INFB Rolls Out New Website Design Page 6
Convention Round-Up Pages 4, 5
INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around IFB................... 3 Communication............ 6 Around the Statehouse... 7 State & Nation.............. 8
The Hoosier Farmer
®
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
‘Focus on Membership’ —By Don Villwock INFB President Editor’s note: This is a slightly condensed version of IFB President Don Villwock’s annual address, delivered Dec. 12 during the state convention. ________________________ It sure seems to me that this has been a long fall. A late spring combined with a cooler-than-normal summer delayed our crop maturity. That delay pushed back the harvest start-date for many of us. I know Villwock Farms started the third week of September, and we usually start the day after Labor Day. Combine that with a wetter-than-normal October, and our harvest season soon got extended into
mid-November. I know some of you just finished recently and some may even have a field or two waiting on a hard freeze to get harvested. But the good news is that most Hoosier farmers enjoyed excellent yields this year. I know crop prices have collapsed from recent highs, but our livestock farmers are enjoying good profits with reduced feed costs and strong prices. Indiana farmers have much to be thankful for this Christmas season. I know we do at Villwock Farms! I want to focus this year’s speech on membership. Our No. 1 goal this year is to increase our Farm Bureau membership numbers. Yes, we are the largest farm or-
ganization in the state and yes, we are the No. 1 farm organization in the nation. So why worry about membership, you ask? Because in today’s world it takes every farmer getting involved to accomplish our goals and to accomplish our priorities. It not only takes
a lot of members to push through legislation and to prevent regulatory overreach, but it takes a lot of involved and passionate members working to improve the lives and well-being of all farmers and their rural communities. That is our Farm Bureau mission, that is our
DECEMBER 29, 2014 Issue No. 61
Farm Bureau vision, and we must get serious about getting involved ourselves and in asking others to join us in our cause. Here are some examples of why we need more members: If we are to prevent skyrocketing property taxes, every one of you must contact your legislators this winter to tell your story. It’s pretty simple: Tell them your property taxes have gone up 33 percent in the last three years and are scheduled to go up 16.5 percent this year and 18 percent next year. Then combine that story and tell them how much corn and bean prices have fallen. Most importantly, tell them we need their help in fixing this unfair property tax system. But if we are to (continued on page 3)
Priorities to be the focus of INFB’s efforts when legislative session begins —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team The 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly officially begins Jan. 6, and Indiana Farm Bureau’s official kickoff follows on Jan. 7. The kick-off event will include a lunch to which all legislators as well as representatives of all county Farm Bureaus will be invited. Space is very limited, but each county Farm Bureau may send up to three people to attend this event, said Megan Ritter, director of INFB’s public policy team. Invitations have been sent to all county presidents, Ritter explained. County presidents have until Jan. 2 – which is right around the time that many members will be receiving this issue
Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
of The Hoosier Farmer – to make their reservations. There are however other ways that Farm Bureau members can be involved in Farm Bureau’s grassroots lobbying efforts, noted Katrina Hall, INFB’s director of state government relations. INFB’s goal is for representatives of each county to visit the Statehouse twice during the session, and in addition, for each county to host at least one session with its legislators when they are back home in their districts. During any of these events, Farm Bureau will be focusing on four general priority areas, Hall explained: Farmland taxes. Primary goals include significant and lasting relief for agriculture; tax fairness between property classes; and having the
property tax burden based on the taxpayer’s ability to pay. Forced annexation. Among the principles favored by Farm Bureau are lowering petition remonstrance threshold to a simple
majority; establishing a more transparent process; no municipal taxes on farmland. Water resources. Key points are that water is critical to farming; quality monitoring is needed in priority areas; the need for a state-
wide analysis of supply and demand. State budget priorities. Goals include increasing funding for rural schools; more finding for local roads and bridges; maintaining funding for rural Indiana.
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Participation has been high in the series of farm bill meetings hosted by extension, the Farm Service Agency and a coalition of farm groups including Farm Bureau. Shown here is the Dec. 8 meeting held in Noblesville. Each meeting begins with a lunch at which Farm Bureau staff talk about INFB’s priorities for the legislative session. The remaining meetings are: Jan. 6, Wabash; Jan. 8, Batesville; Jan. 9, West Lafayette; Jan. 15, Fort Wayne. For more precise information or 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. Photo by Rachel Schrage
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NEWS IN BRIEF
News in Brief —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
Indiana congressional delegation gets new committee assignments—New
committee assignments were announced for the 114th Congress by House and Senate leadership. Included in the announcement were several key assignments for the Indiana congressional delegation including Rep. Jackie Walorski, who will join the House Agriculture Committee. Other key assignments for the Indiana delegation: • Sen. Coats, Senate Finance Committee. • Rep. Larry Bucshon, Energy and Commerce. • Rep. Susan Brooks, Energy and Commerce. • Rep. Todd Rokita, Transportation and Infrastructure. In other news, Rep. Luke Messer will serve as chair of the House Republican Policy Committee. (INFB 12/19/14)
Farm Bureau, other groups call for Congress to extend tax provisions—While Farm
Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District meets with a Farm Bureau delegation this fall. Walorski was recently named to the House Ag Committee for the 114th Congress. Photo by Mindy Reef
“essential to boosting small businesses and rural economies, according to AFBF. In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Farm Bureau urged members of both chambers to work across the aisle to renew and preserve these provisions, which expired at the end of 2013. “Farmers and ranchers rely on tax provisions that allow them to manage their cash flow and put that money back to work for their businesses,” said Stallman. “Section 179 and bonus depreciation are important tools that lend stability and help minimize risk in an unpredictable industry.” Agriculture is overwhelmingly united in its support of Section 179 and bonus depreciation, which provide flexible means for farm and ranch businesses to write off and deduct business expenses. Letters of support have been sent by groups from around the country, including the Broad Tax Extender Coalition. The coalition’s letter has been signed by more than 500 organizations. (AFBF 12/17/14)
food safety concerns and marketing ploys by providing a national labeling standard, set by the Food and Drug Administration. Kansas Farm Bureau board member Stacey Forshee said in an interview with AFBF that mandatory labeling of foods with biotechnology traits only adds to the misconceptions surrounding GMOs. “Making a label mandatory is only going to mislead the consumer into thinking that those foods are different than conventionally grown food,” Forshee said. “We feel at Farm Bureau there needs to be a national approach to labeling, and having FDA being a science-based voice for the consumer would be a very good thing.” In related news, proponents of an Oregon ballot measure requiring labels on genetically modified foods conceded defeat Thursday after a judge ruled against them and an automatic recount appeared unlikely to sway the outcome. The Yes on 92 campaign said there are no legal options remaining that could lead them to victory, according to an article in NewsBites headlined “Oregon GMO Labeling Proponents Concede Defeat.” (AFBF 12/12/14)
attend a beef cattle handling seminar taught by cattle-handling expert veterinarian Lynn Locatelli of Cattlexpressions. Locatelli will present the Cattlexpressions Low-Stress Cattle Handling workshop on Feb. 7 as part of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association’s annual meeting, which runs Feb. 5-8 at the Marriott Indianapolis East. IVMA and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s beef Integrated Resource Management program are coordinating the seminar. The workshop focuses on how human interactions with livestock can have negative or positive effects on animal health, performance and subsequent handling ease. Locatelli will explain how to reduce stress on animals and their handlers during several critical points, including cow-calf, backgrounding, stocker and feedlot operations. To register for the program, call the IVMA, 317974-0888, or sign up online at www.invma.org. Registration is $40 per person and due by Jan. 16. Locatelli began her veterinary career in Nebraska after graduating from the University of California-Davis College of Veterinary Medicine. She has 19 years of experience in large-animal veterinary practice and consultation. She educates through private consultation and as a national and international speaker at veterinary seminars and cattleman’s conferences. (Purdue 12/18/14)
Bureau is pleased that Congress passed some temporary tax provisions and that President Obama signed the bill authorizing them, the organization says more is needed. “Farmers and ranchers need more than just a temporary tax fix,” said American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. “They need certainty that these provisions will be there in the coming years as they make long-term business decisions. Farm Bureau looks forward to working with Congress to ensure agriculture can count on these tax provisions not just this year, but every year.” The provisions include several measures that are
board member testified before a House subcommittee in December in favor of passing the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (H.R. 4432). The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act would help consumers understand the difference between real
diana beef producers and veterinarians are invited to
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
Farm Bureau supports food labeling act—A Kansas Farm Bureau
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
Renowned cattlehandling expert to lead Feb. 7 seminar in Indianapolis—In-
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
Foundation releases new ‘My American Farm’ app—The American Farm
Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has released a new version of its popular My American Farm app for iPads, Android tablets and Kindle Fire. The app is available for download on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. The new version of the app, My American Farm
Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Director of Affiliate Relations.................. Julie Klarich
2.0, contains six My American Farm games, including the newly added Power Up game. This game allows young learners to dive into the world of energy and agriculture and embark on problemsolving missions for the virtual community of Energyville. The new app also builds on the math-focused game, In My Barn, with a Pre-K level to draw in new users. New badges also will be incorporated into the latest version of the app for everything from completing a game to engaging in virtual tasks like meeting a farmer or planting seeds. My American Farm is an educational game platform launched in 2011 to engage pre-K through fifth-grade learners in the discovery of relevant agricultural issues. Today, the free site offers 19 agriculturally themed games and more than 100 free educator resources such as lesson plans, activity sheets and comics. The My American Farm educational resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the support of title sponsor, DuPont Pioneer. To take advantage of the free My American Farm resources, games and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org. (AFBF 9/22/14)
President issues a membership challenge—In his annual ad-
dress to members, Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock challenged those in attendance to help Farm Bureau increase its membership. A special membership form was distributed at the convention, and each person who signs up a new member using that special application by the deadline will be entered into a drawing for a $500 Farm Bureau Bank gift card. The deadline for turning in those special applications is Jan. 30. Stay tuned for other membership challenges throughout the coming year. 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
December 29, 2014
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
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AROUND IFB
Focus on Membership (continued from page 1) succeed, we not only need all of you – we need your neighbors helping us tell the property tax story, too. Your efforts to contact the EPA and to ask them to “Ditch the Rule” on the proposed Waters of the United States was a tremendous outpouring of your passion to protect your farms. I believe it was the largest land grab in the history of the United States. Their proposal would have given EPA and the Corps of Engineers regulatory authority over almost every farm in Indiana. Hopefully, your efforts combined with that of other Farm Bureau members all across the country will make EPA reconsider and withdraw the proposal. But I am concerned about us winning this battle. The extreme environmentalists flooded the comment period with thousands of letters and e-mails. In fact, I recently heard that the agency received over 1 million comments. This to me demonstrates once again that we need active and engaged members and more new
members, all adding their views, their comments, to this tremendous battle. This is one battle we must win. Last year at the convention I told you about “big data” and some of the concerns that surrounded this new issue. I am pleased to report that through American Farm Bureau’s leadership and its convening of a national working group made up of agribusiness giants, machinery companies and all the other farm organizations, we were able to establish some guidelines that protected farmers’ ownership and use of our own personal data. I was proud to be selected as a member of that working group to represent a farmer’s point of view in that important discussion. I was there to represent you, our members, to share many of the concerns you have shared with me. Your input was critical to the success of this debate. When a potential new member asks, “What Farm Bureau is doing to protect me?” I think all of you can proudly say: “Farm Bureau is
protecting your rights every day.” I could go on and on about potential new threats to your farms and families. But let’s just talk about one more: Annexation. It is becoming a bigger and bigger issue as cities and towns struggle to increase their tax bases by bringing farmland under their jurisdiction. We in Farm Bureau are fighting hard to prevent that from happening. In last year’s legislative session we lost by one vote our battle to get farmers the protection we need. Yes, one vote. Your call could have made a difference. Just think what we could accomplish if we recruit new members to help us in this cause. Maybe that potential new member has a relationship with a legislator. These new members are critical in getting the results that we need. All we have to do is ask: “Will you join Farm Bureau?” Finally, just like this bountiful harvest, we are thankful for the many great successes we have had this past year in Farm Bureau. We need
to celebrate! We had over 5,800 activities completed by our 92 county Farm Bureaus, and I’m most proud of the fact that we had over 6,400 participants attend the Farm Bureau-sponsored programs and events, leadership training, and education and development activities this past year alone. Because of the efforts of our county presidents and county woman leaders and the extra dedication of our county boards of directors, all of these activities took place. To all of you I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the hard work and time you have put into these events. We have much to be proud of in Farm Bureau. I cannot thank you enough. You are making a difference. Each and every one of you makes me very proud and honored to be your president. I have made it my goal this year to increase the number of voting members, your board of directors has endorsed this goal, and all of our employees have endorsed this goal, including our Indiana Farm Bureau
Insurance partners. We need your help. We need you to stay involved and to work on policies and programs that Farm Bureau supports. But in this new year, our greatest need is for you to get out and ask your neighbors to join our great organization. Most of you know the No. 1 reason people don’t join Farm Bureau. They say: “I was never asked.” Please ask your neighboring farmer, your fertilizer dealer, your seed salesman to join. Ask your banker, your machinery dealer, your crop consultant and your feed salesman to join. The list goes on and on. We need them all, because each and every one of them has a great stake in the future viability and success of agriculture. We must unite, we must reach out and we must ask everyone we can to be a Farm Bureau member. Can I count on you to ask? Once again thank you for all you do for Farm Bureau, and may God bless you and your families this Christmas season!
Young Farmers ready to ‘Lead 2 Succeed’
—By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Registration is open for the 2015 INFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference, Jan. 30 and 31 in Indianapolis. The conference theme is “Lead 2 Succeed.” The event features returning favorites and new activities. Friday night’s schedule includes massages, cornhole and euchre tournaments and activities for kids. A craft beer-tasting session sponsored by Sun King Brewing is a new addition to this year’s Friday evening program. Soda and other beverages will be available. Conference attendees will also have a chance for philanthropy on Friday night. The Pack Away Hunger project will assemble 30,000 meals in two hours.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
Keynote speaker Kelly Barnes will address the group on Saturday morning after INFB President Don Villwock’s welcome. Barnes is a leadership coach who will offer “Great Moments More Often.” On Saturday, four rounds of breakout sessions are planned in a four-track format. The tracks are business, production, technology/ communication and home/ health. Participants may attend sessions in any track during the conference. Sessions for kids will run concurrently with the breakout sessions. Another new item appears on Saturday: “The Dating Game” sponsored by FarmersOnly.com, an event exclusively for singles. It happens at 5 p.m. Humorist Mark Mayfield
is Saturday night’s entertainment. Mayfield will present “Mom’s Rules,” based on his book of the same name. Some activities offer pre-registration, which is available when members register for the conference. Pack Away Hunger, the children’s pedal pull (Saturday, 7-9 a.m.), childcare (Saturday, 8 a.m-8 p.m.), a CPR course during the home/health track (Saturday, 1:30-2:20 p.m.) and “The Dating Game” have space limitations or require additional planning. Members are encouraged to contact their county in advance to ensure that the county will cover their room and meal fees. The room and meal fees are $110 per person for one night (Friday only) or $170 per person for two nights (Friday and Saturday). The conference registration fee is $25 per person, payable by the member. Children under 17 are free. The registration deadline is Jan. 23. INFB cannot guarantee rooms after that date. The 2015 INFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference takes place Jan. 30 and 31 at the Indianapolis Marriott East. Registration and more information are available on the conference website, www.infb.org/yfconf.
Join us for Spring Conference 2015 ‘From Field to Future’ March 6 and 7 Indianapolis Marriott East Features: Breakout tracks Farm/Business Education/Communication Home/Health Hunter education for youth Private Applicator Recertification program Keynote Steve and Lori Zellar, DistinXion “Building the Next Generation of Leaders” Live and silent auctions to benefit DistinXion and the Breaking New Ground Resource Center Watch your mail for a save-the-date in January. Registration opens in early February.
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STATE CONVENTION
Convention
Annual meeting showcases counties’ a —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
Young Farmer awards Discussion Meet – Jeremy Barron, Noble County. Runners-up: Deidra Gottbrath, Washington County; Mike Hertsel, Elkhart County; Tiffany Obrecht, Marion County. Excellence in Agriculture Award – Chris and Marah Steele, Adams County. Runners-up: Mike and Sarah Hertsel, Elkhart County; Matt and Carla Schenk, Posey County. Achievement Award – George and Carly Kakasuleff, Hamilton County. Runners-up: Matt and Brianna Chap-
man, Henry County; Nick and Beth Tharp, Putnam County. Impact awards (County Recognition Program) In the “influential organization” program area: Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Marshall County Farm Bureau, and the Montgomery County Young Farmer group. In the “young farmer and youth” category: Washington County Farm Bureau and Franklin County Farm Bureau. In the “public relations and edu-
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual convention is many things: An opportunity to see old friends, to learn new things, and to recognize groups and individuals for their accomplishments. This year’s convention, held Dec. 12 and 13 in French Lick, was no different. One of the significant events came during the annual meeting of delegates. Second Vice President Isabella
Chism was re-elected by acclamation to a three-year term. An annual event is the silent auction sponsored by the State Young Farmer Committee. This year the silent auction raised $7,688 to benefit Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that includes Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. The convention also offered the perfect opportunity to recognize county Farm Bureaus, individual members and others. Below is a list of some of those honored.
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
December 29, 2014
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
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STATE CONVENTION
n Round-Up
and members’ achievements for 2014 they earned, visit http://conv.infb. org/awards. Membership awards Top membership solicitor – Jan Uhlmansiek, Dearborn County, who recruited 11 new primary voting members. Top membership chairwoman – Mary Lee Russell from Lawrence County. Membership champions – Joan Schickel, Harrison County and Lis McDonnell, Henry County, each of whom recruited six new primary
voting members; Colleen Holman, Steuben County, seven new primary voting members; and Gary Michel, eight new primary voting members. Other awards Rural Teacher of the Year – Janis Hurt, Vincennes Community School Corp. President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership – Dr. Jay Akridge, Purdue University’s dean of agriculture. President’s Distinguished Service Award – John Werner, an attorney from Tell City with special expertise in ag property rights and the law re-
garding eminent domain. Farm Family of the Year (sponsored by Beck’s Hybrids and Indiana AgriNews) – The Hadley family of Allen County. Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Education Service to the Rural People of Indiana (presented by Purdue University and sponsored by IFB) – Mary Ann Lienhart-Cross, health and human sciences educator in Elkhart County, and Lonnie Mason, agriculture and natural resources educator in Jefferson County.
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
cation” program area: Pike County Farm Bureau, Kosciusko County Farm Bureau, and Franklin County Farm Bureau. Other counties were recognized for their work in INFB’s five program areas: membership outreach; issue engagement; influential organization; young farmers and youth; and public relations and education. Counties could qualify as “cardinals,” “hawks” or “falcons” (the highest level). For a full list of all the county Farm Bureaus and the awards
Photo by Rachel Schrage
Photo by Mindy Reef
Above right: The State Young Farmer Committee’s silent auction raised $7,688 to benefit Feeding America. Right: A sold-out breakfast held on Dec. 15 earned more than $5,000 for Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT. Below right: The trade show included a new event that featured crafts by Indiana artisans.
Clockwise from left: INFB 2nd Vice president Isabella Chism, who was unanimously reelected, poses with President Don Villwock (center) and Vice President Randy Kron. Far left: Approximately 1,200 members attended the convention, held this year in the magnificent West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs hotels. Top center: Phil Wendel, Susann Wendel and Doug Schwab of Franklin County accept an Impact Award from INFB President Don Villwock(eft). Above: Jeremy Barron (right) of Noble County won the Young Farmer Discussion meet. With him is Villwock and Julie Klarich, director of affiliate relations for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
Photo by Rachel Schrage
Photo by Mindy Reef
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COMMUNICATION
Updated title for woman leaders reflects modern responsibilities —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Based upon input and suggestions from counties, the Indiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee is recommending a title change for county woman leaders. The new title reflects the current, promotion and education-centered responsibilities and varied roles of a Farm Bureau woman leader. To emphasize their support of the name change, district woman leaders are now known as “district education and outreach coordinators.” That change is effective immediately. The committee is recommending that counties also rename their woman leader positions. There are currently six titles
in use across the state, but the WLC is hopeful that the title of “county education and outreach coordinator” is one that every county can use. “We are a large organization, but every voice counts,” said Isabella Chism, INFB second vice president and chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee. “We felt that making the recommendation to unify the titles of county and district woman leaders best represented not only the role of this position, but what we heard from our members and county Farm Bureaus.” The Women’s Leadership Committee will retain its name and, in order to retain Indiana’s seat on the national committee, will continue to be made up entirely of women.
Deb Jordan of Indiana Farm Bureau District 6 teaches a workshop during last summer’s Ag in the Classroom update. This focus on education is the reason the members of INFB’s Women’s Leadership Committee recently changed their title from “district woman leader” to “district education and outreach coordinator.” Photo by Rachel Schrage
National YF&R committee members appointed —From the AFBF Communications Department The American Farm Bureau Federation has appointed new members to its national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the 2015-2017 term beginning in March. The committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An indi-
vidual or a couple may hold each committee position. AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment of the following new members to the committee: Tim and Danielle Clark, Wisconsin (beef cattle); Cole and Sammie Coxbill, Wyoming (crops and beef cattle); Jamie Cruz, Massachusetts (vegetables, berries and livestock);
New website offers greater flexibility, responsive design —By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team The new Indiana Farm Bureau website design looks and behaves differently than the old one: No more scrolling, squishing or stretching. With responsive web design, INFB’s sites will automatically recognize which device you are using and format accordingly. If you have an Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Online Account Manager login, you can use it to access the secure section of the member benefits site,
December 29, 2014
www.itpaystobeamember.org. If not, you will be prompted to register and complete a new INFB profile, a process that is both quick and easy. In addition to getting the latest information about INFB programs and benefits, you will also be able to view and print your membership card. And you can subscribe to a variety of electronic publications available from INFB. We encourage you to visit www. itpaystobeamember.org, register and create a new profile, and begin taking full advantage of your member benefits.
Jonathan and Lara Dinsmore, Arizona (vegetables, hay and grain); Latham and Katie Farley, Ohio (grain and hogs); Jared Finegan, Illinois (corn, soybeans and wheat); Tim and Katherine Franklin, Kansas (corn and wheat); and John and Dusty Reese, Utah (beef cattle). “Farm Bureau’s YF&R Committee members play a vital
role in advocating for agriculture while further building their leadership abilities,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “The commitment and quality of the young agriculturalists who volunteer to serve are always impressive, and this year is no different. It’s clear that the future of farming and ranching is in good hands.” Committee members are responsible for YF&R Program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s annual convention each January. They also provide support in planning and implementing AFBF’s bi-annual FUSION
Conference for Farm Bureau volunteer leaders involved in YF&R, Women’s Leadership, and Promotion & Education. National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. They study farm and food policy issues, participate in leadership training exercises and hone other professional skills during their tenure as committee members. The Young Farmers & Ranchers program includes both men and women between the ages of 18-35. Learn more online at www.fb.org/ index.php?action=programs. yfr.home.
Many scholarship applications due March 1 —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Farm Bureau offers a variety of scholarships for members and their families, and the deadline for several of those scholarships is March 1. For a full list of the available scholarships, along with their requirements and the application forms, visit Indiana Farm Bureau’s website, www.infarmbureau.org/infb/ about-us/grants-scholarships. Among the scholarships offered: Indiana Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship – $500 per district to be used to pursue agriculture or agribusiness degree. It’s open to students age 17 or older from a family who has been a member of INFB for 2 years prior to application.
Marion Stackhouse Memorial Scholarship – Applicants must be Farm Bureau members pursuing studies in an agricultural area. The scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit or non-credit class or degree program. The Indiana Farm Bureau Career Enrichment Scholarship is awarded to an adult, 21 years or older, who intends on enriching his career of choice. The scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit or non-credit class or degree program. Various scholarships are available on a state, district or county basis. For more, visit the scholarship section of INFB’s website, www.infarmbureau.org/infb/about-us/ grants-scholarships.
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AROUND THE STATEHOUSE
Indiana heritage barn owners may receive tax deduction —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team HB1046, signed into law earlier this year, provides a property tax exemption for owners of qualifying heritage barns. To qualify for the exemption, the barn must have been built before 1950, must be identifiable as a barn and must not be used for present day agricultural or business purposes. For qualifying barns, the exemption is worth 100 percent of the assessed value of the barn and its foundation. INFB’s own Bob Cherry, who is also the state representative for District 53, authored
the bill. He hopes that the bill will help save Indiana’s barns. “Right now, people aren’t reinvesting in old barns,” Cherry said. “We hope that this will encourage people to put resources toward the preservation of Indiana’s barns and rural landscape.” In addition to the tax exemption, a heritage barn tourism program will be put in place by the middle of this year. Both print and electronic media will be developed to highlight tourism and hospitality opportunities featuring Indiana heritage barns. For more information, visit www.indianabarns.org. A restored barn near Haverford, Ind. ©iStock Photo/Mikaln
Logging equipment no longer sales tax-exempt —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team In years past, some equipment used in the logging process was exempt from sales and use taxes based on Indiana agricultural and manufacturing codes. Indiana provides sales tax exemptions for agricultural equipment which meets specific criteria. It exempts any machinery, tools or equip-
ment “directly used in direct production, extraction, harvesting, or processing of agricultural commodities,” according to Ind. Code sec. 6-2.5-5-2(a). The Indiana Department of Revenue maintains that, in order to be exempt, equipment must have an immediate effect on the commodity produced. “Hardwood producers very clearly see themselves as part of agriculture. They
just have a slower growing crop,” said Ray Moistner, executive director of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association. “They have operated for years under exemption, but now they are receiving audits and being charged back taxes on sales and use.” The language of the law and its interpretation in the field leave gray area for producers. Some opinions say
that timber is not harvested or extracted but cut off above the earth. Other opinions say that the manufacturing process starts when a tree is cut. “There are too many interpretations and differing exemptions,” Moistner said.
“This session, we want to clear that up and clearly define the process and what is exempt and what isn’t under Indiana code.” For more information on timber production in Indiana, visit www.ihla.org.
ISDA announces Clean Water Indiana grant recipients —From the Indiana State Department of Agriculture The Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the State Soil Conservation Board awarded more than $1 million in Clean Water Indiana grants to 35 Indiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state. The goals of the projects are to seek ways to protect drinking water, improve water quality and assist Hoosiers in gaining knowledge and awareness about the impacts of land use on precious water resources. CWI grants were awarded to the following: Crawford, Harrison, Perry – $75,000; Daviess, Martin, Pike – $75,000; DeKalb, Steuben – $75,000; Dubois, Gibson, Pike, Posey – $75,000; Hendricks, Putnam, Morgan, Owen – $75,000; Jay, Blackford – $75,000; Jefferson, Clark, Jackson, Scott – $75,000; Lawrence, Jackson, Martin – $60,900;
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Marion, Hendricks – $60,000; Miami, Wabash, Kosciusko – $75,000; Newton, Jasper, Porter, Benton, Lake – $75,000; Pike, Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick – $75,000; Ripley, Switzerland – $75,000; Wabash, Miami –$75,000. The CWI grants program provides financial assistance to SWCDs to implement conservation practices to reduce non-point sources of water pollution through education, technical assistance, training and costsharing programs. Statewide, this round of CWI grant recipient projects bring together local organizations, governments and communities, as well as state and federal agencies, to showcase what Hoosier conservationists can do when given the resources to make a difference. Proposals were concentrated on unique partnerships; regional technical assistance; centralized office coordination of state, federal and lo-
cal agencies; and marketing conservation programs to landowners. SWCDs were encouraged to work together across county lines and to leverage local, state and federal resources to put more conservation on the land and bring more funds home to Hoosier landowners. Funded projects demonstrated cooperative conservation by connecting their local business plans to the statewide Indiana Conservation Partnership Strategic Plan. Technical help to implement the grants will come from district staff, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Division of Soil Conservation, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and many local businesses and conservation groups. Additionally, the grants will help several SWCDs and local land users accelerate the implementation of federal and state conservation programs in their areas.
Graphic by Rachel Schrage
December 29, 2014
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STATE & NATION
County involvement key to livestock zoning successes —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team This year, in response to emerging livestock issues in several counties, county Farm Bureaus across the state supported sensible legislation regarding livestock. Some highlights and successes from around the state include: • Henry County – The county Farm Bureau has been involved in the livestock zoning ordinance rewrite process for nearly two years. A livestockfriendly ordinance passed earlier this fall. “The PR coordinator in Henry County, Liz McDonnell, did an exemplary job of keeping members informed,” said Greg Slipher, livestock specialist for INFB. “Members
attending meetings and advocating for agriculture was instrumental in getting this ordinance passed.” • Harrison County – For the second time in three years, Harrison County Farm Bureau has helped to defeat an attempt to make livestock zoning language more restrictive. • Warren County – The county Farm Bureau recently supported the expansion of a 4,000-cow dairy along the Wabash River. • Wells County – The county Farm Bureau partnered with local industry leaders to discourage county commissioners from initiating a moratorium on livestock farms in the county. • Noble County – Along
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Application due for IFB’s leadership program IFB home office. • Session 4: Farm Bureau History and Opportunities, Friday/Saturday, Aug. 8 The application period is and 9, IFB home office. open for the 2014 class of • Session 5: Washington, Leaders in Action, IFB’s leadD.C., trip, Sept. 8-10. ership development program, The cost is $200 per perwill close Jan. 6. son for Farm Bureau memThe program is for indibers and $250 per person for viduals who want to enhance non-members. Hotel rooms their leadership skills, speare provided only when cifically becoming more efmeeting in Indianapolis and fective at the local, state or in Washington, D.C. Some national levels in both volunmeals in D.C. will not be teer and elected positions. covered. Some county Farm Participants may come Bureaus may choose to pay from anywhere in the state. for participants. The schedule of meetings is Livestock farmers have scored some significant victories at the local level this year. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro For more information, currently planned as follows: contact your regional man• Session 1: Engaging Local • Jay County – When a with state staff, the county reaus to be involved when ager or Julie Volbers-Klarich, Government, Saturday, moratorium on livestock Farm Bureau has been issues affect agriculture,” 317-692-8011, jvolbersFeb. 22, Fulton County farms was introduced, the engaged in zoning orSlipher said. “Show up to klarich@infarmbureau.org. area. Jay County Farm Bureau dinance discussion for meetings, build relationships Applications and additional • Session 2: Self-Leadership, supported local decision more than three years. with local leaders and most information are also available Saturday, April 12, St. makers to avoid its imple“Because of the county importantly, set biases aside online at www.infarmbureau. Joseph County area. mentation. Farm Bureau’s efforts, an and unite with other farmers org under the “Programs” • Session 3: Communica“It is vitally important for acceptable compromise to support every kind of agtions, Saturday, May 31, menu. farmers and county Farm Buwas reached this year,” riculture in your area.” —By kathleen M. Dutro PuBlic relations teaM
Slipher said.
Capt. Michael Abrashoff was the keynote speaker at the IFB convention held Dec. 13 and 14 in Fort Wayne. The former comdeadline is the Jan.USS 16.Benfold Cost is mander of $2,187.50 per person. A and author of several books limited number of scholaron leadership, including It’s ships To the see Your are Ship,available. talked about if importance you qualify, www. of visit grassroots indianasoybean.com/liveleadership. stock Photoorbywww.incorn.org/ Kathleen M. Dutro
Ivy Tech now offers online course in livestock certification —From Ivy Tech Corporate College A strategic alliance with Ivy Tech Corporate College, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council has produced a new Next Generation Farming course, a 21-week, online course and comprehensive curriculum designed to serve as a foundation for a successful career in livestock, poultry and agricultural operations. The new Indiana Animal Agriculture Certificate, the most comprehensive and only livestock and aquaculture certificate program available, will begin on January 19, 2015. Scholarships are available from the soybean and corn check-off organizations. “Farmers will benefit from the course by helping the
next generation prepare for a more rewarding career and assure an enduring legacy. Employers will be rewarded with better employees who understand the big picture, contribute more effectively and will stay on the job longer,” said Andy Tauer, Indiana Corn Marketing Council director of livestock. The seven-module course consists of presentations, discussions, activities and exams, all designed to upgrade the participant’s contribution, responsibilities, commitments, and overall value. Topics of the training will also include labor management practices and how to write a business plan. Additional modules will familiarize the student with how to write a contract and the role of various regulatory agencies, animal nutrition,
husbandry and waste management, biosecurity and a guided onsite facilities visit, plus the required information needed to pass the Indiana category 14 fertilizer/applicator certification exam. “Together, the curriculum, materials and guidance are all designed to better attain a path to success that benefits the worker, farmer, owner and ultimately the community and state. The timing is right, the price is right and the value will start this year as the skills learned are applicable right away,” said Mike Pickrell, Ivy Tech Corporate College lead program manager. For more information or to register for the Ivy Tech Next Generation Farming program, visit www.ivytech. edu/corporatecollege/agriculture/. The registration
Calendar of Events January 6 Farm bill informational meeting, Honeywell Center; 275 W. Market St., Wabash. 7 INFB’s Legislative Kickoff, 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. 30, 31 INFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference, Indianapolis.
livestock. Ivy Tech Corporate College is the premier provider of quality workforce training solutions for the needs of businesses, industry, organizations and individuals.
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February 19, 20 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis.
December 29, 2014
December 30, 2013
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