The Hoosier Farmer - Issue 86 by Indiana Farm Bureau

‘Taste’ Goes on the Road Pages 4, 5

Coming Soon: INFB Convention Page 3

INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around INFB................ 3 Communication........ 4, 5 State & Nation.............. 6 Rules & Regs................ 7 Around Indiana............ 8

A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau

OCTOBER 17, 2016 Issue No. 86

#INFBiFarmiVote encourages political engagement —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Finding your voice in the political process, showing up to vote and encouraging your friends and neighbors to do the same can swing elections in favor of agfriendly candidates. #INFBiFarmiVote is a campaign initiative Indiana Farm Bureau is using to encourage farmers and rural residents to get out and vote in this

year’s election, especially for candidates supporting the best interests of agriculture. INFB is taking the campaign online through social media. Members are encouraged to change their Facebook profile picture to the iFarmiVote campaign image, and share the image on social media using #INFBiFarmiVote. Profile picture instructions are available on INFB’s iFarmiVote webpage, www.infb.org/ifarmivote.

Between now and Election Day on Nov. 8, INFB is boosting its political education efforts and making a stronger push for civic engagement by members at the grassroots level. IFNB’s public policy team wants to make sure agriculture’s voice is heard in the ballot box this fall. Agriculture’s well-being in the public policy arena depends on the election of ag-friendly candidates. Their victory depends on you.

Find your political voice —By Randy Kron INFB President Fall is one of my favorite times on the farm. It’s an opportunity to see the fruits of your planning and labor. Not every harvest is record-breaking, but I hope you have had a good, safe harvest. While home for harvest, I’ve had the chance to reflect and think more about the upcoming election. The outcomes of every election can significantly impact Hoosier farmers and rural residents. It is crucial that INFB members find their voice in the political process by engaging with candidates at all levels and showing up to vote. For over 30 years, Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT PAC has been the best vehicle for Hoosier farmers and rural residents to elect ag-friendly candidates to Congress and the General Assembly. ELECT PAC is the nonpartisan political action committee associated with INFB. Through endorsements, Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206

donations and political engagement by members, ELECT promotes the victory of federal and state legislative candidates who support agriculture. True to the nature of Farm Bureau, ELECT PAC is entirely grassroots-driven, starting at the county level. A top priority for me is to ensure that we have strong county Farm Bureaus with growing and engaged memberships. This summer, many members volunteered their time to interview general election candidates to evaluate how they would support farm families and rural communities. These farmers found their voice through this process by engaging with their county Farm Bureau – the lifeblood of this organization. Thank you for your dedication to INFB and agriculture. Endorsements are only made when two of the three committees of trustees support the endorsement. The committees of trustees are the District Committee of Trustees, Oversight CommitNon-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Berne, IN Permit NO. 43

tee and ELECT PAC Board of Directors. Becoming part of ELECT PAC is very simple. Any Farm Bureau member who donates to ELECT PAC automatically becomes a PAC member. All ELECT PAC donations come from individuals, never from corporations, including Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Your $32.50 membership dues are not transferred to ELECT PAC. In order for us to maintain our impact with ELECT PAC, the board of directors decided to increase the minimum

contribution to five dollars. This format ensures that any contribution by ELECT PAC to political campaigns truly represents the grassroots – and that’s you, Indiana’s farm and rural families who have the greatest and most sincere investment in the future of agriculture. Inside this issue of The Hoosier Farmer, you will find a list of ag-friendly candidates who have been endorsed by ELECT PAC, as well as information about our #INFBiFarmiVote campaign to get out the vote. As an organization, Farm

Bureau promotes civic engagement, but I would also make a personal ask that you actively participate in the political process. The vitality of our industry and our way of life depends on the decisions that come out of Washington D.C., Indianapolis and our local communities. In the past few cycles, I’ve seen elections in Indiana decided by four votes or less. We have the opportunity to make a positive difference for agriculture by making our voices heard in the ballot box.

ELECTion 2016 Inside this edition of The Hoosier Farmer is a special insert intended to give members information that they may find useful when they go to the polls Nov. 8. Included are Q&As with all three candidates for governor and both candidates to fill Indiana’s open seat in the U.S. Senate – all on issues important to agriculture, such as roads and bridges, trade, the next farm bill and access to broadband. But also included are lists of the candidates endorsed by Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT for this election: U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Senate. In all, 85 candidates were endorsed through ELECT’s grassroots process. The political action committee is funded through voluntary contributions from individual members.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Don Cook (left), president of the Crawford County Farm Bureau, poses by his Boilermaker sign with INFB President Randy Kron. Kron visited Cook as part of his ongoing project to visit all 92 INFB county presidents.

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

Farm Bureau supports legislation against estate tax increases—The Ameri-

can Farm Bureau Federation is supporting legislation that would block a recent IRS proposal regarding estate taxes. The IRS proposal, if approved, would mean farmers and ranchers would have to pay more in estate taxes. Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced a bill to block the IRS proposal. “The IRS is proposing to take away an estate planning tool that allows farmers and ranchers to reduce the value of their business assets for estate tax purposes,” said AFBF tax specialist Pat Wolff. “This means that farmers and ranchers could end up paying more estate taxes when a family member dies.” Wolff says most farms and ranches are owned by a family, but high estate taxes make transfer of ownership within the family harder. AFBF supports the legislation seeking to block the IRS proposal, House bill

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)

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H.R. 6100 and Senate bill S. 3436. The leaders on these bills are hoping to pass them before the end of the year and any farmer or rancher who’s concerned about this proposed estate tax increase should contact their senator and representative and ask them to cosponsor these bills. (AFBF 10/7/16)

Congress approves bill updating livestock marketing methods—Congress has

approved a bill clarifying that modern livestock marketing methods are covered by the Packers and Stockyard Act of 1921. The legislation also updates methods of payments to include electronic funds transfers. The measure, according to Farm Bureau, will ensure today’s livestock producers and contemporary livestock marketing practices are clearly protected by the 1921 law. The Technical and Clarifying Amendments to the Packers and Stockyards Act of 2016 (H.R. 5883) will make it clear that the act applies to video and Internet auctions, as well as other forms of electronic sale of livestock. Along with including electronic funds transfers, the bill will give the

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

Public Policy Team

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

secretary of agriculture flexibility to approve other new methods of payment. “Farm Bureau believes producers should have access to competitive markets that allow for effective price discovery. In today’s technology-driven businesses, livestock producers must be able to develop and use electronic marketing methods that provide access to more buyers and efficient sales transactions,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall wrote in a letter to House members urging them to pass the bill, which they did on Sept. 26. The Senate passed the measure on Sept. 29 and President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill. (AFBF 10/3/16)

Farm Bureau backs Urban Ag Act—The

American Farm Bureau Federation is backing a recently introduced bill that would give a boost to growers in urban settings. “As an organization that supports farmers of all sizes, commodities and production systems, Farm Bureau believes this legislation will build a stronger bond among all farmers-rural, suburban and urban,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. In addition to the services and support the bill would provide to urban farmers, the legislation’s research component is critical for exploring the risk management, food safety, environmental and economic factors that are key to success. “Mentorship is a two-way street and we have much to teach and learn from each other. America’s farmers lend a hand when needed; they unite around a common mission. This legislation seeds a dialogue of cooperation, whether roots sink into a rejuvenated lot in Detroit or the rolling hills of rural Georgia. Farm Bureau looks forward to being a partner in those efforts,” Duvall said.

(AFBF 9/27/16)

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

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

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

Farm Bureau asks president, Congress to move swiftly on TPP—The American Farm

Bureau Federation, the Coalition of Services Industries, the Information Technology Industry Council and the National Association of Manufacturers today called on the president and congressional leadership to work together to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement by year-end. In a letter sent Sept. 21, presidents of the four groups laid out the important benefits expected to accrue from the deal – an accord that will give American farms, ranches and companies access to nearly 500 million consumers in the Asia-Pacific region. “As the most productive industries in the world, our enterprises need access to new consumers and markets to sustain, let alone grow, production and good-paying jobs,” the groups wrote. “Yet, U.S. industries face increasing competition as our global competitors are benefitting from trade deals that exclude and disadvantage the United States. …The status quo is not acceptable for industries that need new markets to sustain and grow our workforces in the United States.” (AFBF 9/21/16)

Indiana farm-related fatalities up 10 percent in 2015—Pur-

due University’s annual Indiana Farm Fatality Summary reported 28 farm-related deaths in 2015, a 10 percent increase from the 2014 total of 25. However, overall trends are still declining. Statistics were collected by the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program from news reports, Internet searches, personal interviews and reports from individuals and Extension educators. Tractor and farm machinery accidents continue to be the most commonly reported cause of fatal injury, with Program Assistant..................... Kathryn Rogers Education Coordinator..................... Julie Taylor Program Assistant............................Tracie Trent

Regional Managers

Wayne Belden (1 & 3) Greg Bohlander (6) Andrew Cleveland (4 & 6) Casie Conley (4) Janice Deno (3) Jennifer Chandler Gish (9) Allison Hines (10) Amy Hutson (5) Susan Lawrence (2) John Newsom (1 & 2) Kermit Paris (8) Keegan Poe (5 & 8) Brad Ponsler (10) E.B. Rawles (7) Laura Ruhlman (7 & 9)

overturned tractors accounting for 39 percent of deaths in 2015. All but one documented death from overturns in the past 20 years have involved tractors that were not equipped with a rollover protective structure. Other causes of death in 2015 included falling from buildings or horseback, becoming pinned under equipment, being kicked or rammed by an animal, accidental smoke or chemical inhalation and drowning. The overall frequency of fatal farm-related injuries has decreased since 1970, partly due to fewer Hoosiers living and working on farms, the report stated. Other factors contributing to the decline include advancements in machine safety and durability, higher expectations for safe and healthy working environments, reduced reliance on child and youth labor, enhanced awareness of risk management in agriculture and advancements in emergency medical care. “Achieving zero incidents may be an unrealistic goal, but the record clearly shows that the problem is diminishing, however slowly,” Purdue Extension safety specialist Bill Field and graduate research assistant Yuan-Hsin Cheng noted in the report. “Many tragic incidents have been prevented during the same time as Indiana farmers have become more productive and efficient than at any time in history.” Agriculture continues to be a dangerous occupation, with a fatality rate of 24.9 per 100,000 agricultural workers nationwide, compared with a death rate of 3.3 out of 100,000 for workers across all industries. Indiana’s death rate is slightly lower, at an estimated 19.6 per 100,000 Indiana farm workers in 2015. To view the report in its entirety or find additional resources to support farm safety, contact the Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council at 765-494-1191 or visit www.farmsafety.org. (Purdue 9/29/16)

Address Letters & Questions To: Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Phone: 1-800-327-6287 or (317) 692-7776 E-Mail Address: askus@infarmbureau.org Duplicate Magazines If you are receiving more than one copy of The Hoosier Farmer®, please cut out both labels and return them to the address above. Magazine Design and Layout Davis Graphic Design www.davisgraphics.com The Hoosier Farmer® is published 14 times per year by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., P.O. Box 1290, Indianapolis, IN 46206, and is furnished as a service to voting members and others. Controlled circulation. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Hoosier Farmer® P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1290. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.

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AROUND INFB

Monte Carlo night kicks off convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team Are you feeling lucky? Indiana Farm Bureau’s state convention starts on Thursday, Dec. 8, with a Monte Carlo night beginning at 6:30 p.m. “Thursday evening of convention is about fun and fellowship,” said Chris Fenner, INFB’s operations and event manager. “Whether members want to play games, listen to music or see what’s available in the silent auction, it’s an opportunity to relax before business begins.” Monte Carlo night fea-

tures a meal, games, music and an early look at the convention expo (formerly known as the trade show). A preview of the INFB Young Farmer Silent Auction, which benefits the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, will also be available. To participate in the Monte Carlo night, members will receive “play money” at registration. They can immediately exchange the money for tickets to enter prize drawings, or they can try to win more by playing and winning games in the Monte Carlo area. The more play money a member collects, the more tickets he can get.

Registration now open for AFBF convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team The annual AFBF convention and IDEAg Trade Show is Jan. 7-10, 2017, in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. “With average January highs in the 60s and abundant sunshine, Phoenix will offer a welcome break from our Indiana winter,” said Chris Fenner, INFB’s operations and event manager. The convention offers a number of speakers, workshops, recognition and fun. Members who want to support the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture have three opportunities: the Foundation Golf Classic on Saturday, Jan. 7; a flapjack breakfast on Sunday, Jan. 8, which features an overview of 2017 programming; and the Foundation Night Out on Monday, Jan. 9, which offers live music from the Texas Tenors, a live auction and dancing. The foundation provides programming to increase agricultural literacy. There will also be an online auction to benefit the foundation. Other highlights: • Ten Arizona ag tours are available on Jan. 7 and Jan. 10. Tour options cover topics from frontier saloons to growing carrots. • The top four competitors for the Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge make their pitches on Jan. 8. • The IDEAg Trade Show opens on Jan. 8. In addition to vendor booths, the trade show features the Cultivation Center, offering 15-minute town-hall style workshops on new ideas.

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• Young Farmer Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture winners will be named at the closing session on Jan. 9. The Indiana cohort will stay in the convention headquarters hotel, the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, which is adjacent to the convention center. Attendees will have the opportunity to eat breakfast with other members from Indiana on Monday, Jan. 9. Visit www.infb.org and look under the events menu for an AFBF convention brochure with details, prices and registration information, or call Chris Davis at Geraci Travel, 800-741-0719. Payment must be received by Dec. 1 to guarantee a spot. Learn more about the convention agenda at annualconvention.fb.org.

No real money changes hands. Prizes include a Samsung 40-inch television, an RC Quadcopter drone, a $250 Visa gift card, a KitchenAid bowl-lift stand mixer, a Keurig K575 coffee maker, a Dyson V6 cord-free vacuum and an overnight room at the French Lick Hotel including two breakfast buffets and two rounds of golf at the Donald Ross Course. More prizes may be added. The Band Etc., a group based in Indianapolis, will provide live music during the event. Bonus session for early birds Members who get to the convention a little earlier can take advantage of a bonus session: Leadership

for All. The session offers two parts. From 2-5 p.m., members will get tips and techniques to enhance their leadership skills and influence. Breakouts on advocacy, member recruitment and sustaining local Farm Bureaus are included in this part of the session. Then from 5-6:30 p.m., members and agribusiness professionals will talk about trends in food and agriculture. The INFB state conven-

tion runs Dec. 8-10 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. Visit www.infb.org/convention to see the full agenda and register. If you don’t have internet access, call 317692-7846 to register.

ELECT offers ‘Who’s In, Who’s Out’ during state convention —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team INFB members may attend a special lunch session during the INFB state convention to benefit ELECT, the organization’s political action committee, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. “Who’s In, Who’s Out, Who’s Got Clout” will offer perspectives from provocative and engaging political observers on the November election. The session is a fundraiser for ELECT and includes a meal. General seating tickets are $75 each. Reserved seats are $125 for single tickets and $200 for a couple. Tables of 10 are available for $1,000 per table.

Members can sign up for the lunch when they register for state convention at www.infb.org/convention or by calling Tracie Trent at 317-692-7846. For those who choose to pay by check rather than using online payment, checks must be received by Dec. 1 to hold a seat. The INFB state convention runs Dec. 8-10 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. Visit www. infb.org/convention to see the full agenda and register. If you don’t have internet access, call 317-692-7846 to register. Disclaimer: Contributions to Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. ELECT political action committee will be used for politi-

cal purposes. Contributions are voluntary and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. PAC contributions are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Soliciting contributions from outside the restricted class is prohibited by federal law, which requires that such contributions be returned to the donor. Contributions may only come from individuals, not corporations, so county Farm Bureaus cannot cover the cost for members.

Farm Bureau member Barbara Van Duyne of Fulton County is the winner of popcorn for a year from Indiana Farm Bureau and Preferred Popcorn. Barbara is pictured with her husband, Richard Van Duyne (left), INFB regional manager John Newsom (right), and boxes containing more than 400 packets of microwaveable popcorn. She entered the popcorn giveaway at the Indiana State Fair in August, where INFB dished out more than 37,000 bags of Preferred Popcorn to fairgoers in the Farm Bureau Building. Photo by Chelsea Poe

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COMMUNICATION

Great Taste

Women’s Leadership Committee takes ‘Taste from Indiana Farms’ concept on the road —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team For many years, Farm Bureau’s Taste from Indiana Farms has drawn thousands of people to the Farm Bureau building during the Indiana State Fair to sample foods that represent commodities produced in the Hoosier State. The event, which is coordinated by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, always includes food samples (which vary from year to year) provided by INFB’s 10 districts. Other exhibitors, such as the Southwest Indiana Melon and Vegetable Association and Indiana State Beekeepers Association, also provide samples. This year 3,352 fairgoers were served during the event, held Aug. 16-18. People filed through the building all three days sampling such things as breakfast cereal, lamb summer sausage, and macaroni and cheese, and in the process, they learned a little bit about modern Indiana agriculture. A broad range of people come through TFIF each year, but the Women’s Leadership Committee

wanted to see if the idea could be expanded or replicated elsewhere, according to Ashley Beasley, INFB women’s program coordinator. So this year, the committee members decided to try something new: They traveled to two different sites in the state and presented mini-TFIFs, using a “different setting to target a different audience,” she said. At both the Evansville Farmers Market (Aug. 12) and the Columbia City Farmers Market (Sept. 24), committee members passed out samples of apple sauce and interacted with farmers market clientele. But despite the unfamiliar locales, the focus on talking to people about where their food comes from remained the same. Besides talking to new audiences, the committee had another goal in mind when members took TFIF on the road. “We want it to be a model” for county Farm Bureaus that are interested in doing something similar, Beasley added. Around 200 people stopped by the TFIF booth in Evansville and around 130 people in Columbia City, Beasley said. “Those aren’t super numbers for

Max and Anne Smith of Wayne County and Deb Jordan, District 6 education and outreach coordinator, man a booth at the Taste from Indiana Farms event held during the 2016 Indiana State Fair. At the state fair event, each district presents samples of a different food that represents a commodity grown in that district. Photo by Diane Brewer

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Artwork for one of the posters used at Taste from Indiana Farms.

Janelle Burnworth, District 2 education and outreach coordinator, talks to farmers market customers in Evansville. Photo by Ashley Beasley

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COMMUNICATION us” during the State Fair event, she said. “But it’s a realistic number for a county Farm Bureau.” Now that the WLC has completed its experiment, the group will pull together resources to help counties create their own TFIF event. A packet of information will be put together to assist counties in thinking about the concept and to help them avoid pitfalls. For example, Beasley said, it’s important to work with a farmers market’s market master and local

health department as soon as possible. The packet of material will be available at this year’s state convention, which runs Dec. 8-10 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. The committee will have a booth at the convention expo (formerly known as the trade show) to hand out information and answer questions. “It’s talking to people about where their food comes from,” Beasley said.

Lana Wallpe of Benton County talks about apple sauce to a fairgoer during the state fair TFIF event. Photo by Mindy Reef

LouAnn Zimmerman (left), District 4 education and outreach coordinator, and Deb Walsh, District 1 education and outreach coordinator, participated in a regional Taste from Indiana Farms event held Sept. 24 in Columbia City. Photo by Ashley Beasley

Philip Springstun, District 9 director (shown here with his milk moustache), uses a sample of macaroni and cheese to talk about the dairy industry with some of the thousands of people who came through TFIF during the state fair. Photo by Mindy Reef

LouAnn Zimmerman, District 4 education and outreach coordinator, serves apple sauce in Evansville as Sheryl Seib, District 9 education and outreach coordinator, works the crowd. Photo by Ashley Beasley

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October 17, 2016

STATE & NATION

Preparation for the next farm bill needs to start now —By Jay A. Wood & Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team In the decades since federal farm programs began, they have changed many times and in many ways. But at least two things have remained constant: They’re important, but they’re also complicated and difficult for both farmers and lawmakers to understand. That’s why it’s crucial that, at both the state and national level, Farm Bureau develops a coherent message and strategy in preparation for the 2018 farm bill. At the national level, AFBF has begun collecting information from states. Indiana is one of 16 state Farm Bureaus that have been participating in the AFBF farm bill working group. Katrina Hall, INFB’s public policy director, is representing Indiana on this group, which has already met more than once. INFB itself has assembled a 30-member group to look at federal

policy as it impacts Hoosier and Midwestern farmers. The group will be meeting on Nov. 11 and 22. The farm bill was the topic of some discussion at INFB’s August delegate session. However, it will be the major topic at the delegate session that will be held in December during the state convention. Among important issues for Indiana farmers are crop insurance and other safety nets, including the Agriculture Risk Coverage program authorized under the 2014 farm bill; conservation programs; and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy Producers, Hall said. The farm bill will also be a major topic of discussion at the AFBF annual meeting, which will be held in January. That meeting will be very important because Farm Bureau believes the farm bill negotiations will begin in earnest in early 2017. In preparation for the discussions by delegates and other members, INFB is preparing background materials that farmers will be able to use

when considering these issues. Some of that material will be presented in a special insert that will be published in the Nov. 21 issue of The Hoosier Farmer. “We need to hear from farmers about the current farm programs – what needs fixing and what is working well,” Hall said. INFB will be sending out an online survey to those voting members the organization has emails for. In fact, Hall said, they should have received that survey by the time they receive this issue of The Hoosier Farmer. Anyone who didn’t receive it and wants to participate should contact Diane Miller, dmiller@infb.org, 317-692-7834.

In addition, a series of INFB regional farm bill listening sessions are in the works for November and early December. For dates and locations, see the Nov. 7 issue of The Hoosier Farmer or check the website, www. infb.org. To access AFBF resources on the farm bill, visit www.fb.org/farmbillworkinggroup.

Eight Indiana lawmakers honored as 2016 ‘Friends of Farm Bureau’ —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team

Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron (left) presents the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award to Rep. Larry Bucshon. Bucshon was one of eight lawmakers honored by the organization. Photo by Jay A. Wood

INFB named eight members of Indiana’s congressional delegation “Friends of Farm Bureau.” Those eight lawmakers are: Sen. Dan Coats Sen. Joe Donnelly Rep. Susan Brooks Rep. Larry Bucshon Rep. Luke Messer Rep. Todd Rokita Rep. Jackie Walorski Rep. Todd Young

The efforts of these individuals to help foster a positive climate for Indiana’s producers of food, fuel and fiber have not gone unnoticed. Each is considered to have a proven record of supporting policies that are in the best interest of Hoosier farmers and rural communities. Friend of Farm Bureau recipients are first nominated by their state Farm Bureau organization, and are then approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. Receiving this award is entirely separate from being endorsed by the Indiana Farm Bureau ELECT PAC.

Beginning Farmer workshops focus on food safety, marketing —From the Purdue Ag Communication Service Purdue Extension’s Indiana Beginning Farmer program is offering two workshops covering a range of food safety and marketing topics useful to anyone who is new to farming or thinking about starting a farm. The program’s northwest regional workshop will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Home Economics Building at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette. Its northeast workshop will be 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Sessions will be presented by extension specialists and local farmers. Topics for both workshops include:

October 17, 2016

• Fresh produce safety and the Food Safety Modernization Act. • Regulations for processing and marketing meat, poultry and eggs. • Technical and financial resources for beginning farmers. • Identifying market opportunities. The Lafayette workshop will also include a panel of farmers discussing the proper equipment for farms of various sizes. The Fort Wayne workshop will feature a session on aquaponics. The workshops are free but space is limited and advance registration is recommended. Lunch and refreshments will be served. To sign up for either workshop, go to https://edustore.purdue.edu/ and click on the link for workshops. A subsequent link will take you to a full list of Beginning Farmer Pro-

gram events. For more information on the workshops or the Indiana Begin-

ning Farmer program, contact Tamara Benjamin at 765-496-1930, tamara17@purdue.edu.

Presidential candidates questions about trade, the farm bill and more —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team As part of its effort to answer farmers’ and ranchers’ questions about where the presidential candidates stand on key issues, the American Farm Bureau Federation has asked the two major-party candidates a series of questions. Their replies to all nine questions are now posted on election16.fb.org/, AFBF’s election blog that follows all the election

news from agriculture’s perspective. Both candidates explained their positions on biotechnology, trade, immigration reform, regulatory reform, food safety, the farm bill, the Clean Water and Clean Air acts, and more. The site also provides other helpful information, including Farm Bureau’s policy positions on these issues, dates of debates, election basics for each state and other election resources.

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RULES & REGULATIONS

Without proper permits, farmers could be up the creek —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team

the significant presence of ground and/or surface water, the water’s impact on the constitution of the soil, as well as the types of plants that are capable of growing in such saturated conditions. To be a jurisdictional wetland (protected by the Clean Water Act), all three indicators must be present during some portion of the plants’ growing season. That distinction is incredibly important for farmers looking to bring ground into crop production, said Justin Schneider, INFB’s state government relations director. Whenever doing any

At times this year, seemingly anywhere in Indiana could have been considered “wet” land. Aptly named, wetlands refer to saturated ground where water covers the soil, or resides at or near the surface all year long, or at least portions of the year, including the growing seasons for plants. Wetlands are commonly identified by three indicators: soils, vegetation and hydrology. Simply put, these indictors reflect

sort of construction on the farm, even clearing trees or fencerows, it is critical to obtain the proper permitting, Schneider noted. Performing these activities without the proper permit or permits could violate state or federal law, resulting in penalties. Relying on a determination from the Natural Resources Conservation Service might not be enough, Schneider noted. Below are three permits that may also be required: Section 401 Water Quality Certification • Needed prior to dredging, filling, excavating or

altering the shoreline of a wetland or any other regulated body of water. • Applications for this permit must be submitted to IDEM. Section 404 (part of the Clean Water Act) • Needed prior to dredging, excavating, placing fill materials or using heavy equipment with a wetland or any other regulated body of water. • Applications for this permit must be submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • A Section 401 Water Quality Certification must

be obtained first. Isolated Wetland Permit • Determinations of the need for this permit are done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • Applications for this permit must be submitted to IDEM. For more details and application information, visit www.wetlands.in.gov or call 800-451-6027 extension 3-8488. When it comes to any wetland projects, farmers are always best to ere on the side of caution and contact IDEM first, so as to avoid costly penalties.

EPA violated personal privacy of farmers, ranchers —From the AFBF Communications Department

29 states, including Indiana. The case also related to similar personal information from farmers and ranchers in six additional states that had yet to be released. The information included the names of farmers, ranchers and sometimes other family members, home addresses, GPS coordinates, telephone numbers and emails. EPA claimed that it was required to disclose the information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). “This was an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy by a federal agency in violation of law,” said AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen. “The court’s decision is a vindication of the right of

The Environmental Protection Agency has violated the personal privacy of tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers, according to a unanimous ruling issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The ruling in American Farm Bureau Federation and National Pork Producers Council vs. EPA concerned the federal agency’s 2013 release to three environmental groups of a vast compilation of spreadsheets containing personal information about farmers and ranchers who raise livestock and poultry in

farm families to control their own personal information. Farmers and ranchers have a strong privacy interest in their personal information, including their home address, even when they live and work on the farm.” Farm families usually live on the farm and the court took note that EPA’s disclosures in this case could facilitate unwanted contact and harassment of farmers and ranchers by the FOIA requestors and others. According to Steen, “this case assures us that individuals still have a privacy interest in their personal information. The fact that government agencies may have that information and even store

it on the Internet does not eliminate the individual’s privacy interest.” According to the court, “EPA’s release of the complete set of data on a silver platter, so to speak, basically hands to the requesters a comprehensive database of their own, whatever their motives might be.” “EPA now has to ‘recall’

all of the personal information it unlawfully released, but unfortunately that information has now been in the hands of the FOIA requestors for three years, and many feel that the damage is done,” Steen said. “AFBF will continue to work to ensure that personal information about farmers and ranchers is not disclosed by EPA.”

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times to their detriment,” he said. “This deal between Monsanto and Bayer comes close on the heels of the proposed Dow-DuPont merger,” he said. “Farm Bureau believes the Department of Justice should undertake a close review of the overall business climate that has encouraged these combinations, rather than evaluating them in isolation. Consumers must continue to have fair access to the best technologies and innovation. “Farmers and ranchers, in particular, are interested in how these deals will impact research and development budgets for companies like Bayer and Monsanto. We depend on access to enhanced technology, and would hate to see agricultural innovation suffer at the cost of business decisions.” POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

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to shrink from six major companies to just three. He asked that regulators review these mergers not only in light of market concentration, but also the structure of the entire industry in a postmerger environment. “Everyone’s knee-jerk reaction is to think that increased concentration will lead to higher prices for these inputs,” Young said. “Knees tend to jerk reflexively, but sometimes they jerk with reason.” In a separate statement released to media on Sept. 14, Young talked specifically about the Bayer-Monsanto merger. “Market forces led to deals like the one announced today, but we know that major-company mergers have a profound impact on the tools available to farmers and ranchers, someMedicare Supplement BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO.21 COLUMBIA TN Insurance

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Farmers and ranchers know market forces have led to major-company mergers like Bayer-Monsanto, but they cannot afford to lose access to technology and innovation if they go through, American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Dr. Bob Young told the Senate Judiciary Committee during a Sept. 20 hearing. “AFBF has had several – and repeated – assurances from the companies involved as to their intent to maintain as strong an innovation arm as they can,” Young said. “We have no reason to doubt, but we also are reminded of the old line: trust, but verify.” Young noted the market for seeds, chemicals and crop nutrients is poised

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October 17, 2016

AROUND INDIANA

INFB seeking nominations for Certified Crop Adviser of the Year —By INFB Public Relations Staff INFB is seeking nominations of qualified certified crop advisors for the “Indiana Certified Crop Adviser of the Year Award” for 2016. The award recognizes an individual who has performed superior service in nutrient management, soil and water management, pest management and crop production. The award will be presented to the winner at the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference, December

13-14 in Indianapolis. The winner will receive $1,500. Whichever county Farm Bureau submits the winning application will receive $250. Additionally, the winner will be eligible for the National CCA Award of $1,000, and his or her name will also be passed on to the Indiana CCA Board for consideration of submission for the International CCA Award. The purpose of the award program is to increase awareness that farmers and their service people strive

to do their best, making economically and environmentally sound cropping decisions. With increasing farm size, complexity of management options and increasingly complex regulations, INFB foresees famers relying more and more on the advice of specialists who are CCAs. To be considered for the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Award, a CCA must be certified in Indiana and

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include the nomination form, three letters of recommendation – one from the CCA’s employer and two from customers. Three letters of recommendation may come from customers if the CCA is self-employed. Indiana Farm Bureau must receive the nomination by Nov. 18. Any questions should be directed to INFB’s Justin Schneider at 317-6927835 or Quentin Rund of PAQ at l-800-387-1283.

Invest an acre to fight hunger —By Mindy Reef Public Relations Team

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.

nominated by a county Farm Bureau, an active Farm Bureau member, or by the employer of the CCA who knows of the qualifications. Additionally, other agricultural groups may suggest nominations. These other agricultural groups should work with their county Farm Bureau on the nomination since the nomination form must be signed by the county Farm Bureau president. The nomination should

Feeding America, the nation’s largest network of food banks, is making it easy for farmers and grain elevators to help alleviate hunger in Indiana through its Invest an Acre program. A news release for Invest an Acre spells out the need in our state. “There are over 1 million individuals that struggle with food insecurity currently in Indiana – and many of these Americans live in the same rural communities that we do. Ironically, too many Americans living in the nation’s breadbasket – the most productive agricultural states – are painfully short of that proverbial bread.”

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation – with a mission “to combat hunger and improve the standard of living for vulnerable populations throughout the world” – initiated the program, and Monsanto has agreed to match every donation dollarfor-dollar up to $5,000 per year per farmer. Farmers should check with their local elevator to see if it’s already participating. When a farmer delivers crops, he/she should tell the elevator that a portion of the proceeds should be donated to Invest an Acre. The elevator processes the donation and deducts the amount from the total sale. Monsanto matches the donation, and Feeding American dis-

tributes the original donation and the match to a local Feeding America food bank. The farmer will receive a receipt for the donation, which is tax-deductible. “Because the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (which Buffet founded in 1999) is underwriting the program’s administration costs, Invest an Acre says 100 percent of farmer donations and matching gifts made through the program will be contributed to local Feeding America food banks and back into their own communities hunger relief efforts,” according to the news release. Contributions may also be made online or by mail. To learn more, visit www.investanacre.org.

Fountain County member wins August sweepstakes —By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team Linda Croft of Fountain County was the winner of Indiana Farm Bureau’s August membership contest. This is the next-to-last in a series of contests held throughout the summer that were intended to help Indi-

ana Farm Bureau reach its membership goal. For the August contest, each new voting member signed earned the person who signed that new member one entry into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card. For example, if someone signed 5 new voting members, that person’s name would have

been entered 15 times. The final contest of the year was held in September. The winner of that contest will be announced in the next issue of The Hoosier Farmer. For more information and to see official rules, visit www.infarmbureau.org/infb/ about-us/sweepstakes.

Calendar of Events

October 19-22 National FFA Convention & Expo, Indianapolis. 26, 27 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. November 2, 3 INFB Women’s Leadership Committee meeting, Indianapolis. 3 Collegiate Discussion Meet, Purdue University. 8 Election Day. 9 District 9 fall achievement banquet, Upland. 10 Collegiate Discussion Meet, Vincennes University. 10 District 5 fall meeting, Covington. 12 INFB District 9 Family Farm Fall Festival, Posey County. 14 INFB District 10 Awards Night, Seymour. 14 Registration deadline for INFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet. 15 INFB District 8 Fall Awards Night (and district education and outreach coordinator election). 16, 17 INFB Board of Directors meeting, Indianapolis. 22 Organization Day, Indiana General Assembly.

October 17, 2016