extended to Dec. 15. A postcard version of the survey was included in the Oct. 6 issue of The Hoosier Farmer; additional copies are available by calling 317692-7812. Another option is to take the survey online. The online version can be found by using the QR code adjacent to this article or at INFB’s public policy website, www.ifbstayinformed.org. tion. Indiana is the only state that has the “directly used in direct production” test. Determining what this means is a frequent cause for farmer audits. Moving to a single direct test will improve the determination of when the production process begins and ends. There were recommendations about business personal property that involved lowering the 30 percent
INFB’s lobbying team will use the survey information to find real-life examples of the level of property tax paid by each farming operation, whether owned or rented. The postcard does not request any information about income or income taxes. floor, but would not include pool 2 where most farm equipment is reported. IFB will be working with fiscal leaders to promote understanding of how farmers are affected by personal property tax. You can read the entire commission report on the Indiana General Assembly’s website at http://iga.in.gov/ documents/6614e854.
Indiana’s animal traceability rules take effect January 1 —From the Indiana Board of Animal Health Hoosier livestock producers still have time to be ready for new animal identification and recordkeeping requirements that begin on Jan. 1. The changes, adopted by the members of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health this summer, will bring Indiana into alignment with federal laws. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture changed the federal requirements for ID and documentation for many livestock species, a program known as ADT (Animal Disease Traceability). Since then, BOAH staff has been
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working to update state rules, which will improve the state’s ability to trace high-consequence animal diseases. With few exceptions, all cattle in or entering Indiana must be identified with one of three forms of official identification: 840 tags (may or may not include radio frequency ID chip); NUES, or National Uniform Eartagging System tags (often called “brite” tags); or official program tags such as orange calfhood vaccination tags. To be official, a tag must bear a US shield emblem and a unique number. Official ID is required for all: • Sexually intact cattle, 18 months of age or older.
• Dairy-breed cattle (including crosses) of all ages (including steers) born after 3/11/13. • Exhibition and rodeo cattle. The exceptions are cattle moving directly to slaughter from the farm and cattle moving directly to an approved market, where the animal will receive its identification. Producers may purchase tags in their choice of styles, sizes and formats to suit their operations’ needs. Tags are widely available from a growing number of distributors nationwide. A list of tag styles and suppliers is online at www.in.gov/boah/2328.htm.
Documentation requirements have changed only slightly with the adoption of ADT. A new provision in Indiana requires records be kept for five years by owners, sellers, lessors and buyers of cattle and bison that are sold, purchased, leased, bartered or exchanged. Records, which will assist BOAH in disease investigations, must include the animals’ ID numbers and the name and address of all parties. Anyone bringing cattle and bison into Indiana must first obtain a pre-entry permit from BOAH. The permit, which has long been a requirement for livestock im-
ports, may now be obtained online, 24 hours a day at www.in.gov/boah/2661. htm. Indiana State Veterinarian Bret D. Marsh noted that Hoosier livestock owners face fewer changes than those in other states. “Indiana has been working toward this since 2006, when we adopted the premises ID program,” he said. “The basis for traceability is registration of premises, use of official ID and accurate recordkeeping.” More details about changes to identification and recordkeeping rules are on the BOAH website at www. in.gov/boah/2328.htm.
November 24, 2014
8
STATE & NATION
Federal election results have important implications for agriculture —By Kyle Cline National Policy Advisor The 2014 mid-term elections overwhelmingly favored Republicans, resulting in a U.S. Senate majority takeover from the Democrats and further expanding their representation in the U.S. House of Representatives to near historic levels. In convincing fashion, Republicans secured two key re-election victories for Senate Minority Leader Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, in addition to picking up at least seven Senate seats previously occupied by Democrats. When all was said and done, Republicans
won Senate seats in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, North Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia. However, the results didn’t necessarily come easy. In particular, the national spotlight was on Kansas, where businessman Greg Orman ran as an independent and gained significant momentum when the Democrat challenger dropped out of the race. This race had particular implications for the agriculture sector as incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts, a strong advocate for expanded crop insurance but opposed to the reference price-based support program in the 2014 farm bill, is likely going to
be the next Senate Agriculture Committee chairman. Roberts voted against the 2014 farm bill. A further key race was Iowa, where Joni Ernst will become Iowa’s first female U.S. senator and the first female veteran in the history of the U.S. Senate. Ernst will take the seat of Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, who is retiring at the end of this session. None of the incumbent members of the Senate Agriculture Committee members lost in their re-election bids, though three members plan on retiring at the end of the session: Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.; Tom Harkin, D-Iowa; and Mike Johanns, R-Neb.
2014 Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT has successful election run —By Megan Ritter Public Policy Team Indiana Farm Bureau congratulates all of the candidates who were elected or re-elected to state and national offices during last week’s mid-term election. INFB also thanks its many members who played an active role in ensuring that the voice of Indiana agriculture will be heard in Washington, D.C., Indianapolis and county courthouses across the state. The 2014 general election was a huge success for Indiana Farm Bureau and its farmer-members. Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT (INFB’s political action committee) supported many candidates who understand the importance of agriculture to Indiana’s economic success. Ninety-six percent of ELECTendorsed candidates won
their races on Nov. 4. In races for the U.S. House of Representatives, INFB ELECT batted a thousand: Seven of the seven endorsed candidates were elected. In the Indiana General Assembly the total was nearly as high with 72 of the 75 endorsed candidates winning their election bid. For the full results, see INFB’s public policy page, www.ifbstayinformed.org, and click on the “2014 Indiana Election Results” link. County Farm Bureau members played a vital role supporting ELECT-endorsed candidates, not just with their votes, but by providing land for signs, promoting candidates via social media, volunteering for campaigns and hosting on-farm events. Farm Bureau members also played an active role in Allen County, opposing
the Single County Executive (SCE) through the “No to One” political action committee. Allen County Farm Bureau worked with other Allen County residents to educate and spread the word about what the SCE would mean for representation in local government. The county built a strong local grassroots network and reached out statewide as well. Support from other county Farm Bureaus and the County Commissioners Association enhanced local efforts. “Farmers are proud to be part of this important process,” said Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “We now look forward to working with our U.S. senators and representatives and the Indiana General Assembly on issues that are important to Hoosier farmers and rural communities.”
Calendar of Events December 8 Farm bill informational meeting, Hamilton County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center; 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. 9 Farm bill informational meeting, Huntingburg Event Center; 200 E. 14th St., Huntingburg. 10 Farm bill informational meeting, Indiana Grand Racing and Casino Trackside; 4300 N. Michigan Road, Shelbyville. 12, 13 INFB convention, French Lick Resort.
November 24, 2014
January 6 Farm bill informational meeting, Honeywell Center; 275 W. Market St., Wabash. 7 INFB’s Legislative Kickoff, Statehouse, Indianapolis. 8 Farm bill informational meeting, Knights of Columbus; 624 Delaware Road, Batesville. 9 Farm bill informational meeting, Beck Agricultural Center; 4540 U.S. 52 W, West Lafayette. 11-14 AFBF annual meeting, San Diego, California 15 Farm bill informational meeting, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum (Ft. Wayne Farm Show); 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne.
Given the results and subsequent Republican majority takeover, the potential for Congress to tackle controversial policies is now greater. In particular, opportunities exist for stopping the EPA’s harmful Waters of the United States proposed rule from being implemented, which would have been much more difficult if Republicans did not win the majority. In addition to moving legislation that could prevent the EPA from implementing the rule, as the House did in September, another strategy to stop the rule could be to try to defund or reauthorize it by attaching it to a continuing resolution or omnibus bill that would make it difficult for President Obama to veto. On the House side, Republicans maintained their strong advantage, picking up 15 seats and losing only 2, bringing to total to 243 compared to 179 for the Democrats. A key race in the House for agriculture and a positive for Democrats was Minnesota, where Rep. Collin Peterson was re-elected.
Peterson has significant dairy policy expertise and is strong supporter of the new Margin Protection Program in the 2014 farm bill. The dairy industry’s support was particularly critical in Peterson’s successful re-election. Another important race was in Texas, where Rep. Mike Conaway won his reelection bid. It is expected that Conaway will work to become the next House Agriculture Committee chairman, taking over for retiring Oklahoma Republican Frank Lucas. The committee also will have at least five new members, as two members are retiring and the following were defeated in their reelection bids: Vance McAllister, R-La.; Pete Gallego, D-Texas; and Bill Enyart, D-Ill. The results were too close to call for California Democrats Jim Costa and John Garamendi, D-Calif., as of The Hoosier Farmer’s Nov. 14 deadline. In Indiana, all 9 U.S. House incumbents were overwhelmingly re-elected, including the seven members that Indiana Farm Bureau endorsed.
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