The Hoosier Farmer - issue 71 by Indiana Farm Bureau

Barn Weddings: New Agritourism Niche Pages 4, 5

Fairly Good Time Page 6

INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 State & Nation.............. 3 Communication............ 6 Around INFB............ 7, 8

The Hoosier Farmer

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 Issue No. 71

Property taxes, annexation addressed by Farm Bureau delegates —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team More than 260 delegates from across the state met in Indianapolis Aug. 29 to consider the policy that will guide Indiana Farm Bureau for the next year. “Delegates reaffirmed our quest to seek permanent and lasting property tax relief as we go into the next session of the Indiana General Assembly,” noted INFB President Don Villwock. The policy reads, “We support permanent and substantial measures to free Hoosiers from the burden of property taxes.” Delegates added language that supports lowering the property tax cap for farmland, farm buildings and machinery to 1 percent of assessed value. Currently, the cap for homesteads is 1 percent of assessed value, but farmland is capped at 2 percent, and all other property, including farm equipment, is capped at 3 percent. Annexation is also a big concern – and it is directly tied to property taxes since in many cases, it is the “lack of tax revenues caused by the caps that have caused local leaders and administrators to expand their assessed valuation by annexing farmland,” Villwock explained. “That is a growing concern all across the state of Indiana.” The new policy states that “Municipalities should have to collect signatures from 65 Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206

percent of the land holders in order for the area to be annexed.” Road funding was another important issue for delegates. The resolutions committee had reorganized and revised the policy on highway funding to make it clearer and more concise, and the rewritten policy was approved by the delegates. Included in the new language: “We support… the concept of a data-driven solution for long-term road funding. We urge the General Assembly to find ways to raise more funding for state and local roads and bridges in addition to raising fuel taxes.” The longest discussion of the day involved unmanned aerial vehicles as they affect agriculture. “Eventually, the regulatory framework will probably be pursued by the American Farm Bureau Federation rather than state by state. However, Farm Bureau members do have concerns for their own privacy and trespass by drones, which may be a state level discussion in the future,” Villwock said. “It’s still a new issue, it’s uncharted waters, and we’re building the rules as we go. It was interesting to see the level of concern that members have. And I think that will be a growing area of rulemaking by the Federal Aviation Administration,” he said. Also approved by delegates was language that

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Before the Harvest, held this year at the Kakasuleff farm in Hamilton County, drew a large crowd of Farm Bureau members and lawmakers from all corners of the state. The event brings legislators out to the farm for dinner and discussion with Hoosier farmers. Jerry Rulon (center) meets with Reps. Tony Cook and Peggy Mayfield. Photo by Jay A. Wood

seeks to clarify the roles of the Indiana State Fair Commission and the Indiana State Fair Board. At the federal level, the delegates approved language on crop insur-

ance that will be sent to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s resolution committee. “They reemphasized the need for crop insurance on the national scale and reaffirmed crop insurance as

the key safety net,” Villwock said. The full policy should be available to members on INFB’s website (www. infarmbureau.org) within a few days.

Villwock campaign launches new website, social media —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Less than 125 days separate INFB president Don Villwock from the AFBF presidential election, where he hopes to become the national organization’s first leader from Indiana. The Villwock campaign has launched a new website and a handful of social media accounts, and it encourages supporters to visit and follow each. The AFBF presidential election will take place this coming January at the 97th annual meeting of voting delegates. Delegates from all 50 states will convene in Orlando, Florida, to determine AFBF policy positions and elect a new president for the organization. In the months preceding the annual meeting,

don@donvillwock.com facebook.com/Don4Prez @farmerdon72 Don Villwock (channel)

www.donvillwock.com Villwock is planning to continue traveling to other states and meeting with their Farm Bureau members in person. An effective online and social media presence will accompany his efforts to share the campaign’s message with a national audience. Villwock’s campaign

website provides viewers with information about his professional background and his goals for the future of AFBF. His social media accounts allow followers to engage with the campaign and stay updated with all of the latest news and activity from the trail.

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

Child safety during harvest topic of webinar—Keeping children safe while they live, play and work on farms can be challenging. It’s even more difficult during harvest season, peak time for agricul-

tural injuries. A webinar exploring childhood farm hazards will be presented at noon Central time on Sept. 23 by two members of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. AgriSafe Network is hosting the webinar as part of its National Farm Safety and Health Week series. To register for the free webinar, go to https://agn.memberclicks.

net/live-webinars. For more information about National Farm Safety and Health Week (Sept. 20-26), go to http://www.necasag.org/. (AgriSafe Network 9/2/15)

185-year-old Hancock County farm wins rural preservation award—On

Farmer’s Day (Aug.19) at the Indiana State Fair, Walnut Leaf Farm in rural Greenfield

Syngenta litigation offers farmers some options —From the INFB Legal Affairs Team & the Ag Law Foundation We have continued to receive questions regarding the Syngenta MIR162 litigation. At this time we are able to provide some updates, but farmers should seek the advice of their attorney as they navigate this process. Many farmers have hired local attorneys and filed state claims in Minnesota. Plaintiff’s counsel strategically chose this forum as these lawsuits will remain in Minnesota state court because it is the principal place of business for Syngenta. In all of these separate cases Minnesota law will be applied, including Minnesota’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which seems to be the crux of the Minnesota complaints. Attorney’s costs and fees will be determined by a contingency fee arrangement signed by both parties prior the initial filing. Another avenue of litigation is to file a suit in their own state alleging a state or federal claim. However, “[w]hen civil actions involving one or more common questions of fact are pending in different districts, such actions may be transferred to any district for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings” (US Code Title 28, 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

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

September 14, 2015

Section 1407(a)). These individual cases will continue to be transferred to Kansas City, Kansas, where Judge John W. Lungstrum is overseeing Multidistrict Litigation 2591, In Re: Syngenta AG MIR162 Corn Litigation. “Multidistrict litigation,” also known as “MDL,” is a way for the court to efficiently resolve complex civil cases. Plaintiffs are usually unable to decide whether or not their cases will be consolidated into the MDL, as they only have seven days after a transfer order has been filed by the MDL panel to file an opposition to the transfer order. Each state’s statute of limitations is a factor in MDL. Most Indiana claims have a two-year statute of limitations, which some suggest began on Nov. 19, 2013, when China began rejecting corn shipments. Farmers interested in filing their own claim should do so well before Nov. 19, 2015. It is likely that the existing MDL will become a class action. If this happens, farmers filing federal claims or who have already joined the MDL will be litigated as one and represented by predetermined counsel and executive committee. Attorney’s fees and costs awarded by the class action will be determined by the judge and

taken from the total amount awarded to the plaintiffs. The remaining award will be split proportionally by the farmers according to the number of bushels of corn affected by the decreased market value of the corn caused by the inability to trade with China. Farmers who choose not to file a claim in Minnesota state court, Indiana state court, or federal court have one remaining remedy, and that is to participate in the class action case, if certified. In each circumstance, farmers are encouraged to contact their personal attorney for advice. The Kansas District Court has some useful information about the MDL: www.ksd. uscourts.gov/syngenta-agmir162-corn-litigation/. ————————— Note: The information above is not intended as legal advice. The IALF 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. The purpose of the information is to provide some basic, objective information about the lawsuit, which may help farmers in determining for themselves whether and how to become involved.

Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

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

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

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

received the 2015 Arnold Award for Rural Preservation from Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau. Walnut Leaf Farm has been in Mike Maroska’s family for six generations. He and his wife, Kris, raise sheep and cattle and maintain the historic farm buildings while working full-time jobs. Because it’s been divided among family members across generations, the farm is now just 20 acres. However, it is rich in landmarks mostly built by Mike’s greatgrandfather, Johnston Frank. The annual award is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer committed to preserving Indiana’s rural heritage. The Maroskas’ livestock stay in an early 20th century calf shed and a transverse frame basement barn. They bale hay and farm a neighboring 125 acres owned by Mike’s mother and others, and they’ve restored a 23acre wetland. (Indiana Landmarks 8/12/15)

Deadline is Sept. 30 for quilt submissions—In celebration of

Indiana’s bicentennial, quilters from across the state are invited to help create a cel-

ebratory quilt by volunteering to quilt a square for the Indiana Bicentennial Barn Quilt project. The quilt will feature 92 different squares, each depicting a traditional barn representing an Indiana county. The finished quilt will tour Indiana throughout the 2016 bicentennial celebration year. At year’s end, the quilt will be auctioned, raising funds to assist in the endowment of the Indiana Barn Foundation. Joy William, quilt coordinator for the project, encouraged “quilters from across Indiana to be a part of this unique opportunity to celebrate Hoosier heritage.” Guidelines and a submission form can be downloaded at http://goo.gl/k9QuJP. Example squares can be found at http://goo.gl/zupey3, http://goo.gl/0tiAMB, and http://goo.gl/ornpEM. Submissions must be received by the quilt coordinator by Sept. 30, 2015. For more information, contact the quilt coordinator at indianabarnquilt@ gmail.com, 574-342-3812. To learn more about the Indiana Barn Foundation, visit www.indianabarns.org/. (Indiana Barn Foundation 8/11/15)

Samantha Groce (left) and Heather Parsons of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management address a sold-out crowd at INFB’s annual Drainage School, held this year on Aug. 27. Photo by Mindy Reef Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator........ Anna Todd Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent

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

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.

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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STATE & NATION

Villwock wins AgriVision Award —From the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock was one of two agriculture leaders honored with the AgriVision Award from Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann. Villwock, along with Dr. Don Orr of JBS United, received their awards on Aug. 19 at the Celebration of Agriculture event at the Indiana State Fair. The award, now in its ninth year, is given to a Hoosier who has demonstrated exemplary leadership to maximize the potential of Indiana agriculture. This year marks for the first time the award has been given to two individuals. “The passion and com-

mitment Don Orr and Don Villwock bring to Indiana agriculture exemplifies the spirit of the AgriVision Award,” Ellspermann said. “Through their leadership, Indiana agriculture is recognized as a global leader in technology and innovation.” “This award recognizes a deep commitment and vision for Indiana agriculture, two items that both Don Orr and Don Villwock embody,” said Ted McKinney, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “They are outstanding examples of the drive it takes to further promote and advance the best of Indiana agriculture.” Dr. Orr is the president of Sheridan, IN based JBS United, a worldwide company known for its research farms,

INFB President Don Villwock receives the AgriVision Award from Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann. From left: Ted McKinney, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture; Villwock and his wife, Joyce; and Ellspermann. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

genetic and technological advancements, and farm management practices. He also serves as the director of Texas Tech Swine Research Center and as Chairman for

the American Feed Industry Association. Villwock, Ellspermann said, has become a leader for both Indiana agriculture and agriculture across the

United States. Because of his leadership, dedication and passion for agriculture he is making Indiana to be one of the top agricultural states in the nation.

Injunction not enough to stop WOTUS rule, AFBF says —From the AFBF Public Relations Team & Kathleen M. Dutro INFB Public Relations Team A U.S. District Court judge has issued an order to stop the U.S. Environmental Agency’s Waters of the U.S. rule, but so far, the EPA has indicated that it will enforce the new rule in the 37 states that aren’t part of the lawsuit. Chief Judge Ralph Erickson of the District Court of North Dakota granted a preliminary injunction on Aug. 27 that temporarily stops the WOTUS rule from going into effect in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We applaud the court’s decision,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The socalled Clean Water Rule is yet another example of EPA’s reckless and unlawful behavior in the face of science, economics and the law. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, a homebuilder or landowner of any stripe, the evidence is clear: This rule simply has to be stopped.” AFBF said that the EPA has asserted that it will enforce the rule in the states that are not part of the North Dakota lawsuit. “Thus, for much of the nation, this unlawful rule

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will continue to create uncertainty and legal risk for commonplace land uses like farming and ranching,” Stallman added. “It’s clear that now is the time for Congress to act and pass S. 1140 to send EPA back to the drawing board. We won’t stop until this rule is finished.” S. 1140 would force EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to scrap its own, extreme interpretation of the Clean Water Act and return to the drawing board, this time to craft a new rule that would fall within the parameters of Congress’ intent, AFBF said. Meanwhile, AFBF has released more maps that show how the rule allows EPA to radically expand its jurisdiction over land use. The maps prepared by Geosyntec Consulting show the dramatic expansion of EPA’s regulatory reach across wide swaths of land in Missouri, Oklahoma, New York and Wisconsin. Nearly all of the states’ total acreage would fall under 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. Maps detailing EPA’s overreach in Missouri, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin can be found here: http://www.fb.org/issues/ wotus/resources/.

INFB national policy advisor Kyle Cline and Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller met with Robert Jones on his farm in Harrison County earlier this month to discuss the potentially catastrophic effect that the EPA’s new Waters of the United States rule could have on Hoosier farmers. Photo by Jay A. Wood

Ag interim study committee discussed Indiana Grown, food safety issues —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team INFB retail agriculture program coordinator Bob White was among those who provided testimony at the first meeting of the Indiana General Assembly’s Interim Study Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources. The committee held its first meeting on Aug. 25 and heard testimony concerning local food and food safety issues from several experts and interested parties, including White applauded the launch of the Indiana Grown program, citing it as a way

to promote Indiana produce and production in a way that makes it easy for Hoosier consumers to identify, find and purchase locally grown products. “We see the Indiana Grown initiative as an economic opportunity for our producers to add value to their various products and increase their profitability,” said White. Interim study committees are an integral part of the legislative process. Since Indiana employs a part-time legislature, Hoosier lawmakers are only in session three to four months out of the year. The interim study committee assignments allow

legislators to delve deeper into critical policy matters and hear additional testimony from experts in respective fields, as well as members of the general public. Information gathered during the summer and fall months helps shape policy proposals for the next legislative session, starting in January. The next meeting of the Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources is scheduled for Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Chamber. Meetings are open to the public and are also streamed live online at iga.in.gov.

September 14, 2015

SPECIAL REPORT

Trading Cow Bells for Wedding Bells Barn weddings a new niche for Hoosier agritourism —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team If you’ve used the social media platform Pinterest lately, whether you’re interested in wedding planning or not, you have probably seen that barn weddings and farm weddings are having a moment. The Pinterest-fueled desire for rustic weddings has created a new agritourism industry in Indiana and across the country. Wedding farms are popping up across the state, catering to the bride with visions of Mason jars, lace, straw bales, twinkling lights and a big, old barn in the country.

White Creek Acres –

www.whitecreekacres.com Located just outside downtown Columbus, White Creek Acres is the culmination of a lifelong dream for the Bartells family. They moved to Indiana from California in 2008 because they wanted to own a farm. The family farm has since evolved into a wedding farm. “We want to provide not just a wedding venue, but an experience,” said Juli Bartells, owner of White Creek Acres. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so when a bride arrives on her wedding day, we want everything to go as smoothly as possible.” To ensure that each White Creek Acres bride gets a personal and stress-free experience, the venue only books 10 weddings per season, and they fill up fast. Nearly everything is included in the price you pay to rent the venue. Bartells even acts as the event coordinator for the day, supervising setup and vendors while the bridal party gets ready and indulges in complimentary massages.

Juli Bartells, owner of White Creek Acres, says her aim is to provide not just a wedding venue but an experience. Photo by Rachel Schrage

Exploration Acres –

www.explorationacres.com This Lafayette wedding barn never intended to be a wedding barn. At its heart, Exploration Acres is a corn maze, pumpkin patch and a place for family fun in the fall. But after be-

The Bartells family moved to Indiana from California in 2008 because they wanted to own a farm. That farm has since evolved into a wedding farm. Photo by Rachel Schrage

The barn at Exploration Acres, which is still a working farm, was built by Tim Fitzgerald’s grandfather from wood found on the land. Photo by Rachel Schrage

September 14, 2015

ing inundated with requests to rent the barn for weddings, owner Tim Fitzgerald finally got tired of saying “no.” “I was reluctant to host weddings at first,” Fitzgerald said. “But about four years ago, I gave in. We had so many people asking about renting the barn, and I thought it would be a good way to market the fall activities of Exploration Acres.” He hopes that couples who marry in the barn will come back with their kids to visit the pumpkin patch and the corn maze and that it will turn into a multigenerational family tradition, just like the farm itself. Exploration Acres is still a working farm, and the barn was built by Fitzgerald’s grandfather from wood found on the land. While it’s rustic on the outside, the inside has been updated, with electricity throughout and a loft for a DJ or additional dinner seating.

Tim Fitzgerald began hosting weddings at his farm, Exploration Acres, mostly because he got tired of saying “no.” Photo courtesy of Tim Fitzgerald

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SPECIAL REPORT The Loft at Walnut Hill Farm – www.theloftatwalnuthill.com Near Bedford, you can find another wedding farm that started out as something completely different. Walnut Hill Farm was purchased to be a beef cattle farm, and it still is. Beef cattle graze the rolling hills surrounding the wedding barns and occasionally wander into wedding parties’ photos. “We purchased the farm just to be a farm,” said Sharon Armstrong, owner of the farm and the wedding venue. “Everything was falling down and overgrown – my family thought I was crazy when I had this idea.” After retiring from a 42-year teaching career, Armstrong had intended to retire, but her plans changed when she and her husband bought the farm in August 2013. The first, and largest ever, wedding on the farm was held in September 2014. “Originally I said to her, ‘Mom, do you know how much work having a wedding venue will be? I thought you wanted to retire.’ But she loves all of the work that comes along with this business,” said Ashley Armstrong, Sharon’s daughter and business partner. “This really is a labor of love.”

Owner Tim Fitzgerald hopes that some of the couples who get married at Exploration Acres will come back for corn maze, pumpkins and family fun in the fall. Photo courtesy of Tim Fitzgerald

Armstrong and her husband bought Walnut Hill Farm in August 2013. It was originally purchased to be a beef cattle farm, and it still is. Photo by Rachel Schrage

Sharon Armstrong had planned to retire after a 42-year teaching career, but she and her daughter, Ashley Armstrong, now operate The Loft at Walnut Hill Farm as a wedding venue. Photo by Rachel Schrage

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September 14, 2015

COMMUNICATION

A Fairly Good Time

State Fair brings together farmers, general public The 17 days of the Indiana State Fair offer a chance for the public to interact with Farm Bureau through its staff and members, have some fun, and maybe learn just a bit about farmers and farming. In 2015, Indiana Farm Bureau facilitated this interaction in many ways. INFB sponsored the Wonder Trail, a combination scavenger hunt/tour that zigzags throughout the fairgrounds, and the Farm Bureau building was one of the places where people who collected enough of the ag facts could receive their prize. For the second year, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development partnered

to produce and distribute the Indiana state travel map, and the initial distribution was at the Farm Bureau building. Within the building itself were iPad quizzes, a fact hunt, a chance to play the computer game My American Farm, corn hole (sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance), sign-up to win a year’s supply of free popcorn, and ample opportunities to interact with staff of the membership organization, insurance company and voting members. There was also food, thanks to the free samples of popcorn offered every day (courtesy of Preferred Popcorn) and the three-day Taste from Indiana Farms (sponsored by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee).

Indiana State Fair – By the Numbers 29,000 bags 4,288 fairgoers 212 volunteers 34 volunteers 1,308 people 1,039 people 3,259 people 747 kids 16,137 people 723 people 22,000 copies

Popcorn given away. Sampled food at Taste from Indiana Farms. Served at Taste from Indiana Farms. Worked in the Farm Bureau building. Took the iPad quiz. Completed the Wonder Trail at the Farm Bureau building. Finished the Ag Fact Adventure. Played My American Farm. Played corn hole. Entered the drawing for free popcorn for a year. State travel maps given away.

The Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana’s Family of Farmers coordinated “Meet a Farmer” presentations during the fair, featuring a different farmer or farm family every day. Here Diane, Jeremy and Paul Russell talk about their Delaware County farm to an attentive group of kids and grownups on Aug. 8. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

Among the offerings in the Farm Bureau building were a series of videos shot by and/or featuring Indiana farmers. Photo by Andy Dietrick

Andy Eubank of Hoosier Ag Today and other members of the ag media were among those in attendance at INFB’s annual Old Fashioned Pancake Breakfast. Photo by Rachel Schrage

Ray Fisher of Kosciusko County and his granddaughter, Danielle Avila of Angola, serve apple juice at INFB District 2’s booth during Taste from Indiana Farms. More than 4,200 people sampled Indiana products during the three-day event. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

September 14, 2015

The annual Wonder Trail (sponsored by Farm Bureau) took fairgoers on a tour of the fairgrounds and helped them learn facts about agriculture. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

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AROUND INFB

Two ag women honored by Purdue Extension —From the Purdue Ag Communication Service

women in a home farming operation. She was chosen because of her work in Cornucopia, a grain and agritourism operation that hosts more than 5,000 student visitors in the fall. Baird also is one of the five women who founded SWAG, an acronym for See What Ag Gives, for Washington County in 2014. She volunteers with FFA and as a 4-H club leader. Beth Archer of Danville, executive director of AgrIInstitute, was given the Leadership Award, which recognizes women in policymaking and agribusiness

Purdue Extension honored two Hoosier women with its Women in Agriculture award, which recognizes recipients for their exceptional work and leadership in their profession. The awards were given Aug. 19 during the lieutenant governor’s Celebration of Agriculture program at the Indiana State Fair. Linda Baird of Scottsburg, who with her husband Kevin operates Cornucopia Farm, received the Achievement Award, which recognizes

ventures. She has worked for AgrIInstitute for 25 years and guides the Indiana Agriculture Leadership program with over 400 graduates. Archer has served on the Indiana Rural Development Council and the Indiana Cooperative Development Center as chairperson for both organizations. “The Purdue Extension Women in Ag team is committed to providing educational opportunities, resources and a network of support for all women in the agriculture industry,” said Danica Kirkpatrick, engagement

Linda Baird of Cornucopia Farm, Scottsburg. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

program manager for Purdue Agriculture and Women in Agriculture awards co-chair. “These awards allow us to recognize the women who lead by example and continue to help Indiana agriculture grow.”

The organization provides local, regional and statewide skill development programs; networking events that engage sponsors and stakeholders; and resources through multiple types of media.

New prizes for September membership contest —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team

Elmo Steakhouse and two, 200-level tickets to the Colts vs. Patriots game on October 18. To be eligible to win, you must sign a new voting member between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. Your name must also appear in the “referred by” box on the new member’s

Volunteers who sign at least one new voting member in September will once again be entered into a prize drawing. The prize for the September drawing is a $200 gift card for St.

application. Your name will be entered once for each new voting member you sign. New this month, voting members signed between Sept. 1 and Sept. will also be entered into a prize drawing. The winner will receive a $200 gift card to St. Elmo Steakhouse and

two, 200-level tickets to the Colts vs. Broncos game on November 8. To be eligible, the new voting member must be signed in the Sept. 1-30 time frame. Names will only be entered once. For either contest, applications must be postmarked

by Sept. 30. The drawing will be held October 5. Completed applications should be sent to: K. Rogers – Membership Contest, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206 For more information and to see the official contest rules, visit www.infb.org.

Who’s who at INFB

Cherry retires after 30 years of service MEMBER BENEFIT

—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team

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make a difference,” Cherry said. “I will miss the people the most.” Cherry is unsure what he looks forward to the most about retirement from Farm Bureau, but he hopes

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to stay busy with all sorts of things, most notably his grandchildren, his garden and his farm. He will continue serving as state representative for House District 53.

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INFB’s lobbying staff sometime during the 1990s. From left are Bob Cherry; Bob Kraft, former state legislative director who retired last year; and John Baugh, now director of ag services and regulations at Purdue University. (Indiana Farm Bureau photo)

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At the end of September, Bob Cherry is retiring from Indiana Farm Bureau after 30 years of service to the organization. Cherry first came to INFB for a brief stint beginning in 1973. He returned in 1988, and has been here ever since. “My family was always involved with Farm Bureau as I was growing up,” Cherry said. “I was attracted to Farm Bureau because it was and still is an organization that is very passionate about agriculture and farming.” During his tenure at INFB, Cherry served as a Young Farmer coordinator, local government specialist and lobbyist before taking his most recent task of directing industry relations and policy development. In his final role, Cherry worked daily with other agricultural organizations and businesses, as well as Purdue University. He has always been involved with policy development, but for the past three years he has led that entire process. “My favorite part of this job has been working with our members and trying to

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MH-IN-CM-FL13-120

September 14, 2015

AROUND INFB

Hamilton headlines Tuesday activities at convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team

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Member’s E-mail (Please print clearly)

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 Cash $  Check No. We respect your privacy and will never rent or sell your information. By providing your email address you are opting in to receive email from our company, and you may request to stop receiving emails from us at any time. Return completed application to your County Farm Bureau Office, membership volunteer, or mail to Indiana Farm Bureau, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Annual Primary dues are $32.50. Select and Student membership annual dues are $15.00. Primary membership is a prerequisite for purchasing a Select Membership. Membership Volunteer’s or Writing Agent’s Name

THF2015 SC2015 __ __ __ __ Spouse’s SSN (Last 4) ) Spouse Phone ( )(

Type of Farming Operation _______________________________________ Internal Use Only ) Member’s SSN (Last 4) __ __ __ __

Spouse’s Birth Date

Township

Voting Members: No. Acres ____________________ Member’s Birth Date Member Phone ( )(

Type of Membership  Primary  Select  Student

Township Number

(State) (City) Address (Street, Road, R.R., Box No., P.O. Box)

September 14, 2015

 Voting  Associate

A voting member is an individual, a partnership, an unincorporated association or a corporation who owns or operates a farm or who is engaged and derives income from agriculture. Agriculture includes commercial production of plants, aquatic species, forestry, animals, beekeeping and related production activities. Farms commercially produce and market agricultural commodities or products. An associate member is any person, firm or corporation interested in agriculture to any degree less than that required for a voting membership. Membership Classification (check one)

Membership Number County Number County Farm Bureau

(Zip Code)

(Middle) (First) Spouse Name (Last) (Middle) (First) Your Name (Last) Today’s Date

Cut out application along dashed lines. Shaded areas to be completed in county and state offices.

Donald B. Villwock, President

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.

Former Congressman Lee Hamilton will be the featured speaker at the breakfast session on Nov. 17, the last day of Indiana Farm Bureau state convention. “There are many great statesmen in Indiana’s history, but Lee Hamilton ranks near the top,” said Bob White, INFB retail agriculture business specialist. “His experiences during and after his political service show his dedication and willingness to tackle tough foreign policy and homeland security challenges.” Hamilton will talk about the importance of civic engagement during his presentation. Hamilton is currently the director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University, which describes itself as a “non-partisan educational institution seeking to improve the public’s understanding of Congress and to

inspire young people and adults to take an active part in revitalizing representative government in America.” Serving in the U.S. House from 1965 until 1999, he chaired a number of committees, including Foreign Affairs, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran. He also was chairman of the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress. In addition to his role at the Center on Congress, he is a member of the president’s Homeland Security Advisory Council, the CIA External Advisory Board and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Task Force on Preventing the Entry of Weapons of Mass Effect on American Soil. The Tuesday during convention offers other opportunities for the policy-minded. It’s also Organization Day for the Indiana General Assembly. Members will have

Lee Hamilton, former member of Congress, current director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University

the chance to welcome their legislators back to the Statehouse and talk about INFB’s priority issues from 10-11 a.m. The “Legislator of the Year” award will be given during this time slot. The convention wraps up with the delegate session, which will feature financial reports, an election for a new INFB president and possibly policy discussion. Learn more about convention and register online at www.infb.org/convention or call 317-692-7846. Keep reading The Hoosier Farmer to learn more.

County Recognition Program year ends Sept. 30 —By Chris Fenner Organizational Development Team As we approach the end of this year’s County Recognition Program, opportunities exist in all five recognition areas – membership outreach, issue engagement, influential organization, young farmers and youth, and public relations and education – to collect a few more checkboxes before Sept. 30. As part of a membership organization, each county is asked to write six new members. All members written count toward the goal, including primary, student and select. The membership section also offers credit for using prospect lists, advertising membership benefits in the local paper or radio, promoting Farm Bureau policy

to members, or conducting a member appreciation event. Staying engaged and familiar with our issues is what keeps Farm Bureau strong as a policy organization. The opportunity to meet and build relationships with local elected representatives, visit a district congressional office or meet with another local organization that has the potential to cooperate on a policy issue increases clout and influence. Because Farm Bureau is a leadership development organization, involving young people is critical. Working with local 4-H and FFA chapters, participating in a community service or philanthropic projects, young farmers selling memberships and young farmers serving on your county policy development committee are all

things that can be accomplished between now and the end of the month. Finally, increasing the county’s visibility through public relations or education efforts can be done with just a little planning. Meeting with a media outlet, purchasing ads in ag and nonag publications, making a presentation to a local civic club, sponsoring a safety program for adults or making an Ag in the Classroom presentation at a school or library before the end of the month are all options in the PR/education section. Regional managers have been keeping track of county accomplishments all year, and there has been a lot of activity already. Congratulations to all counties as INFB wraps up this year.

Calendar of Events

September 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. 20-26 National Farm Safety & Health Week. October 14 Vincennes University Discussion Meet. 16 Deadline to register for the INFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet. 22 Purdue University Discussion Meet.