The Hoosier Farmer - issue 80 by Indiana Farm Bureau

May Spotlights World Trade Page 4

Barn Beautiful Page 5

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

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

MAY 24, 2016 Issue No. 80

DLGF announces major drop in base assessment rate —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team With the passage of SB 308, the base assessment rate for farmland was estimated to be $2,020 for taxes payable in 2017. However, the Indiana Department of

Local Government Finance recently notified assessing officials that the agricultural base rate to be used for the January 1, 2016, assessment date will be $1,960 per acre. This means that farmers’ assessed values will be going down 4.4 percent rather

than 1.4 percent. “Farmland property taxes increased 63 percent since 2007, and the current levels did not match the state of the farm economy right now,” said Katrina Hall, INFB’s director of state government relations. “We are

pleased with the DLGF’s announcement because it means that Hoosier farmers will see even more relief as a result of SB 308 than was originally expected.” Members are always encouraged to review their tax bills and to investigate if

they feel as though the assessment is somehow incorrect. Initial questions about this change in value can be directed to INFB’s Katrina Hall via email at khall@infb. org or by phone at 317-6927805.

Indiana Supreme Court rules in favor Fortville remonstrators affected parcels appealed that ruling, so the case was brought before the Indiana Supreme Court. The Indiana Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Hancock Circuit Court, ruling in favor of the landowners. “The primary legal issue was whether or not the town of Fortville could prove that the annexation territory would be used for development in the reasonably near future,” said John Shoup, director of the Indiana Ag-

—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team After a three-year battle, opponents of a proposed annexation in Hancock County have won their case before the Indiana Supreme Court. In 2013, Fortville’s town council proposed annexing 6,000 acres and 383 parcels, which would have nearly quadrupled the size of the community’s area of just over 1,900 acres. The ambitious plan was later reduced to 644 acres and 97 parcels, but many residents remained committed to stopping the annexation completely. Hancock County Farm Bureau played a key role in Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206

ricultural Law Foundation. “The Indiana Supreme Court determined that Fortville’s annexation proposal did not meet that threshold.” This ruling might benefit other ag landowners who are facing the threat of annexation. While each annexation battle is different, the Indiana Supreme Court’s decision in the Fortville case upheld the rule of law stating that in order to annex additional territory, municipalities must prove that they

plan to develop that territory in the reasonably near future. Without that application of the law, municipalities could potentially seek to annex territory with only the claim of a possible longterm use. The success of the Fortville area remonstrators proves the saying that if you do not show up to the table, then you are likely on the menu, Shoup said.

spreading awareness about the annexation and raising money for the remonstrators’ legal fees. With the help of the county Farm Bureau’s grassroots organization and engagement, 93 percent of the landowners of the potentially annexed parcels opted to remonstrate and filed a petition to challenge the annexation proposal. The Hancock Circuit Court heard the petition and ruled in favor of the landowners. The town of Fortville appealed the circuit court ruling, and the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the circuit court’s decision, ruling in favor of Fortville. The landowners of the

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Sen. Joe Donnelly (right) visited the farm of INFB President Randy Kron on May 5 to learn a little bit more about agriculture and agriculture technology. Some media also attended the event. Unfortunately this year’s persistent rains prevented the senator from getting a little experience planting corn. Photo by Meghan Grebner

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

Farmer’s Almanac wants to introduce readers to ‘21st century farmers’—The Old

Farmer’s Almanac is looking for farmers willing to participate in a project that has the goal of introducing its readers across the U.S. and Canada to “21st-century farmers.” To participate, said Stacy Kusterbeck, contributing writer for the Almanac, all farmers need to do is answer five questions and mail the replies plus their name, city and state to her at staceykusterbeck@aol.com. Short answers (around 30 words or less) are best, she said in an email. The five questions are: 1. How or why did you become a farmer? 2. What is the hardest part of your job? What is the easiest (or best) part of it? 3. Planting by the moon’s phase is a farming and gardening tradition practiced by many Almanac readers. Do you have a favorite farming or gardening tradition? What is it? 4. What advice would you give someone who wants to be a farmer today? 5. What, in your opinion, is the future of farming? “I am looking for as much diversity as possible! (young farmers, new farmers, female farmers, minorities, etc...),” Kusterbeck added in the email. The best answers will be published in the 2018 edition. All responses will include the farmer’s name, city and state. (The Old Farmer’s Almanac 5/13/16)

Farmers hopeful e-approval system will speed up H-2A processing—With farm-

ers across the country losing hundreds of thousands of

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 Accounting Intern...................William Gabbard

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

May 24, 2016

dollars in crops as they wait for workers held up by a significant visa backlog, Farm Bureau is pleased to see the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the State Department launching a new online approval platform May 11 that will hopefully expedite H-2A processing. “Without workers in place to plant, tend and harvest, crops are going to waste while bureaucratic paperwork keeps piling up,” according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, who noted that it was Farm Bureau that raised the flag on this major breakdown in our foodgrowing system in hopes that agencies would find an immediate solution. “We believe USCIS and DOS are taking an important step to bring the H-2A processing system into the 21st century,” Duvall said. “However, farmers across the country are still experiencing delays due to this backlog that spans multiple agencies. We will continue to work with congressional leaders and the agencies to ensure farmers get workers by their date of need.” (AFBF 5/11/16)

Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge accepting applications—AFBF has opened online applications for its third Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. All applications, which include a business plan, video pitch and photo, must be submitted online by June 30. The competition provides an opportunity for individuals to showcase ideas and business innovations that benefit rural regions of the United States. It is the first national rural business competition focused exclusively on innovative entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.

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

Legal Affairs Team

Director & General Counsel.................... Mark Thornburg Associate Counsel for Corporate Compliance & Nonprofit Affairs............ Sara MacLaughlin Senior Legal Assistant............... Maria Spellman Law Clerk.......................................Brock Burnick

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

Cline launches ‘Hoosier on the Hill’ blog Kyle Cline, INFB’s national policy advisor, recently launched a blog called Hoosier on the Hill. When the General Assembly is in session, Farm Bureau members have several opportunities to visit the Statehouse and interact with their state lawmakers. However, traveling some 600 miles to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers is a much more elusive experience. The blog will “examine the issues and stories coming out of Washington, D.C. that impact American farmers and their rural communities,” Cline said. Cline’s blog offers a front-row seat to all of the happenings in the nation’s capital and provides insight into federal ag issues that INFB members will not find anywhere else. Visit hoosieronthehill.com to check out his latest updates. Competitors are invited to submit for-profit business ideas related to food and agriculture online at www. strongruralamerica.com/ challenge. (AFBF 4/29/16)

Purdue offers beginning farmer tours—Purdue’s Begin-

ning Farmer and Rancher program is offering new and aspiring farmers an opportunity to visit 10 Indiana agribusinesses and learn from Purdue Extension educators, producers and other experts about topics ranging from organic produce to aquaponics. The series of tours runs from May through October and includes stops throughout the state. The May tour stops occurred too soon for this is-

Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Associate Policy Analyst................ Shelby Swain Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White Public Policy Intern................... Kathleen Jacobs

Public Relations Team

Interim Manager ......................... Jan Vermillion 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 PR Intern.........................................Jaclyn Leeuw

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

sue of The Hoosier Farmer. But there are many stops remaining: June 25: Silverthorn Farm, Rossville. Organic fruits and vegetables, pastured pork and working with restaurants. July 10: Harvest Moon Flower Farm, Spencer. Flower production and selling at farmers markets. July 14: Melon Acres, Oaktown. Communitysupported agriculture and agritourism. Aug. 16: Greystone Farm, Lawrenceburg. Pasture management and the production of pastured-raised meats, eggs, honey and herbs. Sept. 8: Becker Farms, Mooreland. Multi-species grazing systems and producing your own feed for livestock and poultry. Sept. 29: River Ridge

Farm, Roann. Four-season vegetable farming, operating an on-farm store, and farmto-school programs. Oct. 7: Hawkins Family Farm, North Manchester. Poultry, hogs, cattle and vegetables and a discussion on processing meat. Oct. 20: Fields of Agape, Carthage. Developing partnerships and infrastructure to support grain farming. The tours are free, but registration is required. To register, visit Purdue’s online resource “The Education Store,” https:// mdc.itap.purdue.edu. Click on the “Workshops” link and then “Beginning Farmer Tours and Workshops.” For more information about the Beginning Farmer and Rancher program or the schedule, contact Kevin Gibson at 765-496-2161, kgibson@purdue.edu. To join a mailing list to receive updates on the farm tours and other events, send an email message to beginningfarmers@lists.purdue.edu. (Purdue 4/14/16)

Arnold Award honors those who preserve ag’s past—Indi-

ana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau present the John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation to recognize the preservation and continued use of historic farmingrelated buildings. The award is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer who combined progressive architectural practices with a deep respect for the natural and historic components of rural landscapes, including the farm owned by his family since 1820. The deadline to apply for this year’s award, which is presented on Farmer’s Day at the Indiana State Fair, is 5 p.m. on June 10. To apply, visit www.indianalandmarks. org and click on “Awards” or contact Tommy Kleckner at Indiana Landmarks, 812232-4534, tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org. (Indiana Landmarks 4/21/16)

Young Farmer & Youth Program Coordinator..................... Allie Rieth Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Member Services Coordinator........ Anna Todd Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent Agriculture Promotion & Outreach Intern........................Mallory Meyer

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

Magazine Design and Layout Davis Graphic Design www.davisgraphics.com

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)

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.

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

STATE & NATION

ELECTendorsed candidates largely successful in 2016 primaries —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Fifteen candidates endorsed by Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT, the nonpartisan political action committee associated with Indiana Farm Bureau, were victorious in the 2016 primary election. ELECT endorsements are made through a multi-step process, starting with recommendations from Farm Bureau members who live in the district. ELECT trustees will have the opportunity to endorse candidates in the general election this fall. In total, endorsements were made in 17 races, and ELECT candidates were successful in all but two of these. The following ELECT-endorsed candidates won their primary: U.S. House of Representatives • Jackie Walorski, Congressional District 2. • Todd Rokita, Congressional District 4. • Susan Brooks, Congressional District 5. • Luke Messer, Congressional District 6. • Larry Bucshon, Congressional District 8. Indiana Senate • Blake Doriot, Senate District 12. • David Long, Senate District 16. • Luke Kenley, Senate District 20. • Eric Koch, Senate District 44. Indiana House of Representatives • 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.

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

Monthly ‘barometer’ gauges confidence in ag economy —From the Purdue Ag Communication Service Two of agriculture’s major players are teaming up to produce a monthly nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy. Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture and the derivatives marketplace CME Group are partnering to produce the service, which is called the Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. Each month, the Ag Economy Barometer will provide a sense of the agricultural economy’s health with an index value. Results to calculate the index are obtained through a survey of 400 large agricultural producers. In addition, Purdue will bring its research and agricultural economics expertise to measure producers’ expectations of key farm economy drivers such as farm profitability; farmland prices; capital expenditures; row crop, livestock and dairy prices; and seasonal drivers such as seed, fertilizer and feed ingredient prices. The barometer provides a value for each month that is relative to the base period, which is the winter and spring months of 2015 and 2016, explained Jim Mint-

ert, director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture, professor of agricultural economics and the barometer’s principal investigator. A score of 100 would mean that the sentiment is unchanged from the base period values. Higher than 100 means sentiment improved from that period, whereas lower values would indicate sentiment declined. Quarterly, the index will

be accompanied by a webinar and in-depth thought leader survey. In the first survey, which was issued in April, the agricultural sentiment of U.S. producers increased to 106 in April 2016. “Overall, the general agricultural outlook is still difficult,” said David Widmar, senior research associate for the Center for Commercial Agriculture and lead re-

searcher on the Ag Economy Barometer. “A strong majority of respondents, from both the producer and quarterly Agricultural Thought Leaders survey, reported expectations of the next 12 months being ‘bad times’ financially across the agricultural sector.” A website with more information on the Ag Economy Barometer is at www. purdue.edu/agbarometer.

Dairy farms to open their gates to the public June 18, 25 —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Eleven 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. Perkins Twin Creek Farms is one of six farms that will be open to the public on June 18 from noon to 5 p.m. The Perkins family has been farming in Wolcottville since 1907. Herd size at the farm has been increasing steadily since 1982. The family currently milks about 450 cows and raises 2,600 acres of corn and soybeans to be used as feed and sold for grain. The Perkins family hopes that being part of the dairy trail will give them a chance to show the public what farmers do on a daily basis and offer insight on farmers’ practices. “Our family works hard each day to provide a qual-

Perkins Twin Creek Farms and 11 other northern Indiana dairy farms will be open to the public June 18 and 25 as part of the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail. Photo courtesy of Perkins Twin Creek Farms

ity product, and we are proud to be a part of the Northern Indiana Dairy Trail tour as Indiana celebrates its bicentennial,” said Kirk Perkins. “This tour is an honest representation of what we, and others like us, do and should help to bridge that gap with consumers.” On June 25 five more family dairy farms will open their doors to the public

from noon to 5 p.m. Among them is Phares Farm in Albion. Steve Phares and his son, Clint, milk 110 Holstein cows on their family farm, which has been in the Phares family since 1927. Clint is the fourth generation to work on the farm. The family uses rotational grazing practices in the warmer months and in the winter,

their cows stay cozy in a free-stall barn. “I think it’s important that the public understands what happens on farms and how we take care of our animals,” said Steve Phares. “We want to give them an opportunity to experience that firsthand instead of letting people outside of the farming community misinform them about what’s happening.”

May 24, 2016

SPECIAL REPORT

World Trade Month Studies show that Indiana farmers rely on trade Despite some recent campaign rhetoric by candidates of both parties, trade agreements can have a positive effect on the U.S. Indiana economy, particularly its ag economy, if done the right way. May is World Trade Month, and Indiana Farm Bureau is using this observance as an opportunity to highlight the numerous benefits of trade to Indiana’s farmers, rural communities and the general economy.

Of particular importance right now, said Kyle Cline, INFB’s national government relations policy advisor, is the need for Congress to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership (often referred to as the TPP). “Throughout the month of May, Farm Bureau will be highlighting the benefits of trade, with particular emphasis on urging Congress to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement,” Cline said, adding that a study by the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that TPP will increase U.S. net farm income by $4.4 billion. For Indiana alone, the TPP agreement is expected to increase cash receipts by $196 million

and net exports by $196 million and $98.3 million per year. (For more on how the agreement will affect Indiana’s farmers, visit www.fb.org/issues/tpp/ and click on the link for Indiana.) Indiana farmers rely on exports, according to both AFBF and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. In fact, Indiana is a leading producer and exporter of agricultural products, ranking 8th among the 50 U.S. states in the value of its agricultural exports in USDA’s most recent calculations. According to FSA, Indiana’s agricultural exports reached an estimated $4.8 billion in 2013, up from $3.8 billion in 2009. Indiana’s exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting about 36,200 jobs both on the farm and in related industries such as food processing, transportation, and manufacturing. Around $1.7 billion in soybeans and $410 million in corn were exported from Indiana in 2013, according to FSA.

World Trade Month Spotlight: Indiana Packers Corporation —By Kyle Cline Public Policy Team When the American Farm Bureau Federation released its economic analysis highlighting the benefits to Indiana agriculture of TPP implementation earlier this year, one of the numbers that jumped off the page was expected gains in the pork sector. A recent visit to Indiana Packers Corporation in Delphi, Indiana, not only confirmed the AFBF analysis but also provided a clear picture into the importance and growing reliance Hoosier farmers and agri-businesses have on customers outside of the United States. Founded in 1991 in Delphi as a fully integrated pork production company, IPC has grown to become a national leader in the processing of premium pork products. What began as a modest investment and beginning that included a daily processing capacity of 4,200 hogs per day now stands at 16,800 hogs per day which translates to 3.5 million pounds of fresh pork each day. In recent years, IPC has experienced significant growth which has included the acquisition of a “readyto-eat” processing facility in Holland, Michigan, and yet another pro-

May 24, 2016

cessing plant in Frankfort, Indiana. What is even more impressive, despite IPC’s rapid growth, the company remains committed to sourcing pork locally, with 90 percent of the hogs raised within a 150 mile radius of its Delphi facility. Over 50 percent of IPC’s total pork supply is sourced from Indiana farms. While around 70 percent of its current sales are generated from the domestic market, the international export markets have been critical to IPC’s growth and continue to be recognized as a strategic opportunity. According to Jeff Feirick, vice president for corporate planning at IPC, “Our company is experiencing tremendous growth which is in part fueled by increasing global demand in markets such as Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Efforts to further open market access for American pork products such as the TPP agreement are welcomed and will provide additional opportunities for our company and growers in the Midwest.” IPC exports to 30 different countries around the world and around 30 percent of IPC sales result from export markets. The two top export countries for IPC pork are Japan and Mexico, both Trans-Pacific Partnership (or TPP) countries.

Indiana

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

Indiana’s top five agriculThe Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will boost demand for U.S. farm and food products among nearly 500 million consumers in 11 countries across the Asia-Pacific tural exports in 2013 were region. By reducing tariffs and opening new markets for American agricultural products, the TPP will help increase farm income, generate rural economic activity, soybeans – $1.7 billion; and support local jobs. soybean meal – $442 million; feeds and fodder – $429 Top 5 million; corn – $410 million; Indiana and pork – $307 million. Agricultural Exports ------------------------------And trade can have a Soybeans 1 positive effect on other busiCorn 2 nesses, too, Cline noted. Feeds and Fodder 3 “Opponents of new trade Pork 4 Dairy 5 agreements argue that trade benefits agriculture at the expense of other industries,” he 43,200 $5.7 billion said. “However, a closer look Indiana jobs supported by Annual value of Indiana at the collective economic agricultural exports agricultural exports impacts in Indiana, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of ComTPP Highlights merce, shows a different picSoybeans ture,” he said: Tariffs are already low in TPP markets, but soybean producers will benefit from reduced meat tariffs that are expected to create More than 800,000 Indinew feed demand. Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on soybean oil and soybean meal. ana jobs depend on trade. Corn The state’s exports have Tariffs are already low in TPP markets, but corn producers will benefit from reduced meat tariffs that are expected to create approached $50 billion annew feed demand. Malaysia and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs within 5 years. nually in recent years. Pork Trade does not only benJapan will eliminate duties on nearly 80% of tariff lines, including processed pork. Remaining tariffs will be cut and the “Gate efit large multi-national Price” system significantly altered. Nearly all Malaysian tariffs corporations. Of the 8,258 will be locked in at 0% and Vietnam will eliminate tariffs. Dairy Indiana companies that exJapan will eliminate tariffs on cheese and whey and create port, 85 percent were small tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for whey, butter, milk powder, and evaporated and condensed milk. Malaysia and Vietnam will or medium-sized firms. eliminate tariffs on dairy products. Canada will eliminate tariffs on whey and create TRQs for cheese, fluid milk, butter and Among those leading the other products. charge is the auto sector. Exports of motor vehicles increased by an impressive 89 percent tion, including a few suggestions for between 2009 and 2014, topping 2 helping INFB with its trade advocacy million cars and trucks for the first efforts, are available on INFB’s World time in 2014. U.S.-built cars shipped Trade Month website, www.infb.org/ to China have risen sevenfold since trade16. 2009. “I hope that INFB members will There are several ways Farm Bujoin the conversation and inject some reau members can participate in the Hoosier common-sense into the onWorld Trade Month campaign, Cline going trade debate,” he concluded. said. A list of resources and informaSource: USDA-ERS 2014 State Export Data

Farmers must not take trade for granted —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron says that trade is important to Hoosier farmers – and that it’s important that farmers not take it for granted. “Trade’s extremely important for U.S. farmers and Indiana farmers,” Kron said. “Farmers in this country have been blessed with a lot of productive ground, and that means we produce a lot more than we use. We must have trade if we’re going to have strong, viable farms.” Kron bases this opinion partly on his years as INFB’s representative on the U.S. Grains Council (formerly called the U.S. Feed Grains Council), a nonprofit organization of corn, sorghum and barley producers and agribusiness organizations that supports free and fair trade worldwide. He added that with the decline in the ethanol market, trade has become even more important recently. Kron specifically noted the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership,

Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team

United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service

INFB President Randy Kron

which is awaiting congressional approval. Other countries are not sitting around waiting on the U.S. to approve the deal, he pointed out. “Other countries have already cut these deals,” he said. “Our market share is down tremendously.” www.thehoosierfarmer.com

SPECIAL REPORT

Barn Beautiful Barn project celebrates Indiana’s agricultural heritage —Stories by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Indiana is celebrating its 200th birthday this year in many ways. The state’s agricultural heritage is the focus of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission’s “Bicentennial Barns” project. The Bicentennial Barns project is partnering with several organizations (including Indiana Farm Bureau) to “celebrate 200 years of agriculture, architecture, history, culture, art and education,” the organization’s website (www.200barns.com) says. One facet of the barn project is compiling a list of the state’s “classic” barns, defined as barns that were built before 1950 and that are still standing and largely intact. (The barn registry is still open for submissions. For more information on how to register a barn, see the separate article below.) “This registry is intended to celebrate Indiana barns and bring atten-

Smoker Barn, LaPorte County, built in 1938. Photo courtesy of the Bicentennial Barns project

tion to their importance and value as icons of agriculture and the rural landscape,” the project’s website explains. To highlight the project, a panel of agricultural experts, historians and artisans reviewed all entries submitted by the December deadline and selected 200 barns – one for each year of Indiana’s statehood – for special recognition. Then the panel selected 10 barns that best represented Indiana and called them its “top 10.” “These barns were selected based on the on the integrity of the original architecture, the history and story, Sheets barn, Howard County, built in 1904. Photo courtesy of Tim Sheets

Allhands barn, Henry County, finished in 1900. Photo courtesy of the Bicentennial Barns project

Bicentennial Barns’ Top 10 Here, courtesy of Betsy Jones, program coordinator for the Bicentennial Barns project, is the project’s “top 10” barns: Allhands Barn Henry County Owner: Keith N. Allhands Singleton Barn Daviess County Owner: Cindy Barber Burcham Barn Porter County Owner: Roy Burcham Feightner Barn Noble County Owner: Mark Feightner Knigga Barn Ohio County Owner: Casey Knigga

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

Nedelkoff Barn Floyd County Owner: Bogdan Nedelkoff Rouch Barn St. Joseph Owner: Rebecca Rouch Sheets Barn Howard County Owners: Tim and Beth Sheets Smoker Barn LaPorte County Owners: Greg and Deb Smoker Wendel Barn Franklin County Owner: David Wendel More on these and other classic barns, including lots more photos, can be found at www.200barns. com.

purpose and overall aesthetics,” the website says. The winning barns will be celebrated throughout the rest of the year and via a traveling exhibit. “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,” the website says. “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.” A few of the top 10 barns are pictured on this page. Photos and information on all of the top 10 – as well as many other wonderful old barns – can be found at www.200indianabarns. com/top-10-barns.html and www.200indianabarns.com/ourbarns-our-stories.html.

Wanted: Information on Indiana’s historic barns Even if you missed out on the contest, if you own or know of a historic Indiana barn, the Bicentennial Commission wants to hear about it. As part of the state’s ongoing bicentennial celebration, the commission is compiling a registry of all historic barns (that is, barns built before 1950) that remain in Indiana. The collected information will become historical record. It may also be used in the development of an educational exhibit that will travel the state of Indiana and, in the future, to develop a cultural tourism trail and other programs that will celebrate Indiana barns. To submit information on a barn,

visit the Bicentennial Barns of Indiana website, www.200indianabarns. com, click on the “How to Register” link and fill out the entry form. The basic criteria for the registry are as follows: • Barn must be located in Indiana • Barn must be standing. • Barn must be constructed prior to 1950. Applicants are also asked to submit four photos showing the four exterior sides of the structure. The photos must be current (taken no earlier than December 2014), not historical, because the program is intended to celebrate structures that have been maintained and are still standing.

May 24, 2016

AROUND INFB

IFB Strategic Planning Meetings Date June 2 June 6 June 7 June 9 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30

Time 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET 6 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET

County Dubois Delaware Vanderburgh Wells Monroe Hendricks Jasper Shelby

Location Huntingburg Events Center Second Harvest Food Bank County Fairgrounds - Activities Bldg. 4-H Community Building County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds First Church of the Nazarene

Address 110 E. 14th Street, Huntingburg, IN 47542 6621 N. Old 3, Muncie, IN 47303 201 E. Booneville-New Harmony Rd., Evansville, IN 47725 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton, IN 46714 5700 W. Airport Road, Bloomington, IN 47403 1900 E. Main Street, Danville, IN 46122 2671 W. Clark Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978 2315 South Riley Highway (SR 9), Shelbyville, IN 46176

Aug. 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 4

7 p.m. CT 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET

La Porte Kosciusko Sullivan

Wanatah Elementary School Crazy Egg Café County Fairgrounds

309 School Drive, Wanatah, IN 46390 4217 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw, IN 46580 1301 E. County Road 75 N., Sullivan, IN 47882

Aug. 17 Aug. 22 Aug. 23 Aug. 24 Aug. 25 Aug. 29 Aug. 30 Aug. 31 Sept. 1

7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 7 p.m. ET 6:30 p.m. ET

Scott Ripley Fulton Tippecanoe Hamilton Montgomery Rush Howard Noble

Scottsburg United Methodist Church South Ripley Elementary School Fulton County Historical Society County Fairgrounds County Fairgrounds Whitesville Christian Church New Salem Lions Club County Fairgrounds - Block Building Sylvan Cellars Event Center

615 South Honeyrun Pkwy., Scottsburg, IN 47170 1568 S. Benham Road, Versailles, IN 47042 37 E 375 N Rochester, IN 46975 1010 Teal Road, Lafayette, IN 47905 2003 Pleasant Street, Noblesville, IN 46060 3603 S. Ladoga Road, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 4324 US 52, Rushville, IN 46173 610 E. Payton Street, Greentown, IN 46936 2725 E. Northport Road, Rome City, IN 46784

Get ready to help with the INFB strategic plan —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team As covered in the last edition of The Hoosier Farmer, Indiana Farm Bureau will embark on a 20-meeting mission this summer to collect feedback for the organi-

zation’s next strategic plan. Any members who want to offer their opinions on the future of INFB may attend; no registration is necessary. Five core questions will be asked during the meetings: What are the key benefits you derive from being

a member of Indiana Farm Bureau? How can Indiana Farm Bureau help you meet the challenges in agriculture that you will be facing over the next five years? What suggestions do you have for improving the ser-

For more information, visit www.infb.org

vices you receive from Indiana Farm Bureau? What’s important for the county Farm Bureau to be focusing on over the next five years? What’s important for the state Farm Bureau to be focusing on over the next five

years? Meetings will last approximately two hours. See the list that accompanies this article for meeting dates, times and locations.

Counties can reach recognition goals in many different ways —By Chris Fenner Organizational Development Team There are still lots of activities county Farm Bureaus can participate in to reach their county recognition goals. Listed below are some opportunities for county Farm Bureaus to receive credit through INFB’s County Recognition Program. If you have any questions about any of these opportunities, contact your regional manager or Chris Fenner, 317-692-7844, cfenner@ infb.org. Membership Section • County Farm Bureau conducted a new member campaign prior to Sept. 30.

• County volunteers signed at least six new primary members by Sept. 30. • At least one young farmer member was recruited either as a new member or by involving him/her in a county Farm Bureau activity. • At least three new primary memberships were written by young farmers under age 36. Issue Engagement Section • Policy recommendations approved by the voting members were published in a local newspaper and/or made available to voting members in a letter, postcard, newsletter, county website or county Facebook page. • Policy development com-

Spencer County’s Springtime on the Farm event hosted area 3rd graders, who spent the day at the local community center learning about agriculture. Photo by Derika Spaetti

May 24, 2016

mittee completed a review and recommendation process of local, state or national issues and any passed resolutions were submitted to INFB through the policy recommendation reporting system by June 15. • County Farm Bureau promoted standards of animal care with livestock exhibitors and the public at the county fair or some other event. Influential Organization Section • At least three member contacts were made on a local regulatory issue such as local zoning and reported to the INFB public policy team. • At least two members made contact with their member of Congress or that member’s staff on a federal priority issue and reported the activity to the INFB public policy team. • County Farm Bureau held a “Meet the Candidate,” “Meet Our Public Officials” or “Learn about the Referendum” event. • County Farm Bureau increased visibility by presenting local policy positions and priorities to local officials such as county commissioners, county council, schools, township

Orange County’s 2016 Ag Day celebration. Photo by Laura Ruhlman

officials or others, including appointed officials. Young Farmers and Youth • County Farm Bureau assisted or participated with a 4-H or 4-H junior leader activity or program (livestock purchasing, scholarships, sponsorships, etc.) • County Farm Bureau hosted or co-hosted a farm tour or agriculture event for youth under 18 years old. • County Farm Bureau sponsored or hosted a safety program or event for youth. Public Relations Section • County Farm Bureau manned a booth at a county fair, festival or farmers market that included an interactive element

such as a game or contest. • Members created and executed a local food tasting event for a key audience that featured local growers, processors and/or businesses. • County Farm Bureau awarded one or more scholarships for an adult continuing his/her education (may include national Ag in the Classroom conference, professional development, technology, Leaders in Action program, vocational or trade programs, ServSafe certification, etc.) Keep up the great work of promoting agriculture and improving the lives of members of your county Farm Bureaus!

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

AROUND INFB

Summer Schools Farm Bureau is offering several educational opportunities in July, August Estate and Succession Planning for the Family Farm Who should attend: Anyone who is part of a family farm they’d like to see continue to be a farm in the future. Multiple generations of families will find value attending together. What you’ll learn: The six steps of succession planning from Dr. Ron Hanson, why your land values matter, the role an accountant plays, legal tools to use and elder care considerations. When: Thursday, July 21, 8:50 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EDT Where: INFB home office, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Registration: $35, www.inaglaw.org/estateplan Sponsors: Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Indiana Pork and Farm Credit Mid-America Other information: Continuing legal education credits are being sought; an extra fee will apply.

Mineral Rights: Knowing Your Rights Underground Who should attend: Landowners with questions about mineral rights, especially those who own the surface rights but not the mineral rights. What you’ll learn: How mineral rights affect a real estate purchase; how the law concerning severed mineral rights works; what happens when there’s forced leasing or development; and Farm Bureau policy on mineral rights issues. When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 1-3:30 p.m. CDT Where: Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds, 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Rd., Evansville, IN 47725 Registration: None Sponsors: Posey, Vanderburgh and Gibson County Farm Bureaus.

Drainage School: How to Understand the Laws Impacting Drainage Decisions Who should attend: Farmers, landowners, lawyers, public officials and agency personnel. What you’ll learn: Current litigation and regulations, how wetland laws can affect landowners, where to find technical assistance, surface water concerns and access issues. When: Wednesday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. EDT Where: New, larger location – Jonathan Byrd’s Banquet and Conference Center, 100 Byrd Way, Greenwood, IN 46143 Registration: $50, online in early June at www.infb.org/ drainage Other information: Continuing education credits for surveyors and attorneys are being sought. Partners: Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, Association of Indiana Counties, Indiana Association of County Commissioners, County Surveyors Association of Indiana, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program.

Who’s who at Farm Bureau

Women’s leadership program coordinator Ashley Beasley —By Rachel Schrage Public Relations Team Many Hoosier Farmer readers probably recognize Ashley Beasley as a familiar Farm Bureau face because she began working for INFB in 2014 as a program assistant. In December 2015, however, she was promoted to the role of women’s leadership program coordinator. In her new role, Beasley coordinates women’s leadership programs and works directly with the state’s Women’s Leadership Committee. She helps to coordinate INFB Spring Conference and other programs for the WLC and for education and outreach coordinators around the state. “I have enjoyed learn-

ing so much about farming and agriculture through the people who know it best,” Beasley said. “I have become a strong advocate for agriculture in these last two years despite being brought up in an urban setting with no direct connection to the farm. It’s all because of the wonderful members of Indiana Farm Bureau and the great organization we represent. “I hope to continue to share agriculture’s story with others in my current role and with others in my personal life.” Outside of work, Beasley is working to complete her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, which she will finish in December. She has two daughters, Lauren, 7, and Alyssa, 5. She

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Ashley Beasley promoted last winter to women’s leadership program coordinator. She is shown here with her two daughters, Lauren and Alyssa.

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‘Our Food Link’ grants available The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee is offering up to ten $750 competitive grants to county or state Farm Bureaus to assist in “Our Food Link” projects. The deadline for applications is May 31. OFL is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus can use to reach consumers with information on food production and systems. Grant applications can be downloaded at www.fb.org/ programs/ourfoodlink/ and

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

must be submitted on the fillable PDF form to Maggie Dean, maggied@fb.org. Review by state Farm Bureau staff is required for all applications submitted. Applications will be reviewed, scored and ranked by judges on measurable criteria relating to the project plan and innovation. OFL grant recipients will be announced in early June. Organized into three categories, this year’s OFL toolkit features projects perfect for showcasing activities

geared towards Farm-toFork, Farm-to-School and Farm-to-Community. Suggested activities range from consumer outreach at supermarkets or farmers’ markets to hosting interactive booths at community events. Activities may also include the collection of food and monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities www.rmhc.org/ or other charities. Our Food Link projects and participation are open to all Farm Bureau members.

For reservations call: 877.670.7088

ID #8000002053 must be mentioned at time of reservation.

For reservations call: 877.670.7088

ID #8000002053 must be mentioned at time of reservation.

For reservations call: 877.670.7088 May 24, 2016

AROUND INDIANA

Calendar of Events

June 10 INFB Women’s Leadership Committee meeting, Indianapolis 11 Ag in the Classroom volunteer update and teacher workshop, Indianapolis. 15, 16 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. 20-24 National Ag in the Classroom conference, Litchfield Park, Arizona. July 21 Estate and Succession Planning workshop, Indianapolis. 28, 29 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis.

Deadline is June 17 for conservation award —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team The application deadline is June 17 for the River Friendly Farmer Award, which recognizes farmers who through good production management practices help keep Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams clean. River-Friendly Farmers are selected for this award by their local soil and water conservation district

based upon their management practices. The award is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the ninety-two local soil and water conservation districts, and Indiana Farm Bureau. Annually, each county SWCD may nominate up to two farmers who do an outstanding job of protecting their rivers, lakes and streams through their everyday conservation manage-

ment practices on the farm. Watershed organizations also may nominate farmers for the award by submitting an application to a county SWCD. For information and a link to the application form, visit iaswcd.org/river-friendlyfarmer-award. If you have any problems, contact the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at info@iaswcd.org.

Get fired up for the June membership contest —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team

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.

Summer membership contests are back, and the prizes in June will make your cookouts a little easier. Voting members who sign up a new voting member between June 1 and June 30, 2016, will be entered to win a Char-Broil stainless 2-burner (20,000-BTU) liquid propane gas grill and Char-Broil 4-piece grilling tool set. To be eligible, the name

of the Farm Bureau voting member volunteer signing up the new voting member must appear in the “referred by” box on a new member’s application. Volunteers will receive one entry for every new voting member that they sign. The new members those volunteers sign will be entered in a similar drawing. Any new voting member signed between June 1 and June 30, 2016, will be entered to win a prize package identical to the one that the

volunteers are eligible for. New members’ names will only be entered once for the drawing. Membership applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2016. The drawings take place on July 6. Send completed applications to the INFB office: Indiana Farm Bureau, Attention: K. Rogers – Membership Contest, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206. For more information and to see official rules, visit www.infb.org.

State and District Scholarship Winners Congratulations to the winners of the following scholarships sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau and the Farm Bureau Foundation: Marion Stackhouse Scholarship ($1,000) Emily Dougherty, Johnson County Collegiate Farm Bureau ($1,000) Morgan Ritzi, Purdue University – Dearborn County Jacob Taylor, Purdue University – Clinton County Farm Bureau Foundation ($500) District 1: Luke T. Kepler, Marshall County District 2: Jenna Niemeyer, Allen County District 3: Jacob Taylor, Clinton County District 4: Cody E. Colbert, Tipton County District 5: Noah R. Poynter, Putnam County District 6: Parker Mohr, Hancock County District 7: Megan Hawkins, Martin County District 8: Emily Dougherty, Johnson County District 9: Travis Koester, Posey County District 10: Morgan Ritzi, Dearborn County For information on these and other scholarships offered through Farm Bureau, visit INFB’s website, www.infb.org, and under the “Who We Are” tab, click on “Grants/Scholarships.”

May 24, 2016