The Hoosier Farmer - issue 73 by Indiana Farm Bureau

Awards Recognize Some of Indiana’s Top Young Farmers Pages 4, 5

Indiana Entrepreneur Named Semifinalist Page 6

Ag Ambassadors Travel to Virginia Page 7

Inside: News in Brief................ 2 State & Nation.............. 3 Around Farm Bureau.... 6 Communication............ 7 Around INFB............... 8

The Hoosier Farmer

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

Pence’s ‘21st Century Crossroads’ proposal opens road funding discussion —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Transportation and infrastructure are among INFB’s top state legislative priorities for 2016. In addition to touting ongoing improvements to state roads and bridges, Governor Pence introduced his “21st Century Crossroads” proposal on Oct. 14. The plan calls for $1 billion in new road funding over the next four years, without raising taxes. A release from the governor’s office indicates that the plan that focuses on state-owned roads and bridges would allow INDOT to resurface 16,000 miles of state highways and repair more than 5,200 bridges over the next 15 years. “Having well-paved roads is a must, particularly during harvest season when farmers are making trips from the field to the grain elevator on a regular basis,” said INFB policy advisor Amy Cornell. “Farmers also rely on functioning roads and bridges as semis and large trucks transport livestock and produce from point A to point B.” The plan would be funded with existing reserves, the Next Generation Trust Fund, refinancing of existing bonds and new budget appropriations during upcoming legislative budget sessions.

Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206

october 26, 2015 Issue No. 73

Convention app available for download —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team

All components of the governor’s proposal require approval by the General Assembly. Speaker Bosma and Senate President Pro Tempore David Long have both identified road funding as the headline issue for the upcoming session. “It was an important and timely step for the governor to weigh-in early on the discussion about road funding,” said Katrina Hall, INFB’s director of state government relations. “Indiana Farm Bureau is a key player in a broad coalition working to increase road funding by $500 million for locals and $500 million for INDOT. That is a significant amount on both counts, but well documented as the needs for repair and maintenance.” INFB state policy supports the concept of a data-driven solution for long-term road funding, and urges the General Assembly to find ways to raise more funding for state and local roads and bridges in addition to raising fuel taxes. At this point, a wide variety of options are being discussed. Check out upcoming issues of The Hoosier Farmer for more coverage of INFB’s 2016 legislative priorities. In addition to road funding, the priorities are farmland taxes, assessment procedures and property rights.

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Berne, IN Permit NO. 43

Indiana Farm Bureau is launching a new feature for state convention this year: an app for smartphones and other mobile devices. The app is called Indiana Farm Bureau Events and is available in the Google Play and Apple stores. A web version for those with devices that don’t use Google Play or Apple (such as a Blackberry or a Surface) is available by visiting the convention website, www.infb.org/convention. The app includes session descriptions, profiles for headline speakers, maps, a list of exhibitors and more. Members will be able to create their own schedules, send messages to other attendees, link to their own social media profiles and get notifications when they log in using their convention confirmation number and name or email address they registered with. Live polls will be offered during the meeting through

the app as well. Live-poll questions will be asked during general sessions and pertain to topics relevant to Farm Bureau or the session. A help desk will be staffed during convention to assist with downloading and operating the app. The app doesn’t replace the printed program normally available at convention. While there is still time to register for convention, as of the print deadline for this edition of The Hoosier Farmer, the Farm Bureau group hotel room block was

closed. Rooms may still be available at the Westin – check by contacting the Westin Indianapolis directly. For other hotel options, call 1-800-FARMBUR. INFB state convention runs Nov. 15-17 (SundayTuesday) at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The registration deadline is Oct. 30. Visit www.infb.org/convention to register and see all of the news stories on convention, or register by calling 317692-7846.

Congressional action still needed on WOTUS rule —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team A federal court has ordered the U.S. EPA to stop enforcement nationwide of the Waters of the United States rule, and while Farm Bureau is very pleased with this action, the organization cautions farmers and others who are concerned about WOTUS that the ruling is a temporary delay. “I am thrilled with the Federal District Court ruling that puts a national stay on the EPA’s implementation of the new WOTUS rules,” said Indiana Farm Bureau President Don Villwock. “Farmers and ranchers all across the country can now rest assured they are not violating

this over-zealous regulatory overreach while the courts iron out the validity of this program.” However, Villwock added, a stay won’t last forever. Still in question is the issue of whether the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which issued the ruling, has jurisdiction. That decision may not be made for some weeks. And in the meantime, farmers and others whose land includes an area considered a WOTUS still must get permits. “This is not over,” he said. “We still don’t know how the courts will rule on this case. We still need congressional action.” “The judges expressed deep concerns over the basic legality of this rule,” noted

AFBF President Bob Stallman. “We’re not in the least surprised: This is the worst EPA order we have seen since the agency was established more than 40 years ago. The court clearly understood our arguments.” Villwock also expressed thanks to the many people who have sent in letters and expressed their concerns about the implementation of this rule – and the potential fine of $37,500 per day that is part of it. “Thanks to all who sent in letters,” he said. “Please continue to write to Senators Coats and Donnelly, asking them to support S. 1140, which would nullify this rule.”

news in brief

Indiana farm fatalities increased last year, but overall trend continues down Twenty-seven Hoosiers lost their lives in 2014 in farm-related accidents according to the 2014 Indiana Farm Fatality Summary. The study, compiled by Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program, documents farm-related fatalities throughout the state. The 27 deaths is an increase from the 2013 summary that documented 18 deaths that year. The low was recorded in 2006 when only eight farm-related deaths occurred. In 1995, 42 deaths were documented. “Though the 2014 increase is a reversal in the downward trend, we’ve come a long way,” said Dr. Bill Field, Purdue University. “The trend line is moving down.” Tractor-related accidents continue to remain the number one cause of fatalities in Indiana. In 2014, 48 percent of the fatalities (13 people) were killed in a tractor-

related accident. Of those 13 deaths, more than half were caused by an overturned tractor. Since 2000, tractors have accounted for 47 percent of all farm fatalities, killing 145 people. Of the 27 people killed in 2014, the average age was 60.1 years, which is slightly higher than the average age of Indiana farmers, 58. The age range of those killed was seven to 90 years. Youths under age 18 and farmers above the age of 60 have historically accounted for a disproportionate number of deaths, representing 78 percent of the 2014 deaths. The greatest risk remains to farmers over the age of 60 making up 67 percent of the deaths. The 20-year average is 48 percent. Statewide, no county has escaped a farm-related fatality. Elkhart County and LaGrange County have the highest number with 28 deaths each, though they also have the state’s largest

Amish population, which historically accounts for a disproportionate share of fatalities. According to Field, with the exception of a greater focus on rollover protective structures on tractors, the broad range of causes of death makes it difficult to focus the limited resources available to help improve farm safety. “Achieving zero incidents may be an unrealistic goal,” Field said. “But the data shows that something is working and that many tragic incidents have been prevented during the same time as Indiana farmers have become more productive and efficient than at any time in history.” Amy Kraft is public affairs specialist for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, but she submitted this article in her capacity as president of the Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council.

INFB’s leadership development program now accepting applications —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team The application period is open for the 2016 class of Leaders in Action, INFB’s leadership development program. The program is for individuals who want to enhance their leadership skills by becoming more effective at the local, state or national levels in both volunteer and elected positions. The first two meetings for the 2016 program are in northern Indiana, though participants may come from anywhere in the state. Session 1: Engaging Local Government, Saturday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EST, Allen County area (exact location TBD).

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

October 26, 2015

Session 2: Self-Leadership Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT, Rochester Meats and Deli Company, Rochester. Session 3: Communications and Presentation Skills Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m.4 p.m. EDT, Indiana Farm Bureau home office, Indianapolis. Session 4: Farm Bureau History and Opportunities Friday/Saturday, Aug. 1213, 6:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. EDT, Indiana Farm Bureau home office, Indianapolis. Session 5: Trip to Washington, DC, Sept. 12-14 (tentative). Applications must be submitted by Dec. 18. Space is limited and acceptance will be based on application review. Applicants will be

notified of their status by Jan. 6, 2016. The cost is $200 per person for Farm Bureau members and $250 per person for non-members. Hotel rooms are provided only when meeting in Indianapolis and in Washington, D.C. Some meals in D.C. will not be covered. Some county Farm Bureaus may choose to pay for participants. Payment for program must be received by Feb. 22. For more information, contact your regional manager or Julie Klarich, 317692-8011, Julie.klarich@ infb.com. The application and additional information are also available online at www.infarmbureau.org under the “Programs” menu.

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

This map shows the distribution of all Indiana farmrelated fatalities during the past 34 years when the county of location was known.

Indiana producer named 1st-ever ‘Pig Farmer of the Year’ Keith Schoettmer of Tipton, Indiana, is the recipient of the 2015 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award. This is the first year for the award, which was designed by the National Pork Board to recognize a farmer who excels at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and who connects with today’s consumers about how pork is produced. Schoettmer and his wife, Darla, founded Schoettmer Prime Pork in 1987. They’ve grown the farm steadily over the years with their community’s values in mind and now raise about 22,000 pigs annually with the help of several full-time employees. He takes great pride in creating the best environment for pigs and people. “It’s important for employees to have the experience and training necessary to handle animals appropriately,” Schoettmer said. “Experience is the best trainer,

so we take time to show and explain farm practices to new employees, with seasoned employees showing them the ropes. “Our responsibility to employees is the most important job we have,” Schoettmer said. “In the end, you can’t ultimately provide the best care for the pigs if you don’t focus on people first.” For more on the Schoettmers and the America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award, visit www.porkcares.org.

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)

Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

—By Amy D. Kraft

Keith Schoettmer

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

Congress must extend deadline by Oct. 31 to avoid railway shutdown —By Kyle Cline National Policy Advisor In late September, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee leaders introduced bipartisan legislation to extend the deadline for U.S. railroads to implement Positive Train Control (or “PTC”) technology. Previously, Congress mandated that freight railroad lines carrying certain toxic materials, passenger railroads and commuter railroads implement PTC technology by Dec. 31, 2015. However, most freight and commuter railroads have reported that they will not be able to meet the deadline and will require more time to complete implementation. The Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015,

also known as H.R. 3651, extends the deadline to fully implement the technology to the end of 2018. It also provides limited authority for the U.S. transportation secretary to extend the deadline beyond 2018 if railroads demonstrate they are facing continued difficulties in completing the mandate but have made every effort to install PTC as soon as possible. Further, it requires railroads to complete progress reports on implementation. Failure to secure an extension by Oct. 31 would have severe and far-reaching consequences on farmers and the agricultural economy. One of the products that would be negatively impacted is anhydrous ammonia. In 2014, about 16,000 tank cars, each carrying 80 tons of anhydrous ammonia,

shipped in the United States. Reports indicate that there are not enough tank trucks in existence to handle this volume. “Completion of the Positive Train Control mandate by the end of the year is not achievable, and extending the deadline is essential to preventing significant disruptions of both passenger and freight rail service across the country,” House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, R-Pennsylvania, said in a statement. INFB members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress and urge them to support an extension of the PTC deadline. If the deadline is not extended, freight companies will be forced to stop all shipments immediately.

National approach to GMO labeling remains a priority for Farm Bureau —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team October is Get to Know GMOs month. And though the month is nearly over, a universal, national approach to GMO labeling remains a priority issue for INFB and AFBF. The issue has now become urgent because without a national solution to food labeling, state legislation mandating GMO labels will begin to go into effect next summer. Currently, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine have passed mandatory GMO labeling laws. Vermont’s law will take effect July 2016 if no national labeling solution is found. Earlier this summer, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1599, the

Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015. Farm Bureau supports the act, which only mandates a label on GMO foods if there is a “material difference between the GMO food and a comparable food.” (The full text of the bill can be found at www.congress.gov/ bill/114th-congress/housebill/1599.) In anticipation of a Senate Ag Committee hearing on the bill, the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food (coalitionforsafeaffordablefood.org) hosted a fly-in to discuss GMO labeling with lawmakers. CFSAF is “committed to increasing the public’s understanding about the science and safety of GMOs and advocating for a uniform labeling solution.” CFSAF members, includ-

ing INFB, work at the state and national level to dispel myths about GMOs and their safety. INFB was represented at the fly-in by Vice President Randy Kron, Second Vice President Isabella Chism and Kyle Cline, INFB’s national policy advisor. Several other Indiana agribusiness and organizations also sent members with the delegation. “I encourage our members to thank lawmakers who voted in favor of H.R. 1599 in the House,” Cline said. “We also need members to reach out to Senators Coats and Donnelly, and urge them to support the legislation. Call, email or take to social media, and tell them to support the bill in the Senate.”

Open house showcases new hog barns

The Schroeder family, with the support of White County Farm Bureau, hosted an open house that drew more than 200 visitors to two new hog barns near Chalmers. Photo by Andy Dietrick

—By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team White County Farm Bureau President Jeff Demerly wanted to do a ribbon cutting to announce the recent opening of two new hog barns at Schroeder Farms near Chalmers. That part of the plan didn’t quite work out, but his thought process was on target. “We can learn from every new little business in downtown Monticello that opens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Demerly said. “These two barns are a significant investment in White County, and we need to celebrate that publicly.” Nealy 200 neighbors and local farmers showed up to help the family celebrate. More important, non-farmers from nearby towns and a host of elected officials attended, including the local economic development director. “He (the ED director) told me that he has an annual goal for economic development activity in the county, and I told him that he was looking at $2 million just with these barns,” said Demerly. “He had never thought about White County ag in that way before – but now he will.” Visitors had the unique opportunity to wander through an empty barn and

experience firsthand the technology in place to ensure that pigs are well cared for. The second barn was full of recently delivered pigs, allowing visitors to see the barn’s design in action. According to INFB livestock specialist Greg Slipher, this type of neighbor outreach is critical as Indiana’s pork industry expands and new barns start popping up in specific parts of Indiana. “Being thoughtful during the site selection and construction process is vitally important to the success of new projects,” explained Slipher. “A little effort on the part of growers and integrators at the beginning of a project pays real dividends later on, especially with neighbors and the local media.” Not only is it a good thing to do, but open houses like the one supported by the White County Farm Bureau tie directly to the INFB County Recognition Program. If promoted well (press release, media advisory, public invitation) and the right guests show up (councilors, commissioners, media, ED directors), such an event would allow the county Farm Bureau to check off a number of boxes in the “Influential Organization” and “Public Relations & Education” categories in the CRP.

Agreement reached on historic Trans-Pacific Partnership —By Kyle Cline National Policy Advisor In early October, trade negotiators representing a 12 nation coalition including the U.S. announced that agreement had been reached on the historic Trans-Pacific Partnership, ending six years of difficult negotiations. The U.S., Japan, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei resolved the final issues

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involving dairy, sugar, autos and pharmaceuticals. The TPP will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to agricultural products. Improvements in trade rules supporting sciencebased food safety standards will help reduce these barriers to trade. Market access measures for beef, pork, dairy, sugar and rice, among others, were the products of long negotiations. The AsiaPacific region includes some of the world’s most robust economies and the TPP na-

tions represent more than 40 percent of global trade. “We hope the agreement will bring a more level playing field for farmers and ranchers by reducing tariffs and removing non-science based barriers to trade,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The agreement covers markets that are expected to grow rapidly for decades to come.” Farm Bureau is reviewing the details of the agreement and its impacts on all segments of American agricul-

ture before taking a formal position on TPP. Results of that review will be made available near the end of 2015 followed by a decision by the AFBF Board of Directors regarding a formal position. To assist the public in the review of TPP, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service released new Trans-Pacific Partnership factsheets this month. Factsheets were developed for each state and for specific commodities. The first round of commod-

ity-specific sheets is available at www.fas.usda.gov/ tpp-benefits-us-agriculturalproducts. The first round of state-specific factsheets is available at www.fas.usda. gov/tpp-benefits-us-states. The U.S. International Trade Commission will also develop a report detailing the impact of the agreement on the U.S. economy, which will be presented to Congress no later than 105 calendar days after the president enters into the agreement.

October 26, 2015

Young Farmer Awards

Awards recognize some of I —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Pictured on these two pages are the finalists in two of Indiana Farm Bureau’s most prestigious awards: the Young Farmer Achievement and Excellence in Agriculture awards.

The YFEIA award recognizes young farmers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation they own but who are still actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants are judged on their involve-

ment in agriculture, leadership ability, and involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Indiana’s YFEIA winner receives a John Deere Gator, courtesy of Farm Credit Services; $3,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; and expenses paid to

the 2016 national convention in Orlando, Florida. Young farmers who earn a majority of their income from their farms are recognized through the YFAA award. They are judged on their achievements in their farming operation and their commitment to their communities.

YFEIA finalists Jeremy and Lindsay Barron, Noble County

Jeremy and Lindsay Barron with their two children, 4-year-old Lane and 19-month-old Lawson.

Here is how Lindsay Barron sums up her and husband Jeremy’s life: “We maintain a very busy lifestyle.” In addition to raising two energetic boys, the Barrons are growing their grain operation while working off farm. Both are committed to increasing their participation in Farm Bureau. Jeremy is the financial services lead for Cargill Risk Management. In that role he helps farmers from across the country manage their risk and improve their bottom lines. Working within a broader team at Cargill, Jeremy interacts with colleagues in Canada, South America, Europe and Australia. Lindsay works closer to home, taking care of her “three” boys and helping out with farm finances and paperwork. She also puts her eight years of retail experience to work by managing The Old Milk House, a repurposed milking parlor where she sells antiques and collectibles.

YFAA finalists Matt and Brianna Chapman, Henry County

Matt and Brianna Chapman with their daughter Grace.

Matt and Brianna Chapman live on the family farm near Springport with their seventeenmonth-old daughter, Grace. Both Chapmans have careers related to agriculture. Matt farms more than 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat with his younger brother. He also has a custom hay baling business, which he started while still in high school. Brianna owns two retail flower shops: The Flower Girl in Middletown and Weiland’s Flowers in New Castle. The two met at Purdue University, where Matt earned an associate degree in agriculture economics. Brianna, a native of Memphis, Tenn., holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resources and environmental sciences. In addition to many other Farm Bureau activities, the couple has been active in the Henry County Farm Bureau Young Farmer program. Matt serves as chairman and Brianna is secretary. They were members of the Indiana Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee from 2010-12.

YFEIA finalist Jeff Demerly, White County

Jeff and Jenna Demerly and their kids (Archer, age 1, Austin, 3, and Adalynn, 5) stand in one of the test plots located on their property in White County.

October 26, 2015

The state Achievement Award winners receive a $6,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance; 250 hours maximum free use of one M-Series tractor (and loader, if appropriate) courtesy of Kubota Tractor; the David L. Leising Memorial Award; and expenses paid to Story & photos by Andy Dietrick

Jeremy graduated from AFBF’s Partners in Agricultural Leadership, is a member of AFBF’s grassroots GO Team, and made it to the final four in the national discussion meet at last year’s AFBF convention in San Diego.

Story & photos by Mindy Reef

Taking an early step into farming by buying his father’s custom baling business before he finished high school helped Matt keep his farming interests diverse and paid the bills. He also manages his father’s hog farm.

Story & photos by Kathleen M. Dutro

After graduating from college, Jeff Demerly worked at non-farm jobs for a while, but he always knew he would return to agriculture someday. And he was right. Four years ago, he and his wife, Jenna, moved to his home county, and he now owns a business that sells Pioneer seed, crop insurance risk management and general consulting. “We thoroughly enjoy being back in in the country again where my wife and I can raise our family,” Demerly said. Besides business and family, the other thing that keeps Demerly busy is community involvement – especially Farm Bureau. After serving as chairman of the county Young Farmer CommitDemerly demonstrates some of the specialized tee, as board member and as vice president, he was elected president in 2013. He is also involved equipment – in this case a seed storage unit – used in his Pioneer seed business. with 4-H, FFA and their church. “We, as Farm Bureau, have a powerful message to carry, and I look forward to being a part of it,” he said.

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young farmer awards

Indiana’s top young farmers the 2016 national convention, which will be held in Orlando, Florida. Runners up in both contests receive $1,000 cash prizes from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Winners in these two contests, as well as INFB’s Young Farmer Discussion

Meet (which will be held during the state convention next month), will advance to the national Young Farmer & Rancher contests, where they will compete against young farmers from across the country. National winners will receive their choice of a 2015 Chevrolet Sil-

verado or GMC Sierra truck, courtesy of GM. The three national finalists in each competition will receive a Case IH Farmall tractor, courtesy of Case IH, as well as a $2,500 cash prize and $500 in Stihl merchandise.

More on this year’s YFEA and YFAA finalists, including web-exclusive stories and photos, is available at The Hoosier Farmer’s website, www.thehoosierfarmer.org.

YFAA finalists Craig and Mindy Fruechte, Adams County

Mindy and Craig Fruechte, along with their children, Mason and Brielle, raise 36,000 turkeys at their Decatur, Indiana, farm.

Down a long gravel drive in Decatur, Ind., four turkey barns are the centerpiece of Freuchte Farms. Craig and Mindy Fruechte raise 24,000 turkeys and farm 581 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The couple’s two children will inherit the family’s small freezer beef and hog operation when they’re old enough to participate in 4-H. But for now, the Freuchtes raise 4 steers and 60 hogs, which they market to their urban coworkers. The Fruechtes each have an off-farm job, and they are very involved in their county Farm Bureau and community. Craig currently serves as Adams County vice president. Mindy is the education and outreach coordinator for the county. They also work with local 4-H clubs. Craig works with young livestock showmen, teaching them techniques to use in the show ring. Mindy serves as a Mini 4-H leader, teaching 125 kids, ages 6-8, about agriculture.

YFEIA finalists Mike and Sarah Hertsel, Elkhart County

Mike and Sarah Hertsel with their children Elizabeth, George and Caroline.

After 10 years as a livestock feed specialist, one of Mike Hertsel’s customers approached him with an opportunity to work on a diversified grain and livestock operation. It was a dream come true. Hertsel has many responsibilities on the farm, including planting, making hay, maintaining equipment and taking care of the hogs and beef cattle. Mike and his wife Sarah live in Syracuse with their three young children. Sarah is primarily a homemaker but also works part time as a cosmetologist at a local salon. The family is very active in their church, and they are intentional about raising their children in a Christian home. After college, Mike got involved on their county Farm Bureau board. Since then, Mike and Sarah have both become active in their county’s Young Farmer program. They appreciate the opportunities Farm Bureau provides to share agriculture’s story, particularly with those who do not come from an ag background.

YFAA finalists Jacob and Jennifer Walker, DeKalb County

Jake and Jennifer Walker pose near their pond with 2 ½ year-old Ryan and 1 ½-year-old Leann

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College, working in sales for a farm management software company, and owning a precision ag business – all of these experiences help Jake Walker in his current role of farming in partnership with his parents. “Having employees and negotiating contracts with large companies were key learning experiences,” he said. Jake came back to the farm fulltime in 2008, and they now raise 4,950 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat. They also do custom straw baling, excavating and tiling. Jake’s wife, Jennifer, is a district conservationist with the NRCS. They have two young children, who take up most of the time that isn’t devoted to farming and the NRCS. However, Jake has been involved in some ag advisory boards and councils, and he’s the co-founder of a regional pro-ag group called Friends of Agriculture. He also recently joined the Indiana Corn Marketing Council board.

Story & photos by Rachel Schrage

Craig walks each of his four barns at least three times per day, making sure that his turkeys are healthy and have plenty of food and water.

Story & photos by Jay A. Wood

Mike Hertsel’s main job is working on a nearby diversified grain and livestock farm. He and his wife also own a small hog herd and flock of laying hens.

Story & photos by Kathleen M. Dutro

Walker mounts the ladder of one of his grain bins. He and Jennifer farm in partnership with his parents.

October 26, 2015

around farm bureau

Deadline is Nov. 25 for AFBF hotel reservations

Major endorsements continue flowing in for Villwock’s AFBF candidacy

—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team The American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting will be held in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 10-13. Nearly 7,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation are expected to gather in Orlando to hear from distinguished leaders and participate in a grassroots policy-setting process that will guide AFBF through 2016. This year’s keynote speaker will be acclaimed real estate mogul and “Shark Tank” investor Barbara Corcoran. November 25 is the cutoff date for hotel reservations. Indiana Farm Bureau’s official hotel is the Rosen Plaza, which is adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center, the site of the convention. After Nov. 25, any additional rooms are subject to availability, so it’s

important to book your hotel rooms early. Agricultural tours, organized by Florida Farm Bureau, will be offered Jan. 9 and 12 and include a strawberry farm, a gator farm, an Arabian horse farm, citrus farms (of course), and lots more. For information on the tours, see annualconvention. fb.org/ag-tours/. For more information, Indiana Farm Bureau members should visit INFB’s website, www.infb.org, and click on the link for the AFBF annual meeting, which can be found under the “Events” tab in the gray bar near the top of the website’s front page. A full agenda is available online at annualconvention. fb.org/. Members can also call Kay Keown, INFB office manager, at 1-800-3276287, extension 7853. To make reservations, call Chris Davis at Geraci Travel, 800741-0719.

—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team In the last issue of The Hoosier Farmer, it was announced that former U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar “strongly” endorsed Indiana Farm Bureau Pesident Don Villwock’s candidacy for American Farm Bureau president. Since that time, three more major endorsements have flowed in for Villwock. Those endorsements include former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter, National Corn Growers Association CEO Chris Novak and U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly. Clayton Yeutter served as secretary of agriculture under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991. He cites Villwock has a leader with “poise and skill,” and someone whose key concerns and priorities in Indiana are substantially similar to those of current AFBF President Bob Stallman and Yeutter’s own at the national level.

Chris Novak has served as CEO of the National Corn Growers Association since the fall of 2014. Prior to that, he served six years as CEO of the National Pork Board. Novak expressed his pleasure working with Villwock while living in Indiana, and added that Villwock would be “a great voice for American agriculture.” Joe Donnelly has served as a U.S. senator from Indiana since 2013. Prior to that, he served Indiana’s 2nd congressional district for six years. He currently sits on the Senate Ag Committee. In a letter to the campaign, Donnelly wrote, “Don Villwock’s passion and knowledge for farmers and agriculture is unparalleled.”

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

That an endorsement from Donnelly (a Democrat) follows the endorsement from Lugar (the Republican who preceded Donnelly) shows bipartisan support for the Villwock campaign. Supporters of the Villwock campaign are encouraged to keep up with the endorsements and all other activities via the campaign website and social media pages

Indiana company named semifinalist in AFBF’s Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

Indiana Grown hosted a press conference on Oct. 7 at a Kroger store in Carmel. Kroger executives and Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann were on hand to celebrate Indiana Grown’s partnership with 102 Kroger stores across the state and 27 Indiana-based food producers. For more information on Indiana Grown, visit www.indianagrown.org. Photos by Rachel Schrage

October 26, 2015

A family-owned design company in Indiana is among the top 10 finishers in the 2016 Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Cherry Brother Designs LLC of Shelbyville (www. CherryBrotherDesigns.com, www.thefarmsourcesystem. com) was one of 165 applicants. It is the developer of a customizable farm safety plan that assists farmers in designing an illustrated layout of their entire property to enable emergency personnel to respond quickly, effectively and safely. The challenge, now in its second year, provides opportunities for individuals to showcase business innovations being developed in rural regions of the U.S. It is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses. As one of the six semifinalists in the challenge, Cherry Brother Designs was awarded $10,000. Four finalists were also named;

each was awarded $15,000 and will advance to the next phase of the challenge. “We’re thrilled – we’re absolutely thrilled – that the American Farm Bureau picked us as one of the semifinalists because we believe it’s important that farmers have some kind of safety plan in place,” said Tina Cherry, owner of Cherry Brother Designs. The product that helped the company become a semifinalist is called the FarmSource System, an emergency planning system that partners farmers and emergency services together to provide an emergency plan. Using a web-based app and an aerial view of the farm, the farmer uses the system’s drag-and-drop method to label structures, hazardous chemicals and the locations of electrical shutoffs and water supplies, among other variables. The result is large printouts showing the labeled aerial view and the information sheet. These are placed in a metal box at the front of the farmlot so that the information is easily accessible to

first responders in the event of a fire or other emergency. “Hoping for the best isn’t the best emergency planning,” Cherry said, echoing the company slogan. The top challenge teams were selected by 40 judges with expertise in business development, equity investment fund management, agribusiness lending and entrepreneurial coaching. The finalists are AccuGrain (Rose Hill, Iowa), which uses X-ray technology to inventory flowing grain in real time; AgriSync (Dallas Center, Iowa), which offers a mobile customer support platform for crop farmers; Farm Specific Technology (Bolivar, Tennessee), which offers a no-till crimper for cover crop production; and Fedora Malthouse (Village of Shepherd, Michigan), which produces malted barley for craft beer brewers. “The depth and diversity of business ideas in cultivation in rural areas across America is truly inspiring,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The 10 businesses recognized by AFBF are an outstanding group of entrepreneurs.”

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communication

Agricultural ambassadors travel to Virginia Each year, the Indiana Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee sponsors an opportunity for up to four members to learn about agriculture in other parts of the country through the Agricultural Cultural Exchange (ACE) program. This year, Jonathan and Kelly Shannon of Crawfordsville and Richard and Linda Vandermolen of Rensseleaer spent five days in Virginia in July as Indiana’s ag ambassadors. Agriculture in Virginia varies drastically, and the couples saw everything from clam and oyster production to cotton and tobacco farms. Their five-day tour began near the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. They stopped at Quail’s Cove Farms to see an organic sweet potato operation, where fish, molasses and seaweed are used as fertiliz-

er and weeds are controlled by hand. Chatham Vineyards is a few miles down the road. They harvest Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Day two began at the Virginia Summer Young Farmer Expo, where the couples took in the Discussion Meet and policy development discussions specific to Virginia agriculture. From there, they set off for a tour of Northampton County, where they visited a high-end landscape nursery, a green bean packing plant and an aquaculture operation producing clams and oysters. Day three began in Chincoteague and Assateague, islands where herds of wild ponies roam free. Indiana’s ACE ambassadors were on the island for the second day of the annual pony roundup, a very busy time on the island. Later in the

Wild ponies roam free on Chincoteague and Assateague islands. INFB’s ACE ambassadors were there for the annual pony roundup.

From left are Jonathan and Kelly Shannon of Crawfordsville and Linda and Richard Vandermolen of Rensseleaer spent five days in Virginia as part of INFB’s ACE ambassador program.

week, some of the ponies were auctioned off to keep the herds from becoming too large. After a little sightseeing in Jamestown, the couples arrived in Surry County to visit College Run Farms, a you-pick operation selling blueberries, strawberries, sweet corn and butter beans. Day four was all new to the Indiana farmers on the trip. Their first stop was to a cotton and edible soybean farm. The edible soybeans, natto beans, are raised for export to Japan. After learning about the very specialized equipment used to harvest and clean cotton, the

Shannons and Vandermolens visited a tobacco farm, followed by a hydroponic vegetable farm and peanut farm. They learned about the immense cost and risk involved in the production of tobacco and the process of picking and harvesting peanuts, each step requiring a different machine. Their final day began at Virginia Farm Bureau, where they met VFB President Wayne Pryor, before traveling to the state fairgrounds, which Virginia Farm Bureau owns. Keenbell Farm was next on the agenda, where pastured pork, cattle and chickens are raised. The last

stop on the whirlwind tour of Virginia agriculture was a peach orchard, where peach butter and peach cider donuts made perfect souvenirs. “We are humbled that we were chosen to serve in this capacity,” said Kelly Shannon. “We look forward to sharing what we learned with the membership and our local community groups.” ——————————— Editor’s note: Most of this article was excerpted from Jonathan and Kelly Shannon’s blog, which can be found at shannonfamilyfarms.wordpress.com. The photos are also courtesy of the Shannons.

Volunteers needed for grocery price survey program

Wayne County teacher awarded grant for soil testing kits

—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

—By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team

In just a few weeks, key volunteers will fan out to grocery stores across the state to gather the information used in one of the most widely run news releases that Indiana Farm Bureau sends out all year: the Thanksgiving market basket survey. INFB is currently looking for volunteers willing to participate by going to one of their local grocery stores and collecting prices on 12 food items. The prices are then used in both the state and national Thanksgiving surveys. Last year, 29 volunteers participated, but INFB is always looking for more, said INFB 2nd Vice President Isabella Chism. Chism chairs the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, which coordinates the market basket

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program. “Indiana Farm Bureau has more volunteer shoppers than almost any state, and that allows us to speak with some confidence about food prices in Indiana,” she said. “The survey is a great opportunity for Farm Bureau to talk to reporters and consumers about food and farmers,” Chism explained. “It helps reporters – and their readers – see the connection between the food they buy and the farmers who produce it.” Farm Bureau issues four market basket surveys each year. In the spring and fall, the surveys cover basic food items. In the summer is a survey of food prices for foods typical of cookouts. But the most prominent is the Thanksgiving survey, which has been conducted annually since 1986. The 12 items on the shopping list for this survey consist of the fixings

for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, including a 16-pound turkey, stuffing mix, cranberries and so on. Anyone interested in finding out more about the survey or about becoming a volunteer shopper should contact Tracie Trent, 317692-7846 or ttrent@infb.org.

A Wayne County teacher’s support of her local Ag in the Classroom program will make it easier and more hands-on to teach students about soil health. Northeastern Middle School 6th grade science teacher Mallorie Dill applied for a grant though the CHS Classroom Grants program. The CHS Foundation and National Ag in the Classroom partner for the program, which offers five $1,500 grants to teachers who use agricultural concepts to teach other subjects. More than 80 applications were turned in nationally, including 11 from Indiana. Farmer involvement and use of Ag in the Classroom curricula were required components for grant eligibility. Farm Bureau members Debbie Jordan and Anne

Smith presented soil health programs to Dill’s class in Fountain City every Friday for six weeks. They covered soil composition, how plants work, biotechnology and other subjects related to soil health. The grant review committee mentioned that partnering with outside sources, such as the local soil and water conservation district, was one of the elements that made the application stand out. “For other volunteers, investing in the National Ag in the Classroom conference and being able to take those lessons back to our county was very valuable,” said Jordan, who also serves as District 6 education and outreach coordinator. “The lessons we offered showed how advanced today’s agricultural technology is.” The grant funds will be used to purchase soil testing kits.

October 26, 2015

around INFB

Membership campaign results in increase in voting members

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Jim Milnes of Brown County and Luther Mock of Allen County were the winners in the September sweepstakes. Milnes won by signing a new member in September and having his name drawn from among all those who signed a new voting member that month. His prize was a $200 gift card for St. Elmo Steakhouse and two, 200-level tickets to the Colts vs. Patriots game on Oct. 18. Mock won by being signed as a new member during September. The names of new voting members signed in September were entered into a prize drawing to win a $200 gift card to St. Elmo Steakhouse and two, 200-level tickets to the Colts vs. Broncos game on Nov. 8.

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Calendar of Events

October 28 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. November 3 District 8 fall awards night, Shelbyville. 4, 5 INFB campaign workshop, home office, Indianapolis. 5 District 5 fall meeting, Covington. 10 District 9 fall meeting, Huntingburg. 10 District 10 fall awards night, Seymour. 15-17 INFB state convention, Indianapolis. December 1 District 6 fall meeting. October 26, 2015

MEMBER BENEFIT

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Support agriculture and honor President Villwock by donating to the Donald B. and Joyce A. Villwock Scholarship Fund at Purdue. Talk to your regional manager or visit www.infb.org and look under the About Us menu – Grants/ Scholarships to learn more about donating to the fund, which offers scholarship support for Indiana students majoring in agriculture economics at the Purdue campus in West Lafayette. Donations can be made until Dec. 31, 2015.

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insurance customers in selected rural counties and livestock producers. • Membership contests for volunteers. • Creation of new membership exhibits, displays and membership marketing materials. • Ensuring that Farm Bureau had a membership presence at agricultural trade shows and events throughout the state. “Indiana Farm Bureau has had a lot of membership successes in its history,” Poe said. “However, it’s imperative we continue to spread the word and make more people aware of the work this organization does for the agricultural community and continue to recruit new members to this great organization.” POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

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Indiana Farm Bureau’s membership year ended Sept. 30, and the preliminary results show that INFB increased its total number of voting members to 73,384, which represents an increase of 316 voting members from last year. In a congratulatory message to county leadership on reaching the voting membership goal, INFB President Don Villwock expressed his appreciation to “the whole Farm Bureau family,” including Indiana Farm Bureau staff, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance staff, county and district leaders and other volunteers. “Some of you have asked what I would like as a re-

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tirement present,” Villwock said, referring to the fact that he’s retiring as INFB president at the end of the year. “Well, by making this goal you have already given me a great present.” A number of tactics were used to reach the goal, noted Chelsea Poe, INFB membership sales and marketing coordinator. One of those tactics was hiring Poe, who started her position – a new one for INFB – in March 2015. Among the other key tactics identified by Poe: • Offering a “group buy” to agricultural and agribusiness companies and their employees. • A direct marketing campaign that that delivered self-mailers to lapsed members, legislators, life

—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

MH-IN-CM-FL13-120

Two sessions offered for INFB campaign school —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

Both veteran office holders and first-time campaigners can benefit from Indiana Farm Bureau’s campaign management training seminar. Two sessions are planned: Nov. 4 and 5 and Feb. 9 and 10. Both will be held at the INFB home office in downtown Indianapolis. Attendees will spend the two days learning how to be effective candidates, work with the media, address issues and budgets, plan strategy and organize. The seminar is designed to be useful to plan a campaign for any elected office, from township trustee to Congress. The fee (which does not include lodging) to attend the campaign management training seminar is $200 for Farm Bureau members and $250 for non-members. Campaign managers accompanying a candidate are $100; candidate spouses are $75 when accompanied by a candidate. The fee includes meals, snacks and materials, but participants need to remember that overnight lodging is not included. The seminar is limited to the first 30 people who sign up, which includes spouses and campaign managers. A maximum of three people per campaign team may attend. Registration is available online at www.infb.org/campaignschool. For more information, contact Diane Helton, 317-692-7834, dhelton@ infb.org.