The Hoosier Farmer - issue 70 by Indiana Farm Bureau

Group to Learn about Farming in Germany, Belgium Page 4, 5

Too Much of a Good Thing Page 3

INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around Farm Bureau .4, 5 Communication............ 6 State & Nation.............. 7 Around INFB................ 8

The Hoosier Farmer

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

AUGUST 24, 2015 Issue No. 70

August recess allows face time with congressional delegation

Rep. Luke Messer met with Farm Bureau constituents on Aug. 7 in Shelbyville. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Members of Indiana’s congressional delegation returned home this month for the annual August recess. The five-week sabbatical is an excellent opportunity for farmers to meet with their federal lawmakers and share with them Farm Bureau’s

legislative priorities. “Connecting face-to-face can help build valuable personal relationships between Farm Bureau members and their elected representatives in Washington,” said Kyle Cline, INFB national government relations policy advisor. He added, “Local farmers are often the best advocates because these is-

sues personally impact their day-to-day operations and ultimately their family’s livelihood.” This month, Indiana Farm Bureau was able to connect with congressional delegation members on the following occasions: Luke Messer (R-CD6) on Aug. 7 in Shelbyville. Pete Visclosky (D-CD1) on Aug. 8 in Valparaiso. Jackie Walorski (R-CD2) on Aug. 13 in Rochester. Todd Young (R-CD9) on Aug. 14 in Crothersville. Larry Bucshon (R-CD8) on Aug. 25 in Vincennes. There are still opportunities to meet with the other members of Congress: Todd Rokita (R-CD4) on Sept. 3 in West Lafayette. Susan Brooks (R-CD5) on Sept. 21 in Westfield. As of the date of publication, details for Farm Bureau meetings with Andre Carson (D-CD7) and Marlin

Farm Bureau maps show massive increase in EPA authority —From the AFBF Public Relations Team A series of maps released this month by the American Farm Bureau Federation show how the EPA will radically expand its jurisdiction over land use if its controversial Waters of the United States rule takes effect as expected Aug. 28. That expansion comes even as major parts of the rule remain largely incomprehensible to experts and laymen alike. Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206

The maps, prepared by Geosyntec Consulting, show the dramatic expansion of EPA’s regulatory reach, stretching across wide swaths of land in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Montana. In Pennsylvania, for example, 99 percent of the state’s total acreage is subject to EPA scrutiny. Landowners have no reliable way to know which of the water and land within that area will be regulated, yet they must still conform their activities to the new law. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Berne, IN Permit NO. 43

“Farmers face enforcement action and severe penalties under EPA’s new rule for using the same safe, scientifically sound and federally approved crop protection tools they’ve used for years,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “This rule creates a new set of tools for harassing farmers in court, and does it all with language that is disturbingly vague and subject to abuse by future regulators. It’s worth saying again: The EPA needs to withdraw this rule and start over.” Links to the maps prepared to date can be found on the AFBF website at www. fb.org/newsroom/news_article/344/. So far maps have been prepared on Montana, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Additional maps are being developed for parts of Missouri, New York, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

Stutzman (R-CD3) are still to be determined. Throughout the August recess, Farm Bureau members are still being encouraged to focus on three top issues, including support for biotechnology and a national, voluntary GMO label; opposition to Waters of the U.S.; and continuous encouragement for congressional action that promotes agricultural trade. GMO food labeling Bill: The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599), which provides a national framework for the voluntary labeling of GMO (genetically modified organism) foods derived from biotechnology. Farm Bureau is in support. For more information, visit AFBF’s website, www.fb.org. ‘Waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) rule Bill: The Federal Water Quality Protection Act

(S.1140), which requires the EPA to withdraw the current WOTUS rule (which expands their regulatory footprint and federal jurisdiction over both wet and dry land features) and submit a new, more limited proposal which accounts for state and local input. Farm Bureau is in support. Ag Trade/Trans Pacific Partnership Issue: More advocacy work is needed to ensure the successful completion of beneficial ag trade agreements, such as the Trans Pacific Partnership. Farm Bureau is in support. For more information about these issues, Farm Bureau members are encouraged to visit the AFBF action page (GetaMoveOn.fb.org/) and the INFB public policy page (www.infarmbureau. org/ifbsi/), or contact Kyle Cline at kcline@infb.org or 317-692-7845.

Villwock seeks AFBF presidency —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team The campaign to elect INFB President Don Villwock as the next AFBF president is in high gear. Villwock announced his bid in mid-July, the day after current President Bob Stallman announced that he would not seek re-election to another term. If elected, Villwock would be the first AFBF president from Indiana. “As AFBF president, I want to develop leaders by continuing to educate and empower members and county and state Farm Bureau organizations,” said Villwock. “I also want to expand the reach of Farm Bureau’s advocacy efforts in favor of free enterprise, private property rights, fiscal integrity and local control.” The election of AFBF pres-

ident will be held in January during the 97th annual meeting of voting delegates. A total of 349 delegate spots are divided among the 50 states based on Farm Bureau membership numbers within each state. Another four delegates are reserved for representatives of the Farm Bureau Women. Young Farmers & Ranchers have one delegate, and the sitting AFBF president is also a delegate, making a total of 355 delegates. Villwock makes a strong case for the office, having served in various ag leadership capacities for many years, including 14 years as INFB president. Other highlights include time serving as chairman of the Farm Foundation ag policy think tank and as a member of the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture.

NEWS IN BRIEF

News Bites —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

AFBF hires new livestock, dairy and poultry specialist—

The American Farm Bureau Federation has hired Trudy Wastweet as director of congressional relations in the public policy department. As director of congressional relations, Wastweet will play an important role in covering livestock, dairy and poultry issues. Wastweet comes to AFBF from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, where she served as deputy secretary of agriculture. Prior to that, she was national policy advisor for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, where she implemented policy with Iowa’s congressional delegation. Additionally, Wastweet served in several roles at the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, where she led quality assurance training programs and issues management initiatives. She holds bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from South Dakota State University. A native of Bryant, South Dakota, Wastweet served on Minnesota Ag in the Classroom’s board of directors and the Legacy Committee of the Agriculture Future of America Alliance. She also was selected as a participant for the prestigious McCloy Fellowship in Agriculture program coordinated by the American Council on Germany. (AFBF 6/22/15)

Ohio no-till field day is Sept. 2— Soil

health and water quality will be two focal points of the 2015 Ohio No-till Field Day on Sept. 2. The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Dan Batdorf farm,

Administrative/Finance Team

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

August 24, 2015

9291 Rt. 48 (North), Covington, in western Miami County. On-site registration is $65. The event is sponsored by the Ohio No-Till Council with support from the AllOhio Chapter of Soil and Water Conservation Service, OSU Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, NRCSUSDA, SWCDs in Miami and Darke counties, Ohio’s Country Journal, Ohio Corn Marketing Board and the Ohio Soybean Council. (Purdue and OSU 8/4/15)

New learning kit targets pre-K to 1st graders— “Farm a

Month: Where Does Our Food Come From?” is a new learning kit developed by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for pre-K to first-grade students. The Farm a Month kit provides a way for teachers, families and classroom volunteers to engage preschool and elementary-aged students in agricultural-based lessons throughout the year. The kit was developed with the goal of helping foster conversations about where food and fiber comes from. Farm a Month kits are equipped with 12 activities, each focusing on a different commodity: maple syrup, popcorn, peaches, pears, apples, oranges, lettuce, grapes, cheese, pumpkins, turkeys and cranberries. Suggested snacks and related books to read are included for each activity. The Farm a Month kit is available for purchase for $25 online at http://bit.ly/ FarmaMonth. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Foundation’s mission is to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of agriculture through education. (AFBF 7/7/15)

Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Director of Affiliate Relations.................. Julie Klarich

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

The Farm Bureau building at the Indiana State Fair hosted a panel of experts analyzing the USDA’s August Crop Production Report on Aug. 12 at the Indiana State Fair. From left are Greg Matli, state statistician, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service; Julia Wickard, executive state director of the Farm Service Agency; Bob Nielsen, Purdue Extension corn specialist; Shaun Casteel, Purdue Extension soybean specialist; Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension agricultural economist; and Ted McKinney, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. Photo by Andy Dietrick

Counties Farm Bureaus encouraged to apply for Impact Awards —By Chris Fenner Organizational Development Team Has your county made a significant impact in your community? If so, we would like to recognize you for your efforts. As a part of the County Recognition Program, counties can apply for Impact

Awards. The purpose of the Impact Award is to recognize counties that have made a significant impact or gained significant clout through a specific activity or event. Counties can apply in the areas of membership, influential organization, issue engagement, young farmers and youth, or public rela-

tions and education. In order to apply for this award, the county must have met the Cardinal status in the goal category for which it is applying. Applications are judges by Farm Bureau staff members from other states, and winners are recognized on Nov. 15 during state convention.

August membership sweepstakes open for a few more days There’s still a little time left to participate in the August membership sweepstakes and earn a chance to win a $500 gift card. Any Farm Bureau member who signs a new voting member between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31 will be entered

to win a 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 for the August sweepstakes must be postmarked by Aug. 31. 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/membershipsweepstakes.

Administrative Assistant ........... Wanda Hunter Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel................................... Justin Schneider Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White

Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator........ Anna Todd Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent Intern ...............................................Casie Conley

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

Public Relations Team

Regional Managers

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.

—By Kathleen M. Dutro 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 Communications Specialist, Public Policy and Advocacy............. Jay Wood

Organizational Development Team

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

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)

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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SPECIAL REPORT

Too much of a good thing Water damage continues to affect Hoosier farmers —By Kathleen M. Dutro INFB Public Relations Team & the Purdue Ag Comm Service It’s much simpler to say which Indiana counties aren’t included in the disaster declaration issued Aug. 12 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture than it is to list those that are included. This is because 88 counties (every county except LaGrange, Perry, Spencer and Steuben) qualified for natural disaster assistance under the declaration. The declaration was a result of the damages and losses caused by excessive rain and flooding that occurred during the period that began May 1 and continues to the present. Fifty-three of those counties are primary natural disaster areas while the remainder qualify because they are contiguous to the disaster counties. In addition, contiguous counties in neighboring states also qualified for disaster status. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting that Indiana farmers this fall will harvest 867.4 million bushels of corn on an average of 158 bushels per acre. That is down 20 percent from last year’s record 1.08 billion

bushels on 188 bushels/acre. Indiana soybean farmers were projected to bring in 278.8 million bushels on 49 per acre, down 9.3 percent from last year when they produced the state’s secondlargest crop of 307.4 million bushels on 56 per acre. The estimated value of the loss, according to Purdue, is about $400 million. Illinois, Missouri and Ohio have also experienced significant crop damage. Nationally, however, the crops are expected to fare better. Above-average crops are expected in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas and Nebraska. In fact, said Greg Matli, Indiana state statistician, 10 states were expecting record corn yields and 10 record soybean yields. This year’s projected production still would be the thirdlargest corn yield ever. Some areas of Indiana were hit much harder than others, and some individual fields had both heavily damaged sections as well as areas that will produce good yields, noted Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of the Purdue College of Agriculture. “The bottom line is that yields will be off and we’ll

see a lot of variability across the state,” said Akridge, who moderated a panel of experts analyzing the USDA’s August Crop Production Report at the Indiana State Fair. July rainfall combined with June’s historic rains to turn the two months into the second-wettest June and July on record in Indiana, according to the Indiana State Climate Office. Rainfall during six weeks from about June 7 to July 21 totaled 15.09 inches, said the climate office. The wettest June-July was in 1958, when 16.15 inches of rain fell in Indiana. The hardest-hit areas in July were generally in two-county bands of Hendricks and Marion in central Indiana, and Clark and Jefferson in the southeast portion of the state. The heaviest reported rainfall was 17.65 inches in a Clark County monitoring station in Charlestown, noted Ken Scheeringa, associate state climatologist. All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low interest emergency loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in

Indiana Rainfall May 15 – August 12 (Inches above Average)

Average calculated from 1981-2010

Courtesy of the Indiana State Climate Office, www.iclimate.org

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity. Interested farm-

ers should contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

A great egret and other water birds take advantage of a long-flooded cornfield in Hancock County. As of when this photo was taken in early August, this particular field had been flooded for weeks. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

Farmers need to weigh their options regarding Syngenta litigation —From the INFB Legal Affairs Team Many Hoosier farmers have received advertising materials encouraging them to get involved in the Syngenta litigation if they believe that they have been affected by the introduction of the MIR162 corn seed into the marketplace. Corn growers may be confused about the situation and whether or not they should file a claim, noted Indiana Farm Bureau’s legal affairs team. One thing is for sure: This litigation is going to be very complex. Affected individuals could possibly bring state law claims or could join a potential class action law suit. Classes have not yet been certified for both the producers of the trait and non-producers. If you have little desire to be involved in the legal proceedings, you may not want to file an individual suit and join the class action instead, the legal team said. If you prefer to work with a local attorney or have suffered significant losses, you may want to file your own lawsuit. You can do so by contacting one of the many attorneys now filing claims on behalf of individual farmers, but you are advised to first contact your personal attorney to determine what

course of action is in your best interest. Any farmer interested in joining a class action lawsuit or bringing an individual lawsuit should read the terms of the retainer agreement very carefully. In 2009 Syngenta began selling Agrisure Viptera and Duracade corn seed. This seed contained a new trait called MIR162. This trait had not yet been approved by the Chinese government. In November 2013 China began rejecting U.S. corn shipments because MIR162 was detected in some U.S. corn shipments. Studies by the National Grain and Feed Association and the North American Export Grain Association published in April estimated that the industry as a whole was damaged by at least $1 billion and as much as $2.9 billion. The American Farm Bureau Federation has produced an information guide on this issue. You can read it at: https://www.infarmbureau.org/infb/about-us/ corn-farmers-guide-to-thesyngenta-gmo-corn-lawuits. ____________________ Note: The information above is not intended as legal advice. IFBF has no opinion on the strengths or weaknesses of the lawsuits brought against Syngenta and is not working with any lawyers representing the plaintiffs in any of the lawsuits.

August 24, 2015

AROUND FARM BUREAU

Leavin’ on a jet plane

Ag Leadership Exchange participants will see Germany, Belgium —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team In just a few days, nine Indiana Farm Bureau members will join 10 members of the Michigan Farm Bureau as they travel across the Atlantic to learn more about agriculture in Germany and Belgium. “As players in the international market, American farmers need to

be aware of how food and farm policies elsewhere can affect our own decisions,” said INFB national policy advisor Kyle Cline. “This trip will give members an international view on policy, markets, technology and competition.” Cline and three Michigan Farm Bureau staff members will also be on the trip. Participants will get an in-depth view on a number of topics, includ-

ing biotechnology, animal welfare, rural development and food safety. The trip runs Aug. 31-Sept. 11. INFB will post updates on our social media channels (Facebook: Indiana Farm Bureau News; and Twitter: @ infarmbureau) and on the ALE webpage, www.infb.org/infb/programs/ ALE. Expanded profiles for attendees as well as the trip agenda are available online.

Alan Duttlinger — Tippecanoe County

Alan Duttlinger

Farm/business: Swine nutritionist for Indiana Packers Corp., where he manages feed and nutrition programs for market hogs. Farm Bureau: Tippecanoe County board member, national legislative committee chair and Young Farmer committee member; Leaders in Action alumnus; winner of 2013 Discussion Meet; member of the Livestock & Animal Care PAG. Community: Tippecanoe County 4-H programs, the Purdue Univeristy Pork Interest Group and the Ameri-

can Society of Animal Science. Why he applied: “My outsider’s perspective is that the European Union has more restrictions regarding technology use and higher cost of production for agriculture commodities. By being able to participate in this study mission to Germany and Belgium, I would be able to shape my thoughts and further my understanding of policy decisions that have shaped the EU agriculture industry.” Stephanie Hendricks

Stephanie Hendricks — Johnson County

Clark Jordan — Wayne County Farm/business: 3,100 acres of corn and soybeans as well as 100 acres of wheat; a 1,450-sow farrow-finish hog operation that markets about 650 hogs/week. Farm Bureau: Serves as Wayne County Farm Bureau vice president, has chaired multiple county boards including national policy. Community: Graduate of the Indiana AgriInstitute’s Ag Leadership Program. Why he applied: “My interest in Germany comes from my own family heritage as well as my choice of German as a foreign language election in high school.” Clark Jordan

David Hardin — Hendricks County

David Hardin with his family.

August 24, 2015

Farm/business: 2,400 acres IP corn, soybeans and winter wheat; 12,000 head farrow-to-finish hog farm. Farm Bureau: Hendricks County policy development chairman; AFBF Trade Policy Advisory Committee; state livestock and resolutions committees and nutrient management task force. Community: President and board member, Indiana Pork Advocacy Coalition; board member, Indiana Pork; AgriInstitute Class 12; Purdue University Dean’s Advisory Council; Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture advisory board; Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Corporation president. Why he applied: “The exchange presents itself as an opportunity share knowledge and experiences with other producers while building bridges for future initiatives. This would be an excellent chance for me to continue my personal growth and understand the challenges and opportunities that U.S. agriculture is likely to face in the coming years due to changes in regulations and markets.”

Farm/business: 1,000 acres of soybeans, non-GMO soybeans, seed beans and waxy corn as well as sweet corn sold at the at both the wholesale and retail level. In addition, she has a supervisory role at Farm Credit Mid-America. Farm Bureau experience: State Young Farmer Committee, Young Farmer Discussion Meet, and (with her husband, Chris) a two-time finalist for the Young Farmer Achievement Award. Has also served on the state resolutions committee and as a delegate to the annual meeting delegate and county woman leader. Community: Franklin Community Schools Band Booster president, judge at the National FFA Convention and secretary of the Franklin Chamber of Commerce’s membership committee. Why she applied: “Through my 18 years of experience and stewardship with Farm Bureau I have meet producers all across the United States…I would like to deepen my understanding of the European way of life. This opportunity will do just that as well as shed light on how our counterparts are engaged in agriculture.”

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

AROUND FARM BUREAU

Kerry Dull — Boone County Farm/business: 1,900 acres of waxy corn and soybeans, 40-acre choose-and-harvest Christmas tree farm, agritourism and event venues. Farm Bureau: Boone County Farm Bureau president, AITC volunteer, 25-year Boone County board member. Community: Boone County 4-H; Mechanicsburg Christian Church, treasurer, Sunday School teacher; Lebanon Community of Sha-

lom, board member, treasurer. Why she applied: “The study mission to Germany and Belgium will expose me to international agricultural practices, perspectives and issues, which will help me become a better advocate for agriculture. This experience will also broaden my understanding of how international agricultural issues impact Indiana’s agricultural economy and ultimately our own personal farming operation.”

Kerry Dull (second from right) with her family.

Nick Tharp — Putnam County Farm/business: 3,000-head sow farm; 80,000 weaned pigs annually; 46,000 market hogs per year; 950 acres of corn and soybeans. Farm Bureau: Putnam County Young Farmer chair and vice president, delegate; state finalist, 2014 Young Farmer Achievement Award. Community: Sits on multiple National Pork Board and Indiana Pork Producers committees, involved with his church and local school corporation Why he applied: “This Agricultural Leadership Exchange trip to Germany and Belgium will be a great opportunity for me to gain a global agricultural perspective that will be beneficial to me in future leadership positions on the local, state, and national levels.” Nick Tharp with his family.

Phil Ramsey — Shelby County Farm/business: 4,500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, seed beans and hay; Ramsey Farms Ag Enterprises Farm Bureau: Shelby County board of directors, delegate, state crops policy advisory group, state resolutions committee, FB to DC participant Community: Shelby County Ag Promotion Committee; Rush Phil Ramsey (pictured in the center in the red plaid shirt) with his family. Shelby Energy board; United Producers board; Manilla Volunteer Fire Department; Church treasurer, board member, mission trip leader Why he applied: “I am interested in the agriculture from all corners of the United States and world. I like to learn about different kinds of production practices. Any part of the world I have visited I have tried to learn about their agricultural practices.”

Harold Parker

Harold Parker — LaPorte County Farm/business: 2,000+ acres of seed corn, commercial corn, soybeans, and tomatoes. Also operations a heavy construction and trucking business. Farm Bureau experience: LaPorte County Farm Bureau president, member of the county Farm Bureau executive board, delegate to state annual meeting, Indiana delegate to the AFBF annual meeting. Other leadership experience: LaPorte County Planning Commission, 4-H volunteer, past president of the LaPorte County 4-H Council, county extension board, past president of the local FSA board, and past president of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council. Why he applied: “I will gain insight into world trade, agriculture policy, and social issues Germany and Belgium are facing. This opportunity will give me the ability to network with farmers from these countries.”

Roger Hadley — Allen County Farm/business: 680 acres of corn and soybeans, 15 head of cattle for freezer beef; seed sales for Beck’s Hybrids Farm Bureau: Allen County Farm Bureau president, state nutrient management advisory committee, AFBF soybean advisory board, delegate at the state and national levels. Community: American Soybean Association board, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Soybean checkoff board, ag advisory council for Reps. Mark Souder, Jill Long and Marlin Stutzman, Purdue Ag Alumni board, Woodlan FFA advisory board, Woodburn United Methodist Church Why he applied: “I am very interested in the politics and agriculture in other countries around the world, especially in Europe. It will be interesting to see how they farm and to discuss their feelings on GMOs and see how they think agriculture can feed the world without their use.” Roger Hadley (pictured near the center in the dark suit and tie) with his family.

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

August 24, 2015

COMMUNICATION

Gwyneth goes to Washington —By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team There is something to be said for star power. Actors, artists and musicians have a unique opportunity to leverage their celebrity to raise funds for and increase the visibility of causes they deem worthwhile. Many big name celebrities work with legitimate charities, and that’s fine, even admirable. But when celebrity is used to muddle the truth and divert attention from the real issue, it’s not admirable – it’s a sideshow. Case in point: Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent trip to Capitol Hill to stump for mandatory GMO labeling. Ms. Paltrow is just the most recent in a steady stream of A and B list celebrities gracing the website of Just Label It, a campaign launched by Organic Voices to promote organic food and demand mandatory GMO labeling. The women in the featured video on the site are identified as “celebrity moms.” The sponsors of Just Label It and the board of Organic Voices are a veritable who’s who of the multi-billion dollar organic

industry. While in Washington, Ms. Paltrow visited with lawmakers and media outlets, and had this to say during a press conference (italics are editorial comments): “The science is still inconclusive about GMOs (no, it’s not) and there are arguments that they could possibly be harmful (doesn’t make those arguments true) and there are arguments that they could possibly be incredibly beneficial and drought resistant and have extra nutrition (not arguments, but scientifically proven facts and decades of results), but at this point, we just don’t know (yes we do –30 years of science is pretty conclusive).” Watching the video from the press conference is telling. When actors do their jobs well, they stir emotions, draw us into a story, create something magical. It’s the craft of acting and cinema, the art of make believe. Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t acting when she promoted GMO labeling in Washington. She may have had talking points, but she didn’t have a script. Her delivery was choppy, vague, ram-

bling and mostly ineffective. Being a star doesn’t make you an expert. Good public policy is not make-believe. Entertainers who use their celebrity status to lobby for issues and causes they know little or nothing about should be subjected to the same media scrutiny as a corporate CEO, lobbyist or spokesperson – maybe more.

Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development are again partnering to produce and distribute the Indiana state travel map. The initial distribution was through the Indiana State Fair, but distribution of the 1 million maps that were printed will continue even after the fair.

Who’s who at INFB Public policy communications specialist Jay Wood —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Jay Wood is the newest face at Indiana Farm Bureau. He began working on the public relations team in early August as the communications specialist for public policy and advocacy. Wood’s official title is public policy and advocacy communications specialist, and he will serve as a liaison between the public relations and public policy

teams. His position is newly created and the process of shaping his role has just begun, but he will help to develop and implement communications strategies to make INFB’s advocacy efforts more effective. Before coming to INFB, Wood worked as a field representative for the Indiana Republican Party and the Pence gubernatorial campaign, and was later a press secretary for the Indiana House Republican Caucus.

Raised on a farm in Westfield, Wood is a 2011 graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is a diehard sports fan, and while his loyalty lies mostly with Chicago-area teams, he is a partial season ticket holder for the Indiana Pacers and enjoys Purdue athletics. He also sings baritone in a men’s gospel quartet. “I appreciate the opportunity to combine my

Jay Wood, INFB’s newest staff member

professional experience in communications and public policy with my childhood

experience of being raised on a family farm,” Wood said.

Organizational development team leader Mel Hollingsworth —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Mel Hollingsworth isn’t new to Indiana Farm Bureau, but he is back after several years away and working in a new position. Several weeks ago, he took the helm of the organizational development team as its new director. Hollingsworth first came to INFB in 1975. He stayed until 2005, when he took early retirement to become the executive director of

August 24, 2015

Maryland Farm Bureau. He retired from that position in 2013 and moved back to Indiana. He was retired for just three months before returning to INFB in 2014. In his new role, he will manage the 24 members of the organizational development team. This includes regional managers, membership staff, education staff and those in charge of the Young Farmer and women’s leadership programs. In his free time, Holling-

sworth enjoys travel and golf, which he says he did a lot more of during his unsuccessful retirement. He is a graduate of Purdue University and has been married 41 years. He has three children and four grandchildren. “I think everything we do is important,” he says. “But helping our voting members develop leadership skills so they can be better advocates for agriculture is, in my opinion, the greatest thing we do.”

Mel Hollingsworth and his wife, Sharon

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STATE & NATION

Resolutions committee finalizes policy report —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team In order to best advocate on behalf of farms and rural communities, it is crucial that each year INFB policy positions reflect the opinions of the membership at large. Structured as a grassroots organization, the policy positions which guide Farm Bureau’s legislative and regulatory action are developed from the bottom up. Following the 4-H motto of “To make the best better,” INFB is always looking at ways to achieve even greater success in the public policy arena. “Indiana Farm Bureau has been very successful with policy implementation. In order to remain effective, the organization is looking at ways to increase member

involvement in the process and improve the long term strategic focus,” said Justin Schneider, INFB’s senior policy advisor and counsel on state government relations. Currently, members at the county level submit policy suggestions which are evaluated during the annual meeting of the state resolutions committee, which this year met Aug. 3-5. To provide a voice for every region of the state, as well as a voice for the next generation of leaders in Hoosier agriculture, the state resolutions committee consists of one member from each INFB district (county presidents who serve on a rotating cycle), a representative from the State Young Farmer Committee, a representative from a collegiate Farm Bureau chapter and a

The 2015 resolutions committee poses for a group photo in the atrium of Indiana Farm Bureau’s home office. Front group: Isabella Chism (INFB 2nd vice president), David Hardin, Charlie Houin, Sarah Correll, Jerrod Hahn, Steve Cash, Deb Walsh. Middle group: Jeff Gormong, Tom Chalfant, John Childs, Dan Gordon, Dan Smith, Phillip Springstun, Max Smith, Chris Steele, Phil Leibering, Marshall Nuckolls. Back group: Randy Kron (INFB vice president), Andy Fix, Andrew Bailey, John Feutz, Mike Holman, Steve Obert, Jeff Demerly, Jeff Golc (INFB grassroots government program coordinator), Dane Drew. Photo and slightly confusing caption by Kathleen M. Dutro

representative from an INFB policy advisory group. The committee’s collaboration is an integral part of the policy development

process because the report they submit will be voted on during the summer delegate session, which will be held Aug. 29. The outcome of the

delegate session will determine INFB’s public policy positions for the coming year.

Annual crop estimate report delivered at USDA ‘lockup’ —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Each September, the National Agricultural Statistics Service simultaneously releases a crop estimate report to the U.S. secretary of agriculture and the general public. These crop estimates influence market prices around the world. As has been the case for several years, Indiana Farm Bureau will be sending Collegiate Farm Bureau representatives to witness the release of the September crop production report. This is an important learning experience for anyone who attends, noted Kyle Cline, INFB national government relations policy advisor. Due to its sensitivity and gravity, the information contained in the reports is held

under intense security prior to being released. If anyone were to obtain early access to the information provided in the reports, they would have an unquestionable advantage in trading on the commodities market. For example, if someone found out in advance that growing conditions for a particular crop resulted in an estimated shortage in the coming year, he or she could opt to immediately purchase massive amounts of stock in that commodity, and then turn around and sell those stocks months later when the price inevitably increases due to the crop shortage. That competitive advantage, parodied in the classic comedy film Trading Places, is not only unfair, but is also highly illegal. “Protecting information

of that magnitude requires extreme measures of precaution, but that just adds to the unique experience of attending the USDA lockup in person. The intense security may seem unnerving, but it is absolutely necessary in order to uphold the integrity of the process,” Cline said. He went on to describe many of the security precautions taken. To prevent information leaks, encrypted reports are transmitted from field offices to the NASS headquarters. Upon receipt, the information is physically secured by an officer guarding the only entry. All doors are locked and alarmed, and all windows are covered. All telephone and internet connections are disabled, and the area is continuously monitored for transmissions from computers or mobile

USDA opens enrollment period The enrollment period for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs for 2014 and 2015 opened June 17 and ends Sept. 30. On its website, the Farm Service Agency reminds farmers that electing a program isn’t enough. “You must still enroll your farm (sign a contract), before Sept. 30, 2015, to receive program benefits,” FSA says. The new programs, established by the 2014 farm bill, trigger financial pro-

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tections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. More than 1.76 million farmers have elected ARC or PLC. Previously, 1.7 million producers had enrolled to receive direct payments, which was the program replaced with ARC and PLC by the 2014 farm bill. This means more farms have elected ARC or PLC than previously enrolled under previously administered programs. In Indiana, 98 percent

of both corn and soybean farms elected ARC with the remaining 2 percent electing PLC. Nationwide, 96 percent of soybean farms, 91 percent of corn farms, and 66 percent of wheat farms elected ARC. Ninety-nine percent of long grain rice farms, 99 percent of peanut farms, and 94 percent of medium grain rice farms elected PLC. For more information, visit your local Farm Service Agency office or go to www.fsa.usda.gov/.

devices. Authorized personnel may enter; however, upon entry they cannot exit until the reports are released to the public. A small, select group of media members are also permitted to enter. Those individuals are provided with an embargoed (advance) copy of the reports so that

their stories can be written early and then published in conjunction with the release of the crop estimates. Each of these security measures helps guarantee that all of the public receives the news at the same time, and that no individual is able to gain an unfair advantage in the marketplace.

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AROUND INFB

Breakout topics cover policy to food cussions, which take place at 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, are a new feature. Staff members will facilitate the discussion on their topic of expertise while getting input from members and answering questions. “Our policy advisory groups tackle some of the most important issues that farmers face,” said Greg Slipher, INFB livestock specialist. “Maybe you missed

—By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Breakout sessions are always one of the items labeled “most useful/enjoyable” on convention surveys, right at the top with keynote speakers. This year’s collection of sessions features information on policy issues, consumer behaviors, food and more. Policy advisory group dis-

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

To make it easier for members to participate in the membership drive, 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, then send it to the address printed along the bottom of the form. You can also have them visit INFB’s membership site, www.itpaystobeamember. org, to sign up online.

your local policy meeting and have an interest in a specific issue. Maybe you aren’t sure what the PAGs are or how they – or you – fit into the policy development process. These sessions will expose more members to the PAG and PD process and give us the opportunity to scan the horizon for issues that are important.” Monday includes many other sessions. All sessions are subject to change or refinement. One session will run concurrently with the Discussion Meet at 10: 30 a.m. on Nov. 16: Organic Grain Production – Bob White, INFB retail ag business specialist, will lead a panel of experts discussing the opportunities available in organic grain production right here in Indiana. As consumers’ appetite for organically raised food products increases, there are several opportunities for farmers interested in organic grain production to supply meat, milk and poultry farmers in Indiana. This session will discuss the growing demand and the market opportunities in organic grain production.

Sessions at 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 16 What Consumers Say vs. What They Want – This program explores Purdue research that uncovers consumer behavior as it really is. Dr. Nicole Widmar will explore ag organizations’ expenditures of money and programming on areas that may or may not pay them back. Be a Brand Ambassador for Farm Bureau – Tom Meier helps members understand that they have opportunities to be brand ambassadors for the organization and talks about ways to promote Farm Bureau and grow its membership base. 2016 National Priority Issues – Hear about dominant

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issues for Farm Bureau on the federal level. 2016 Statehouse Priority Issues – Information on INFB legislative priorities, especially property taxes, for 2016 and background information that will make Farm Bureau members more effective lobbyists in the 2016 General Assembly. Eating Right: Busting Myths, Misinformation and Fear – There is a lot of chatter out there about what is good for you and what is not. Registered dietitian Kim Galeaz will bust those myths and give you comfort and understanding along with the words to use when you get into those discussions about the food we eat. Her message is to not be afraid of our food.

Sessions at 4 p.m. on Nov. 16 Successful Efforts to Protect Livestock Growth – A panel of representatives from counties that have successfully engaged local decision makers to help protect the future of animal agriculture discusses their experiences. Functional Foods: What’s Not on the Label – Dr. Mario Ferruzzi reveals critical food components not listed on the label and how those components have redeeming qualities that are not nutritionally based and can enhance and contribute to our health. He’ll peel back the myth of processed foods: Is raw food really raw? What

does “processed” really mean? There’s More Than One Way to Advocate (Are your CFB activities advocating for agriculture?) – A panel discusses different forms of agricultural advocacy, including Ag in the Classroom, public relations and other county programs as well as policy on local, state and national levels. Evaluating Ag Data Security Agreements – Not sure about the role big data could play in making decisions for your farm? Attorney Todd Janzen will discuss legal considerations for agricultural data privacy agreements and his role with the Big Data for Agriculture Transparency Evaluator project. The goal of the project is to provide farmers with an easy way to evaluate the complex legal agreements that accompany precision ag products. Janzen will also provide an update on the legality of commercial UAV use in agriculture. Road Funding/Infrastructure - Priority Issue Discussion – Public policy team staff will delve into road funding and infrastructure as an important issue for the 2016 General Assembly. Registration is open for state convention, which runs Nov. 15-17 (SundayTuesday) at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Register online at www.infb.org/convention or call 317-692-7846. Keep reading The Hoosier Farmer to learn more.

Calendar of Events

District 3 fall meeting, Fair Oaks. INFB Drainage School, home office. INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. INFB summer delegate session, Indianapolis.

September 1 Before the Harvest (legislative event sponsored by INFB), Hamilton County. 3 District 2 fall meeting, Warsaw. 10 Vincennes University call-out meeting, Collegiate Farm Bureau. 14 District 4 fall meeting, Marion. 14-16 INFB Leaders in Action trip to Washington, D.C. 16, 17 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis.