INFB Members Lobby on Capitol Hill Page 4
Ag Day Across Indiana Page 5
Member Input Wanted On the Future of Farm Bureau Page 7
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
INSIDE: News in Brief.................... 2 Election 2016................... 3 Around Farm Bureau...... 4, 5 State & Nation.................. 6 Around INFB.................... 7 Around Indiana................ 8
APRIL 18, 2016 Issue No. 79
Significant changes made in transportation regulations —By Amy K. Cornell Public Policy Team The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles implemented an increased point value for commercial motor vehicle weight violations effective January 1, 2016, and that change is of concern to Indiana Farm Bureau. In the past, zero points were assessed to a driver cited for a non-permitted overweight CMV. The new penalty is 4 points to the driver’s motor vehicle record. This change is concerning because weight limits may vary based upon state or local routes, the number of axels, or by special permits. All drivers must obtain an oversize and/or overweight vehicle permit before traveling on Indiana roads to ensure the safety of the motoring public if their vehicle exceeds: • 13 feet 6 inches in height. • 8 feet 6 inches in width. • 60 feet (two-vehicle combination) or 53 feet (semi-tractor-semi-trailer combination) in length. • 80,000 pounds gross ve-
hicle weight (subject to axle weights). IC 9-20-42 provides a 10 percent agricultural exemption for farm commodities transported on non-interstate routes from the place of production to the first point of delivery. See http://www.in.gov/ dor/4243.htm for additional information and permit applications. A recent change in federal law impacts vehicles carrying fluid milk products. Effective December 4, 2015, those are non-divisible loads, but are eligible for standard “Overweight Permits for a Gross Vehicle Weight” up to 150,000 pounds. Previously, the state could only issue “Overweight Commodity Permits,” which were capped at 97,000 pounds. Please exercise caution to ensure loads are within weight limits and obtain all necessary oversize/overweight permits. Indiana Farm Bureau is working with industry partners to amend the point value to the previous standard of zero points.
Farm Bureau celebrated a historic win at the Statehouse on April 8. Above, Gov. Mike Pence ceremonially signs the bill that provides significant tax relief to Indiana farmers. Looking on are many representatives of INFB, including President Randy Kron, former presidents Don Villwock and Harry Pearson, and members of the INFB Board of Directors (photo by Kathleen M. Dutro). Below, during a celebration at the Statehouse held after the bill signing, Farm Bureau recognized the two members of the Indiana General Assembly most responsible for passage of the bill. From left are Katrina Hall, INFB state legislative director; INFB President Randy Kron; Sen. Brandt Hershman; and Rep. Tim Brown (photo by Rachel Schrage). For more on the legislative session, see the special insert inside this issue of The Hoosier Farmer.
Failure to move GMO bill ‘inexcusable,’ AFBF says —By the AFBF Communications Department Calling the Senate’s failure to move forward with debate on a voluntary GMO labeling bill “inexcusable,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said farmers will conIndiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
tinue their fight to secure a law that supports consumers, America’s farmers and ranchers and our nation’s system of affordable, productive agriculture. “To say we are angry with those senators who abandoned farmers and ranchers and turned their backs on Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Berne, IN Permit NO. 43
rural America on this vote is an understatement. Their votes opposing this measure ignored science, threw our nation’s food system into disarray and undermined the public’s understanding of the many benefits of biotechnology in feeding a growing and hungry population,” Duvall said in a statement released on March 16. With a July 1 start date set for a mandatory GM labeling law in Vermont, passage of a national voluntary GMO labeling bill is needed immediately. The measure Farm Bureau was anxious
for the Senate to take up this week was offered by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas. Roberts’ bill establishes national standards for foods made with genetically engineered ingredients, ensuring consumers and farmers aren’t forced to deal with a confusing patchwork of different state labeling mandates. It requires that labels be based in science and supports our long-standing grassroots policy for voluntary labeling and factual information sharing on the value of this important agricultural technology. The bill was passed by the
Senate Agriculture on a bipartisan 14-6 vote but failed to move forward when it reached the full Senate. Duvall said farmers are willing to give senators a second chance. “We remain hopeful they will have a chance at redemption by correcting this situation that will otherwise lead to increased food costs for consumers and stifle agricultural innovation, which remains a strength of our nation. We must not let anyone forget that rural America and our farmers and ranchers do matter,” he said.
2
NEWS IN BRIEF
News Bites —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
INFB member wins Ag Day essay contest—Indiana Farm
Bureau member Emily Dougherty was recently recognized for her winning Ag Day essay by the Agriculture Council of America. The council is the group that organizes Ag Day. Among the Ag Day activities, designed to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture, was a dinner at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., during which Dougherty officially received her honor. To see Doughtey’s winning essay, go to fbnews. fb.org and click on “Grassroots” to find a link. (AFBF 3/18/16)
AgBOT Challenge competitors range from IUPUI and Purdue University to the University of Regina in Canada and Grit Robotics of Colorado. The final event, agBOT Challenge 2016: NextGen Expo Day, will be May 6 in Parke County. Tickets are required. To find out about ticket cost and availability, visit the agBOT website, www.agbot.ag. The 2016 agBOT Challenge is a competition of teams to develop the most efficient unmanned crop seeder capable of planting two varieties of seed over half-mile-long rows, while providing real-time data utilizing a mobile tracking antenna. Participating teams, representing advanced robotics and agricultural research and development organizations, will develop the hardware, software, sensors, and human-machine control
Ag Day essay contest winner Emily Dougherty (left) with Isabella Chism, INFB 2nd vice president, vice chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, and a member of the Agriculture Council of America board of directors. Photo courtesy of AFBF
AgBOT competition helping technology ‘earn its wings’—A competition
for unmanned agricultural innovations is underway and attracting international attention. Eleven teams are tasked with fully developing a machine that can autonomously load seed, then plant and fertilize a two-acre parcel at a Parke County farm. Administrative/Finance Team
President............................................Randy Kron Vice President.................................Kendell Culp 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 Harold Parker (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
April 18, 2016
interfaces that enable their robots. Technologies resulting from the 2016 agBOT Challenge will propel both agriculture and the field of robotics. (AgBOT Challenge 2/29/16)
Ten ‘Bicentennial Barns’ to help Indiana celebrate 200th birthday—Ten barns around the state have been selected to represent Indi-
ana agriculture during the bicentennial celebration. The 10 barns were selected by a panel of agriculturalists, artists, and preservationists from among the more than 200 barns that were entered. Criteria included integrity of the original architecture, the history and story, purpose and overall aesthetics. Winning barns will be celebrated throughout the rest of the year and via a traveling exhibit. “We hope you like the selections – it was difficult to choose just a few, because there were so many outstanding,” Bicentennial Barns of Indiana says on its website (www.200indianabarns. com). “Some have stories dating back to before Indiana was a state, while others have stories related to celebrities, historical figures, were stops on stagecoach lines or coal mines. Others have generations of family stories and events. Some are inspiring because of a loving restoration. Many are still part of working farms, but many also reflect creative uses as event venues, theaters, museums, or farm markets. But all of them contained a great sense of pride of ownership and everyone should be acknowledged for their stewardship.” The winning barns are: Allhands Barn, Henry County; T.C. Singleton Barn, Daviess County; Burcham Barn, Porter County; Feightner Barn, Noble County; Knigga Barn, Ohio County; Nedelkoff Barn, Floyd County; Sheets Barn, Howard County; Smoker Barn, LaPorte County; Rouch Barn, St. Joseph County; Wendel Barn, Franklin County. Photos of the barns, and their often compelling stories, are accessible at www.200indianabarns.com. Because Farm Bureau is one of the sponsors of the effort (and because the barns are so gorgeous), more informa-
Director of Affiliate Relations.................. Julie Klarich
Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White Public Policy Intern........................ Shelby Swain
Legal Affairs Team
Public Relations Team
Indiana Farm Bureau Inc./ Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Director & General Counsel.................... Mark Thornburg Associate Counsel for Corporate Compliance & Nonprofit Affairs............ Sara MacLaughlin Senior Legal Assistant............... Maria Spellman
Public Policy Team
Director............................................ Megan Ritter National Government Relations Policy Advisor..................Kyle Cline Policy Advisor & Counsel............. Amy Cornell State Government Relations Director.......................................... Katrina Hall Administrative Assistant ............. Diane Helton Senior Administrative Assistant .................................... Wanda Hunter Senior Policy Advisor & Counsel................................... Justin Schneider
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 Women’s Leadership Program Coordinator............... Ashley Beasley Field Services Program Director..........................................Chris Fenner Membership Sales & Marketing Coordinator................Chelsea Poe
Save the Date: Estate & Succession Planning Seminar Thursday, July 21, 2016 INFB Home Office Registration opens May 20 Registration deadline July 8
tion will also be available in a future issue of The Hoosier Farmer. Although the selection of the Top 200 Barns has been completed, the registry is intended to be a historical record, and therefore anyone who has a historic barn is still encouraged to enter the barn in the organization’s registry, which can be found at www.200indianabarns. com. (Bicentennial Barns of Indiana 2/24/26)
Applications for communications boot camp for women accepted through May 10—AFBF is now
accepting applications for its 10th Women’s Communications Boot Camp class, July 12-15 in Washington, D.C. The three-day intensive training is open to all women who are Farm Bureau members. The program focuses on enhancing communication and leadership skills and includes targeted training in the areas of public speaking, media relations, messaging and advocacy. Fifteen women will be selected to participate in this year’s program, which is sponsored by the AFBWLC. Applications are available online or through state Farm Young Farmer & Youth Program Coordinator..................... Allie Rieth Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator........ Anna Todd Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent
Regional Managers Wayne Belden (1 & 3) Greg Bohlander (6) Andrew Cleveland (4 & 6) Casie Conley (4) 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) Laura Ruhlman (7 & 9)
Bureaus. The deadline for submissions is May 10. All applicants will be notified of their status by June 1. (AFBF 4/416)
Pence vetoes environmental rules bill—Gov. Pence vetoed
HB 1082, a bill requiring that any rule that is more stringent than a regulation under federal law be submitted to the legislature. Pence cited fears over the safety of drinking water, akin to the situation in Flint, Michigan. INFB disagrees with that assessment of the bill and is disappointed with the governor’s decision, as Farm Bureau has worked with numerous allies for many years to pass legislation to maintain the General Assembly’s proper role as the policymaking body of the state. The next steps for the bill are uncertain at the moment, but if any action is taken, INFB will notify members. (INFB 3/28/16)
Address Letters & Questions To: Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Phone: 1-800-327-6287 or (317) 692-7776 E-Mail Address: askus@infarmbureau.org Duplicate Magazines If you are receiving more than one copy of The Hoosier Farmer®, please cut out both labels and return them to the address above. Magazine Design and Layout Davis Graphic Design www.davisgraphics.com The Hoosier Farmer® is published 14 times per year by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206, and is furnished as a service to voting members and others. Controlled circulation. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hoosier Farmer® P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
3
ELECTION 2016
Despite elections, Congress is still listening to voters —By Kyle Cline National Policy Advisor Indiana Farm Bureau By now, unless you are living completely off the grid with little connection to the outside world, you know that it is an election year. Moreover, you also have noticed that nearly all media have been taken over for election year political coverage with little room for any other type of reporting or news. Of course, this is not surprising given the magnitude of the election and the importance of selecting our next president who will set a new course and vision for our great nation. However, in the midst of all the activities and theatrics, it is easy to forget about the important work that Congress continues to conduct. More concerning is that it becomes very easy to dismiss and tune out of this process altogether. The common belief here is that nothing significant will stand a chance of passing Congress this year, so there is no need to waste any time or efforts until the next administration takes over. While this belief certainly holds merit in terms of political predictions of legislative activities based on historical context and the reality that Congress has a very limited number of days in session, a complete dismissal and disengagement with Congress this year would simply be the wrong approach. This assumption represents a common misunderstanding of the differences between legislative activity and influential work. It assumes they are both exactly the same and if no significant legislation is passed in Congress, then nothing productive is occurring on Capitol Hill or anything with any real significance. However, this simply is not true. While many of the daily activities of Congress won’t make the headlines, the work goes on and can be found in key committee hearings, listening sessions and policy briefings, and documented in discussion
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papers. For example, the House Ways & Means Committee plans to conduct a series of listening and learning sessions for its members later this year on comprehensive tax reform. Here is an opportunity for farmers to let their congressmen know about the importance of preserving cash accounting. Another example, the House Agriculture Committee has tentative plans to host farm bill listening sessions later this fall, providing an excellent opportunity for Farm Bureau members to express their concern over proposed crop insurance cuts and reminding lawmakers about the importance of this critical policy and the general farm safety net. There are many other examples of similar activities that are occurring or planned for the course of the year in which critical Farm Bureau priority issues are being examined, including regulatory reform, trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and biotechnology. One way to look at all of these activities is that congressional leaders are laying the foundation and groundwork for next year so that they will be ready to hit the ground running. Many organizations, lobbyists, and other groups are already engaging in these subtle, but important processes as we speak. If farmers and other agricultural supporters disengage now, someone else will be working on conjunction with congressional leaders to establish priorities and set the stage for the near future. It is likely that many of these groups or coalitions will not be friendly to agriculture or have your bets interest in mind. I encourage each Farm Bureau member is to continue engaging on Farm Bureau’s national priority issues over the course of the year. Don’t get caught up in the election year hoopla and forget that your voice still matters to members of Congress.
ELECT benefits pro-ag candidates —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team The decisions made by federal and state legislators have an enormous impact on agriculture and rural communities. INFB ELECT, the nonpartisan political action committee associated with Indiana Farm Bureau, is the best medium for Hoosier farmers and rural residents to elect ag-friendly candidates to Congress and the General Assembly. The PAC was formed in 1983 for the purpose of benefiting those federal and state legislative candidates who support agriculture. Through endorsement, donation and other grassroots political engagement, ELECT can help pro-ag candidates win their races. At the grassroots level, local ELECT trustees have the option of recommending candidates for endorsement and donation (up to $5,000)
in primary and general elections. Every legislative district has trustee representation from each county within its boundaries. The number of trustees from each county is proportional to that county’s population makeup within the district. Recommendations made by the local ELECT trustees are later reviewed by an oversight committee and ultimately by the INFB Board of Directors. After decisions are finalized, Indiana Farm Bureau members are encouraged to actively support the campaigns of candidates endorsed by the PAC. ELECT is most impactful when its members are engaged at the highest level. It behooves PAC members to gauge their elected officials’ support on ag-related issues year-round, and respond accordingly with endorsements in primary and general elections. Fundraising participation allows for a larger pool
from which to donate to agfriendly candidates. Getting involved with the PAC is easy. Anyone who donates at least $1 to ELECT automatically becomes a PAC member. Only PAC members can attend PAC functions and be selected as trustees for the candidate endorsement process. The PAC does not receive funding from Indiana Farm Bureau or Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Farm Bureau membership dues are never transferred to ELECT. All ELECT donations come from individuals, never from corporations. This format ensures that any money the PAC gives to political campaigns truly represents the grassroots – Indiana’s farmer and rural constituents who have the greatest and most sincere investment in the future of agriculture.
ELECT endorses candidates for 2016 primaries Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT, the political action committee of Indiana Farm Bureau, has made endorsements in the primary races for five congressional seats and 11 legislative seats. Because Indiana Farm Bureau’s PAC is grassroots-driven, an ELECT endorsement signifies that a candidate has made it through the multistep process to gain the organization’s support. In the U.S. House primary, ELECT endorsed: • Jackie Walorski, Congressional District 2. • Luke Messer, Congressional District 6. • Todd Rokita, Congressional District 4. • Susan Brooks, Congressional District 5. • Larry Bucshon, Congressional District 8. In primary races for the Indiana House, ELECT endorsed: Jim Pressel, House District 20; Donna Schaibley, House District 24; Jeff Thompson, House District 28; Milo Smith, House District 59; Tom Washburne, House District 64; Steve Davisson, House District 73; and Casey Cox, House District 84.
For the Indiana Senate, ELECT endorsed Blake Doriot, Senate District 12; David Long, Senate District
16; Luke Kenley, Senate District 20; Pete Miller, Senate District 24; and Eric Koch, Senate District 44.
April 18, 2016
4
AROUND FARM BUREAU
INFB members lobby on Capitol Hill —By Andy Dietrick Public Relations Team More than 60 Indiana Farm Bureau members and staff participated in the 2016 leader trip to Washington, D.C., March 22-24. The three full days of advocacy included issues briefings at AFBF, meetings with the Indiana congressional delegation and a trip to the Japanese Embassy to discuss trade. The group also met with Senate Ag Committee staffers and fellow Hoosiers Matt Erickson and Anne Hazlett in the chamber where the Ag Committee meets. “Our members did an excellent job advocating for the federal issues that are important to Indiana agriculture,” said Kyle Cline, INFB’s national policy advisor. “They were very serious about digging into the issues, planning their Hill visits and delivering our message to lawmakers.” Those federal issues included biotechnology and GMO labeling, crop insurance, regulatory reform
and WOTUS, tax provisions and international trade. Unlike last year’s leader trip when a foot of snow stranded the Indiana delegation, this year the sun was shining, the cherry trees were blooming and participants had a chance to see the sites in the nation’s capital.
The Indiana delegation got a special behind-the-scenes tour of the offices of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who was on a trade mission in Cuba at the time. Photo by Andy Dietrick
April 18, 2016
issues that are important to me, and which way I would like them to vote on those issues,” Wood said. “I had an absolutely wonderful time on the DC leader trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to amplify their voice in government.”
The Indiana delegation wrapped up Hill Day with a group photo on the steps of the Capitol Building. Photo by Jay A. Wood
Jordan Donner from Warrick County advocating for ag issues with 8th District Representative Larry Buschon. Photo by Jay A. Wood
White County farmer Lynn Teel (right) catches up with Senate Ag Committee staffers (and Hoosiers) Anne Hazlett and Matt Erickson. Photo by Andy Dietrick
This was INFB communications specialist Jay Wood’s first advocacy trip to Washington, and he called it an incredibly rewarding experience. “Until this year, I had never met with my member of Congress to discuss ag-related issues. I had no fear in letting them know about the ag
First District Representative Pete Visclosky (second from right) spent some time with his constituents Bill Bohling, Porter County; Mark Scarborough, LaPorte County; and Jake Smoker, LaPorte County. Photo by Jay A. Wood
Farm Bureau members from Indiana Congressional District 6 meet with Rep. Luke Messer. Photo by Andy Dietrick
INFB policy advisor Kyle Cline has a few minutes alone with Yoshiaki Fuse, first secretary for the Japanese Embassy, before meeting with the entire delegation to discuss TPP and trade. Photo by Andy Dietrick
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
5
AROUND FARM BUREAU
Ag Day 2016
County Farm Bureaus find many ways to showcase agriculture Wayne County board members handed out copies of the Indiana Ag Mag (a 12-page publication about Indiana agriculture created by Indiana Farm Bureau) to shoppers at Hagerstown IGA. Shown is Katey Burger (left) giving one of the magazines to a shopper. Shoppers were also asked if they wished to join Farm Bureau. Photo courtesy of Anne Smith The Greene County Ag Day event was held March 17 and featured a ribeye steak or pork chop dinner, agribusiness booths, scholarship presentations, educational seminars and prize giveaways. Photo by Aleta Crowe
Putnam County hosted an Ag Day breakfast (featuring the South Putnam FFA Parliamentary Procedures Team, which will be competing at the national contest this fall) as well as other activities. Photo courtesy of Heather Poynter
Grant County hosted a two-day “Kids’ Farm Adventure” March 16 and 17. More than 1,100 students from 16 different schools and programs attended. Photo by Casie Conley
Around 450 Whitley County first graders attended the annual Ag Day at the 4-H Center on March 9 which is hosted by the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District, Whitley County Farm Bureau, and the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Key to the success of the event was the Columbia City High School FFA chapter. Nine different learning stations were set up for students from seven local schools. Photo courtesy of Nadean Lamle
Kids in Hendricks County learned about modern farming equipment at the “Ag-opolis,” held March 19. More than 600 Hendricks County fourth-graders participated. Photo by Laura Ruhlman
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More than 530 fifth grade students from 7 Howard County schools learned where their pizza comes from at the Howard County Ag Day event, held at the Greentown Fairgrounds on March 22. Photo by Casie Conley
April 18, 2016
6
STATE & NATION
2016 Statehouse Visits 2016 Statehouse Visits Key
Significant legislative session for farmers and your county recognition program
1 Visit —By Chris Fenner 2ndOVisit rganizational Development Team 3rd Visit How can your county 4thFarm Visit Bureau capitalize on a successful legislative session where we had significant advancements with our priority issues? With huge successes in farmland taxes and road funding, there are many victories to thank legislators for their support. Your county Farm Bureau can continue to build its relationship with its legislators by hosting a post-legislative session to thank elected officials for voting positively for issues important to farmers in Indiana. We want you to receive the most credit possible in the County Recognition Program for your activities. You can receive credit for submitting a picture and a short article about your Statehouse visits, submitting letters to the editor in your local paper, and/or hosting post-legislative meet-
2016 Statehouse Visits Key 1 Visit 2nd Visit 3rd Visit 4th Visit
This map shows which county Farm Bureaus participated in one important facet of INFB’s legislative effort, and that is lobbying efforts at the Statehouse that qualify for the County Recognition Program. It does not reflect some of the other important and effective activities that counties participate in, such as meetings with legislators before, during and after the session back home in their districts.
Two AITC events scheduled —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team There are two upcoming Ag in the Classroom activities for teachers and volunteers. The first will be held April 28 at Dull’s Tree Farm in Thorntown and the second will be at Dow AgroSciences on June 11. The event at Dull’s will focus on activities suitable for classroom and community events, and attendees will leave with resources and supplies for several activities. Registration is $15 and closes on April 22, right about the time many members will receive this issue. If you’re interested in
April 18, 2016
attending, please call 317692-7830 to inquire about availability. The event at Dow AgroSciences will be the annual AITC volunteer update and
teacher workshop. More details and online registration will be available in the next few weeks. Registration will be required, and the cost to attend is $25.
Rural Youth/Young Adult reunion planned for Sept. 24 The biannual reunion for alumni of the Rural Youth/ Young Adult program will be Sept. 24 starting at 1 p.m. The event will take place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, and this
year’s theme is “Celebrating Indiana,” in honor of the bicentennial. For more information, email Pat Raderstorf Plank, plankds1@gmail.com.
ing for your membership. We also know that many of you have been working hard on your policy development resolutions this spring. Inviting local officials or other experts into those discussions, sharing your local policy with locally elected officials, publishing your policy resolutions to your membership, surveying your membership about their opinions of resolutions being considered in your county, or submitting your passed resolutions within two weeks of their approval are all boxes counties can check to earn recognition for their policy development efforts. Make the most of your efforts by publishing and sharing your county activities with local media outlets. Thanks for all your efforts so far this year and we look forward to continuing to recognize great efforts at our state convention in December later this year.
Members find their voice through policy development —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau’s lobbying and advocacy efforts were tremendously successful during the 2016 legislative session. Those efforts were all guided by policy positions determined during last year’s development process. With the 2016 session completed, policy development for 2017 is now underway. “It is important to understand the relationship between policy development and policy implementation,” said INFB’s Justin Schneider. “Members determine Farm Bureau’s position on the issues, and which of those issues should be top legislative priorities.” As a grassroots organization, all of Indiana Farm Bureau’s policy positions are developed from the bottom up. That process begins with issue education. INFB’s public policy staff works with members to ensure maximum availability and understanding of ag-related policy material. At the county level, Farm Bureaus conduct policy development meetings and ultimately submit recommendations supporting, opposing
or amending existing INFB policy. Counties may also propose new policy ideas. All submissions are reviewed by a resolutions committee, a smaller group which reflects all geographic regions, as well as a variety of member ages and commodities. Submissions approved by the resolutions committee are then presented for consideration at the delegate session. Farm Bureau delegates from each county gather once a year to make final determinations about the content of the INFB state policy book. “Our lobby team’s direction is based solely on the will of the members,” said Schneider. “Through the policy development process, members find their voice in government by telling us which important issues they would like addressed. We work with legislators to help those policy recommendations come to fruition.” Beyond meeting with lawmakers, policy development is another excellent way for members to become more civically engaged. At their core, all legislative successes at the Statehouse began as policy recommendations from Farm Bureau members at the county level.
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7
AROUND INFB
Wanted: Your input on the future of Farm Bureau —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team If you’re interested in giving input on the direction of Indiana Farm Bureau for the next five years, your chance is coming this summer. Twenty meetings will be held around the state to update the organization’s strategic plan. “We want to hear from all members, whether they’ve been active for 50 years or have never set foot in a meeting,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “Input from a wide range of members will help us build a plan to serve our entire membership and meet their needs for the future.” INFB’s strategic plan identifies the most important strategies to move the organization forward for a five-year period. INFB is using an outside firm, Equis Consulting, to facilitate the meetings. Any member can attend a strategic planning session. No registration is required and members may attend whichever of the 20 sessions is most convenient for them. See the list that accompanies this article for meeting dates, times and locations. A standard set of questions will be asked at each session. Read the next edition of The Hoosier Farmer for the questions and any updates on the meetings. If you have any questions about the strategic planning process, contact Mel Hollingsworth, 317-692-8067 or mhollingsworth@infb.org.
INFB Strategic Planning Meetings District 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
Date Aug. 2 Aug. 23 Aug. 3 Sept. 1 June 29 Aug. 24 June 9 Aug. 31
Time 7 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET 6 p.m. CT 6:30 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET
County La Porte Fulton Kosciusko Noble Jasper Tippecanoe Wells Howard
Location Wanatah Elementary School Fulton County Historical Society Crazy Egg Café Sylvan Cellars Event Center County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds 4-H Community Building County Fairgrounds – Block Building
5 5 6
June 28 Aug. 29 June 6
6:30 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET
Hendricks Montgomery Delaware
County Fairgrounds Whitesville Christian Church Second Harvest Food Bank
6 7 7 8 8
Aug. 25 June 27 Aug. 4 June 30 Aug. 30 June 2 June 7 Aug. 17 Aug. 22
7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET
Hamilton Monroe Sullivan Shelby Rush Dubois Vanderburgh Scott Ripley
County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds First Church of the Nazarene New Salem Lions Club Huntingburg Events Center County Fairgrounds - Activities Bldg. Scottsburg United Methodist Church South Ripley Elementary School
9 9 10 10
For more information visit www.infb.org.
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Hancock County Farm Bureau President Jon Sparks (left) visits with Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron as part of Kron’s project to visit all 92 INFB county presidents. Photos from the project, nicknamed “Randy Kron’s Tour de Counties,” can be found on INFB’s website, www.infarmbureau.org/infb/about-us/ tourcty. Kron will be taking a break for planting starting in April but will pick up the tour again in the summer.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
April 18, 2016
8
AROUND INDIANA
Northern Indiana Dairy Trail celebrates Hoosier milk producers —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Twelve Indiana dairy farms will participate in the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail this summer. The trail celebrates Indiana’s bicentennial, the Hoosier state’s long history of dairy production, and opens farms to the public. “Anyone involved in farming knows that sometimes our customers have misconceptions about the way food is grown and raised today,” said Jackie Barber, producer relations coordinator at the
American Dairy Association Indiana and marketing committee chair for the trail project. “Grocery shoppers today want to know more than ever about the farm where their food was made and they are demanding that farms be open and transparent.” On June 18, six farms will offer free tours from noon to 5 p.m. The following Saturday, June 25, the remaining five will open their doors to the public. Then on October 4, the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail will be a part of the Indiana
Bicentennial Torch Relay. Representatives from the dairy industry will carry the torch starting at 7:30 a.m. at Mybrook Farm in Middlebury, Ind. The goal of the dairy trail is to introduce Hoosiers, especially those who may not have had an opportunity to visit a working farm, to the people who are working hard each day to produce their food. “The 12 dairy farm families on the Dairy Trail are passionate about sharing their farms with their communities,” Barber said. “The Northern Indiana Dairy Trail aims to show that Indiana dairy farmers are passionate about taking excellent care of their cows, their environment, and their communities.”
To learn more about the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail, find a list of featured dairy
farms and see a full schedule of events, visit www.dairytrail.com.
Farmers needed for cover crop study
THF2015
To make it easy for grassroots members to participate in Farm Bureau’s membership efforts, we include an application form in most issues of The Hoosier Farmer. Cut out the application form below or make copies and give them to new potential members. Remember to have them put your name in the membership volunteer box and 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.
—By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Corn and soybean growers in much of central and northeast Indiana have the opportunity to provide yield data to show how cover crops – or the absence of – can have an economic effect on the farm. “With enough data, farmers will be able to see economic trends and how improvement in soil health impacts their bottom line,” said Justin Schneider, INFB senior policy advisor. “It’s especially important that farmers who don’t have cover crops are part of the data so that accurate comparisons can be made.” According to Purdue experts, while farmers recognize the importance of soil health and erosion control from a conservation policy standpoint, the lack of data on cover crops’ economic costs and benefits has slowed widespread adoption. This study is more expansive than most prior studies on cover crops. Rather than strip trials, whole fields will be logged. It will also cover an eight-year period, whereas previous studies often only looked
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at a single year of data. Purdue and the Farm Foundation have teamed to run the study, which is funded by a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Improvement Grant. Improved data on cover crops is an element of the Nutrient Management/Soil Health strategy that INFB is working on with other industry organizations. To join the study, farmers must provide yield data on up to five fields for the last five years and for the next three. Fields must be a corncorn or a corn-soybean rotation. Both fields with cover crops and those without are needed for the study. Irrigated fields are not eligible.
Farmers in 37 counties (listed with this article) may contribute their data, and those in adjacent counties may participate if the soil is similar. Farmers will be compensated about $1,000, or about $200 per eligible field, per year for their assistance. More information, including a program fact sheet and frequently asked questions, is available on the Farm Foundation website, www. farmfoundation.org, under the Projects menu. To sign up, contact Dr. Wallace Tyner, wtyner@ purdue.edu, or Stephen Lira, slira@purdue.edu. Farmers are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.
Eligible counties Adams Allen (western) Benton Blackford Boone Carroll Clinton Decatur DeKalb Delaware Fayette Grant Hamilton
Hancock Hendricks Henry Howard Huntington Jay Johnson Madison Marion Miami Montgomery Morgan Noble
Putnam Randolph Rush Shelby Tippecanoe Tipton Union Wabash Wayne Wells Whitley
Calendar of Events
Earth Day. Ag in the Classroom workshop, Thorntown.
May 18, 19 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. June 11
April 18, 2016
Ag in the Classroom volunteer update and teacher workshop, Indianapolis.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com