Connecting with Consumers Pages 4, 5
YF Application Deadlines Page 7
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 State & Nation.............. 3 Communication........ 4, 5 Farm Bureau People..... 6 Around INFR............ 7, 8
JUNE 22, 2015 Issue No. 68
‘Agricultural use’ rules clarified for assessors —By Katrina Hall Public Policy Team Assessors were given multiple marching orders in this year’s legislative session regarding land assessments, particularly through SEA 436. The bill freezes the base value and soil productivity factors for one year, but it also includes guidance about when land should be assessed as agricultural. Retroactive to March 1, county assessors were given more direction about what “devoted to agricultural use” means.
or nursery stock, fruit, vegetables, forage, grains, timber, trees, bees and apiary products, tobacco, other agricultural crops, general farming operation purposes, native timber lands, or land that lays fallow” are agriculture. Some assessors have taken parcels or parts of parcels out of the farmland classification, so the size of a parcel or size of a part of the parcel may no longer be used to determine agricultural use. None of these changes affect the assessment of classified forests, windbreaks or filter strips.
Retroactive to March 1, county assessors were given more direction about what “devoted to agricultural use” means. Land is devoted to ag use when it is enrolled in a USDA conservation or conservation reserve program or in the DNR classified forest and wild lands program. The law now requires using the Department of Local Government Finance’s real property assessment guidelines. SEA 436 clearly states that harvesting of hardwood timber is an ag use – something that did need clarification. To make the definition of ag use even broader, the list of agricultural activities mirrors the planning and zoning code. The law now says “such as the production of livestock or livestock products, commercial aquaculture, equine or equine products, land designated as a conservation reserve plan, pastureland, poultry or poultry products, horticultural
Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
SEA 436 does allow assessors to use excess acre assessing methods but only if the land does not meet any ag use criteria. For assessments made for March 1 that will be paid in 2016, neither the base value nor the soil productivity factors will change. So your property values should not be changing much except the buildings and your acre home site. When taxpayers get their annual notice of assessment (Form 11) in the coming months, assessors will now have to notify them about any land classification changes and why the change occurred. In any future taxpayer appeal, the county assessor will also have the burden to prove that the classification change is justified.
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Fulton County Farm Bureau recently hosted a farm tour for staff members from Sen. Dan Coats, Sen. Joe Donnelly and Rep. Jackie Walorski. Here, Aaron Ault talks about how he raises Holsteins for meat. Photo by Jennifer Richter, county president
Changes in indemnity fund intended to make fund more financially secure —By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team Market volatility and price fluctuations make risk a part of farming. That’s why the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund was created 20 years ago. Since then, farmers have been financially protected from the economic failure of a licensed grain buyer. Recent legislation increases the fund cap to $25 million to ensure a reliable safety net for farmers. In addition, this allows farmers who began farming in the last 17 years who have not paid into the fund to contribute to and benefit from this safety net. With the passage of HEA 1549 and its implementation on July 1, collection to replenish this fund resumes for the first time in 17 years. A premium of 0.2 percent of the gross sale price of each producer payment will be automatically deducted by the licensed grain buyer at the point of sale. The deduction should be clearly indicated on the settlement sheet as “Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund” or “IGIF.”
The Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1995 to protect farmers from major financial losses due to a licensed grain buyer failure. Just as farmers face risks from price volatility, so do grain buyers. That volatility is clearly evidenced in the last 15 years when grain price fluctuations have been extreme, in some cases more than doubling in a sixmonth time frame. Today, 100 percent of stored grain and 80 percent of other grain transactions are covered – but only when farmers are doing business with licensed grain buyers. A farmer’s financial loss is calculated using the market price of grain on the buyer’s last day of business, which may not be the same as the sale price. For more details, visit www.in.gov/isda/2410. htm. The Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund covers grain grown for seed use and all corn (including popcorn, but excluding sweet corn and flint corn), wheat, oats, rye, soybeans, barley, sorghum, oil seeds, and other agricultural commodities (as
approved). Twenty years ago, corn prices were $3.38/bushel and soybean prices were $6.73/bushel. In 2012, prices were $8.17/bushel for corn and $17.67/bushel for soybeans. While today’s prices are nowhere near those highs, the volatility and potential fluctuations remain. The fund currently contains about $14 million, but with the increased price volatility and consolidation of grain buyers, a single failure of a licensed grain buyer could deplete the fund. Farmers can opt out of participation in the fund and receive a refund of premiums paid, but they then forfeit all potential coverage in the event of a licensed grain buyer failure. It is important to know that opting out of coverage for one crop, such as wheat, means a farmer is out of coverage for all covered crops at any licensed grain buyer. To learn more about the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund, visit www.in.gov/ isda/2351.htm or call 317232-1360.
2
NEWS IN BRIEF
News in Brief —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
Apply now for Farm Bureau Women’s ‘boot camp’—The American Farm Bureau Federation is now accepting applications for the 2015 Women’s Communications Boot Camp, set for Oct. 13-16 in Washington, D.C. The intensive training is open to all women who are Farm Bureau members. The program focuses on enhancing communication and leadership skills within the agriculture industry, and includes targeted training in the areas of public speaking, media relations, messaging and advocacy. Fifteen women will be selected to participate in this year’s program, which is sponsored by the AFBWLC. Applications are available online through state Farm Bureaus. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, June 30. All applicants will be notified of their status by July 31. For more information, visit fb.org. (AFBF 6/5/15)
Indiana Barn Foundation announces annual meeting, conference—Join Indiana Barn Foundation and National Barn Alliance for a one-day conference and barn tour. The conference itself will be July 18 at the Normandy Barn, located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The tour will be of the historic barns
at Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville. Sponsored by the Indiana Barn Foundation in conjunction with the National Barn Alliance, the event is aimed at anyone – from experts to enthusiasts – who is interested in finding out more about saving barns. The day will conclude with a tour of the restored barns of Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville (transportation is not included). Registration is $30 for members of the Indiana Barn Foundation or the National Barn Alliance or $40 for non-members. Lunch is included in registration fee. The deadline for registration is July 12. The Indiana Barn Foundation, through cooperation with groups such as Indiana Landmarks, the National Barn Alliance, and Indiana Farm Bureau, is an organization dedicated to keeping historic barns alive for future generations. Its motto is “Preserving Indiana’s Heritage: One Barn at a Time.” (Indiana Barn Foundation
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 Accounting Intern..................... Melissa Cuttriss
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
Director...............................................John Shoup
June 22, 2015
coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women. “Our past and our future are based on advocating for agriculture and presenting the truth about production agriculture to the public, policy makers and the media,” said AAW President Sue McCrum. Agri-Pulse has a long history of involvement with AAW leaders, dating back to
Editor Sara Wyant’s role in coordinating a series of Farm Women’s Leadership Forums in the 1980s. McCrum and other leaders will drive in a specially wrapped pick-up truck, participating in educational, network and advocacy events hosted by AAW’s more than 50 affiliates. The drive will finish at the 2015 annual convention in Port-
land, Maine. Throughout the drive, follow Agri-Pulse Communications for news updates and special interviews. Sponsors include a number of agribusinesses and ag-related businesses, as well as AAW’s more than 50 state and commodity affiliates. (AAW 6/8/15)
6/11/15)
American AgriWomen celebrates 40th anniversary with ‘Drive Across America’—American Ag-
ri-Women is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture with its “Drive Across America,” a five-month educational and advocacy tour. Agri-Pulse Communications is the media partner for the campaign. AAW is the nation’s largest
November 15-17 Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis Administrative/Finance Team
American Agri-Women is celebrating 40 years of advocating for agriculture with its “Drive Across America.” Agri-Pulse Communications is the media partner for the Drive. Photo courtesy of American Agri-Women
Legal Affairs Team
Director & General Counsel ...Mark Thornburg Associate Counsel for Corporate Compliance & Nonprofit Affairs ........... Sara MacLaughlin Legal Assistant........................... Maria Spellman Law Clerk..........................................Lauren Tobe
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 Grassroots Government Program Coordinator.......................................... Jeff Golc Administrative Assistant ............. Diane Helton Administrative Assistant ........... Wanda Hunter Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel................................... Justin Schneider Livestock Development Specialist.Greg Slipher
Farm Bureau releases detailed analysis of Waters of the U.S. rule —From the AFBF Public Relations Team The American Farm Bureau Federation has released documents outlining how the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule will give the agency sweeping powers to regulate land use despite a body of law clearly prohibiting such overreach. The Farm Bureau analysis makes available to the public details the EPA has refused to address in public meetings over the past year. The documents are available as PDF attachments. (You can find them on AFBF’s website, www. fb.org, or here: www.infb. org/waterrule.)
Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White
Public Relations Team
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
Organizational Development Team
Acting Director.....................Mel Hollingsworth Program Assistant....................... Ashley Beasley Field Services Program Director..Chris Fenner Young Farmer & Women’s Program Coordinator............... Meggie Foster Membership Sales & Marketing Coordinator................Chelsea Poe Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator........ Anna Todd Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent Intern ...............................................Casie Conley
“Our analysis shows yet again how unwise, extreme and unlawful this rule is,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said. “Our public affairs specialists and legal team have assembled the best analysis available anywhere, and their conclusions are sobering: Despite months of comments and innumerable complaints, the Waters of the U.S. proposal is even worse than before.” The WOTUS rule, first released in draft form in April 2014, has garnered fierce opposition from farmers, ranchers and landowners of all kinds. Dozens of states and countless
Regional Managers Wayne Belden (1 & 3) Greg Bohlander (6) Andrew Cleveland (4 & 6) Janice Deno (3) Jennifer Chandler Gish (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) Laura Ruhlman (7 & 9)
Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Director of Affiliate Relations.................. Julie Klarich
municipalities oppose the measure since it would federalize regulation already handled at the local level. Just as important is the rule’s radical view of “water” which, in its view, should encompass the vast majority of land in the United States since it surrounds actual water that may or may not be protected under the Clean Water Act. Alarmed by the agency’s actions, the House of Representatives recently voted to prohibit the EPA from enacting the rule. A similar bill is moving through the Senate and could come to a floor vote within weeks.
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 2015. All rights reserved.
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STATE & NATION
BOAH opens virtual public hearing on bird movement ban —From the Indiana Board of Animal Health The Indiana State Board of Animal Health is seeking comments on the temporary prohibition of movements of birds to events where commingling occurs. The virtual public hearing will gather input on ways to make gatherings such as exhibitions, fairs, swap meets and sale barns safer and healthier for the birds. This ban, which was adopted May 27, is likely to remain in effect until the end of 2015. The aim is to protect Indiana’s poultry from potential exposure to the H5 avian influenza virus, and it disallows all bird movements to
events in the state that allow commingling of birds from different locations. This includes shows, exhibitions and public sales (such as flea markets, swap meets, sale barns). It does not include private sales between individuals. Members of the Board of Animal Health will have to consider and approve any modifications to lift the ban. BOAH is seeking suggestions for strategies to resume commingling events such as fairs or sales in the future. Comments may be submitted on BOAH’s website at www.in.gov/boah/2717.htm through July 1. More information about Indiana’s response to HPAI is online at www.in.gov/
boah/2390.htm. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (or HPAI), while deadly to domestic poultry, does not present a food safety threat. Further, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has stated the virus poses little risk to human health. Sixteen states, primarily in the Upper Midwest, have had diagnosed cases of HPAI, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 million birds. Indiana had a single, backyard flock diagnosed in May. Poultry owners who notice illness in their birds consistent with avian influenza are encouraged to call the Healthy Birds Hotline at 866536-7593 to speak with a state or federal veterinarian.
EPA’s biofuels recommendations are significantly below levels set by Congress —By Kyle Cline Public Policy Team On May 29, the Environmental Protection Agency issued its proposed biofuel targets for 2014, 2015, and 2016. These targets fall well short of the required levels established by Congress under the Renewable Fuel Standard, also known as the “RFS.” The RFS is the nation’s mandate for blending ethanol into the nation’s fuel supply and was last revised by Congress in 2007. EPA is proposing to require refiners to blend 14 billion
gallons of corn ethanol for 2016, short of the 15 billion gallons called for under the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA is also slashing the overall renewable fuel blending requirements under the RFS by several billion gallons over the three-year period. “Congress was clear in its intent: The United States can and should produce significantly more ethanol for the nation’s cars and trucks than the EPA has proposed,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The Renewable Fuel Standard has produced jobs, decreased reliance on im-
ported oil and contributed to cleaner air. For those reasons, we need more ethanol, not less, and living up to congressional mandates is the place to begin.” EPA will be seeking comment on all three proposals and will hold a public hearing June 25 in Kansas City, Kansas. EPA is intending final action by Nov. 30. Indiana Farm Bureau will be providing formal comments in response to the proposals. _________________________ Kyle Cline is Indiana Farm Bureau’s national policy advisor.
Hoosier farm couple reaches out via crowdfunding page —By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team Kyle and Leah Broshears’ livestock story isn’t unique. When they decided to build a hog barn on their family’s farm, they did their homework, hired consultants and engineers, ran the gauntlet of local zoning reviews and received all necessary permits. But even before the barn was built, they and the entire local zoning board were sued, and their plans to build ground to a halt. Rather than back off, as their opponents had hoped, the Broshears are fighting back. What makes their story unique is how they are going about raising funds to mount an expensive legal defense: they are crowd sourcing. The Broshears created Save
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
Our Bacon, a crowdfunding page on the GoFundMe platform. In a little over a month (as of June 12), 70 donors have contributed almost $23,000 to the campaign. But there is a long way to go. Broshears estimates that legal fees could climb as high as $125,000. In an interview with Hoosier Ag Today, Broshears explained why he and his family are using this new technology to make a stand, and why he thinks it is so important to Indiana agriculture. “This is a common story that you will hear all over the country,” he told HAT. “It’s not just us, it’s not just pork. It seems like the opposition out there today is getting louder and louder and there’s no accountability for the things
Kyle and Leah Broshears
that they say and the things that they do. I think that agriculture needs to stand up for itself, and that’s kind of what we’re trying to do here. I think that we have a very good, positive message.” You can read the Broshears’ story, watch an in-depth video and make a contribution at www.gofundme.com/ saveourbacon.
Knox County: Center of the watermelon universe —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Knox County sits on the border of Indiana and Illinois. It is home to Vincennes University and George Rogers Clark National Historic Park. It is also currently the center of the watermelon universe. Knox County is home to three high-ranking National Watermelon Association dignitaries. NWA President Dennis Mouzin, National Emily Brown of Vincennes, the Watermelon Queen Emily current national watermelon Brown and Illiana Chapter queen. President Mike Horrall all hail from Knox County. Mouzin, along with his brother, runs Mouzin Brothers Farm. He is the third generation to raise melons, pumpkins and sweet corn in Vincennes. Their produce is sold throughout the Midwest, often arriving at a distribution center only hours after being picked. Horrall, along with his parents and children, operates Melon Acres in Oaktown, Indiana. The Horralls grow cantaloupe, watermelon, sweet corn, cucumbers and asparagus on more than 1,000 acres. Melon Acres has a CSA and a farm stand, in addition to selling commercially. Emily Brown of Vincennes is the 2015 national watermelon queen. She is spending her reign traveling to cities all over the U.S. and Canada. Her job includes talking to people in supermarkets and at fairs and festivals, and she has a passion for telling everyone about the nutritional benefits and economic value of watermelon. About 6 percent of the watermelon in the U.S. is grown on the Indiana/Illinois border. That equates to 7,000 acres of Illiana watermelon – about 5,000 of which are in Knox County. So if you’re in Knox County this summer, seek out
Making a difference during August recess —From the INFB Public Policy Team The congressional August recess is just around the corner, and now is the time for county Farm Bureaus to begin formulating plans and preparations to make a difference for Farm Bureau. Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August, providing members of Congress with a chance to spend time with family and meet with constituents in their home states or districts. This time is a valuable opportunity to update and reiterate key Farm Bureau priority issues to members of Congress and to build relationships that have the potential to lead to positive outcomes. Some examples of events that fit well into the August recess include hosting a member of Congress on the farm for a tool shed meeting, farm tours, and attending a town hall or “connect with your member of Congress” meeting in your community.
“The August recess period and the meetings that our members host on the farm are very important to Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts,” said Kyle Cline, INFB national policy advisor. “It is a great way to connect with your members of Congress to ensure they understand the key issues impacting agriculture. It can lead to sustained relationships that can go a long way in the future.” Cline further added that there are numerous examples of members hosting representatives or senators on their farms or making efforts to communicate, and now those congressional offices have those farmers on “speed dial” when they need information or guidance on particular issues. Individual members or county Farm Bureaus interested in hosting an August recess event are encouraged to contact Kyle Cline, national policy advisor, 317-692-7845, kcline@infb.org, for more information or additional ideas.
June 22, 2015
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COMMUNICATION
State fair exhibits focus on interactive displays —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team The Indiana State Fair will be here before you know it. This year, the building will look much the same as it did last year, with a few additions. New for this year, will be special prizes and a Wheel of Ag trivia game for visitors to the Farm Bureau building on Farmer’s Day, Aug. 19. In case you missed it in 2014, the new exhibit features motion sensor screens with farm facts, a custom-designed iPad quiz, and a tractor-themed photo op for kids of all ages. To guide fairgoers through the exhibit, a scavenger hunt, which coordinates with the display pieces,
was developed. The building will also serve as the last stop on the Wonder Trail, an interactive 12-stop journey around the fairgrounds. Children and families who find correct answers to at least eight of the 12 questions on the map can come to the Farm Bureau building to collect their prize. Rest assured, however, that not everything is changing. In keeping with INFB tradition, fairgoers can still sample free servings of popcorn, courtesy of Preferred Popcorn, from noon to 5 p.m. each day of the fair. The much-anticipated Taste from Indiana Farms is also returning and will be held Aug. 18-20. The Indiana State Fair runs Aug. 7-22, and the Farm Bureau building will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Make sure to stop by!
Interactivity is the goal of most of the displays that will be found in the Farm Bureau building at the Indiana State Fair, including a tractor cutout that can be used as a photo opportunity (photo by Mindy Reef); a scavenger hunt that takes visitors on a tour of the building’s exhibits (photo by Andy Dietrick); and motion sensor screens with farm facts (photo by Mindy Reef).
Educational trailer provides moveable display space —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Like most county Farm Bureaus, Monroe County wants to have a presence at its county fair, and like nearly all county Farm Bureaus, it used to exhibit in the fairgrounds’ commercial building. And like the commercial buildings at most fairgrounds, the one at the Monroe County fairgrounds had some issues. It was hot, it was crowded, and Farm Bureau couldn’t always get the position it wanted.
So, in the mid-1990s, Monroe County came up with a new idea: Why not an education trailer? So they arranged to have one specially built, an 18-footer with air-conditioning, carpeting, a generator, plenty of electrical outlets and space to display educational exhibits. “It’s a custom-built, indoor education space,” said Marv Ulmet, county Farm Bureau president. An added benefit is that because it’s moveable, it can be used at other events, including at the Mon-
roe County Children’s Farm Festival, which every fall draws 2,500 elementary school kids to the Peden family farm. The exhibits in the trailer vary depending on what’s topical. Last year was local ordinances, and during election years, the focus is on introducing candidates and showing voters their districts. “But we always have a (miniature) farm scene – and popcorn,” Ulmet said. Another standby is videos of the farm festival, which he said were “a huge draw.”
“It (the trailer) is a good way to tell your story,” Ulmet said. “We have to hae a voice because everybody else gets information second hand thorough social media so we have to be there to make sure it’s correct.” Monroe County is also trying something new this year. It has donated a wheelbarrow to every livestock barn on the fairgrounds. “Every year we give money to 4H,” he said. “This year we wanted to give something to everybody.”
Besides air-conditioning, one of the major benefits of using a custom-designed educational trailer for displays at the county fair and other events is that the trailer offers lots of display space. Photos courtesy of Marv Ulmet, Monroe County president
June 22, 2015
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COMMUNICATION
Delaware County Farm Bureau’s corn clock makes the point that U.S. consumers create the demand for 24 ears of corn every day. It is an actual working clock, noted creator and builder Joe Russell. He came up with the idea, did the math, and got the
approval of his board. “A little trip to Hobby Lobby and the lumber yard, and we’re making a big old clock,” he said. Photo by Joe Russell
Corn clock displays the numbers on corn demand —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Joe Russell, vice president of Delaware County Farm Bureau, admits he’s a numbers guy. “I’m labeled,” he said, laughing. It’s therefore not surprising that when he started considering how to convey to consumers the importance of corn, he thought in terms of numbers – in this case, the numbers on a clock. “I was probably on the combine thinking ‘I wonder how many ears of corn people use a day?’ I was just thinking, ‘That’s a lot of corn.
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
Who uses all this corn?’ And you get to thinking, ‘How much corn do they use in a day?’” The answer on average (and you can see Russell’s math reproduced on this page), is almost exactly 24 ears per day, using 2013 figures. “I thought, ‘One ear per hour – that sounds like a clock to me.’” And thus was born Delaware County Farm Bureau’s corn clock, which the county uses to communicate with consumers at the Farm Festival held in Delaware County each spring, and as needed elsewhere. The clock is used to talk about more than quantity, though. It also makes a point about what all that corn goes into – more than 3,000 different products (there’s another number for you), according to Russell. “Corn production is so far removed from the average person, and they just have no idea what all the corn goes into,” he said. “Everyone knows what corn looks like, but no one sees corn.” And the reason is that the way most corn is used is that the kernels are taken apart and reassembled into foods and other useful items. “(The kernels) are kind of a building block for 3,000 other things, and that’s why you don’t recognize it,” he said. People who see the clock have two main reactions, Russell said. “They’re amazed that they use that much corn, and they’re also amazed how many things corn is in.” So far, he said, he’s never had anyone disbelieve it. But if they do, he’s ready to defend his numbers. “It really doesn’t matter if they’re in New York City or rural Indiana,” he added. “Of the 3,000-plus products, they use a lot of corn.”
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
Corn clock by the numbers: (Statistics from USDA NASS, 2013) Planted acres of corn, U.S. Acres used for exports Acres used for U.S. consumption Harvestable ears per acre Ears for US consumption & demand US population Ears per person per year Days per year Ears per person per day Hours per day
Ears per hour per person
95,365,000 - 10% 85,828,500 x 32,500 789,426,250,000 ÷ 315,000,000 8,865 ÷ 365 24.26 ÷ 24
1.01
Each American creates demand for one ear of corn per hour. That’s one corn kernel every 9 seconds; 12 feet of a row of corn per day. June 22, 2015
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FARM BUREAU PEOPLE
Who’s who at Indiana Farm Bureau
Golc to coordinate grassroots efforts —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Jeffrey L. Golc, former Indiana Utility Regulatory commissioner and Indianapolis City-County Council member, has joined Indiana Farm Bureau as statewide coordinator of grassroots outreach. “Jeff’s experience in the field organizing grassroots efforts throughout the 92 counties will be instrumental for our organization,” said INFB President Don Villwock. “We are stepping up our efforts to help our members become
stronger advocates in the legislative process.” Golc previously served five years as vice president of governmental relations and external affairs at Harrison College and six years as director of public affairs at the Kroger Company. Prior to that, he served as an executive in numerous state agencies under governors Frank O’Bannon and Evan Bayh. In 2007, then-Governor Mitch Daniels appointed Golc to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as a commissioner, a post he held
until 2010. He also served on the Indianapolis City-County Council from 1987 to 1999. “One of the most important aspects of advocacy is having a good ground game that compliments your legislative efforts. Jeff’s addition solidifies our team and adds a valuable dimension that we haven’t had recently,” added Megan Ritter, INFB’s director of public policy. In his new role Golc will coordinate the efforts of all 92 county Farm Bureaus with respect to political involvement; facilitate INFB’s
campaign schools; fairly and equitably implement the PAC endorsement process; and build relationships and partnerships that enhance INFB’s membership. His favorite aspect of the work? “Resolving problems with a win-win result.” Golc lives in Indianapolis. He has three children, Joseph, Jennifer and Jeffrey. Golc has received numerous awards, including the Sagamore of the Jeffrey L. Golc Wabash and was named the In his free time, he enjoys golf Administrative Employee of and antiques. the Year at Harrison College.
New regional manager brings wealth of experience —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team The newest member of the organizational development team might not be familiar with some Hoosier traditions, but she knows her way around a Farm Bureau. “After years of service with Maryland Farm Bureau, Laura brings a wealth of Farm Bureau experience to Indiana,” said Mel Hollingsworth, interim director of organizational development for Indiana Farm Bureau. “I expect she will hit the ground running and assist her counties to be successful in all that they do.” Laura Ruhlman spent nearly 20 years with the Maryland Farm Bureau, where the small staff meant she had to wear many hats. She was director of field services, a regional
manager, Young Farmer coordinator and women’s program coordinator – all at the same time. She started with INFB on June 8. Her territory covers Monroe, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Crawford and Perry counties. Because being a regional manager was part of her prior job, she already knows what she’ll enjoy most: Working with volunteers and leaders. “Everything in the regional manager role benefits the members,” she said. “We work very hard developing those relationships.” In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family and farming. Her husband, Rob, and sons Tristan, 12, and Delaney, 10, will join her in Indiana soon. The family has a farm in Maryland with beef
Photo by Rachel Schrage
Laura Ruhlman with her husband, Rob, and sons Tristan and Delaney.
cattle, sheep and alpacas. They hope to farm in Indiana as well. While transplanting from another state is difficult, Ruhlman says it’s been a good experience. “From the members to staff, I have felt very welcomed here.”
Farm Bureau summer Three students will be spending their summer helping Indiana Farm Bureau with a variety of projects. From left: Lauren Tobe is from Fort Wayne. She is a fourth-year law student at IU’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. She attends law school in the evening and has a day job at Dow AgroSciences. This summer, she is on sabbatical from her job and is interning at INFB as a law clerk. Her time with INFB will be spent researching legal issues that affect members. When she graduates next summer, she plans to take the bar exam and begin working as an attorney, focusing on regulatory and environmental law. Melissa Cuttriss is from Huntington. She is currently a fifth-year senior at Purdue University working toward her bachelor’s degree in accounting and management with a concentration in finance. After graduating, she will continue to study at Purdue to obtain the credits necessary to take the certified public accountant exam. This is her second summer working at Indiana Farm Bureau as the administrative and finance intern. In her time with INFB this summer, she hope to gain a wide range of real-world experience that she can apply to her course work and her future career. Casie Conley is from Knightstown. She is a senior at IUPUI and will graduate in December with a degree in public relations and event management. She is a former FFA state president and was a 2015 Indianapolis 500 princess. This summer, she is working with INFB’s organizational development team as the promotion and outreach intern. Her main projects will be planning for and working at the Indiana State Fair, Young Farmer social and the Taste from Indiana Farms. She is excited about the opportunity to get volunteers engaged and help recruit new members.
Linda Vandermolen gives a roundtable presentation at the AITC Update, held June 10 at the INFB home office in Indianapolis. Photo by Rachel Schrage
June 22, 2015
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AROUND INFB
Application deadline is August 1 for Young Farmer awards
Last year’s winners of Indiana Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture award were the Steeles of Adams County. From left: Carter, Marah, Mayah, Chris and Cooper. Photo by Mindy Reef
—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team August 1 is the application deadline for the Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement awards. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers (ages 1835) who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. The Achievement Award
recognizes outstanding young Farm Bureau members who set a positive example for others. Applicants must earn a majority of their income from production agriculture. To qualify for consideration for either award, applicants must fill out the application form, which can be found at www.infarmbureau.org under “Programs” and then “Young Farmer. Applications must be emailed to the Indiana Farm Bureau office before midnight Eastern time Aug. 1 to be considered for
the awards. The achievement winner receives $6,000 from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, 250 hours’ use of an M-Series tractor courtesy of Kubota Tractor, the David L. Leising Memorial Award, and paid expenses to the national convention to be held in January in Orlando, Florida. The two runners-up receive $1,000 from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. The excellence winner receives a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit Services, $3,000 from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and expenses paid to the national convention. The two runners-up get $1,000 from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Both state winners will be recognized at the INFB convention Nov. 15-17 and will compete in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers contests. More information and the application forms are available on the INFB website, www.infarmbureau.org, or by calling Meggie Foster, INFB young farmer program coordinator, 317-692-7183.
Young farmer social planned for state fair —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team The State Young Farmer Committee will be hosting a summer ice cream social at the Indiana State Fair. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 15 in the banquet hall in the Farm Bureau building. Those who attend (RSVPs are required) will receive a family ticket package that includes admission to the state fair and food vouchers good at one of the fair’s commodity tents. An invitation will be sent out electronically in late June, and those interested will be able to register online. Tickets will be mailed to respondents before the event while meal vouchers will be available at the event. Additional admission tickets can be purchased at county Farm Bureau offices.
The event also offers an opportunity for young farmers to help INFB reach its membership goal. During the online registration process, a Farm Bureau member can submit the name of a potential new member and then forward an invitation to that person. If the member and the new/potential member attend the social, both names will be entered to win a prize package consisting of Colts tickets for Sept. 27 and gift cards to Steak ’n Shake. For more information on the membership promotion, go to infarmbureau.org/infb/ about-us/membershipsweepstakes. For more information about the YF program, call Meggie Foster, INFB young farmer and women’s program coordinator, at 317692-7183, or visit www. infarmbureau.org.
NEW MEMBER BENEFIT We are excited to offer you exclusive discounts, special offers, access to preferred seating & many other special perks for thousands of products including theme parks, shows, sporting events, concerts, dinner shows, movies and much more. Simply visit www.ticketsatwork.com, complete the online membership form by clicking the button BECOME A MEMBER
and when asked for company code, use INDIANAFARM.
The 2015 Leaders in Action group met at the INFB home office near the end of May. This session covered presentation skills. Above, presenter Len Mozzi of Dramatic Difference shares how having a theme song run through your head can build confidence before a presentation. Left, Sam Koester, Posey County, and Jack Haefling, Marion County, discuss using movement to focus the audience. The group meets one more time before traveling to Washington, D.C., in September. Applications for the next Leaders in Action program will be available in the fall. Photos by Mindy Reef
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*Benefits vary by park and ticket products; please see web site for more information. June 22, 2015
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AROUND INFB
Calendar of Events
June
23, 24 Purdue Farm Management Tour, Adams and Jay counties. 30 Deadline for entry in the June membership sweep- stakes, www.infarmbureau.org/infb/about-us/ membership-sweepskates.
July 21
Estate and succession planning workshop, INFB home office.
25 District 6 summer outing (starts at Beck’s Hybrids, Atlanta, Indiana). 30, 31 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. 31 Deadline for entry in the July membership sweep- stakes, www.infarmbureau.org/infb/about-us/ membership-sweepskates.
Seats open for estate and succession planning seminar —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team As of press time, there were still seats available for the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation’s Estate and Succession Planning for the Family Farm seminar on July 21. The program will help farm families and attorneys understand the importance of estate and succession
planning to a family farm. Along with general planning techniques, attendees will learn how family dynamics can affect estate and succession planning. The event takes place at the Indiana Farm Bureau home office. The registration fee is $75; registration is available online at www. inaglaw.org. Contact Maria Spellman, 317-692-7840 or
mspellman@infarmbureau. org, with any questions. Indiana Farm Bureau is one of the sponsors for the event. Another IALF seminar is planned for later this summer: Big Data and Technology. The event takes place on Aug. 14 at the INFB home office. More information will be available online and in the next Hoosier Farmer.
drainage boards; wetlands law; a state regulatory update; disaster response after a flood; levees; obstruction removal; Waters of the United States regulations; and fluvial erosion. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; the program runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lunch is provided. Sign-up runs until Aug. 7 or until the program fills, whichever comes sooner. Those interested are encouraged to register early due to limited space. Registration is not complete without payment, and there will be no refunds after Aug. 7. Register online at www. infarmbureau.org under the events menu. The seminar
is $50. The registration fee includes a flash drive with all of the information. A hard-copy binder is available for $25. Contact Maria Spellman, 317-692-7840 or mspellman@infarmbureau. org, with questions. The event is sponsored by INFB, Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, Association of Indiana Counties, Indiana Association of County Commissioners, County Surveyors Association of Indiana, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program.
By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team
To make it easier for members wanting enter the June and July membership contests, we’re now including a membership application here in The Hoosier Farmer. Cut the application form out or make copies and give them to new potential members. Remember to have them put your name in the membership volunteer box so that your name is entered in the contest, then send it to the address printed along the bottom of the form. You can also have them go to INFB’s membership site, www.itpaystobeamember.org, to sign up online.
Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual Drainage School, a seminar focusing on Indiana drainage issues, will take place Thursday, Aug. 27, at INFB’s home office in downtown Indianapolis. The seminar’s purpose is to promote an understanding of the laws and regulations that control drainage laws and dispute resolutions. It is open to farmers, public officials, agency personnel, attorneys and members of the public. Continuing education credits are being sought for attorneys and surveyors. This year’s program features speakers on joint
Next round of membership sweepstakes starts July 1 —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau is continuing its membership sweepstakes with a new contest in July. INFB is asking voting members to sign one new voting member in July. Any Farm Bureau member who signs a new voting member between July 1 and July 31 will be entered to win one $500 gift card. To be eligible, your name must appear in the “referred
by” box on a new member’s application. Your name will be entered once for every new voting member that you sign. Applications must be postmarked by July 31, and the drawing will take place on Aug. 6. Members still have a few days if they wish to compete in the June membership sweepstakes. Each member’s name will be entered once for every new voting member he or she signs. Applications must be
postmarked by June 30, and the drawing will take place on July 6. Completed applications for either sweepstakes contest should be sent to: Indiana Farm Bureau Attention: K. Rogers – Membership Contest P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206 For more information and to see official rules, visit www.infarmbureau. org/infb/about-us/membership-sweepskates.
Ellspermann accepting nominations for 2015 AgriVision Award —From ISDA The Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann is seeking nominations for the 2015 AgriVision Award. Now in its ninth year, the award is given to a Hoosier who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to maximize the potential of
June 22, 2015
Indiana agriculture. The award will be presented by the lieutenant governor during the Celebration of Agriculture at the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 19. The AgriVision Award is open to any current Indiana resident and all sectors of agriculture – from bioenergy to livestock to trade. It
was specifically created to honor an individual who has reshaped Indiana’s agriculture through innovative or technological advances or through new business methods. Applications can be found on ISDA’s website (www.in.gov/isda/) and are due by July 1.
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