The Hoosier Farmer - issue 84 by Indiana Farm Bureau

Petersons to Present at INFB Convention Page 7

County Fair Connections Pages 4, 5

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

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

AUGUST 22, 2016 Issue No. 84

Delegates to consider 2016-2017 policy on August 27 —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau’s resolutions committee completed its work Aug. 3, just in time for the annual delegate session, which will be Aug. 27 in Indianapolis. The delegate session convenes at 9:30 a.m. in Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel’s Hall of Champions. Policy recommendations submitted by members at the county level are evaluated each August during the annual meeting of the state

resolutions committee. The resolutions committee received a total of 746 recommendations, including: • 168 relating to local government issues. • 465 relating to state government issues. • 96 relating to federal government issues. The committee’s report on these submissions will be voted on during the delegate session. The outcome of the delegate session will determine INFB’s public policy positions for 2017. True to the grassroots

nature of the organization, Farm Bureau’s actions in the public policy arena are guided by positions on legislative and regulatory matters, as determined by the voting membership. These positions are generated from the bottom up, starting at the local level. This structure ensures that the policy direction of the organization is reflective of the majority opinion of the voting membership at large. The resolutions committee consists of one member from each INFB district (county

presidents who serve on a rotating cycle), one member from each INFB policy advisory group, one State Young Farmer Committee member and one collegiate Farm Bureau member. That blended makeup ensures that every region of the state has a voice, that Farm Bureau’s next generation has a voice, and that experts on specific policy matters are available for guidance. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to have a seat at the table. Farm Bureau is most effective and

influential when members show up to the table by being actively engaged in the policy and political arenas. “Indiana Farm Bureau was tremendously successful during the 2016 legislative session,” said INFB Vice President Kendell Culp, who also chairs the resolutions committee. “The foundation of that success stems from having a grassroots network of famers statewide who engage in the public policy process.”

Farm bill discussions should be in your future —From the INFB Public Policy Team

INFB President Randy Kron (shown in a blue shirt seated in the middle of the left-hand row) and Sen. Joe Donnelly (in a blue shirt seated in the middle of the right-hand row) join other guests on Aug. 11 at one of the special “thresher dinners” held periodically at Pioneer Village during the state fair. Kron also joined Donnelly at a news conference on the future of agriculture. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

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Even though the current farm bill has been in effect for only one crop cycle, it is time for Farm Bureau to start getting its policy ideas in a row, said Indiana Farm Bureau public policy director Katrina Hall. It appears the American Farm Bureau Federation may be asked to testify before the House and Senate ag committees on the 2018 farm bill as early as March 2017, Hall said. Indiana Farm Bureau is one of 16 state Farm Bureaus that have been asked to bring ideas to the AFBF 2018 Farm Bill Working Group headed by Mary Kay Thatcher, AFBF senior director of congressional relations. Hall is representing Indiana on this group, which will be meeting once a month from July through November. The working group will surface issues upon which a solid base of information and analyses can be prepared and made available to farmers and ranchers across

the country. INFB will be making AFBF’s work available to members and assembling its own farm bill task force to discuss issues and report to the delegates at the state convention in December in Fort Wayne. “It’s time to thoroughly discuss how to address existing problems with the current farm bill and to take note of what is working

well. Issues will be also be reviewed by AFBF by region and commodity,” Hall said. Input will be taken from all state Farm Bureaus so that all can be fully briefed and prepared for the resolutions committee meeting in December and also for the discussions at the AFBF annual convention in January.

NEWS IN BRIEF

—By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team The second full week of July significantly altered the political landscape in Indiana. On July 11, it was announced that Evan Bayh would be replacing Baron Hill as the Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate. Todd Young, the Republican candidate, was considered the odds-on favorite to defeat Hill, but he will now have to face Bayh, who brings strong name identification and a $9 million war chest. Majority control of the U.S. Senate is expected to come down to a handful of tight races. Bayh’s return to the fray increases the competitiveness not only of the Senate race in Indiana but also of the big-picture battle that will determine which party ends up with a majority of members in the upper chamber. Bayh’s entry into the Senate race came just five days before Donald Trump officially announced that Gov. Mike Pence would be his vice presidential running

mate. Since Indiana law prohibits candidates from running for multiple offices in the same election, Pence removed his name from the gubernatorial ballot, prompting the Indiana Republican State Committee to select a new candidate. The IRSC chose Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb to be the Republican gubernatorial nominee. Holcomb asked Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s auditor of state, to be his running mate. She agreed and was approved by the IRSC a few days later. The Demo-

cratic candidate, John Gregg, had earlier picked State Rep. Christina Hale as his running mate. Indiana Farm Bureau sponsored a lieutenant governor debate at the state fair this year where Crouch and Hale faced off. The women discussed a wide range of ag-related topics, including economic development and trade, road funding and infrastructure needs, rural broadband, annexation and more. Full video of the debate can be found on Hoosier Ag Today’s YouTube channel.

Photos by Jay A. Wood

LG candidates debate as Indiana’s ballot settles

State Auditor Suzanne Crouch

State Rep. Christina Hale

Rain put a bit of a damper on the 2016 Young Farmer summer social, held Aug. 13 in Noblesville, but young farmers from around the state still gathered in Forest Park for fun, food and tickets to the Indiana State Fair. Photo by Allie Rieth

President signs national biotech disclosure into law —From the AFBF Communications Department & Kathleen Dutro INFB PR Team President Barack Obama has signed into law a Farm Bureau-supported measure that replaces a patchwork of state GMO labeling laws with a uniform, national disclosure system that will provide balanced, accurate information to consumers. “We are pleased that Congress and the administration have moved swiftly to prevent consumer confusion and protect agricultural innovation,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall 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

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 22, 2016

said in a statement. “While the bill is by no means perfect, it provides a commonsense compromise that protects agricultural innovation and prevents the stigmatization of biotechnology, while at the same time providing consumers with the information that some increasingly demand,” said Kyle Cline, INFB national government relations policy advisor. It is based on a mandatory disclosure mechanism that requires food companies to provide information through an on-package statement, symbol or some other means of electronic disclosure abiding by standards de-

veloped and regulated by USDA. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has one year to study consumer access to digitally disclosed information and two years to finalize a rule implementing the law. Other key elements of the new law, which was signed July 29: • Federal preemption effective date of enactment that protects interstate commerce and prevents state-by-state labeling laws. • USDA will direct formal rulemaking to set national definitions and standards for the labeling of prod-

ucts; prohibits the use of disparaging information relative to biotechnology. • Narrow definition of bioengineering for labeling purposes aimed at protecting new breeding techniques. • Food manufacturers defined by AMS as “very small” are exempt from the disclosure requirement. • Meat and dairy products would not be considered GMO products just because the animals were fed GMO feed, and products such as soup in which meat is the lead ingredient would be exempt. However, animals

that are genetically engineered would fall under the requirements. • USDA would have no authority to recall products that do not comply with the labeling requirements, and there would be no federal penalties for violations. States, however, could impose fines for violations of the standards under state consumer protection rules. • Products that are certified organic by USDA could be labeled as non-GMO. AMS has established a website for the new biotech program: www.ams.usda. gov/rules-regulations/gmo.

Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation

State Government Relations Director................. Justin Schneider Livestock Development Specialist... Greg Slipher Associate Policy Analyst................ Shelby Swain Direct Retail Business Specialist....... Bob White

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

Public Relations Team

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.

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

Public Policy Team

Director............................................. Katrina Hall National Government Relations Policy Advisor..................Kyle Cline Administrative Assistant ............. Diane Helton Senior Administrative Assistant .................................... Wanda Hunter

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

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

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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AROUND INDIANA

INfield Advantage promotes collaboration —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Six years ago, a program called INfield Advantage was created as a way for farmers to increase their profitability while also helping the environment. The concept is to allow farmers the opportunity to collect and understand on-farm data, and then collaborate with farmers in their area by sharing information with one another. INfield Advantage is a private initiative, funded mostly by the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council. Farm Bureau members still have a vested interest though, because of the opportunity for participating farmers to maximize their profit while minimizing environmental impacts, according to Justin Schneider, INFB state government relations director. With the use of aerial imagery, INfield Advantage can help farmers collaborate about corn stalk nitrate test-

ing, replicated strip trials and more. It has helped folks like Jasper County Farm Bureau member Mark Kingma, who has participated in the program from its beginning. Through collaboration with other farmers, he was able to find out more information about his cornfields and was able to see exactly what was happening on various soil types. “INfield Advantage helped us learn so much more about nitrogen use in our cornfields,” said Kingma. “Before, we were using variable rate nitrogen application, which was costing yield because heavy rain would run down the nitrogen.” Kingma is very complimentary of the program, saying, “I highly recommend this program. Through the sharing of information, we could learn what worked and what didn’t.” Engagement of farmers in peer group discussions increases each participant’s understanding and aware-

ness of local data and farm management practices that will increase bottom lines and optimize soil health and water quality. The program touts the importance of understanding how decisions made today will impact the outcomes happening tomorrow. Schneider agrees. “INfield Advantage challenges farmers to try new things, collect the data and help others learn from it,” he said. “We want farmers to collaborate in order to achieve progress.” The program began in 2010 with just one group made up of 15 producers farming 39 fields (2,700 acres). By 2014, there were 24 groups, including 260 producers farming 722 fields (50,000 acres). Last year, the program grew to 34 groups. The program requires a 20-acre field minimum to join. The only other requirements are being open sharing ideas and information with fellow crop producers in the area and having the

Laura Fribley, district support staff for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Division of Soil Conservation, collects tissue samples for corn stalk nitrate testing in Washington County. Photo by Jessica Hoehn, Washington County Soil & Water Conservation District

desire to learn more about best conservation practices and nutrient management strategies. Farmers can visit the IN-

field Advantage website, www.INfieldAdvantage.org, for more information about the program.

Hog producer shows off new barn, new technology —By Jackie Leeuw Public Relations Intern Wabash County Farm Bureau President Mark York recently grew his weanto-finish hog operation by building a fourth barn that will house 4,000 pigs. The York family held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their farm in North Manchester in July, and as part of that celebration, the family opened up the barn for the public to tour before it is filled with swine. Visitors were able to enjoy pork chops during their tour and ask questions about the new facility. York talked about how by opening up the barn now, people can better understand why there are signs that say “no entry” or “biosecurity.” He stressed that those signs are to keep the pigs safe and free of disease. The last 16 years, the York family has been contracting with Dykhuis in their weanto-finish operation. The pigs come to the farm when they are about 12 pounds and stay until they reach 300320 pounds. “We want people to come in and see that we are feeding, watering and caring for the pigs that are in here,” said York. After the new barn is filled, York will have a total of 16,000 pigs to care for. “All we do in these barns

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is care for pigs,” York said. “While they are on our property, it is 100 percent pig care, 24 hours a day.” Once the barn is full, nobody will be allowed inside except for York and his workers except under some pretty restrictive conditions. The state-of-the-art facilities will allow the Yorks to give their animals the best possible care. The barn’s environment can be controlled through a smart phone, which will also let the Yorks know if anything is broken and when it gets fixed. York commended Farm Bureau for its lobbying efforts. “Farm Bureau helps keep farmers in the know and works with us on laws,” he said. “We employ local people, purchase locally, pay our taxes, and contribute back to Wabash Farm Bureau to give all Wabash farmers a voice,” York added. The Yorks will turn the new barn an average of 2.1 times/year. After one year, the barn will have housed 8,000 pigs from the time they are 12 pounds to the time they are finished. York added that grain producers also have a big stake in a strong livestock market. Livestock creates additional markets for #2 yellow corn and soybean meal to boost low commodity prices by creating domestic markets for grain.

Chris and Mark York (center, with the scissors) cut the ribbon on their family’s newest hog barn. The family hosted an open house on the new facility in July. Photo by Jackie Leeuw

Purdue Extension to present farm law and tax workshop in Shelbyville —From the Purdue Ag Communication Service Purdue Extension is offering a workshop on farm law and tax issues, including estate planning and business transfers. The workshop will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT Sept. 9 in Room 117 of the MHP Administration Building, 2325 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville. Gerald Harrison, a Purdue University agricultural economist and member of the Indiana State Bar Association, will

be the presenter. The workshop is designed for farmers, farm families, farmland owners, accountants, attorneys, insurance providers and certified financial planners. Topics include farmland lease law, farming liabilities, property rights, the Right to Farm law, takings law, real estate transfer taxation, land trusts and conservation easements. Registration is required by Sept. 2. Cost is $30 per person, $50 for couples, $75 for those applying for

continuing education credits and $90 for those applying for credits toward a second professional continuing education certification. A continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration forms and information are available on the Purdue agricultural economics ag news page, ag.purdue.edu/agcomm/ Pages/agnews.aspx. To learn more about the workshop, contact Harrison at harrisog@purdue.edu, 765-494-4216.

August 22, 2016

COUNTY FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

THAT’S

County Farm Bureaus connect Participation in their county fairs by county Farm Bureaus and Young Farmer groups tends to include both tradition and innovation – tradition because it’s hard to top classics such as free popcorn and kiddie tractor pulls, and innovation because there is also value in grabbing fairgoers’ attention with something new or different such as a cook-off or a tractor simulator. On these two pages are photos of just a few of the county fair activities

sponsored by Indiana county Farm Bureaus and affiliated groups in 2016. The Hoosier Farmer is already starting to think about next year’s county fair season, so let us know what your county tried this year or what you’re thinking about for next year by contacting managing editor Kathleen Dutro, 317692-7824, kdutro@infb.org. We’d love to hear from you.

Fair queens try to encourage one of the “competitors” in the frog-jumping contest sponsored by Bartholomew County Farm Bureau during its county fair. Photo by Mallory Meyer

Stacy Pedigo mans the ever-popular Wheel of Ag during the Clinton County Fair. Photo by Janice Deno

August 22, 2016

Ripley County Farm Bureau volunteers take a break from serving ice cream during the county fair. Front row (from left): Gerald and Rose Gauck and Margie Harmeyer. Back row: Ruth Riehle, Steve Pitts and Barb Folz. Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro

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S FAIR

COUNTY FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

with people at their local fairs

Clockwise from top left: Cutler Wilson helps Cass County Farm Bureau at the popcorn popper. Photo by Janice Deno A young fairgoer snacks on one of the apples that Floyd County Farm Bureau handed out to people who participated in the hay ride. Photo by Jamie Schilmiller One of the activities sponsored by the Hendricks County Farm Bureau was an opportunity to customize a hat. Photo by Margaret Gladden Free popcorn was also one of the attractions offered by the Jennings County Farm Bureau. From left are Mary Ann Maschino, Lynda Bauerle, Megan Gassaway (agent), Merrell Otte and Clarence Wullenweber. Photo by Brad Ponsler FFA member Jacob Johnson, South Decatur High School, helps youngsters with the chicks in the Young Farmers Barnyard Buddies exhibit at the Decatur County Fair. Photo by Patty Lange Fisher

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August 22, 2016

STATE & NATION

Ag labor and border security require balanced approach —From the AFBF Communications Department For farmers and ranchers, immigration reform must balance agriculture’s need for a dependable supply of agricultural labor with enhanced security at our nation’s border. A new video produced by the American Farm Bureau Federation (available at http://www.fb.org/ newsroom/news_article/464/) highlights those issues, but with political debate ramping up and no practical solutions on the horizon, farmers say important areas of U.S. food production are at risk. Farmers and ranchers know that you cannot address immigration reform without tackling the issue of border security, said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, who recently saw the delicate balance between the two issues during a tour of agriculture and border security efforts in Arizona. Across the nation, farmers and

ranchers are experiencing a labor crisis. Reliable and skilled farm workers are harder to come by with each harvest season. And, without an efficient and legal way for a dependable supply of farm workers to enter the country, more U.S. crops are being left to rot in the field. That means consumers will be less able to enjoy American-grown products, according to the video. “Our country’s going need to make up its mind. We’re either going to import our agricultural labor or we’ll have to import our food. Most Americans would opt for food grown on our own soil by American farmers. To keep that option viable, we must act soon,” Duvall said. Farmers and ranchers from all regions are ready for Congress to act on immigration reform, but as Duvall points out in the video, it is important to remember some key American principles. “When we fix immigration reform,

Megan Ritter, INFB’s director of administration, spoke at a press conference on immigration reform on Aug. 3. INFB joined the Indianapolis Chamber, Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association, Indiana Builders Association and the Indiana Latino Institute for the conference, which was organized by the Partnership for a New American Economy. Photo by Mindy Reef

we need to remember what America really is: It’s a melting pot,” Duvall said. “All of us come from another culture. We came, or our ancestors did, looking to work hard and build a better life for our families.”

In addition to Duvall, the video features Arizona Farm Bureau President Kevin Rogers, Arizona pecan grower Nan Walden, Arizona vegetable grower John Boelts and Arizona cattle rancher Dan Bell.

Indiana animal care facilities online registry goes live —From the Indiana Board of Animal Health Facilities in Indiana that care for animals (dogs, cats, horses, exotic pets, wildlife, and others) and make dogs and cats available for adoption may be registered with the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. The agency has officially launched an online registration form to gather a record of these facilities and organizations, which has never been done before in Indiana. Any animal care facility may join

the registry, including governmental and private entities, as well as rescues that have companion animals available for adoption. The registry is open to municipal animal control centers, private animal shelters, humane societies, purebred or all breed rescues or other animal impounding organizations for dogs and cats. Establishment of the registry is part of the Indiana House Enrolled Act 1201, “Companion Animal Sterilization Act,” which was adopted by the 2016 Indiana General Assembly

County Farm Bureaus have been taking the opportunity offered by Congress’ August recess to meet with their representatives. Above, representatives of county Farm Bureaus in Congressional District 2 meet with Rep. Jackie Walorski. (Photo by Kathleen M. Dutro.) Below, Congressional District 6 representatives meet with Rep. Luke Messer. (Photo by Jay A. Wood.) Go to www.infb.org to find out more about INFB’s priorities during the August recess.

August 22, 2016

and administered by BOAH. Facilities may register at no charge on BOAH’s website using an online form at: www.in.gov/boah/2772.htm.

The information provided by the facilities/organizations will be used to identify animal care facilities that provide services to Indiana citizens.

Farm Bureau asks USDA for emergency dairy assistance —From the AFBF Communications Department Against a backdrop of plummeting farm-level milk prices and farm cash receipts for milk sales, the American Farm Bureau Federation has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide emergency assistance for the nation’s dairy farmers. In an Aug. 8 letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, AFBF President Zippy Duvall said AFBF supported a recent request from 61 members of Congress asking USDA to provide emergency assistance. Duvall noted the U.S. all-milk price fell to $14.50 per hundredweight in May, the lowest level since 2009. In addition, he told the USDA, dairy farm cash receipts from milk sales have fallen $16 billion since the record highs of 2014. “The decline in dairy farm revenue has led many dairy farm families to exit the industry,” Duvall wrote. “In 2015 we lost 1,225 dairy farms – many of those small dairy farm operations where the average herd size is fewer than 200 milking cows.” The AFBF president said lower dairy exports, increased production in Europe, expansion of the U.S. dairy herd due to economic signals in 2014 and a record high domestic cheese inventory continued to weigh on domestic markets. USDA is projecting a 2016 average milk price of $15.70 per hundredweight, down 35 percent from 2014 and the second lowest level in the past decade.

U.S. dairy producers, meanwhile, have been slow to adopt USDAsponsored tools to manage dairy market price risk. The reason for this, AFBF said, is due to the program costs and benefits being less attractive to some production segments. In 2015, just 25,000 of the 45,000 U.S. dairy farms signed up for the new Margin Protection Program enacted in the 2014 farm bill. Only 23,000 enrolled this year – a majority of them at the catastrophic coverage level only. Duvall said AFBF was “extremely appreciative” of USDA’s deadline extension to sign-up for MPP as well as the expansion of a farm’s production when new family members join the business. He noted AFBF also believes the $11.2 million in MPP assistance announced in early August will help, but more can be done. Duvall asked USDA to buy additional dairy products to be used in USDA’s nutrition programs and for donations to food banks. “Specifically, we believe cheese could be purchased in a quantity that would help the dairy industry and yet not negatively impact our exports of cheese products,” Duvall said. “If the department spent $50 million, it could purchase 28 million pounds of cheese for domestic feeding programs. This would not only be beneficial to those in need of food, but also would help reduce the record high inventories and would provide a positive price impact for dairy producers.”

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AROUND INFB

Petersons bringing parodies, lessons to convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team The Peterson Farm Bros, three brothers who use YouTube to share their farm’s story, will be the featured presenters during the closing session of Indiana Farm Bureau’s state convention this year. “There are many misconceptions about modern day farmers and we feel it is our calling to help correct some of those misconceptions,” they say on their website, www.petersonfarmbros. com. The brothers make parody videos of popular songs, changing the words to fit what they do on the farm. Their first parody video,

“I’m Farming and I Grow It,” was a humorous take on “I’m Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. It has more than 9 million views on YouTube. Subsequent videos have also garnered millions of views. The Petersons are from near Assaria, Kansas, where they still work on the family farm with their parents and sister. All three attended or attend Kansas State University. Greg, the oldest, graduated in 2013 after earning a degree in agricultural communications and journalism. Nathan graduated this year with a degree in agriculture technology management, and Kendal is a junior studying agribusiness. While the three enjoy

making videos, they have a mutual goal of taking over the family business and farming together. Learn more at their website or check out their videos on YouTube, www.youtube.com/petersonfarmbros. The closing session is at noon on Saturday, Dec. 10. The brothers will also offer a breakout session about finding innovative ways to share agriculture’s message on Saturday morning. The 2016 Indiana Farm Bureau state convention takes place Dec. 8-10 at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne. Registration will open in September at www. infb.org/convention. Keep reading The Hoosier Farmer for more information.

YouTube sensations the Peterson Farm Bros – Kendal, Greg and Nathan Peterson – will be the featured presenters during the state convention’s closing session.

MEMBER BENEFIT Farm Bureau Faces Justin Schneider, director of state government relations

EXCLUSIVE

$500 $500 EXCLUSIVE

CASH ALLOWANCE1

FOR ELIGIBLE FARM BUREAU MEMBERS. FOR ELIGIBLE FARM BUREAU MEMBERS.

activities related to environment, natural resource and energy issues. “I work with many orgaJustin Schneider has nizations and agencies to served Indiana Farm Bureau develop strategies to reduce in a variety of ways, but as EXCLUSIVE nutrient loss which will of July 2016, he became the help improve water quality.” organization’s new director 1 HARVESTThrough THIS his REWARD. work, Justin tries of state government relations. To help members and to show our appreciation, we’re to ensure that INFB memPrior to his promotion, he offering a $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or FOR ELIGIBLE FARM BUREAU MEMBERS. lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. bers’ interests are representwas INFB’s senior policy aded at the government level visor and counsel. FARM BUREAU and that their livelihood in A native of Columbus, EXCLUSIV agriculture is protected. Indiana, Justin obtained his 1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Spark EV; 2016 Malibu “I serve asSSaandliaison bebachelor’s degree agribusiand Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L, Spark, City Express, and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers Schneider testifies before a legistween government and ness management from can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation FOR ELIG are used herein under license we’re by General Motors. To help and members and show during ourandappreciation, lativeto committee the 2016 members to ensure there Purdue University his 1 offering a $500 toward the or sharing of session offer of the Indiana General As- purchase is appropriate law degree the IU School of private Photo Chevrolet by Jay A. Woodvehicles. lease of most 2016 sembly. and 2017 information,” he explained. Law-Bloomington. “Having a role in policy deHe began with Indiana the U.S. Senate Committee velopment helps maintain Farm Bureau in 2000 as an To help members and to show our appreciation, we’re on Agriculture, Nutrition & the grassroots structure of intern. offering a $500 private offer 1 toward the purchase or lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Forestry. He spent four years our organization and gives “I made the connection at the Indiana Court of Apus direction on needs of our with Bob White (now INFB’s 1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 peals working for a judge. members on policy issues.”Excludes direct retail business specialFARM BUREAU 1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Spark 2016 Malibu and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016EV; Equinox L, HARVEST THIS REWARD. In Limited his new L, position, When he not working ist) whileand working withL him Traverse models, Cruze Spark, SS and City Express, andis2016 Chevrolet CruzeColorado L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. 2SA and Spark 2016 Malibu and Traverse L To help members and toEV; show our appreciation, we’re wears many of hats. with Farm Bureau, at the Senate Commit-who haveSchneider $500 private offer 1Available toward the purchase or 2017and models, Cruze Limited L,5/31/17. Spark, SSa and City Express, 2016 Only Ag customers been active members an eligible Farm Bureau forJustin a minimum of 30 days1offering will bea eligible to receive certificate. Customers Offer available through on most 2016 and Chevrolet vehicles. Exclud n, we’re lease of most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. and Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L, Spark, SS and City Express, and “I will coordinate our Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some enjoys going to his sons’ tee and that eventually led can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation2016 Chevrolet Cruz customers have been active of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of other Only offers. Only who customers who members have been active members chase or state legislative activities and sporting events with his to becoming an intern at and are used herein under license by General Motors. can obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and the FB logo are registere of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will BUREAU and are used hereinFARM under license by General Motors. s. work with staff on stratewife, Tammy. They have two INFB,” Schneider said. He be eligible to receive a certificate. Customers can obtain gies for effectively engaging sons, Jackson and Blake. He became a full-time member certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farm Bureau and theExcludes 2016 Equinox 1 Offer available through 5/31/17. Available on most 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. state government agencies,” also enjoys home improveof the staff in October 2005. andare Traverse L models, Cruze Limited L,marks Spark, SS and and 2016 Chevrolet FB logo registered service of City theExpress, American Farm Cruze L model. This o Only customers who have been active members of an eligible Farm Bureau for a minimum of 30 days will be e he said, adding that he will BureaucanFederation and are used herein license ment projects and trying to Schneider grew up on a obtain certificates at www.fbverify.com/gm. Farmunder Bureau and the FB logoby are registered service marks and Motors. are used herein under license by General Motors. General work with senior administraoutsmart the wildlife that grain and livestock farm. tive assistant Wanda Hunter destroys his garden, landHe worked in ag-retail with to manage the policy devellawn. He is Jackson-Jennings Co-op in 2017 Chevrolet vehicles. Excludes 2016 Equinox L, Colorado 2SA and Sparkscaping EV; 2016and Malibu opment process. also president-elect Brownstown, Indiana. He xpress, and 2016 Chevrolet Cruze L model. This offer is not available with some other offers. of the is responAmerican Agricultural Law also worked summersofas30a days will In e Farm Bureau for a minimum be addition, eligible tohe receive a certificate. Customers forofall Farm BureauFarm Bureau Association. crop andregistered interned with eau and the FBscout logo are servicesible marks the American Federation —By Jackie Leeuw Public Relations Intern

$500

CASH ALLOWANCE

HARVEST THIS REWARD. FARM BUREAU

HARVEST THIS REWARD.

RD.

www.thehoosierfarmer.com

August 22, 2016

AROUND FARM BUREAU

County Farm Bureaus encouraged to apply for award that honors outstanding programming —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team A new application process makes it less cumbersome for county Farm Bureaus to apply to the American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence awards program. The AFBF County Activities of Excellence awards are designed to celebrate unique volunteer-driven program-

ming at the local level. The winners will be recognized at the AFBF convention in January. “We want to recognize and share successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities to help generate even more grassroots activity,” AFBF explained in a flyer that describes the program. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries by Sept. 2. Winners will be

announced by Oct.17. All winners will receive special instructions on convention registration, housing and the trade show following the announcement. The awards will be judged based on the following categories: up to 1,000 members; 1,001-3,000 members; 3,001-5,000 members; more than 5,000 members; and multi-county activities. AFBF has implemented an online submission process for all CAE applications. No paper or PDF applications will be accepted. Click on

the appropriate link on the CAE page at www.fb.org/ events/cae to be directed to the application site. Also available at that link is an archive of past winners, which includes a couple from Indiana. A recent webinar that provides more information about the new application website can be viewed at www.fb.com/groups/orgmatters/. Questions can also be directed to Indiana Farm Bureau’s organizational development team, odt@infb.

org or 317-692-7846. Up to 24 individual county Farm Bureau activities and up to four multi-county collaborative county Farm Bureau activities will be recognized. Individual county and multi-county CAE winning entries will each receive a $2,250 cash award to be used toward travel and display costs to attend the 2017 AFBF Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona, Jan. 7-9, 2017.

Final two membership contests to be held in August, September

THF2015

To make it easy for grassroots members to participate in Farm Bureau’s membership efforts, we include an application form in most issues of The Hoosier Farmer. Cut out the application form below or make copies and give them to new potential members. Remember to have them put your name in the membership volunteer box and then send it to the address printed along the bottom of the form. You can also have them visit INFB’s membership site, www.itpaystobeamember.org, to sign up online.

—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Members still have a few more days to qualify for Indiana Farm Bureau’s August membership contest (which ends Aug. 31), and there will also be a membership contest in September, the final month of the membership year. 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. For example, 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 – Membership Contest, P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206. New voting member applications must be postmarked by Aug. 31 to be entered into the drawing, which will be held on Sept. 6. As of The Hoosier Farmer’s Aug. 12 deadline, the details were still being worked out for the September contest, but Chelsea

Poe, INFB membership sales and marketing coordinator, confirmed that there will definitely be one. For more information on any of the contests and to see the official rules, visit www.infarmbureau.org. Meanwhile, Pippa Stam of Bartholomew County was the winner in INFB’s July membership contest. Stam qualified for the prize, which was a $500 Visa gift card, by being one of those who signed the highest number of new voting members between July 1 and July 31.

Calendar of Events

August 2-Sept. 1 INFB strategic plan meetings continue.

See www.infb.org for a full list of dates and location.

Drainage workshop, Greenwood.

25, 26

INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis.

INFB delegate session, Indianapolis.

Collegiate Farm Bureau call-out meeting, Purdue.

District 3 fall meeting, West Lafayette.

September

August 22, 2016

District 2 fall meeting (in conjunction with strategic plan meeting), Rome City.

District 4 fall meeting, Huntington.

District 1 fall ag tour.

Collegiate Farm Bureau call-out meeting, Vincennes University.

11-13

Collegiate Farm Bureau trip to USDA’s crop report lock-up, Washington, D.C.

14, 15

INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis.

12-14

INFB Leaders in Action trip to Washington, D.C.

INFB Women’s Leadership Committee meeting, Indianapolis.

Rural Youth/Young Adults reunion, 1 p.m., Johnson County Fairgrounds.

Taste from Indiana Farms, Columbia City.