AITC Volunteer Marlene Fudge Page 7
Keeping Nutrients Where They Belong Page 5
INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around Indiana............ 3 Communication............ 4 Rules & Regulations...... 5 State & Nation.............. 6 Around INFB............ 7, 8
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
AUGUST 1, 2016 Issue No. 83
Congress sends GMO disclosure measure to the president —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team A Farm Bureau-supported bill that will establish federal pre-emption of state-by-state mandatory GMO labeling laws is now only the president’s signature away from becoming law. As of The Hoosier Farmer’s July 25 deadline, the president was expected to sign the measure, according to AgriPulse.com, The Hill, and other media reports. The bill will create a “uniform, national labeling system that will provide balanced, accurate information to consumers,” AFBF said. While Farm Bureau and other farm groups – and most scientists – continue to maintain that there is no public health or scientific justification for the bill’s mandatory disclosure provisions, the bill is necessary because it preempts what was expected to grow into an unruly patchwork of state-by-state mandatory GMO labeling laws. At the same time it preempts such laws, it also provides consumers with disclosure of biotechnology ingredients and information about their food that is balanced and accurate, explained Kyle Cline, INFB’s national government relations policy advisor. S. 764 passed the Senate 63-30 with the support of 21 Democrats, and it passed the House by a vote of 306117, with 205 Republicans and 101 Democrats voting in favor. Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
Indiana Sens. Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly both voted in favor, as did all but one of Indiana’s representatives. The exception was Rep. Luke Messer, who cited opposition to the government mandating statutory labeling on products that are proven safe. “Genetically engineered crops have a decades-long track record of safety and benefits for agricultural productivity and our environment,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. “This legislation helps to continue those benefits by avoiding the confusion of differing and potentially misleading labeling standards from state to state.” Duvall went on to say that the organization will “now begin the work of putting in place a uniform, national labeling system that will
provide balanced, accurate information to consumers.” Indiana Farm Bureau supported the measure and thanks all members of the congressional delegation who voted in favor of S. 764, Cline said “Farm Bureau also thanks all of our members who sent emails or made phone calls to their legislators in the last few weeks to ask for their support,” Cline said. “Members are encouraged to thank their congressman or congresswoman for their vote and support of this high-level priority issue during the upcoming congressional August recess period.” A brief summary of the biotechnology labeling legislation and key provisions is available on Cline’s Hoosier on the Hill blog, https:// hoosieronthehill.com/.
AFBF website offers election resources —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team American Farm Bureau Federation’s election website offers rural voters resources and information on the upcoming November elections. Election16.fb.org, which was created just last year, gives rural voters an informative look at everything from the campaign for president to local issues. Featuring on option to select a state, the website personalizes voting information for users. Farm Bureau advocacy and political affairs director Cody Lyon said the website gives rural voters information needed to make an informed decision in November. “We provide analysis of what’s going on (concerning) issues that may be important
to farmers and ranchers and rural communities,” he said. “And recently we’ve added a lot of voter resources.” Among the additions are summaries of Farm Bureau positions on key election issues, what the candidates are saying on these issues, and resources to help voters become well-informed on them. Following the Republican and Democrat national conventions, Farm Bureau will submit questions to each candidate on key issues to agriculture and post their responses, Lyon explained. “So we’ll know where Secretary Clinton stands on trade, for instance, or biotechnology or the farm bill or regulatory reform, and we’ll ask the same questions of Mr. Trump about the issues to farmers and ranchers around the country,” he said.
August recess is here
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Berne, IN Permit NO. 43
Each August, federal lawmakers return home to meet with constituents during what is commonly known as the congressional “August recess.” This narrow window provides an opportunity for INFB members to meet faceto-face with their members of Congress and senators to discuss the organization’s federal priorities for 2016: • Trade. • Regulatory reform. • Tax reform. INFB’s August recess page, infb.org/augustrecess, has background information on these priority issues, as well as a developing list of times/dates/locations of August recess meetings, which members are highly encouraged to attend. See also inside this issue of The Hoosier Farmer for an insert that will help members when they meet with their representatives and senators.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
News Bites —Compiled by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
‘Drone day’ to be held in Perrysville—
Vermillion County Young Farmers are sponsoring a “drone day” on Aug. 22 at Ceres Solutions’ Crops 63 location, 1260 E. 1450 N., Perrysville, IN 47974. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will feature a presentation from Chad Colby, a regular presenter on “This Week in Agribusiness” on RFD-TV. Colby specializes in the use of drones in agriculture and will discuss the rules and regulations associated with their use in the field. The day will also include a drone flight demonstration in the fields. The day will end with a catered lunch from The Beef House. There is no charge for the event and anyone is welcome to attend. No RSVP is necessary. For more information on Chad Colby, visit www.colbyagtech.com. (Vermillion County Farm Bureau 7/1/16)
Jay County site of new ‘Farm & Garden Expo’— Farmers and gar-
deners throughout Indiana, Ohio and Michigan are expected to attend the inaugural Rural America Farm & Garden Expo, Sept. 7- 9 at the Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana. The expo will spotlight a wide variety of agribusinesses and agricultural products from East Central Indiana, West Central Ohio and regionally. From crops, livestock, poultry, equine and gardening, the expo includes exhibitors, demonstrations, seminars and daily special events. The event is organized by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce. Among the exhibitors will be the Jay County Farm Bureau. Major sponsors include Habegger’s Ace Lumber & Building
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 Operations & Event Manager.......Chris Fenner Executive Director of Administration............................. Megan Ritter Controller..........................................Elaine Rueff Administrative Assistant...................Jill Shanley Executive Secretary.................... Beverly Thorpe Member/Data Service Program Coordinator.................... Anna Todd 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)
August 1, 2016
Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
Supply of Berne & Bluffton, POET Biorefining of Portland and Jay County Visitors & Tourism Bureau. The event is supported in part by the Friends of Jay County Agriculture Fund at The Portland Foundation. For information on the show’s hours and admission, visit www.jaycounty chamber.com or find and like the Rural America Farm & Garden Expo Facebook page. (Jay County Chamber of Commerce 7/11/16)
INFB Drainage School returns—Indi-
ana Farm Bureau’s annual Drainage School, a seminar focusing on Indiana drainage issues, will take place Aug. 24 at Jonathon Byrd’s Banquet and Conference Center in Greenwood, Indiana. The seminar is open to farmers, public officials, agency personnel, attorneys and members of the public. Continuing education credits are being sought for attorneys and surveyors. This year’s program features speakers on litigation, a regulation update, navigating through wetland laws, alternatives for wet-
Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation
Director...............................................John Shoup
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............................................. Katrina Hall National Government Relations Policy Advisor..................Kyle Cline Administrative Assistant ............. Diane Helton Senior Administrative Assistant .................................... Wanda Hunter
land mitigation, where to find technical assistance, reconstruction of a drain, right to access, surface water concerns and designing and permitting a drainage system overhaul. The program runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sign-up runs until Aug. 12 or until the program fills, whichever comes sooner. Individuals are encouraged to sign up early. Register online at www. infb.org/drainage. The seminar is $50, which also covers lunch and a flash drive containing all of the information. Contact Maria Spellman, 317-692-7840 or mspellman@infarmbureau. org, with questions. The event is sponsored by INFB, 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 and Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program. (INFB 6/16/16)
Young Farmer Summer Social planned for Aug. 13—This year’s State Government Relations Director................. Justin Schneider Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Associate Policy Analyst................ Shelby Swain Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White Public Policy Intern................... Kathleen Jacobs
Public Relations Team
Web Designer/Developer............. Diane Brewer Publications Managing Editor & Media Relations Specialist......Kathleen Dutro Marketing & PR Specialist................Mindy Reef 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 Membership Sales & Marketing Coordinator................Chelsea Poe Young Farmer & Youth Program Coordinator..................... Allie Rieth
Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers summer social will be held Aug. 13 at Forest Park in Noblesville from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Horseshoe and corn-hole tournaments, mini golf, carousel rides, playgrounds and volleyball courts will be available. A free lunch buffet starts at noon, and there will also be prize drawings and state fair tickets for those attending. In addition, there will be a limited number of roundtrip tickets for the Fair Train, which provides an unforgettable journey from Noblesville to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on a piece of Hoosier transportation history. The event is free but registration is required – visit www.infb.org/summersocial. Call 317-692-7846 or email odt@infb.org for more information. (INFB 6/3/16)
Agriculture secretary proclaims Aug. 7-13 ‘National Farmers Market Week’—
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13, 2016, as “National Farmers Market Week.” This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies. “Farmers markets are an important part of strong local and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow rural economies. In many areas, they are also expanding access to fresh, healthy food for people of all income levels,” Vilsack said. “National Farmers Market Week recognizes the growth of these markets and their role in supporting both urban and rural communities.” Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at farmers market locations across the country. To help farmers market managers across the coun-
try promote and celebrate National Farmers Market Week, USDA is sharing online free farmers market related graphics that market managers and others can use to customize posters, emails, websites and other promotional materials. The graphics, along with a short demonstration video, can be found at: www.ams.usda. gov/resources/NFMW. (USDA 7/11/16)
AFBF urges support for career and technical education bill—Career and techni-
cal education and post-high school job training and retraining are essential to the economic viability of rural communities. For that reason, the American Farm Bureau Federation is urging congressional support for H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The bill reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. In a letter sent to House lawmakers, AFBF encouraged reauthorization of the bill. “A skilled workforce is needed in rural America, just as it is in urban and suburban communities,” wrote AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Duvall pointed out the bill would provide agriculture education programs the funding assistance needed to create a well-rounded practical approach to learning through classroom education. This would include topics such as plant and animal sciences, horticulture, forestry and agri-marketing, in addition to hands-on supervised agricultural career experiences, such as starting a business or working for an established company. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce approved H.R. 5587 in July. AFBF urges the full House to promptly approve the legislation. (AFBF 7/14/16)
Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor 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
Duplicate Magazines If you are receiving more than one copy of The Hoosier Farmer®, please cut out both labels and return them to the address above.
Wayne Belden (1 & 3) Greg Bohlander (6) Andrew Cleveland (4 & 6) 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)
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.
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3
AROUND INDIANA
Farm fields needed to explore economic benefits of cover crops —From Farm Foundation Hundreds of acres of Indiana farmland are being studied by researchers at Purdue University at part of a project to identify the economic benefits and costs of cover cropping system. But more farm fields are needed. “Farmer involvement is a key component of this study,” explains Purdue University Economist Wally Tyner, who is leading the three-year project. “To achieve the most comprehensive dataset, we need to expand the acreage enrolled in the study. And we need both farmers who use cover crops and those who do not.” Through a Conservation Innovation Grant from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Foundation, in collaboration with Purdue University, is developing a comprehensive
dataset on the economics of cover cropping systems. The study uses entire field data, rather than data from strip trials. To better assess longterm effects of cover crops, eight years of data will be taken, rather than a single year. “Farmers tell us that one of the biggest reasons why they don’t adopt conservation practices is the lack of credible information about the economics of these practices,” Tyner adds. “We are seeking farmers to help us gather the data needed so we can compare economics of systems with and without cover crops.” To be part of this study or for more information, farmers should contact Tyner, wtyner@purdue.edu, (765)494-4191. To participate, a farming operation must be in one of 37 counties in central or northeast Indiana: Adams, Allen (western), Benton,
Sunflowers (and other less flamboyant crops) planted as a cover crop. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro
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, and Whitley. Both cover crop and noncover crop farms and fields are needed. Up to five fields
will be targeted on each farm. Only farms with corncorn or corn-soybean rotations on the targeted fields will be accepted. Farmers should be able to provide five years of historic data on the targeted fields. This will be combined with the data gathered over the three years of the project. All supplied and collected data will remain confidential, unless the farmer explicitly releases the data. Farmers par-
ticipating in the study will be compensated. Soil health test results will be provided to participating farmers. “Though we’re pulling data from a specific area, the results of the study will be relevant to much of the Corn Belt,” Tyner explained. “As part of the work, we will be developing best practices for data collection that can be used in the future in other regions.”
Reunion for former RY/YA members slated for Sept. 24 —By Jackie Leeuw Public Relations Intern Former members of the Indiana Rural Youth/Young Adult program are invited to
gather at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Franklin, Indiana, on Sept. 24 for their biennial reunion. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Indiana.” Throughout
Mineral rights seminar scheduled in Evansville —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Local Farm Bureaus are hosting “Mineral Rights: Knowing Your Rights Underground,” a free seminar for those interested in learning more about the laws and regulations affecting mineral extraction. “Although Indiana has a long history of mineral extraction, some recent developments have increased the need for landowners to carefully evaluate and understand the agreements they enter into,” said Mark Thornburg, director of INFB’s legal affairs team. “It’s particularly important for those who have ‘severed rights,’ a term that refers to situations in which the owner of the property rights for the surface of the ground is not the same as the owner of the mineral rights beneath it.” The seminar, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20,
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from 1-3:30 p.m. CDT at the Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds 4-H Center in Evansville, will offer landowners a look at regulations, land-leasing tips and how to protect personal rights. Due diligence when purchasing real estate, laws concerning severed minerals, forced leasing/development and mineral lapse in Indiana will also be covered. Farm Bureau staff will explain the organization’s policies on mineral rights. The program focuses on the interests of landowners; however, attorneys who represent landowners may find the information beneficial. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend. The program is sponsored by Gibson, Posey and Vanderburgh County Farm Bureaus and Indiana Farm Bureau. For more information, contact Maria Spellman at 317-692-7840.
the day, small excerpts will be read about the Indiana Bicentennial as it relates to past RY/YA activities. Registration begins at 1 p.m., followed by the program starting at 2 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. No reservations are needed. This year’s speaker will be Dr. Stanley Poe, former director of the education department at Indiana Farm Bureau. Past reunions have numbered around 125 people. The Rural Youth/Young Adult program was open to people ages 17 to 30 years of age. The program had three broad aims: education, recreation and community service. The peak of statewide membership was in the
mid- to late 1950’s with approximately 5,000 members. At one time or the other there was a Rural Youth Club in each county, though not all at the same time. The organization was in official existence from 1938-1989. The name was
changed in 1985 to Indiana Young Adults to attract more urban youth. Today, there is one club that remains active: Bartholomew County Rural Youth, which still operates an ice cream stand at its county fair and organizes an annual trip.
Producing pecans in Indiana topic of Scott County workshop —By Jackie Leeuw Public Relations Intern Scott County will play host to the first in Indiana of a series of workshops on pecan production. The focus of the workshops is to promote the propagation and planting of nut trees as an alternative crop in northern United States.
The workshop will have a number of speakers from the pecan breeding and hardwoods industries: Virgil Vaughn, cooperator with USDA ARS; hardwood specialist Jim McKenna of Lafayette; Dr. William Reid, USDA Pecan Experiment Field Station at Kansas State University; and Dr. L.J. Grauke, USDA ARS Pecan
Breeding Program, College Station, Texas. The cost of the event is $20 per person with lunch included. The event will also feature tours of the Vaughn Family Pecan Farm, located at 1208 W. Craig Road Scottsburg, IN 47170. Registration and information can be found at www.vaughnfamilypecanfarm.com.
August 1, 2016
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COMMUNICATION
Getting to Know You Survey on INFB communications INFB wants to know your ideas about the best way – or ways – for us to communicate with voting members. You can help by taking a few minutes to complete this survey on INFB communications. To participate, clip out this form and mail it to Indiana Farm Bureau (address: Indiana Farm Bureau, Public Relations Team, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206) or take the survey online at www.infb. org/survey. To be counted in the survey, written surveys must be postmarked by Aug. 31, 2016, and online surveys must be completed by the same date. Print Communications How would you rate the newspaper The Hoosier Farmer overall? Check one of the following: q Exceeding expectations. q Meeting expectations. q Almost meeting expectations. q Failing to meet expectations. What topics do you like to read about in the newspaper? Check all that apply: q State policy issues. q National policy issues. q General agriculture information. q Educational material. q Features on farms and Farm Bureau members. q Upcoming statewide events. q Upcoming district and county events. q Other (please specify):
Are there other stories or topics you’d like to see covered in The Hoosier Farmer? Please list:
Currently, The Hoosier Farmer is delivered by mail, but we’d like to know if you’d prefer other methods (e.g., email or mobile phone). Please check all that apply. If you’d like to receive it by email or text, please provide the necessary information. q Email. Email: _________________________________________ q Text. Mobile Phone: __________________________________ q Digital download from one of INFB’s websites (www.infb.org or www.thehoosierfarmer.org). q U.S. mail. Currently, The Hoosier Farmer is published 14 times per year. How satisfied are you with its frequency of publication? Please check the answer that best summarizes your feelings: q Yes, 14 issues is the right number. q No, it should be more frequent. How frequent? __________ q No, it should be less frequent. How frequent? __________ q I am not sure.
You may also take this survey online at www.infb.org/survey The Hoosier Farmer has its own website, www.thehoosierfarmer.org. How can we make the website more useful? Check all that apply: q Provide material (extra photos, articles and links) that supplements the articles in the print publication. q Provide updates to articles that originally ran in the print publication. q Provide news that is beyond the current scope of The Hoosier Farmer – for example, news about other ag organizations, coverage of farm issues that don’t directly involve Farm Bureau, extra feature stories on Farm Bureau members and their farms, additional county Farm Bureau news, and so on. q I am not sure. q I did not know The Hoosier Farmer had its own website. q Other (please specify): Do you have other ideas that will help us improve The Hoosier Farmer?
Electronic Communications Do you receive newsletters and other updates (either print or electronic) from INFB? If yes, please check all that you currently receive: q Ag in the Classroom newsletter. q Animal agriculture and/or CFO/CAFO NPDES rule implementation updates. q County Education and Outreach Coordinator newsletter. q Public Policy Dispatch. q It Pays to be a Member/Member Benefits. q Leader eNews. q Membership Chair Report. q County Board Report. q ELECT (PAC) updates. q PR coordinator updates. q Other (please list):
How satisfied are you with the frequency of electronic member communications received from INFB?
Are there things you’d like to receive electronically from INFB that we have not mentioned? Please list.
Website Communication – www.infb.org What is your opinion of our website and how can it be improved?
Where do you go for up-to-date agricultural information (news, stories, reports, etc.)?
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the communications you receive from INFB?
Farm Bureau Faces Julie Klarich, director of affiliate relations —By Rachel Schrage Special Correspondent If you have participated in Indiana Farm Bureau’s Leaders in Action program, Julie Klarich is probably a familiar face. Klarich is the director of affiliate relations for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and she serves as a liaison between the insurance company and INFB. “To explain it simply, my job is to work with both organizations in order to strengthen the working relationship between the two,” she said. Klarich’s job includes making sure that someone from INFB is included
August 1, 2016
in any decisions that will impact it. She also works with all five of INFB’s teams to figure out how we can better promote insurance as a benefit of membership. She travels the state talking to agents and marketing associates about the history of Farm Bureau, encouraging them to plan member appreciation events and teaching them how member benefits that can be used to sell a membership. Previous to her current position, Klarich worked for INFB as the training and development specialist and the professional development program director. She moved to her current role in 2013.
“My role in helping to unify the organizations is a win-win for members. They get to see that both companies are working more closely than ever before, and it will continue.” Klarich, often known to staff and volunteers as “Dr. Julie,” holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. In her spare time, she enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with her family. Klarich has two grown children, Victoria and Jacob, and a 3-year-old granddaughter named Sophie.
Julie Klarich, director of affiliate relations for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, poses at a Reds game. Photo courtesy of Julie Klarich
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RULES & REGULATIONS
Soil and Water
Keeping crop nutrients where they belong benefits farmers and the environment —Stories by Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Headlines about deteriorating water quality are numerous – and often troubling: “Iowa’s Nasty Water War: Des Moines’ lawsuit against farming counties is about more than just pollution,” says Politico in an article dated Jan. 21, 2016. “2015 Gulf of Mexico dead zone ‘above average’,” according to an Aug. 4, 2015, article from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Harmful Algae Blooms Putting Indiana Waterways At Risk,” Network Indiana wrote in July 2011. “There are a lot of things happening,” said Justin Schneider, who is Indiana Farm Bureau’s new state legislative director and also the organization’s chief lobbyist on environmental issues. Agriculture can’t take all the blame but there are actions farmers can take to reduce ag’s impact on water quality. “Farmers must be committed to keeping nutrients in their fields,” he added.
Fortunately, more current information helps farmers keep nutrients in the field and out of drainage water. Two key concepts in conservation that have been endorsed by Indiana Farm Bureau and other ag groups: building a soil environment that’s resilient and healthy, and applying nutrients the right way. In Indiana, two strategies are helping farmers to do both those things. The Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, which is led by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts but has numerous industry partners, focuses on soil health. The Fertilizer Institute’s 4R program emphasizes applying nutrients from the right source at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. Not every practice will help every farmer under every circumstance, but there is something for every farm – and the effect of the various practices is cumulative. It’s the cumulative effect that led Farm Bureau to push for a comprehensive strategy that doesn’t just focus on traditional conservation methods but requires sound nutrient management and farmers thinking
4R Nutrient Stewardship www.nutrientstewardship.com Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative ccsin.iaswcd.org Indiana Nutrient Management and Soil Health inagnutrients-public.sharepoint.com http://www.impactindiana.com
Focus on: Applying fertilizer ‘right’ There are a couple of good, basic reasons why farmers should carefully manage their fertilizer applications. For one thing, it saves money, and for another, it helps the environment. But another reason is that if farmers don’t do it voluntarily, it could be forced on them. According to The Fertilizer Institute, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project concluded that 60 to 80 percent of cultivated cropland requires additional nutrient management to reduce the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus from fields.” A big part of the means by which farmers can be more judicious in their fertilizer applications is to follow best-management practices. TFI and its partners have come up with a way to remember these called the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship. The 4Rs are: nutrients should come from the right source and be applied at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. The 4R message was developed by TFI, the International Plant Nutrition Institute, the Canadian Fertilizer Institute and the International Fertilizer Industry Association, but it’s also been endorsed by ag groups including Farm Bureau. The idea is that fol-
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lowing the right combination of 4Rs increases profitability and protects the environment. “There is value in following suites of practices – not just one,” said Lara Moody, senior director of stewardship and sustainability at The Fertilizer Institute. “They all work together, reflect off each other. There’s no one silver bullet that works for everybody.” While promoting the 4Rs to farmers through workshops, webinars and other forms of training (an online version of the training is available on the 4R website) is a major part of the program, there are other components, noted Moody. Among these are 4R certification for crop consultants and retailers and a “4R Advocate” program. For the advocate program, five farmers and their retailers are selected each year to serve as examples and to champion sound nutrient stewardship. Nominations for the 2016 advocates open Aug. 1. There is also the 4R Research Fund, which provides support with a “focus on measuring and documenting the economic, social and environmental impacts of 4R nutrient stewardship,” the program’s website says.
outside the box about what conservation can be. “Ag groups, government agencies, industry partners and farmers all agree that multiple approaches are needed to address nutrient loss in an effective and economical manner,” said Schneider. “At the end of the day, we believed that implementing a strategy relying upon the 4Rs and soil health was the best way to help farmers and keep a consistent message with two programs that are highly successful on their own.”
Focus on: Keeping soil healthy Once upon a time in agriculture, the term “conservation” was primarily used to refer to certain cropping systems. A farmer’s tillage system is still an important part of his or her conservation plan. But thanks to more research, the term is beginning to refer less to specific tactics and more to broader results. Soil health, explained Barry Fisher, region soil health team leader for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, can be boiled down to four basic principles: minimize soil disturbance, maximize soil cover, maximize biodiversity and provide continuous living roots. No-till or other conservation tillage systems, the use of cover crops, variety in those cover crops, intensive nutrient management and pest control – these are among the tactics used by farmers. The immediate effects of focusing on those principles are just what you’d expect, Fisher said: increased organic matter, improved aggregate stability (which refers to the soil’s texture), increased water infiltration and water holding capacity, improved nutrient cycling, and balancing and diversifying soil biology. In Indiana, the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative, a partnership effort of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Natural Resources and Conservation Service, Purdue and other industry partners, is taking a lead role in promoting soil health. A major focus, Fisher said, is cover crops. “As of our last survey, there were
right around a million acres of cover crops (in Indiana),” Fisher said. “That’s a number that’s expanded very, very rapidly since 2009.” The project is also working to help farmers assess their soil-health progress, similar to the way they can now use soil tests to assess soil fertility. Infield tests for soil compaction, active organic matter, aggregate stability and biological makeup are available now, but still needed are ways to standardize the tests. “Farmers need consistent guidelines on how to interpret those results,” Fisher said. “As we broaden the information and technology on soil health management, this is a management system that’s intended to benefit all farmers,” Fisher said. “It will provide resilience to climate change, it will provide economic benefits to farmers, but most importantly it regenerates and sustains the soil resource that is so important to every farmer.” Fisher encouraged farmers to attend one of the soil health workshops that are being held around the state. A three-day workshop is slated for Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Beck’s Agricultural Research Center (for more information, visit http://ccsin.iaswcd. org/events/), but farmers can also check that website or with their local soil and water conservation district for alternative dates. To be effective, a strategy has to work for both farmers and the environment, Fisher explained. “And it can,” he added. “That’s the thing. This system is very doable.”
July 11, 2016
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STATE & NATION
Risk versus refund: Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund —By Amy Cornell & Brock Burnick INFB Legal Team Recently the Indiana Grain Buyers and Warehouse Licensing Agency, administer of the Indiana Grain Indemnity Program, stepped in to protect the interests of farmers after a participant grain buyer’s business failed. IGIP was created in 1995 to protect farmers who are economically damaged when a licensed grain buyer fails, declares bankruptcy or otherwise loses its license. The program is funded by a farmer-paid premium of 0.2 percent of the gross price of their marketed grain (corn, wheat, barley, oats, sorghum, rye, oil seeds, soybeans and certain others) until the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund reaches its statutory cap.
Protection By paying these premiums, farmers are able to recover loss on investments with licensed entities. Those with financial losses (payables, delivered basis or deferred price contracts, bad checks) can expect a minimum of 80 percent of the total loss reimbursed through the process. However, Indiana code specifies that to be covered, the grain must have been delivered within 12 months prior to the elevator closing. Farmers with grain held on warehouse receipt or open storage will be reimbursed 100 percent of the value of the grain. From 1996 to 2015, the Indiana Grain Indemnity Fund has paid farmers approximately $4.2 million, involving 11 failures. Voluntary participation Participation in IGIP is voluntary. Farmers can request a refund at any
time, but those seeking the refund will be trading protection worth many thousands of dollars for a very small refund. When a participant requests a refund, they lose IGIP coverage forever until they (1) are re-admitted and (2) repay the refund plus interest. Simply paying the premium into the future will not protect producers who rejoin the fund for any loss they might incur on grain delivered for the previous 12 months. In addition to paying back premiums, they need to reapply and notify Indiana Grain Indemnity Corporation’s board of their desire to rejoin. Upon acceptance, all refunded premiums are required to be repaid, with interest, for a farmer to be fully covered. Farmers who do not repay premiums before a failure that causes them to lose money are not eligible to receive payment from the fund. If the farmer’s business entity has changed since requesting a refund (from a sole proprietorship to LLC, for example) and has paid premiums since without requesting another refund, the grain assets owned by
the LLC are protected. However, the farmer should contact IGIC to fully assess his or her specific situation. Some farmers exit the program by mistake. Perhaps they requested a refund many years ago, forgot about it, and now find themselves stuck when a grain buyer holding their grain fails. Producers should contact IGIC if they are uncertain. The 0.2 percent of grain sold is no price compared to what can be lost if a buyer holding your grain defaults on his debts. Recordkeeping The IGIC’s board may request some proof of the payment of premiums to the fund during the claims validation process. The burden of proof is on the farmer to provide all necessary supporting documentation for the claim. Without supporting documentation, the claims will be limited to the amount the IGBWLA determines from the licensed entity’s records. Producers should keep records of all their payments in case of a failure. Contact the IGBWLA at 317-2321360 for more information.
Trump/Pence creates domino effect in Indiana Tony McClellan, INDOT deputy commissioner for the Seymour district, addresses the July 11 meeting held in Seymour. Photo by Jay A. Wood
INDOT district meetings achieve priority goal —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Last fall, Indiana Farm Bureau members expressed interest in the organization fighting for farmers and rural residents to have a greater voice in local transportation and infrastructure decisions. That policy position became one of INFB’s priority initiatives during the 2016 legislative session. In July, Indiana Department of Transportation partnered with INFB to host a meeting for Farm Bureau members at each of their six INDOT district offices. The meetings were an excellent opportunity for members to find their voice in government by raising questions, comments and concerns about transportation and infrastructure needs in their community. “I am very pleased with how well the meetings were attended by our members,” said INFB Policy Advisor and Counsel Amy Cornell. “The meetings achieved their goal of facilitating dialogue and learning on the part of Farm Bureau members and INDOT staff alike.” Cornell went on to explain that farmers rely on quality roads to transport grain, livestock and equipment. That reliance makes it critical for Farm Bureau members to be engaged in transportation policy dis-
August 1, 2016
cussions, because they have such a profound impact on agriculture. Common issues members discussed during the meetings included roundabouts, chip seal, interstate developments (particularly I-69) and the process by which INDOT projects are chosen. Members are encouraged to keep the conversation by connecting with INDOT on social media: Facebook: Indiana Department of Transportation Twitter: @INDOT Members can also learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts by visiting indot.carsprogram. org. The information is also available by calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or dialing 511 from a mobile phone. To subscribe to receive text or email alerts from INDOT about projects, visit public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new. “These meetings have, I believe, created a greater understanding by our Farm Bureau partners of our processes, time lines and reasoning behind decisions we make about public safety and mobility,” said INDOT Deputy Chief of Staff Bob Alderman. “Our districts now have a much better understanding of the needs and concerns of the FB members and the agriculture community of our state. This has truly been and will continue to be a win-win for both groups.”
—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Whatever the rationale behind Gov. Mike Pence’s selection as Donald Trump’s running mate, the move has created a huge domino effect that has civics junkies statewide reviewing Political Science 101. New GOP candidate for governor Indiana law prohibits candidates from running for multiple offices in the same election. Since Pence is now running for vice president, he had to withdraw his candidacy for governor. Pence has withdrawn from the gubernatorial election; he has not resigned from office. Had Pence resigned from office, Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb would automatically fulfill the remainder of Pence’s term as governor, but he would not have automatically become his party’s gubernatorial nominee. The Indiana Republican State Committee was tasked with replacing Pence on the ballot. Since Indiana law prohibits candidates from running for multiple offices at once, if a Republican currently on the ballot for another office wanted to be considered for governor, he or she must first withdraw their other candidacy. And then there were three That rule applied to all three individuals – Holcomb, Rep. Todd Rokita and Rep. Susan Brooks – who have sought the IRSC’s nomination. Each withdrew from their current race in order to vie for governor, assuming some risk in the process. Fortune favors the bold The withdrawal of Rokita and
Brooks triggers a caucus meeting of precinct committeemen/women (grassroots party activists in their respective district) to fill the congressional ballot vacancy. If Rokita or Brooks are not chosen by the IRSC to be the new candidate for governor, he or she will have the option to run in their respective congressional district’s precinct caucus. That said, having an opportunity to be elected to serve in the 115th U.S. Congress would ride on winning that caucus. For Holcomb, having an opportunity to be elected this fall to continue serving in the state’s executive branch rides on being the IRSC’s chosen candidate for governor or, if the IRSC chooses someone else, being their subsequent pick for LG. (The IRSC’s selections for governor and lieutenant governor are expected to be made right around the time readers receive this issue of The Hoosier Farmer.) Ballot ballet Replacing Pence on the ballot threw a curveball to Democrat gubernatorial challenger John Gregg, whose campaign was focused on Pence’s record as governor. Meanwhile, Evan Bayh replaced Baron Hill as the Democrat U.S. Senate candidate, throwing a curveball to Rep. Todd Young, the Republican candidate. With so many races in the balance, it is crucial for Farm Bureau members to remain engaged in the political process in order to achieve positive outcomes for agriculture and rural America.
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AROUND INFB
Love of kids and agriculture keeps AITC volunteer involved —By Jackie Leeuw Public Relations Intern Marlene Fudge of Rush County retired after 45 years at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, but that hasn’t stopped her from staying involved in the Agriculture in the Classroom program. In fact, she was the 2015 Ag in the Classroom Volunteer of the Year. She first got involved in the program in 1990. What started out as tagging along to an Ag in the Classroom presentation with a county woman leader has turned into an incredibly rewarding pastime. “I went and helped one day at one school, so from then on, I just took time off of work to go help. Then, when I retired, I started doing more,” said Fudge. During the school year, Fudge
While working for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Marlene Fudge tagged along on a local county woman leader’s Ag in the Classroom presentation. Twenty-six years later, she’s still an AITC volunteer. Photos by Jackie Leeuw
travels to six preschools, five grade schools and one middle school. For Fudge, the most re-
warding part is seeing the kids outside of their classrooms. “They’ll run up to me at
Loos to headline INFB state convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Farm radio personality and agriculture activist Trent Loos will be the keynote speaker for the 2016 Indiana Farm Bureau state convention. “Trent fits well into our ‘Find Your Voice’ theme,” said Chris Fenner, INFB’s operations and event manager. “As a farmer, he felt he wasn’t hearing enough about the positive aspects in agriculture, so he walked into a local radio station and asked for a program. It’s been 15 years since then and his voice is still heard.” Loos’ presentation, “If Not Now, Then When?” takes place during the general session on Friday, Dec. 9, at
1 p.m. The session also features the County Recognition Program, Impact Awards and membership awards. A sixth-generation farmer who currently lives in Nebraska, he is the creator of “Loos Tales,” a radio show that reaches three million listeners on 100 stations in 19 states. “Loos Tales” is also the name of a column he writes for The High Plains Journal and other publications. Loos also produces the radio programs “Rural Route,” a one-hour daily program; “Dakota Trails and Tales”; “Colorado Trails and Tales”; and “Beer Proof.” Loos travels widely – he visited 22 states, Australia and Canada in 2015 – to share the stories of the men and women involved in pro-
duction agriculture. Learn more about him and hear his radio shows at his website, www.LoosTales. com. This year’s convention theme shares INFB’s current membership message: Find Your Voice. The convention is Dec. 8-10 in Fort Wayne. Registration will open no later than mid-September at www.infb.org/convention.
a grocery store or at WalMart and say, ‘You taught us about milk’ or ‘You taught us about pigs,’” said Fudge. The learning doesn’t just happen for the students, though. While planning her lessons for students, Fudge learns right alongside them. Fudge volunteers because of her love of agriculture and children, and she encourages others with the same passions to get involved.
“I think the younger we can get kids involved in agriculture, the more interested they will be later on,” said Fudge. For those interested in becoming involved with Ag in the Classroom, contact your local Farm Bureau or visit the Indiana Farm Bureau website (www.infb.org) and click on the Ag in the Classroom link.
MEMBER BENEFIT
Save 10% on all Grainger products.
Plus, deeper discounts on manufacturer’s list price on hand and power tools. Shop by phone, fax, in person, or online (FREE shipping at www.grainger.com). Wabash County Farm Bureau was one of 10 Farm Bureaus selected from a competitive pool of applicants to each receive a $750 grant from the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program to help fund “Our Food Link” activities. Wabash County’s grant was for its “Farmers Who Care” program, which provided ground pork to four food pantries in the area.
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Use IFB account #855921177. July 11, 2016
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AROUND INFB
Membership contest winners announced for June; August contest continues —By Rachel Schrage Special correspondent Harold Kleine and Laura Gresley, both of Allen County, are the winners in INFB’s June membership contest. INFB members who signed at least one new member in June were entered into a drawing to win a Char-Broil stainless 2-burner liquid propane gas grill and Char-Broil fourpiece grilling tool set. The June winner was Kleine. Additionally, the new members who were signed up in June
were entered into a drawing for an identical prize, and Gresley was the winner. For the August contest, each new voting member signed earns the person who signed that new member one entry into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card. If you sign 15 new voting members, your name will be entered 15 times. To be eligible, your name must appear in the “referred by” box on a new member’s application. Completed applications should be sent to: Indiana Farm Bureau, Attention: K. Rogers – Member-
ship Contest, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206. New voting member applications must be post-
marked by Aug. 31 to be entered into the drawing, which will be held at 3 p.m. on Sept. 6.
For more information on any of the contests and to see the official rules, visit www.infarmbureau.org.
Impact Awards showcase county activities —By Chris Fenner Administrative/Finance Team Has your county Farm Bureau made a significant impact or gained clout through a special activities or events during the program year (which runs Oct. 1 - Sept. 30)? If yes, then your county Farm Bureau should complete the Impact Award form. Your regional manager is available to assist you with
completing the application. Some general information about the Impact Awards: Up to three Impact Awards will be given in each of the five county recognition categories. A county must have met the Bronze level requirements in the goal category for which it is applying. A county may only submit one application per goal category. A county may not submit the same program in
multiple categories. Award applications must be signed by the county president, regional manager and district director. Applications are available from your regional manager. Complete and signed applications are due to the home office by Oct. 3, 2016. Email to odt@infb.org. Questions? Contact your regional manager or call 317-692-7853.
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.
Around 75 people attended the “Estate and Succession Planning for the Family Farm” workshop, held July 21 at INFB’s home office. Shown is Dr. Ron Hanson from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, one of several speakers who addressed the concerns that people have with passing the farm to the next generation. Photo by Mindy Reef
Calendar of Events
August 1 Application deadline for Young Farmer awards. 2-Sept.1 INFB strategic planning meetings continue. See www.infb.org for dates and locations. 1-3 INFB resolutions committee, Indianapolis. 5-21 Indiana State Fair. 11, 12 INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, Evansville. 12 Taste from Indiana Farms, Evansville Farmers Market. 12, 13 INFB Leaders in Action session, Indianapolis. 13 INFB Young Farmer Summer Social, Noblesville. 16-18 Taste from Indiana Farms, Indiana State Fair. 17 INFB Old-Fashioned Pancake Breakfast, Indiana State Fair. 20 Mineral rights workshop, Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds. 24 Drainage workshop, Greenwood. 25, 26 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. 27 INFB delegate session, Indianapolis. 30 Collegiate Farm Bureau call-out meeting, Purdue. September 8 Collegiate Farm Bureau call-out meeting, Vincennes University. 11-13 Collegiate Farm Bureau trip to USDA’s crop report lock-up, Washington, D.C. 12-14 INFB Leaders in Action trip to Washington, D.C. 24 Rural Youth/Young Adults reunion, 1 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds. 24 Taste from Indiana Farms, Columbia City.
August 1, 2016
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