May 2012: Tennessee Farm Bureau News by Journal Communications

FARM BUREAU News TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Volume 91 Number 3 • May 2012

WHAT’S INSIDE: PagE 2 TFIC Annual Meeting recap

Page 5 FB opposes child labor rules

Page 13 2012 Ag Day on the Hill

On Memorial Day let us promise to uphold the honor, glory and freedom for which the brave hearts of our nation have laid down their lives.

State inheritance tax could be a thing of the past beginning in 2016 - see story on page 3.

Official newspaper of Tennessee Farm Bureau

FarmBureauNews TENNESSEE

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

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FarmBureauNews Farm Bureau Insurance remains financially TENNESSEE

ISSN 1062-8983 • USPS 538960

Pettus Read, Editor Lee Maddox, Assistant Editor Melissa Burniston, Feature Writer Stacey Warner, Graphic Designer Misty McNeese, Advertising P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313 (931) 388-7872 Issued bi-monthly by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation located at 147 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, Tennessee 38401. Non-profit periodical postage paid at Columbia, TN and additional entry offices. Send address corrections to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News Offices, P.O. Box 313, Columbia, TN 38402-0313. Subscription rate for Farm Bureau members (included in dues) $1 per year. Advertising Policy: Advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or product. Publisher does not accept political, dating service or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher pre-screen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Tennessee Farm Bureau News. TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

Board of Directors Lacy Upchurch Danny Rochelle President

Vice President

Directors-at-Large Jeff Aiken Charles Hancock Catherine Via

District Directors Malcolm Burchfiel Dan Hancock James Haskew David Mitchell Eric Mayberry Jane May

Advisory Directors Brandon Whitt Dr. Larry Arrington Other Officers and Staff Joe Pearson Chief Administrative Officer

Rhedona Rose

Executive Vice President

Wayne Harris

Tim Dodd

Treasurer

Comptroller

Organization Bobby Beets

Communications Pettus Read

Director

Bryan Wright

Director

Lee Maddox

Associate Director

Special Programs Charles Curtis

Melissa Burniston

Director

Associate Director

Chris Fleming

Public Policy Stefan Maupin

Kristy Chastine

Tiffany Howard

Associate Director Associate Director

Director

Associate Director

Ryan King

Associate Director

Regional Field Service Directors Matt Fennel, Jim Bell, Melissa Bryant, Eddie Clark, Kevin Hensley, Joe McKinnon Service Companies Tennessee Farmers Insurance Cos. Matthew M. (Sonny) Scoggins, CEO Tennessee Rural Health Lonnie Roberts, CEO Farmers Service, Inc. Tim Dodd, Director of Operations Tennessee Livestock Producers, Inc. Darrell Ailshie, Manager

strong despite historic storm losses in 2011 Despite an unprecedented series of ten catastrophic weather events in 2011 that drove property and auto claims losses to $1.47 billion, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee remains an industry leader in financial strength, company stockholders learned at their recent annual meeting. The destructive storms of 2011 began in February in West and Middle Tennessee, peaked in late April and early May in East Tennessee, and continued to pound the state throughout the year. By year end, 312,000 claims were filed, a 42 percent increase over 2010, which was also a record year in claims volume. “The storms stressed every system, every procedure, and every person in our companies, including our agents and the staffs in our local offices, but we got through it,” said Farm Bureau Insurance CEO Sonny Scoggins. “Our people bounced back time after time under difficult circumstances.” Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee is the trade name for the group of companies including Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company and Tennessee Farmers Life Insurance Company. Headquartered in Columbia, Tenn., the companies provide insurance services for members of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. Tennessee Farmers Life Insurance Company posted the third best year in company history in 2011, and Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Company increased sales even as it was absorbing record claims losses. The life company is Tennessee’s number one writer of individual life insurance policies, and the mutual company is the second-largest writer of property and casualty insurance. The stock companies increased stock values and declared dividends. P&C remains solid financially The storms of 2011 reduced Farm Bureau Insurance’s surplus by $247 million, leaving $1.49 billion in the company’s “rainy day” fund, said John Law, chief operating officer of Property and Casualty Operations. “While this reduction in surplus is particularly disappointing, it highlights why the commitment to the financial security of our companies is part of our

DNA. We were prepared for a historic year like 2011,” Law said. The company’s ratio of $1.49 in surplus for each dollar of premium earned during the year is an industry leader. Other Farm Bureau companies around the nation have an 84-cent surplus-to-premium ratio and the industry average is 92 cents. Law also reported on progress Farm Bureau Insurance is making in controlling operating costs, selecting risks, and accurately pricing its products. When catastrophic storm losses are removed from the picture, P&C losses were 55.9 percent of premium, down from 62.6 percent a year ago. Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee continues to be an industry leader in efficiency, managing to operate on only 23 cents of each premium dollar, Law said. He also noted that customer loyalty remains a strength, with annual retention rates higher than 90 percent. Life Company outpaces the industry again Life insurance premiums grew to $123.8 million, an increase of 5.6 percent over the previous year, said Dennis Stephen, chief operating officer for Life Operations. In contrast, life insurance sales nationwide grew by only 4 percent. The life company now has more than 291,000 policies totaling $27.7 billion in force, an increase of 4.8 percent over 2010. The company outpaced the industry by 3.8 percent, as life companies nationwide posted a gain of one percentage point. “We have the financial stability, strong risk management practices, competitive and relevant products and experienced sales and service professionals who have positioned us to meet the needs of our customers, both now and in the future,” Stephen said.

Stephen reported that total assets grew by 9 percent to nearly $1.7 billion, and that capital and surplus increased by $10.4 million. The company’s overhead was 16 cents of each premium dollar received – one of the lowest expense ratios in the industry. In another key indicator, the company’s mortality experience was 49.6 percent of expected, 15.4 percent below the pricing target of 65 percent. During 2011, Tennessee Farmers Life paid 977 death claims for a total of $38.6 million. Generation Life set to launch Stephen also announced the formation of a new life insurance company to begin operations July 1. Generation Life is an online-only insurance operation licensed in 43 states. The new company will only offer life insurance outside of Tennessee, a move that will expand Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee’s geographic reach while not competing with existing agents within the state’s borders. Generation Life will depend on online lead generation and an experienced call center to make sales. Underwriting will be simplified and processes are automated, resulting in a convenient customer experience, Stephen said. “We have basically developed a technology company to meet the changing buying habits of the online customer,” Stephen said. Generation Life will initially be offered in ten target states. Stock prices announced Based on the year’s outcomes, the stock price for Tennessee Farmers Life was announced at $38.70 per share, up from $35.23 the previous year. The company’s directors voted a 3 percent dividend and offered to purchase up to 200,000 shares. Life company shares have averaged a 14.9 percent return each year since TFLIC was founded in 1973. A storm-caused loss of $3.29 per share drove Tennessee Farmers Assurance Company stock to $14.09 per share, down from $15.62 per share the previous year. The directors also authorized the purchase of up to 200,000 shares. Scoggins noted that TFAC stock has averaged a 13.2 percent annual return since the company’s inception in 1991. t

Arrests made in switchgrass arson fire The TDA Agricultural Crime Unit has arrested two men who have confessed to setting fire to 1,430 bales of switchgrass worth approximately $45,000. Eighteen-year-old Damon O’Neil Shaw and 27-year-old Brian McJunkin, both of Tellico Plains, are charged with three counts each of setting fire to personal property or land, a class E felony. “Because of the significant investment this property represents for

the state and area farmers, we made this investigation a top priority,” state Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “I want to commend our Agricultural Crime Unit investigators for their quick response and hard work in breaking this case.” The ACU formed a task force after it was determined that the investigation would require extensive legwork. Captain Greg Whitehead and inves-

tigators Shane Ratliff, Pete Merz and Marianne Reese put several hundred man hours into the case before taking the suspects into custody. McJunkin was released on a $9,000 bond. Shaw is still in jail awaiting bail. Their first court hearing was scheduled for March 26. It appears that the property owners were not specifically targeted, but the victims of a random crime. The Continues on page 13

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May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

State inheritance tax could end up a thing of the past Sargent

A major hurdle for farmers who wish to pass their farms on to their children will disappear in 2016. Reforming the inheritance tax has been a Farm Bureau priority issue for many years. That hard work is finally paying off as legislation works its way through the process to end Tennessee’s inheritance tax. In January, Gov. Bill Haslam announced that his budget included raising the inheritance tax exemption level from $1 million to $1.25 million and he planned to eventually raise the exemption level to match the federal inheritance tax exemption of $5 million. Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Randy McNally is sponsoring the

Senate version (SB3762), while House Finance, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Sargent is the House sponsor (HB3760). Thanks to leadership from both chairmen, an agreement was reached with the administration to go further. The move became public when the House Finance Subcommittee amended the bill during their meeting on March 21 in the midst of Farm Bureau legislative visits. The first amendment increases the exemption level to $1.25 million in 2013, $2 million in 2014, and $5 million in 2015. The second amendment eliminates the tax in 2016. The bill as amended is supported by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Speaker of the House Beth Harwell. Governor Haslam also supports the amendments and wrote in the Wall Street Journal phasing the tax out over 4 years is a “thoughtful and

realistic approach.” The full House Finance Committee also adopted the amendments and passed the bill to the House floor, where it was approved with a final vote of 88-8. Noting the benefits for farmers and small business owners, Chairman Sargent said, “This is a very exciting time for Tennesseans.” After approval by the Senate Tax Subcommittee, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee was scheduled to hear the bill on April 17. The full repeal of the inheritance tax is a significant tax reform for farmers and other agribusinesses. When farm owners pass away and their land and business are transferred to their children, heirs are required to pay taxes on the transaction. Since many farmers hold their investments in land and equipment rather than large amounts of cash, farms are often

McNally

split and sold to pay the tax. Not only is this double-taxing earnings by the farmer, this all comes at a time when the family is grieving the loss of a loved one. Farm Bureau applauds the House and Senate leadership as well as the governor for supporting a full repeal of this tax. Farm Bureau President Lacy Upchurch said, “The repeal of the inheritance tax is an important step toward preserving family farms in Tennessee. Farm Bureau is appreciative of everyone involved in this effort, including Governor Haslam, Speaker Harwell, Lieutenant Governor Ramsey, Chairman Sargent, and all organizations that were a part of the team that made this happen." t

Federation departments merge to better serve members Department Merger TFBF President Lacy Upchurch announces the merger of two departments - Public Affairs and Commodity Activities - into what will now be called the Public Policy Division. This is part of a new plan to focus and strengthen strategic organizational functions. Public Policy Division staff will monitor what is happening in specific commodities and streamline Farm Bureau’s policy implementation process by coordinating commodity specific issues and general issues in the political arena and on the producer level. Each of the regional field service directors have been assigned specific commodities to have a more direct connection with commodity associations and their activities and to be a direct link to the producers of Tennessee’s major commodities. Maupin Named New Head Stefan Maupin, a seventeen year Farm Bureau employee, has been named as the director of Tennessee Farm Bureau’s newly organized Public Policy Division. Maupin most recently served as associate director of the organization’s former Public Affairs Department. “Maupin is the perfect fit for the job,” said TFBF President Lacy Upchurch. “He has the practical, com-

CAO Joe Pearson’s leadership that will allow Farm Bureau to take our policy implementation efforts to a higher level of effectiveness on behalf of our membership.” Maupin and his wife Michelle live in Culleoka with their two children. They are active members of the Columbia First Baptist Church.

Maupin mon sense experience and commodity expertise he gained from his years working on the family farm in Dyer County and the political policy knowhow from his years of working as a part of our Farm Bureau lobbying team.” He was active in 4-H and FFA and currently serves on the State 4-H Alumni Foundation. Maupin earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1994 from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He began his Farm Bureau career in 1995 in the Public Affairs Department as the assistant director of Public Affairs and Research. “The Public Policy Division strengthens Farm Bureau’s voice in government and expands our services on the farm,” stated Maupin, “I appreciate President Upchurch and

Howard Named associate director Tiffany Howard moves to associate director of the new Public Policy Division. Since beginning her career in 2007 with Farm Bureau as coordinator of the Tennessee Farm Fresh Program, a joint effort of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and TFBF, Howard has been a part of the former

Howard

Commodity Activities Department. She will continue to coordinate the Tennessee Farm Fresh Program, work in areas related to marketing, assist coordination of commodity activities and represent the Farm Bureau to groups related to her expertise. “She has, during her short career, gained significant respect from media contacts, built a direct marketing program with producer members and greatly enhanced her ability to network with volunteer leadership”, stated TFBF President Lacy Upchurch. Howard is a 2007 graduate of Austin Peay State University. She and husband Joe are members of the First United Methodist Church of Columbia and leaders in a variety of programs there. She is also active in the Columbia Kiwanis Club. Public Policy Division Staff In addition to Maupin and Howard, the Public Policy Division staff will also include Ryan King as associate director, who previously served as a regional field service director in District III. Rhedona Rose, executive vice president, will have oversight of Public Policy Division activities throughout the organization and remain the lead lobbyist in Nashville and Washington in coordination with the Public Policy Division. t

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

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Read All About It By Pettus Read Editor

Death may be coming to ‘Death Tax’ in Tennessee “The death tax does nothing but punish small businessmen and farmers building for the next generation. Unlike Washington, Tennessee plans for the future. I look forward to making sure the death tax meets the reaper,” were the comments of Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey after House Bill 3760 passed the House Finance, Ways and Means subcommittee recently and headed for the full committee. The bill increases the maximum allowable inheritance tax exemption from $1 million to $1.25 million with plans to increase the exemption more in coming years. During Ag Day on the Hill held March 20, farmers and legislators alike could be seen walking the Capitol halls wearing large red buttons declaring death to the unfair tax. For years the agricultural community has been trying to put the tax out of its misery in Washington with no luck, but things look different for its cousin here in the Volunteer State. With major support from elected officials and the governor, the tax may be moving its way to operating for a short while only on life support. On April 12, the full House by a bipartisan vote passed the bill phasing out the tax and eliminating it entirely by 2016. At press time it was on it’s way to the Senate for hopefully the same vote. Tennessee is one of only two states in the South that imposes a “death tax”, and not a single state in the Sun Belt has the tax as well. The tax can hit farmers disproportionately hard one report says and if you are a farmer trying to pass a farm on to the next generation, an unfair state

tax is the last thing you need. So many times death slips up on us and we die thinking that what we have worked so hard for will belong to our heirs. Yes, our farmers plan for the final in the way they know best. They have a will, which everyone with property should have. They have health insurance to take care of their medical costs.

government’s. The thing many get caught on in their planning is the inheritance taxes. Often, the farmer never realizes what his property, equipment, livestock, company stocks, and other financial holdings were worth. They had no idea that what they owned was valued in the millions, rather than the thousands as they thought.

And many even have pre-planned their funerals, taking care of all the costs and what was to be said at that final hour. However, there was one thing that may not have been planned on. It was something that some time should have been taken to plan for, but just like most things when dealing with the government, the realization of the farmer’s net worth was different from the

Due to the farm value being more than the exempted value, the children of the farmer are required to pay enormous amounts of estate taxes. To pay these taxes, the children have to sell the farm their farmer father loved so much. They don’t want to, but it may be the only way they have to pay what the government demands. “I already paid for it once. And I already pay taxes on it every

year to keep it,” Mark Klepper, Greene County farmer and former Tennessee Farm Bureau Young Farmer of the Year runner-up told reporter Andrea Zelinski as he visited his state representative at the Capitol wearing one of the “Death Tax” buttons. “You work hard all your life to make the money, you get taxed on it while you make it, you get taxed on it to keep it and the interest you make of it. And then when you die, your children have to pay tax on it just to keep it again,” he said. “It’s not fair for the person who actually works to achieve wealth to get punished for working.” We need to take this opportunity and make something happen this year. Because 84 percent of farm assets are real estate-based, farm families can be hit a lot harder than many other small business owners when estate taxes are enforced following a property owner’s death. If the family has to sell the land, buildings and equipment to pay the taxes due to not enough cash on hand to keep the operation going, then everyone loses. When the farm disappears, so does business for the shop owners who sell feed, seed and fertilizer. The community loses another family, along with their involvement. The estate tax is just as I labeled it, a “death tax,” because it has the ability to kill farms, communities and future dreams. It is time to bury it for good and it looks like we can write the obituary on this one. Maybe it is a family trait and its cousin up in Washington is feeling ill. t

CSA means you ‘bought the farm’ – in a good way “Community Supported Agriculture” describes a business model through which a non-farmer purchases a “share” or “half-share” of a farmer’s harvest – often before crops are even planted. The phrase may be awkward, but choosing local, homegrown foods is a national trend, and CSAs are gaining ground with both food producers and the food eaters who don’t have farms, but wish they could eat as if they did. “If you join a CSA, you pay the farmer up front, before the growing season begins, which allows the farmer to pay for the seed, fuel, and other inputs necessary to farm for the year,” says Jon Frady, marketing specialist

with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. “When crops start coming in, your fresh, local food is already bought and paid for.” This direct growing and purchasing relationship gives producers a stable income and the fairest return on their products, says Frady. “Typically,” says the marketing specialist, “the cost for a full share averages about $25 a week, but what constitutes a share depends on what the particular farm produces. The farmer usually provides a weekly half-bushel box of produce for a full share or a bi-weekly box for a half share at a convenient pick-up spot in the customer’s area.” “It’s increasingly typical for custom-

ers to request farm fresh eggs, meats and other local foods be included with their share,” says Frady. “Even if the farmer doesn’t produce all those products, neighboring producers may pool their diverse products to give customers a complete range of local foods.” “Several years back, I had a couple who came to pick up their basket immediately following their wedding,” says Adrienne Gibson, a farmer from A Place of the Heart Farm in Pioneer. “They came with their entire wedding party. We took a group picture.” “My customers are from all walks of life,” says Gibson, “but they all have the common thread of wanting to make

a positive difference in how they feed their families. Tennessee CSAs are accepting customers now. Frady says that those who are joining a CSA for the first time should have a plan for ways to use the excess fruits and vegetables that will surely arrive in their baskets. The specialist notes that guilt over wasted food is the biggest problem cited by CSA customers. Having some freezer space cleared, freezer bags on hand and some new recipes to try help assure that a typical summer’s abundance is a blessing, not a trial. A directory of CSAs is available at www.picktnproducts.org. t

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May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

The Ag Agenda

Alexander and Corker support TFBF opposition to proposed child labor rules

By Bob Stallman American Farm Bureau President

USDA: Celebrating 150 years of innovation President Abraham Lincoln is known for many achievements during his lifetime, but a little known triumph of his—that affects farmers and ranchers greatly—was the establishment of the United States Department of Agriculture 150 years ago. On May 15, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law a bill establishing a new Department of Agriculture, which was specifically directed to acquire information through “practical and scientific experiments” and to collect and propagate “new and valuable seeds and plants” and distribute these to the nation’s agriculturists. It is clear, Lincoln was a man beyond his time. A Man with a Vision Lincoln understood the importance of agriculture to America, and, as importantly, he realized science and technology played a major role in the farming industry. Without a doubt, I believe Lincoln today would embrace the many technological advancements farmers use on their farms, including biotechnology. Lincoln once wrote: “Every blade of grass is a study, and to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and a pleasure. And not grass alone, but soils, seeds and seasons— hedges, ditches and fences, draining, droughts and irrigation—plowing, hoeing and harrowing—reaping, mowing and threshing—saving crops, pests of crops, diseases of crops and what will prevent or cure them … the thousand things of which these are specimens—each a world of study within itself.” The federal government was, from the beginning of its involvement in agriculture, dedicated to scientific progress in farming. This commitment continues today and is shared by farmers and ranchers across the country, regardless of the methods of food and fiber production they use—organic, conventional or biotechnology. They all need science. Full Speed Ahead The importance of science and innovation—biotechnology in particular—to agriculture will be significant as we face several chal-

lenges in the years ahead. The world’s population just passed the 7 billion mark. According to the World Food Program, the best estimate is that 1 billion people (one in seven) are hungry and food insecure. By 2050 the world’s population will rise to 9 billion people. This means we must double world food production by 2050 in order to meet this challenge. Further, we must accomplish this hefty goal while realizing that our Earth is fragile. To take care of our environment, we must embrace agriculture research, science, innovation and biotechnology. When it comes to medical care, communication and transportation we accept the importance of innovation. We need to do the same when it comes to the production of food. Earlier this year, the United Nations issued a special report recognizing that “new ‘green’ biotechnologies can… improve resistance to pests, restore soil fertility and contribute to the diversification of the rural economy.” Sound familiar? Seems a lot like what Lincoln described as a goal 150 years ago. Scientists have developed new seeds that can improve yields while resisting disease and requiring less water. That is critical as 70 percent of all fresh water is used by agriculture. American consumers and consumers all over the world can feel safe with this technology and confident it will improve our environment. While meeting these quantitative challenges and meeting our environmental goals, we will strive to focus even greater attention on the qualitative side, to also meet the needs of consumers who express a preference for foods grown “their way.” Science is the answer for all these missions, and today’s USDA is helping to blaze that trail. So, Happy Birthday USDA and best wishes as we continue down the road for another 150 years. America’s farmers, ranchers and research scientists can lead the way to a new 21st century Green Revolution if we follow the vision of Abraham Lincoln. As Honest Abe said, “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” t

Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation

Recent articles published in Tennessee newspapers have discussed the proposed Department of Labor regulations relating to child labor and have criticized those who have supported the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s position of opposing the proposed rules. At the urging of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Bob Corker have both co-sponsored a bill (SB 2221) to prevent the Department of Labor from enacting proposed rules regarding teenagers who work in agricultural settings. Even the Tennessee Legislature recently prohibited Tennessee tax dollars from being used to enforce these proposed rules if they go in effect because of the impact on farmers and teenagers seeking employment. Senator Alexander has now been wrongly criticized based on misinformation for his support of the bill. Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, the largest general farm organization in our state, gives a high priority to assuring that all our workers, especially youth, are afforded appropriate safeguards when they work on our farms. The Department of Labor currently has adequate regulations relating to agricultural child labor that restrict youth 16 and under from performing tasks that are “particularly hazardous.” These regulations, known as hazardous occupation (HO) orders, issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act, stipulate what tasks a youth may not perform on a farm. The law, however, also clearly states that a youth working for a parent may perform any task. The Department of Labor has traditionally interpreted this parental exemption to include all farms substantially owned by the parent or guardian. Last September, however, the Department of Labor proposed new regulations to change that traditional interpretation, limiting the parental exemption only to farms “whollyowned” by a parent. This proposed interpretation meant that a brother and sister who jointly owned a farm themselves through a partnership or limited liability corporation would no longer be allowed to hire their nieces, nephews or grandchildren to help work on the farm. Such a proposed interpretation significantly restricted the statutory exemption. It was only after an outpouring of critical comments – numbering nearly 10,000 – from interested individuals and members of Congress, including Senator Alexander, that the Department of Labor announced

it would re-propose the parental exemption portion of the rule; however, it is unclear what the new proposal will include or when it will be announced. There has also been extensive discussion about the rule’s prohibition of power-driven equipment and whether it would prohibit youth under the age of 16 from operating simple tools like a battery operated screwdriver. There is no question that it would. Taken directly from the Department of Labor’s proposed regulation, Ag. HO #2 prohibits a youth under age 16 from “any activity involving physical contact” with “all machines, equipment, implements…operated by any power source other than human hand or foot power,” and the Department of Labor has explicitly stated that this includes “batteries.” It appears quite explicit and clear in the rule that the department proposes to outlaw the use of battery-powered implements like screwdrivers. Moreover, expert comments submitted to the department support this reading of the proposal. The National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) referred to the proposed Ag. HO #2 and specifically noted that the “the proposed definition also exceeds the recommendations made by NIOSH [2002] and would prohibit the use of small handheld battery-powered equipment (e.g., a flashlight) that is not prohibited by any nonagricultural HO.” Farm Bureau, and the farmers and ranchers they represent, are well aware of the risks involved in agriculture and support appropriate regulatory safeguards. We are joined in our efforts by virtually every agricultural organization, including FFA and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. It is also important to note that the number of injuries to youths on farms has decreased drastically under the current regulations. In an Agricultural Safety Survey published on April 5, 2012 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, agriculture related injuries to youth under 20 years of age has decreased 54 percent from 2001 to 2009. Moreover, work-related injuries only contributed to a quarter of youth injuries occurring on farm operations. Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation is highly concerned with the safety of youth working on farms; however, a broad reaching regulation that is impractical in the real world is not the answer. While they support appropriate federal regulations in this area, they should be based on reliable data and real risks. t

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

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Innovative Agriculture By Melissa Burniston Associate Director of Communications

Inspiring confidence in new generation, future of ag The future of agriculture is a pretty broad and sometimes seemingly daunting topic. But in my eyes, it’s filled with endless opportunity. This was underscored recently as I got the opportunity to attend the 84th annual Tennessee State FFA Convention. I’m not sure about you, but nothing gets me more excited about the future than seeing people get excited about their part in it. I unashamedly admit I got chills as I talked with those young people about their farming interests and what their goals for the future were. These students covered it all, from Maryanna McClure and her interest in sheep and genetics to Aaron Loy and his bent on cattle and hog farming to Sean Donaldson and his family enterprise of vegetable and fruit production. The best part for me was these students’ intent to not only remain in agriculture, but their obvious excitement and enthusiasm about what the future would hold.

It’s not very often you meet someone who has met the President of the United States, and I would venture a guess that having that person be under 20 years old is even more rare; but that is exactly what Maryanna McClure got to do after winning the National Agriscience Fair at the National FFA Convention last year. The first person ever to win that award from Tennessee, she was surprised to find out she was also selected out of the national winners to go to the White House to present her project to the President. She was one of only ten students who presented their project to the President. “It was such a great honor and something I never dreamed I would be able to achieve, so when that email came from the White House I was pretty excited. Being able to stand in the State Dining Room of the White House, on

George Washington’s rug, and present something I’m so passionate about to the President of the United States is something I will never forget,” said McClure. Maryanna and her family have a hobby farm near Dyersburg and she says ever since she was a little girl, she has wanted to be in the FFA. “I knew I wanted to be involved in production agriculture, so when my freshman year of high school came up I was so excited to finally be a part of Dyersburg FFA Chapter,” McClure said. She and her family have horses, sheep, goats and a few cows. They raise and sell natural color and white Cotswold sheep, as well as other fiber animals. This is where Maryanna’s interest was piqued. She began researching the genetics behind the natural color and white Cotswold sheep to try and breed for more natural colors. “White is dominate to natural color in Cotswold sheep, therefore there aren’t many natural colors in the industry, and they are especially difficult to breed.” McClure said. “So, I bred my white ewes that carried a recessive natural color gene with my natural colored ram to hopefully produce natural color lambs.” Maryanna was recently named to the 2012-2013 Tennessee State FFA officer team as the West Tennessee Vice President and upon graduation she plans to attend Tennessee Tech University where she will major in agriculture education and animal science. Another impressive FFA member I met while at the convention was named the state’s Star Farmer, in addition to being named to the 2012-2013 State FFA officer team as Treasurer. Grant Saum of the McNairy Central FFA Chapter began showing sheep at the age of four and has been involved in production agriculture ever since. The high point of his show career came at the North American International Livestock Exposition, where he earned national showmanship champion honors. “Production agriculture is where I belong. I feel honored to be in production agriculture and there’s no place I’d rather be,” said Saum when asked about his passion for the industry. Grant has a diversified livestock operation where he raises 32 commercial ewes (sheep) to sell to other FFA or 4-H members to show. He also has a small herd of Angus-based beef cows he raises for club calves to sell to students to show as well. His other farming interests lie in producing pasture and hay for his sheep and cattle, as well

as selling hay to local producers and drought stressed ranchers in Texas. He also has a highly profitable sweet corn operation that markets corn though local grocery stores. Grant’s future goals include attending the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he will major in animal science and he plans to go to vet school. “After I graduate, my plan is to then go back home and keep up the family farm, that will always be part of my life,” said Saum. The average farmer in Tennessee is around 58 years old, so it is exciting to see students graduating from high school with plans to go back to the farm and continue their family’s traditions. On the other end of the state from Grant, but with the same goal of working the family farm after college, is Aaron Loy. “It’s my dad and granddad and me. We all work together to get everything done, so we all stay busy, but I love it,” says Loy. Aaron Loy was named the state’s Star in Agricultural Placement, which means he farms but is not a principal owner in the operation. The Loy’s family farm consists of 600 acres where they raise beef cattle and hogs. Aaron says there aren’t a lot of hog operations left in East Tennessee and they are the only large ones left in Jefferson County. They have a herd of 400 cows and raise around 200 hogs for local consumption. Aaron says the farm and agriculture aren’t the only traditions in his family. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be in the FFA. My dad was president when he was at Jefferson County, and now I am president. It means a lot to be able to do the same thing he did. I started out in 4-H, doing public speaking and showing cattle, but all the career development events in the FFA (horse judging, livestock evaluation, parliamentary procedure) have really helped me develop my speaking skills and also help me evaluate livestock, which is important to our operation,” said Loy. Aaron plans on attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, majoring in agriculture, then returning to the farm as a partner with his dad and grandfather. Livestock operations aren’t the only farms that keep traditions alive in the state. In Covington, Sean Donaldson’s family farm consists of 88 acres of produce. Donaldson’s Produce Farm raises tomatoes, squash, strawberries, apples and more. Sean says their goal is always to have a small farm but be able to keep quality produce like a big farm.

“I’d like to do this the rest of my life because it is something I love to do. Anything I can do to work with my hands to produce agriculture and farm I will do, because I can’t live without it,” says Donaldson.

Sean credits the FFA with helping him gain skills that will help him in life and back on the farm, “The FFA has played a major role in my career in high school. It helps me on my farm, by teaching me how to produce more yields, soils helped me with soil content and it taught me leadership. With everything that goes on in the FFA, it’s a second family I love to have.” Sean’s goals for his future begin at Dyersburg State Community College, and then go on to either the University of Tennessee at Martin or Tennessee State University, somewhere that has a good soil science program. He would also like to get his master’s degree, but says it all still leads directly back to work on the family farm. He hopes to one day expand and improve the business so his family may enjoy the farm for many generations to come. At a time in our society when many people think the family farm is disappearing, here are students already achieving great things in agriculture, with plans to “bloom” in the industry that got them started. Having individuals like these four FFA members in Tennessee can only bode well for the future of our state and the industry as a whole. I know the chills I got when speaking to each of these students will only continue as they share their enthusiasm with others and more people continue to bring fresh ideas to the tried and true traditions that are mainstays in agriculture. The future is bright with organizations like 4-H and FFA shaping the leaders of tomorrow and I can’t wait to meet the next group of enterprising members next year! t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

State FFA convention celebrates promise, spirit, success Believe was the theme of the 84th annual Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg April 1 - 4, and students from across the state took that theme to heart as they competed in state career development events, participated in state talent on stage, attended leadership workshops and made memories to last a lifetime. More than 3,000 students, advisors and guests attended the convention from Johnson to Shelby counties and all in between to celebrate the accomplishments of the year and decide on state winners to represent Tennessee at the National

FFA Convention held in October. There were many highlights during the convention, with 48 students honored for the supervised agricultural experience programs, where the student has developed an agricultural project and builds on it each year to have a hands-on application of skills learned in the classroom. And at the pinnacle of the Supervised Agricultural Experience program (SAE), one student gets honored in each area for their outstanding performance in their chosen project - at the freshman level is the Star Greenhand and at the junior/senior

levels are the Star in Agriscience, Star in Agricultural Placement, Star in Agribusiness and Star Farmer. This is the highest honor one can receive in the state association for your SAE. In addition more than 500 students from across the state received their State FFA Degrees, the highest tribute a student can attain in the Tennessee FFA. And nearly 20 career development events are held during the week of convention as well, among those being agriculture communications, agriculture issues, farm business management, job interview, speaking events, and a range of other leader-

ship based events. Twenty-four candidates vied for the eight coveted state FFA officer spots, and when the nominating committee called out the 2012-2013 state officer team, President Stephen McBride of Coffee County FFA led the newly elected team and closed out the convention. And so FFA members will continue to “Believe” in themselves and their potential as they prepare for National FFA Convention, continue working on their SAE’s, volunteering in their communities and looking forward to next years 85th State FFA Convention. t

FFA Ceremonies Winning Team -

Extemporaneous Public Speaking Winner - Jesse Pyland of the Munford FFA

Prepared Public Speaking Winner -

FFA Creed Winner - Chelsea Sanders of

Star Farmer - Grant Saum of the McNairy

Star in Agribusiness - Sean Donaldson of the Covington FFA Chapter

Wilson Central FFA – From left: CheKenna Fletcher, Kaitlyn Webster, Fiona Whitaker, Keele Dillon, Adam Manning, Chelsea Sanders and Dalton Gates

Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter

the Wilson Central FFA Chapter

Chapter

Central FFA Chapter

2012-2013 State FFA Officers - From top left: Reporter – Christy Chicas, Station Camp;

West Tennessee Vice President – Maryanna McClure, Dyersburg; East Tennessee Vice President – Jessie Campbell, Sweetwater; Sentinel – Hannah Dugger, Johnson County; bottom row: Secretary – Mitch Baker, Baxter; Treasurer – Grant Saum, McNairy Central; Middle Tennessee Vice President – John Adam Turner, Warren County; President – Stephen McBride, Coffee County

Star in Agriscience - Anna Davin of the

Parliamentary Procedure Winning Team - Munford FFA – From left: Tara Swirka,

Raynette Johnson, Lauren Aqcanas, Rebekah Davenport, Jesse Pyland, Elena Smith, Advisors: Ann Johnson, Bill Newsom

Star in Agricultural Placement - Aaron

Dyersburg FFA Chapter

Loy of the Jefferson County FFA Chapter

Star Greenhand - Harris Murray of the

Job Interview Winner - Jessie Campbell of the Sweetwater FFA Chapter

Dyersburg FFA Chapter

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Meet your Lawmakers: Profiles from Capitol Hill

lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey

Speaker of the House Beth Harwell

A lifetime resident of East Tennessee, Ron Ramsey has represented Johnson and Sullivan counties in the state senate since 1996. Before he was elected to the senate, he was a state representative for four years. Throughout his service, he has championed small business issues and sought to make government more efficient. Lt. Gov. Ramsey is not only the first Republican lieutenant governor in over 140 years; he is also the longest-serving Republican to hold that position in the state’s history. Ramsey is married to Sindy and they have three daughters and one grandson. He has been an auctioneer since 1985 and in 1990, he began Ron Ramsey and Associates, a real estate auction firm. Lt. Gov. Ramsey is active in many organizations, including his church.

Born and raised near Philadelphia in Pottstown, Penn., Beth Harwell moved to Nashville to attend David Lipscomb University. She received her B.A. from Lipscomb and later her Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. “I just fell in love with Nashville and the South,” she said, “and decided this was going to be home.” She married businessman Sam Harwell and they have three children – Allie, Sam, and Tucker. Prior to her service in the General Assembly, Harwell was an assistant professor of political science at Belmont University. She has been involved in the Nashville area as a member of many organizations and has served on numerous boards. In 1988, she was elected to represent the 56th district in the House of Representatives. Throughout her 22 years as a House member, she championed issues such as limited government, welfare reform, education and victims’ rights. She was also the House Republican Caucus Whip and chairwoman of the House Commerce Committee. In January 2011, her colleagues in the House elected her Tennessee’s 81st Speaker of the House - the first female Speaker in Tennessee’s history.

Tell our members about your early life, career and family. I grew up on a farm in northeast Tennessee, a small farm, 115 acres. We didn’t specialize in anything. We had about a dozen dairy cattle, about a dozen beef cattle, we usually put out a couple of acres of tobacco, and we raised chickens and hogs every year and killed those in the fall. I may actually be part of the last generation that’s done that. Everybody back then had a little dairy, just a small dairy, to keep cash flow going. So I grew up literally milking every day from the time I was about in the 5th grade until I was 17 years old when we got out of the dairy business. I still farm a little bit. I have 15 registered Angus cattle that I do as a hobby basically. I’ve always wanted to be selfemployed so I went to college at East Tennessee State University and majored in building construction technology. Two years after I graduated and worked in an apprenticeship, I started my own surveying business when I was 25 years old. I started my own real estate and auction business when I was 30 years old and I still own and operate that today. That’s what I still do every day. It’s a very family oriented business. My wife runs the business, one of my daughters works for me, my brother works for me, and we have auctions just about every

Saturday. As legislators, we are part time legislators. We don’t make enough down here to make a living, and so when we go back home on the weekends, I have auctions. I think it keeps me in touch with people. I’ve got three daughters that of course are all married now. I’ve got a grandson that’s 10 months old and hopefully I’ll have more soon. Life’s good. Even though there’s not a bill regarding Career and Technical Education this session, we’ve seen the issue come up. Talk about your position on CTE and its future. That’s one area of our education process, especially K through 12, which undoubtedly has done a great job over the years through the FFA and all of the other organizations. Senator Tracy and I just made sure that this stays on the front burner. We want to make sure that these unbelievably good programs that we have across the state can continue because a lot of these students will end up going on to college but some of them won’t. We need to understand that college isn’t for everybody and that these career and technical education programs can be just as important as a 2 year degree or 4 year degree and so we need to make sure that it receives the proper attention. What’s the most challenging thing you’ve experienced since you’ve been lieutenant governor and what’s been the most rewarding? Let’s go with the most rewarding first: the fact that I believe we are making a difference. We realize the state employees work for the taxpayers, not the other way around. I think that we’re making some true reforms and it is very rewarding. I guess usually the most challenging are the mundane issues that I have to deal with that most of the general public doesn’t realize. That’s just not my cup of tea. I’m a big picture kind of guy that wants to set the course for the state of Tennessee and improve the state of Tennessee. Read more of this interview at: www.tnfarmbureau.org/content/ meet-lt-governor-ron-ramsey

How did you become interested in running for the legislature? Well, I actually got interested in politics way back when I was actually a freshman in college and went home to live for the summer in Pennsylvania. My grandmom became ill, and she became bedridden, and she lived with us. We had a nurse that stayed with us, and when the nurse took her hour-long lunch break, it was my responsibility to sit beside grandma. For that hour, we watched TV, and there was nothing on TV that year but Watergate. I just fell in love with the way Howard Baker spoke because he had a Southern accent, and she fell in love with Sam Ervin, the senator from the Carolina states. I remember saying to grandmom, I said, “Grandmom, I’m going to meet those two people.” It just so happened, I came down here when I was in graduate school at Vanderbilt, Senator Ervin came and spoke at Vanderbilt, and afterwards I talked to him a little bit. When he left, he was such a fine gentleman, he actu-

ally wrote back to the school, and it said, “To Beth in care of the Political Science Department at Vanderbilt University.” He had forgotten my last name, but it was a little note for my grandmom. So, in fact I met him, and then I’ve gotten involved in Republican politics and I’ve actually met Senator Baker many times, so it came true. I just love the legislative process. I decided I didn’t have any desire to be an attorney, and I really wanted to teach government and politics. So I received my Ph.D. from Vanderbilt and taught for about four years full time and that’s when I ran for this office, and lost, and came back to run again. Explain your position on the inheritance tax. I’ve actually introduced a reduction or elimination of the inheritance tax almost every year that I’ve served in the General Assembly and it’s so rewarding now that we were able with the new administration to properly fund the reduction of the death tax with the whole idea of phasing it out over the next five years. What that will allow us to do is preserve those family farms that oftentimes have to be sold upon the owner’s death in order to pay the taxes. Now, that’s a disgrace. We need to allow these family farms to stay in the family and we’ll be able to do that by eliminating the death tax. What would you say to Farm Bureau members who want to be involved in the legislative process and get to know their lawmaker? Nothing matters more than hearing from your own constituent. Really, because we’re a part time legislator, we can’t be experts in every area. We rely on people in the industry to tell us what’s good for them. Having each individual farmer out there having a relationship with a legislator is a great thing. Build that relationship where you don’t have to ask for anything, where there’s nothing going wrong. So then when you need a legislator for something, you’ve built that ongoing relationship with them. And the Farm Bureau is very good at doing that. Read more of this interview at: www.tnfarmbureau.org/harwell

by Laura Vaught, Tennessee Farm Bureau Public Affairs Intern – Laura grew up on a dairy farm in Lascassas and is the daughter of Rutherford County Farm Bureau members Mike and Lynn Vaught. She has a B.S. degree in agriculture with a concentration in animal science from Tennessee Tech University and recently graduated with her M.S. in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University.

www.tnfarmbureau.org 14 Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2010

May 2012 - Tennesseewww.tnfarmbureau.org Farm Bureau News

65th Annual 4-H Congress: ‘Exceeding Expectations’

They know their Tennessee history - History Bowl winners at the 65th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress in Nashville were Augusta Betterton of Putnam County and Zachary Suell of Robertson County. Also pictured is Janet Cluck, Dickson County Extension director (donor) and Raleigh Betterton of Putnam County who was scorer for the team.

New Congress officers for 2013 - The 2013 Tennessee 4-H Congress officers elected during Congress, from left: Nick Baker, Putnam County, Speaker of the House; Claire Garrell, Marshall County, Governor; and Aaron Wolters, Maury County, Speaker of the Senate.

Best in public speaking - State public speaking winners were announced at the 65th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress in Nashville. From left: Staci Foy, Henry County UT Extension (donor representative); Claire Garrell of Marshall County, 9th grade winner; Elisa Vandergriff of Knox County, 10th grade winner; Taylre Beaty of Blount County, 11th grade winner; Joseph Minga of Sullivan County, 12th grade winner; and Eden Karnes and Tykey Truett (donors).

Tomorrow’s leaders - Leadership winners at the 65th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress

were Stephen McNeil (left) of Sumner County (Level I) and Rachael Wolters (right) of Maury County (Level II). Chris Fleming, associate director of Special Programs, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, was the donor representative.

Friend of 4-H - An avid Tennessee 4-H youth program supporter received one of the orga-

nization’s most prestigious honors. Joe Huffine, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative manager of Member Services, received the “Friend of 4-H” Award from the Tennessee 4-H Foundation during the 65th Annual Tennessee 4-H Congress. From left: Dr. Larry Arrington, chancellor of UT Institute of Agriculture, who presented the award to Huffine, shown with his wife Trish and their daughter Madison.

Essay winner - Linnea Gaetjens of Coffee Tops in citizenship - Citizenship winners at the 65th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress were

Alex Crockett (left) of Fentress County (Level I) and Taylre Beaty (right) of Blount County (Level II). Chris Fleming, Associate Director of Special Programs, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, was the donor representative.

County wrote the state-winning essay at the 65th annual Tennessee 4-H Congress. Presenting Linnea with her award is Roger Thackston representing the Former University of Tennessee Institute of Agricultural Workers Association.

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

Tennessee Agriculture in the Classroom Report

The Seedling

www.tnfarmbureau.org May 2012

Many gifts to the Tennessee Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom are made in memory of those who have passed, or to honor living persons who have had a lasting effect on agriculture and education in Tennessee. In this reporting period, Sept. 1, 2011 - Feb. 28, 2012, gifts have been received on behalf of these people:

Memorials

N.V. Albright Mandy Amenson Evelyn Modean Arnold Bob Basse Martha Bell Dorothy Biddle Anna Lee Hill Bilderback Clarence Blackburn Bronston Boone Mark Branham David H. Brotherton Jo Ann Enochs Brown Joan Bunch Gene Burris Janice Carr Mary D. Cates Dean Mann Comer Mildred Davidson Craig Julie Crawford Geneva Crihfield Reba E Crouch Harold Daniels Johnny Paul Davis Jr. Eugene Dunn Charles “Boge” Dyer Connie Carter Ellett Orville England Majorie Fetzer Betty Fillers Hallie B. Flatt Uton Fleming Lucy Corbett Franklin John N. Fugate Joy Garland James Graham Annis Hale

Beulah Harris Daniel Harris Alice Harvey Ruth Hawkins Jimmy Hitch Freddie Hobbs Owen Everett Hodges Jack Holbrook Kermit Holland E.E. “Sim” Hudgens Martha Huggins Lorraine Fann Hunt Charles and Rachel Jacobs Nancy Jones George Kemmer Maybelle Killebrew Addie Kimery Howard Lloyd King Elwyn King Betty Krumrey Herman E. “Lip” Lambert James Lanius Lloyd and Mackie Linam Charles Douglas Lindley Myrtle Louise Loftis Wilson Luckett Mary Louise Manning Wilma Maples Ruby Massa Mike McAskill Eugene McKinney Archie Ray McMahan Ilene Moss Vann Mullins Mary Sue Myracle Dorothy Neal Mitchell “Pete” Parchman Kenneth O. Parker Mabel Pattat

Opal Peters Clarence Powell Jim Putman Elbert Rader Edd Read Jr. Oliver Redwine Jim Richardson Madge Roberts Richard R Rose Robert E. Rose Lorene Smith William “Bill” Smith Sr. Freddy Squibb Willie L. Bartlett Stone Mark Sullivan Lucille Thompson Willard “Tom Cat” Tomlinson Wade Towry Merrill Vanhooser Joe Waggener William Jeffrey Walker Eddie Bell and Billie Lou Watts C.W. Wessib Willie West Bill Wheeler Bert Holman Whitehead Bill Wiggand Ruth Woody Gwen Yearwood Sue Young

Honorees

Hugh Adams Clifford Cordell Phyllis Finchum Connie Gaither

Julius Johnson Creig Kimbro Dorotha Lee Joe Millsaps Buddy Mitchell Rhedona Rose Lacy Upchurch Roger Thackston Mitsue Williamson John Woolfolk

Donors by County Sept. 1, 2011 - Feb. 28, 2012

Anderson County James E. Jones Jr. Bedford County Dustin and Andrianna Lamb Bledsoe County David and Beth Burns Troy and Bonnie Hudson Corey Roberts Blount County Blount County F.B. Board of Directors Blount County F.B. Women Mark and Beverly Griffith Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Hearon Mr. and Mrs. Denny Mayes Mr. and Mrs. Emmit Rawls Bradley County Bradley County F.B. Board of Directors Cannon County Cannon County F.B. Directors and Office Staff

q YES! I want to contribute to the AITC Foundation! Donor’s Name_____________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ County__________________________________________________________ City _____________________________ State _______ Zip________________ Phone (Business) ____________________ (Home)_______________________ Please check any appropriate boxes. MY DONATION is enclosed for: q $10 q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250 q $1,000 q $2,500 q $5,000 q $10,000 q Other _________ q Life Insurance Policy q Estate Plan I am making my donation:

q In memory of:

q In honor of:

Name____________________________________________________________ A card will be sent to the honoree or family of whom you are memorializing. Please give us the name and address of the person to receive this card: Name to receive card_______________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Please direct any donation/inquiry to: Tennessee Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402-0313 931-388-7872 ext. 2217

Agriculture in the Classroom Staff & Program Personnel Lacy Upchurch, TFBF President Jane May, Women’s Leadership Chairperson Charles Curtis, Director of Special Programs Chris Fleming, Associate Director of Special Programs Kristy Chastine, Associate Director of Special Programs Teresa Ragsdale, Special Programs Associate

Claiborne County Claiborne County Farm Bureau Cocke County Cocke County F.B. Board of Directors Julia Graham Walker Coffee County Coffee County Farm Bureau Andrew J. and Valerie Teal Jamie and Ashley Weaver Crockett County Crockett County Farm Bureau Cumberland County Cumberland County Farm Bureau Cumberland Co. F.B. Women Employees of the Plateau Experiment Station Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Atchley Mr. and Mrs. Charles Daugherty Russell and Ashton Hayes Ann and Pepe Perron Mr. and Mrs. Roger Thackston Mr. and Mrs. Willard L. Upchurch Davidson County HFR Design, Inc. Miller and Martin, LLP Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Strasser Mr. and Mrs. William A. Strasser Willow Works of Nashville/Lebanon Decatur County Decatur County Farm Bureau Brent Lay Dyer County Dyer County F.B. Board of Directors Dyer County F.B. Women Matt Fennel Rusty and Christi Grills Jeremiah and Tevvy Hollingsworth Spence and Melissa Lowery Mr. and Mrs. William May Doug and Britni Singleteary Fayette County Fayette County F.B. Women Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Pattat, Sr. Fentress County Fentress County Farm Bureau Fentress County F.B. Women’s Org. Mr. and Mrs. John Robbins Franklin County William and Mary Beth Henley Kary Robinson Tracy Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Winston Tipps Gibson County Jason and Amy Luckey Zac Luckey

Hardin County Hardin Co. F.B. Board and Office Staff Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Duren Gerry Lambert Jeff and Jennifer Milam Becky Rose

McNairy County Hilda Ashe

Washington County Washington County Farm Bureau

Monroe County Monroe County Farm Bureau

Weakley County Weakley County F.B. Board of Directors Mr. and Mrs. John Chester David A. Corvin Andy and Ellie Holt Ben and Jennifer Moore

Moore County Moore County Farm Bureau Obion County Obion County F.B. Board of Directors Hadley and Tracey Malone Overton County Charles and Sharon Curtis Brian and Samantha McLerran Joseph and Becky Smith

Henderson County Jim and Debbie Haggard

Polk County Polk County F.B. and Board

Hickman County Hickman County F.B. Women

Putnam County Putnam County Farm Bureau Putnam County F.B. Women Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Baker Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Clark Beverly D. Hall Nate and Amanda Houser Jim W. Lansford Don and Edwina McCaslin

Houston County Houston County F.B. Women Terry and Mary Sue Beard Peggy A. Breeden Mr. and Mrs. James O. Fussell Jefferson County Jefferson County Farm Bureau Mr. and Mrs. George Cline Mr. and Mrs. Nick Larrance Knox County Mr. and Mrs. Hulet Chaney Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. DiPietro Kevin Hensley Lauderdale County Lauderdale County Farm Bureau Lawrence County Chris and Teresa Fleming Lincoln County Lincoln County Farm Bureau Lincoln County F.B. Women Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hopson Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ogle Glen Oldham Mr. and Mrs. Glenn T. Varner Loudon County Josey Harris Macon County Cristina Yokley Madison County Andrew and Rachel Webb Marshall County Marshall County Farm Bureau Mr. and Mrs. Terry W. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Roberson

Roane County Brian and Lindsay Lewand Travis and Whitney Tilley Robertson County Robertson Co. F.B. Board and Staff Robertson County Farm Bureau Agents Robertson County F.B. Women James Carr Mr. and Mrs. Randall Carr Sheila M. Watts Rutherford County Blackman Community Club Rutherford County Farm Bureau Rutherford County F.B. Women Rutherford County Adult Activity Center Alvin and Cathy Brandon Mr. and Mrs. Dan Mitchell Pettus Read Dan and Margaret Scott Peggy and Johnny Taylor Brandon and Katherine Whitt Gladys R. Wildman Shelby County Shelby County Farm Bureau

Sumner County Sumner County Farm Bureau Ricky and Edie Kirkpatrick Tipton County Bill and Summer Kelley

White County White County Farm Bureau David and Becky Simmons Luke and Amanda Teeple Williamson County Journal Communications Jennifer A. Hatcher, D.V.M. Debra K. Kenerson Wilson County Wilson County Farm Bureau Women Keith and Julie Harrison Others Mike and Penny Gentry Mr. Matthew Estel Mr. and Mrs. Jason Estel Mrs. Kathlyn Estel Ms. Mindy Danskin Mr. and Mrs. Andy Clark Mr. and Mrs. Merle Danskin Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, LA Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt N. Wheeler Butch and Jackie Cherry David and Judy Ross Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Estel Jean and Dewey Lyner and Family C.B. and Teresa Priest American Agricultural Insurance Co. Auto Glass Service Creative Benefit Design Enterprise Rent-A-Car First Farmers and Merchants Bank Richardson Restoration and Repair Tennessee Assn. of Agricultural Educators Tennessee Dairy Producers Association Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Tennessee Farm Bureau Member Benefits Tennessee Livestock Producers Tennessee Rural Health Improvement Association Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board Tennessee YF&R Auction The Sum Total of Advertising, Inc. S NE

SEE

F OU N D AT for I

Sullivan County Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earhart

Warren County John Chisam

LT UR

Maury County Maury County F.B. Women Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Ailshie Tommy and Becky Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Beets Mr. Bobby Harris Joe and Tiffany Howard

Rhea County James and Stephanie Housley

Van Buren County Van Buren Co. F.B. Directors and Women’s Committee

IC AGR

Greene County Greene County F.B. Women John and Donna Cooter Mrs. Guy T. (Agnes) Keifer Mark and Cindy Klepper

Hamilton County City Farmers Club of Chattanooga

Trousdale County Mary Grace Gregory

Giles County Melissa McElrath

Hamblen County Hamblen County Farm Bureau Hamblen County F.B. Women Katherine B. Austin Mr. and Mrs. Bill Howell Mr. and Mrs. Russell O. Moore Frank and Bonnie Oakberg

Jim, Judy, Jimbo Mathis Mr. and Mrs. Murray Miles Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pearson Bradley Richardson Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Roberts Rhedona Rose Ben Sanders Mr. and Mrs. Billy Truelove

Carroll County Carroll County Farm Bureau Johnathon and Christine Jackson

Grundy County Grundy County Farm Bureau Grundy County Farm Bureau Women George and Edwene Clay High Meadows Farm David and Melda Jacobs Jerry and Judy Walling

May 2012

RO O

Glenn and Lou Nave Paul L. Reed

The Seedling

Tennessee Agriculture in the Classroom Report

May 2012 - Tennessee Farm www.tnfarmbureau.org Bureau News

www.tnfarmbureau.org Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2010

E IN

THE CL

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012

www.tnfarmbureau.org

TAEP applications deadline nears

Farm Credit breaks ground for new office Farm Credit Services of Mid-America announced a new office opening in Columbia, Tenn. The new Columbia office will be located at the corner of Nashville Highway and Baker Road, replacing the existing office located at 808 Nashville Highway. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 6 and was attended by staff and advisors of Farm Credit as well as representatives from the building and construction companies. David Lynn, senior vice president of Financial Services for Farm Credit said the new office reflects progress within the Farm Credit organization. “We are excited to offer our Columbia customers a brand new Farm Credit office. Throughout our four state territory we have planned four more renovations and rebuilds before the

end of 2012. It is important that our offices reflect the progress we are making within our organization – the ground breaking in Columbia is only the start of continued development and growth for the Farm Credit association.” Matt Neal, regional vice president for Farm Credit, commented on the success of the Columbia office. “Fifteen years ago the Columbia office had three team members with an office volume of $38 million. We now have eight team members and will expand to fourteen by the end of the year. Our volume is now more than $200 million and we are on pace to increase that number to $300 million with 16 team members within the next five years. Our new office will help us grow with the communities we serve.” t

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has released the 2012 applications for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered June 1 – 7. Do not postmark prior to June 1. An important change for this year is that requests for funding will now be approved based on applicant determined priorities instead of on a first come, first serve basis. “Governor Haslam recognizes the importance of the Ag Enhancement program and has again proposed full funding of the program,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “This year, we’re putting more emphasis on helping farmers make strategic investments by asking them to prioritize their farm projects. This will help us reach more farmers and help us to be more deliberate about which projects get funded.” Through TAEP, farmers can qualify for 35 or 50 percent cost share, ranging from a maximum of $1,200 to $15,000 depending on the project. This year’s program will again offer cost sharing opportunities for genetics, livestock

equipment, hay storage, feed storage, grain storage and producer diversification opportunities. In addition to the new approval process, other changes this year include: • Genetics - Cost share funds are now available for goats/sheep genetics in addition to cattle genetics. • Hay Storage - Applicants can no longer receive funding for hay storage in two consecutive program years, and a maximum reimbursement amount per square foot has been established. • Producer Diversification – All industry sectors are now eligible for 50 percent cost share. Applications are available at most farm agencies including USDA Farm Service Agency, UT Extension and Farm Bureau offices, as well as most farm supply stores. To ensure accuracy, producers are encouraged to work with their local extension agent or local TDA representative when completing the application. Producers can get important messages and updates on the program by calling 1-800-342-8206. For more information or to download an application, visit www.TN.gov/taep. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Tennessee beef producers join forces to support local food bank Tennessee beef producers joined forces with Certified Angus Beef (CAB) and U.S. Premium Beef recently to help provide beef and other food for people in need through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in Nashville. Donations from the companies were coordinated by the Tennessee Beef Industry Council (TBIC) and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), and were made during the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville in February. CAB donated 1,000 packages of beef jerky, which were handed out to NCBA trade show attendees by TBIC volunteers in exchange for cash donations. The effort raised $300 for Second Harvest, and remaining packages of beef jerky will be handed out at future beef council events to generate additional donations for the charity. NCBA and TBIC also coordinated a donation from U.S. Premium Beef to Second Harvest of 100 pounds of beef, to be used in the charity’s assistance to hungry people in the Nashville area. “Beef producers in Tennessee recognize that in this economy, there is a

tremendous need for food on the part of many families,” according to Jennifer Houston, a beef producer from Sweetwater, and TBIC chair. “Together with processors of beef, we want to do our part in supporting efforts to feed families, as well as encourage others to be part of this important undertaking.” The TBIC helps maintain and build demand for beef in Tennessee, nationally and internationally by supporting and extending beef market development programs. The NCBA is the national trade association representing U.S. cattle producers, with more than 28,000 individual members and 64 state affiliate, breed and industry organization members. It works to advance the economic, political and social interests of the U.S. cattle business. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee works with farmers throughout the South to provide fresh and healthy food to families, children and seniors throughout its 46-county service area. In 2011, Second Harvest sourced more than 1 million pounds of fresh produce directly from farms within a 700-mile radius of Nashville and dis-

Cattle producers help – Certified Angus Beef donated 1,000 packages of beef jerky which were handed out during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention and trade show to the attendees by Tennesse Beef Industry Council volunteers in exchange for cash donations. The effort raised $300 for Second Harvest. Valerie Bass (center), executive director of the TBIC, presents a check to Cindy Patterson, vice president of development for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, on left is David Cloniger, Second Harvest food resource manager. tributed it free to families, children and seniors in need. To learn more about the organization’s Farm to Food Bank program,

please contact David Cloniger, food resource manager, at 615-430-3002 or by email at david.cloniger@second harvestmidtn.org. t

www.tnfarmbureau.org

May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Lawmakers and farmers celebrate Ag Day on the Hill Tennessee lawmakers joined our state’s farmers in the state Capitol hallways as they celebrated Ag Day in Tennessee March 20. They also participated in what is becoming a very special activity known in the political world as Ag Day on the Hill, which happens each year out on Legislative Plaza as well as the hallways promoting the state’s agricultural industry. The annual event highlights the importance of farming and forestry to the state of Tennessee. Agriculture is one of the top industries in Tennessee that contributes more than $71 billion a year to the state’s economy and employs nearly 364,000

residents. This year the annual Farm Bureau legislative visits, involving more than 500 county Farm Bureau leaders, also occurred during this special event up on the Hill, adding even more excitement and recognition to agriculture’s importance in our state. Ag Day on the Hill featured a variety of exhibits and activities including a cattle weighing contest, live animals, farm equipment, special presentations to the House Agriculture Committee and a goat milking contest between Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Speaker of the House of Representatives Beth Harwell. t

Proclaiming Ag Day in Tennessee - Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture Julius

Johnson presents a proclamation from Gov. Bill Haslam to Rep. Andy Holt, who chaired this year’s Ag Day on the Hill, proclaiming March 20 as Ag Day in Tennessee.

Speaking before the House Ag Committee – In the afternoon presentations were made before the House Agriculture Committee discussing issues facing Tennessee agriculture, as well as telling what is right about the $71 billion industry. Here YF&R Chairman Brandon Whitt is shown addressing the committee. Begins on page 2 - Arrests made in switchgrass arson fire suspects told investigators they started and no other property appears to have the fires because they were bored and been damaged. looking for some excitement. The property where the fires The flames were discovered on the occurred is a staging area for switchStokely Farm, private property in Tellico grass harvested in partnership with Plains. The ACU says three separate the University of Tennessee Institute stacks were burned. One was located of Agriculture. The switchgrass is then within the city limits and the other two transported to the Biomass Innovation were on the backside of the farm on Park in Vonore to be used by Genera Hwy. 360. No one was hurt in the fires Energy for ethanol research and

And the winner is - This year’s winner of the milking contest coveted milk pail was Speaker

of the House Beth Harwell. She is shown receiving the pail which is engraved with the words “To the one with the most pull on Capitol Hill” from The Farm and Forest Families of Tennessee President Pettus Read who was emcee for the contest. A check was presented for $750 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee in honor of her win from TFFFT.

Lt. Gov. Ramsey proves farm boy can still milk - During a very competitive – and

possibly tampered with – milking contest, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey takes on Speaker of the House Beth Harwell. The all-in-fun contest was a major highlight of the day with both speakers being great sports.

Soil erosion explained – Numerous exhibits were on display from agricultural organiza-

tions and universities. Here an exhibit on water runoff is explained on the sidewalk of downtown Nashville.

development. The switchgrass burned in the fires could have produced more than 56,000 gallons of ethanol. Approximately 30,000 tons of switchgrass were harvested in 2011 and more than 40,000 tons are expected to be harvested in 2012. The Tennessee Arson Hotline, at 1-800-762-3017, should be called about suspected arson activity. t

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

YF&R REPORT

Mary Margaret Chester - 2012 YF&R Reporter

Two new trucks for Tennessee’s national young farmer winners – A large crowd was on hand to see Weakley County young farmers Ben and Jennifer Moore and Andy and Ellie Holt presented their new 2012 GMC pickup trucks. Ben and Jennifer were this year’s national winners in the AFBF Achievement Award contest. Andy and Ellie were the national winners in the AFBF Excellence in Agriculture Award contest. Pictured from left: Andy Holt; Andrew Holt; Josie Holt; Ellie Holt; Libby Holt; Congressman Stephen Fincher; Mike Taylor, president of Taylor Automotive; TFBF President Lacy Upchurch; Jennifer Moore; Tyler, Tate, and Miller Moore; Ben Moore and TFBF Special Programs Director Charles Curtis.

Moores recognized in the State House of Representatives – Weakley County farmers and the American Farm Bureau’s National Achievement Award winners Ben and Jennifer Moore were recognized on the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives prior to Ag Day on the Hill where a resolution was read in their honor. Ben addressed the House and challenged them to continue to support agriculture and the state’s farmers as they feed today’s consumers.

Congrats – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack visits with national winning YF&R members Ben Moore, left, and Rep. Andy Holt, right, of Weakley County during his visit to Nashville. Vilsack was in Tennessee to give a keynote address at the Commodity Classic and to participate in a town hall meeting on RURAL TV.

TN Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers

Spring is here! The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming, and the farmers are in the field planting! Every year as spring comes around, I get excited because it reminds me of a new beginning as we prepare the ground for planting, plant a tiny seed and watch it grow into a crop that is used to feed the world. How truly amazing a farmers work is and yet stressful all at the same time as the weather is highly unpredictable in springtime. SPRING: Seeds, Plants, Rain, Insects, Nutrients, Grass. What does spring make you think about? Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers have been very busy this winter. From competing in national contests, to being part of the voting delegate session at annual meeting, to attending leadership conferences both state and nationally, to attending district meetings, and legislative visits, Tennessee Young Farmers want to do their part to make sure that the future is bright for Tennessee agriculture. If you haven’t been a part of all these exciting adventures, then come join us! A great place to begin is at Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference which will be July 20-21 in Columbia at TFBF headquarters. It will be a great opportunity for you to network with other young farmers and have fun at the same time! Mark your calendar;

we want to see you there! What’s going on with Young Farmers and Ranchers groups in counties across the state? Lincoln County is hosting a hand gun permit class on May 5. You must be 21 years old to take the class. Everyone is welcome, the cost is $65 and pre registration is encouraged due to class size. Also Lincoln County will host dairy days on June 2. Marshall County just hosted a game night and invited several surrounding counties to attend. Henry County hosted a meeting and invited surrounding counties to attend. Weakley County participated in University of Tennessee at Martin’s Ag Awareness Day, they had a booth set up and students answered questions about agriculture and if they answered correctly they received a t-shirt. These are just a few of the many young farmer groups that are available for you to be a part of in the future. Applications for the Young Farmer Achievement Award and Environmental Stewardship Award are available on the Tennessee Farm Bureau website. We hope your spring is going well, be sure and contact your elected officials, be very involved in legislative decisions and be a voice for agriculture. t

It takes nine seconds for a combine to harvest enough wheat to produce 70 loaves of bread. A family of four can live 10 years off the bread produced by one acre of wheat.

UT Martin classroom dedicated in honor of Matt Barnes – Rod, Dolly Jane and Linda Barnes, all of Selmer, join Dr. Jerry Gresham, UT Martin interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, in unveiling a nameplate for the Matthew Hurst Barnes Classroom in Brehm Hall at the University of Tennessee at Martin. The classroom was dedicated March 17 in memory of Matt, an agricultural business major, who died April 5, 2002, in a traffic accident near Martin. While at UT Martin, Matt was named Outstanding Freshman for the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and received the Aspiring Leader Award from the UT Martin Undergraduate Alumni Council. He was also a member of the university’s award-winning livestock judging team. Family and friends, to honor his memory, established the Matthew Hurst Barnes All-American Scholarship Endowment.

www.tnfarmbureau.org

May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Commodity Classic stacks up records

Agriculture and forestry ‘listening sessions’ set

The lure of Nashville and Opryland Hotel helped the 2012 Commodity Classic surpass all previous turnout records with a total of 6,014 attendees. This event is always well attended and this year as it made a return to Music City, it saw its attendance increase to new highs. This represents a 25 percent increase from last year’s record of 4,826 attendees. Once again, farm families represented more than half of the participants, with 3,505 growers, spouses and children attending. “We broke records in every category,” said Commodity Classic co-chair Martin Barbre. “However, the most exciting number was beating last year’s record of first-time attendees by 48 percent. It’s very gratifying to see that Commodity Classic’s appeal continues to grow.” This year’s show also experienced the highest number of exhibitor and media attendees. The 963-booth trade show was sold out with a waiting list of interested parties in case of cancelations. The only national agricultural convention and trade show put on by farmers for farmers, Commodity Classic is presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and the National Sorghum Producers.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state in April and May for farmers, forest landowners and agribusinesses. The purpose of the meetings is to hear stakeholder concerns about current issues and to explore opportunities for developing our rural economy and increasing farm and forest income. “We want to be available to our producers, landowners and agribusinesses to hear their concerns and to get their input on how to enhance our rural communities and economy,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “This is also about ongoing efforts to look at how we, as an agency, can provide better service and be more responsive to challenges and opportunities. The agenda for the sessions include remarks by Commissioner Johnson and an overview of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program and the recently formed Agriculture and Forestry Economic Development Task Force. There will also be time for open discussion by participants. More listening sessions will be planned for the fall to include a focus on other industry sectors. For more information about the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, visit www. tn.gov/agriculture. t

In his third appearance before General Session attendees, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the importance of an adequate crop insurance program and creating a greater understanding in government of the real world impact of regulations on farming operations. He spoke ardently about passing the Farm Bill this year. “It’s important for all of you to get engaged in this opportunity to support the leaders of the commodity groups as they express on your behalf the need for a Farm Bill now,” said Vilsack, “and not to accept from members of Congress or the Senate how hard this is going to be and how difficult it is to get consensus in Washington.” The general session also included discussions with commodity group presidents and an entertaining performance by comedy duo Brinnon and Marks. The evening of entertainment featured an exclusive performance at the Grand Ole Opry by country music artists Darryl Worley, Mike Snider, Joey+Rory, John Conlee and Sarah Darling. Other events included association banquets, education sessions and numerous networking opportunities. Next year, Commodity Classic will be held February 28 to March 2 in Kissimmee, Fla. t

Alcoa teacher honored for promoting ag literacy Nine teachers have been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture for their outstanding efforts to promote agricultural literacy and one of those recognized comes from Tennessee. Alcoa Elementary teacher Bridget Young will receive a $1,500 scholarship to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Loveland, Colo., in June. The Foundation, through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education, sponsors the scholarships in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. “We’re pleased to honor nine outstanding teachers this year, with scholarships to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference,” said Terry Gilbert, a Kentucky farmer, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee and a Foundation board member. “Attendees consistently describe this conference as valuable for educators, which is why we’re pleased to provide the opportunity to attend to so many deserving teachers,” Gilbert said. Several hundred teachers typically attend the conference to explore

incorporating real-life agricultural applications into language arts, math, nutrition, science and social studies lessons. Scholarship recipients were judged on past use of innovative programs to educate students about agriculture, as well as future plans to implement information gained at the AITC conference in their own classrooms and share the information with other teachers. The AITC conference brings together a diverse group of organizations and speakers to address how to improve agricultural education and literacy, showcase successful programs and offer educational materials. The agriculture department coordinates the AITC program with the goal of helping students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom and Western Region Agriculture in the Classroom are hosting the annual conference this year in conjunction with the national AITC program. The American Farm Bureau and state Farm Bureaus also support and participate in the program’s efforts. t

Agriculture Listening Sessions: April 26 at 7 p.m. CDT Weakley County Moore Farms 2887 Paris Hwy. 54 Dresden May 1 at 7 p.m. CDT Coffee County Farm Bureau Insurance 225 E. Main St. Manchester

Forestry Listening Sessions: May 3 at 7 p.m. CDT Lawrence County Columbia State Community College Conference Room 1620 Springer Rd. Lawrenceburg May 15 at 7 p.m. CDT Cumberland County Cumberland County Fairgrounds Multi-Purpose Room 1398 Livingston Rd. Crossville

Farm tank gasoline thief arrested in cover up Fuel saving idea submitted by Coffee County Farm Bureau member Peter Sherrouse It’s bad enough when a thief sneaks off with your liquid gold in the dead of night, but I caught this one in the act, taking my gasoline in broad daylight, on a daily basis! Shockingly, I found he was otherwise a welcome guest on our farm! The thief is none other than the sun. Here’s the scoop: Without proper measures one can lose over $500 a year from a farm tank. Here’s how it happens: When a gasoline tank gets warm, the fuel “boils” off and escapes the tank as vapor. The warmer the tank the faster it goes. Data taken on a dark 300 gallon tank, sitting in direct sunlight, showed this can amount to 120 gallon from a 300 gallon tank in a year. How can this thief be “arrested?” The tools are shade, paint, and a pressure/vacuum cap. Things to do: 1. Set your tank up in a shaded area. 2. Cover up the tank with an open shed or sun screen. 3. Paint the tank with bright silver or white paint, particularly the sides where the sun hits it. 4. Install a pressure cap if one is not already fitted. A pressure cap works just like the one in your car that hisses when

you go to fuel up. It holds 2.5 psi in the tank which slows vapor loss but is no danger to the tank. Assuming that worse case of $500 per year loss, if all the measures are applied, losses would drop to $40; a 92 percent drop. For those looking to keep it simple, a pressure cap and paint gives the best return on investment by affecting the majority of those savings. One word of caution: If fitting a pressure cap, particularly to a gasoline tank, keep in mind that the vapor pressure can push the fuel up a hose as far as 8 feet, so the fuel hose must have a positive cut off, else the entire tank contents could be pushed out on the ground in short order. (We’re talking real losses and environmental issues!) Also, pumps are often fitted with antisiphon check valves that should be checked for proper sealing. A pressure cap is also a good addition to a diesel tank where it can reduce water condensate, and the algae it causes to grow. An example of a typical pressure cap is a Cim-tek 60001 or 60002, and don’t forget to keep a pad lock on it to thwart the two legged bandits. t

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Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agri-Events Wilson County 21st Annual Antique Power Association

14th Annual Granville Heritage Day

41st Annual Fiddlersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jamboree & Crafts Festival

May 19, 2012

May 26, 2012

July 6-7, 2012

Featuring antique tractors and gas engines. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. at the Ward Agriculture Center and Fairgrounds in Lebanon. Admission is free; donations will be accepted. For more information contact Johnny or Debbie Mitchell at 615-444-6944.

9:00 - 5:00 on the banks of Cordell Hull Lake. There will be an antique tractor and engine show, parade, craft booths, storytelling, petting zoo and much more. For more information call 931653-4511 or visit granvillemuseum.com

Farm Bureau employee honored for his dedicated service - Retired TFBF regional field service director Hugh Adams was honored for his many years of service to the organization before the Tennessee House of Representatives in March by a resolution presented by his state representative and fellow farmer Andy Holt of West Tennessee. Adams addressed the delegate body, giving high praise to the Farm Bureau organization and agriculture. He retired from Farm Bureau after a 36-year career this past December.

State and national championships in 26 categories plus seven categories for country music beginners, jam sessions and more than 200 juried craft exhibitors. Cash prizes. Contact: 615-597-8500 www.smithvillejamboree.com

Van Buren County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 6:00 pm at the Fair Building in Spencer. All members are welcome. Please notify the county office by June 1 at 931-946-2288 if you plan to attend. Hamblen County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting June 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Horner Dougherty PavilionCherokee Park.

Farm Bureau group meets with their senator - During the 2012 Farm Bureau

Legislative Visits, county Farm Bureau members were on Capitol Hill to meet with their elected officials and talk about agriculture issues that are important to their way of life. Pictured here is Williamson County Farm Bureau President Eddie Sanders, Jennifer Hatcher, Chuck Yoest, Laura Purtle, John Carpenter, Tim Richards, Zane Smith and Donald Dotson with Sen. Jack Johnson.

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May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Classified Ads Animals

Cattle

For Sale: Registered Angus Bulls/Heifers. Excellent Bloodlines and E.P.D available. A & N Stock Farms, Summertown, TN 38483 931-242-0179 Reg Angus cow calf pairs Angus Bull Connealy Onward Son 14 mo call 865-856-3875; 865-809-2620 Weaned Red Angus/ Shorthorn Heifers. Vac. with Alph7, Triangle10 and wormed. 423-337-7447

Angus (Black)

Angus Bulls and Heifers for sale variuos ages. Miles Collier, McMinnville, TN 931-668-3131 Angus Bulls for Sale. 12 to 24 months of age. A.I. Sired, good EPD’s. Centerville, TN Ship’s Bend Angus Farms 931-729-0017 home; 931-982-0389 cell For Sale Purebred black Angus bull very gentle easy calving New Trend Bloodline two years old $1400. 931-359-2262; 931-993-5634 after 5PM FOR SALE: Angus bulls - 20 months old and ready for service. Low birth weights and milk in their genetics. Good selection to choose from. Norman Amonett, 99 Amonett Lane, Byrdstown, TN 38549. 931-864-6481 For Sale Registered Black Angus Bulls. Sires, Foresight, Predestined, Lead On, Freedom, Franklin, Onward. Most meet TAEP Requirements. Jimmy Mathis & Sons 931-729-3864 For Sale: Registered Angus heifers open/ exposure to registered Black Angus Bull, good EPDs and gentle. Mulberry, TN 931-993-7401 FOR SALE: Registered Black Angus bulls and heifers, excellent bloodlines. Rock Haven Angus, Lewisburg, TN Day Time 931-703-9894; 931364-3670 after 6PM

Registered Black Angus Cows, Proven Mothers, Pasture Exposed to MAF Preference Due to calve in fall. Charles Ring, Spring Hill, TN 931-486-9092

Angus (Red) For Sale: AI and naturally sired registered Red Angus young bulls and heifers. Also 3 year old proven herd sire. 931-858-2429 Registered Red Angus- Service Age Bulls and bred Heifers available. Low birth weight, gentle, lots of milk. Shady Bottom Ranch, Crossville, TN 931-200-0036

Beefmaster Good, gentle BBU bulls & heifers for sale. Visitors welcome. James & Carolyn Vaughn, 9512 Bates Trail, Lyles, TN 37098. 931-670-4605 Polled Bulls/heifers. Our guarantee since 1972: If after the sale of his first calf crop you are not satisfied, return any bull purchased from us for full refund. HUDSON BEEFMASTER, 3140 Buffalo Road, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464. 931-829-2637; 931-629-5246 cell

Charolais Charolais Heifers. Woodbury, 615-684-3833

Chiangus Chiangus bulls and heifers. 865-856-3947

Gelbvieh FOR SALE: Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls, Heifers-black, polled, excellent bloodlines, gentle disposition, TAEP qualified. 931-433-6132; cell 931-625-7219

Hereford (Polled) Registered Polled Hereford bulls and females for sale, priced reasonably. Stan Webster, Chestnut Mound, 615-897-2333

Registered Polled Hereford bulls, bred cows and heifers. EPD’s available great disposition Offspring of leading AI Sires. Matt McClanahan Crossville TN 931-210-8674 Registered Polled Hereford bulls. Quality Sires, great EDP’s, Herd improving genetics. KBee Herefords, Shelbyville, TN 931-684-6582; kbartley@bellsouth.net

Limousin FOR SALE: Limousin bulls and heifers - black, red, polled and homozygous black. Riverside Valley Farm, Hohenwald, TN, 931-628-6730 Limousin Bulls: Registered Purebred Bulls, Heifers. Proven Predigrees, Balanced EPD’s. Easy Calving, Super Gentle Seedstock. Dreamtime Limousin Farm, Mosheim, TN 423-422-6099

Santa Gertrudis DOUBLE-POLLED gentle Santa Gertrudis, registered bulls and heifers. kelsoclough@aol.com; 256-566-7878 Santa Gertrudis - Myers Farms - Poll bulls & heifers for sale. 144 Sub-Station Road, Unionville, TN 37180. 931-294-5653

Shorthorn Registered Shorthorn bulls and heifers for sale - top international blood lines, EPDS available. Charles Curtis, Rickman, TN. Home 931-498-2847; office 931-388-7872, ext. 2215

Horses

Baby Horses and Burros For Sale To Good Homes, $25.00 to $200. www.carrranch.com; rpcarrfarm@ aol.com 615-654-2180; 615-430-7777; 615-594-8480

Goats & Sheep

For Sale: Commercial Meat Goats. Savanna/ Boer Cross Wethers Does approximately Ten w/ show potential. Ron Cheatham, Martin, TN 731-819-4211 For Sale: Purebred Kiko goats. 931-987-2826 Culleoka, TN GOAT/SHEEP SALE: 2nd & 4th Monday. Tennessee Livestock Producers, Columbia, TN. 931-212-9962; 931-982-9086

Hogs

FOR SALE: Purebred Duroc, Yorkshire and Landrace boars and gilts. Bart Jones, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 For Sale: Purebred Hampshire boars and gilts. David Chester, Clarksville, TN 931-358-2879

Birds Poultry POULTRY HOLLOW HACHERY, located 45 miles east of Nashville, can fill all your poultry needs starting with over 57 breeds of chickens, bantams, turkeys, guineas, ducks, geese, rare breeds. Day-old-sexed-pullets start at $2.25 NPIP CERTIFIED! Visit our website at www.poultryhollow.org or call 615-318-9036 or 615-477-7936

Exotic & Other Birds Black & mute Swans, Oriental Pheasants, Phoenix, Seabright Chickens, Pea Fowls. Woodbury 615684-3833 CANARIES $75-$100 731-934-4119

Dogs

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TN Livestock Producers Hwy. 64e, Fayetteville Sale Every Tuesday bobby eslick, manager 931-433-5256 931-433-4962 Ronnie Yeargin Yeargin Farms Greenfield, Tenn.

Somerville Livestock Market Hwy. 59, Somerville Sale Every Tuesday Sheep/Goat 2nd Friday Don Terry, manager 901-465-9679/731-695-0353

Management provided for Lower Middle Tennessee Cattle Assoc. Consignment information contact: 2012 Sale Dates 9 AM Central Frank Poling 931-212-9962 may 4; June 1; aug. 3; Sept. 7; richard brown 931-239-9785 oct. 5; Nov. 2; Dec. 7

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Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

Classified Ads Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers) Pets to Show Quality, Reds, Blues. 423-626-7519; relindsey2@ yahoo.com; www.lindseysrockytopkennel.com; lindseyrockytopacd.com Border Collie Pups Registered Excellent Stock dogs and pets $250.00; $350.00 Dan Vickers 931-939-2426; 931-607-2426 Ladybug Kennel Big Sandy TN. Border Collie and Dachshund puppies Registered W&S, $200 each. 731-593-3807. For pictures e-mail: bettyewatkins@ bellsouth.net

Exotics

Legal Pet Raccoon Babies. State and USDA Licensed. Email - ringoscrossingpetfarm@yahoo. com 931-268-0739 Make Great Pets, Ringo’s Crossing Pet Farm

Plants

Grasses

For Sale Sericea Lespedeza Seed. 931-934-2745

Bermuda Bermuda Sprigs, High protein hay & pasture, Plant June & July, Vaughn’s hybrid produces 100 sq. bales per acre, per cutting, cut 4 to 5 times each year, Carl Paschal 615-529-2444

Get Vaughn’s #1 Bermuda Grass from the original farm where developed. High Yields- High Digestibility- High Quality- High Palatable. Finish freezer beef without grain, grassfed and get proven excellent taste- Permanent stands with proper management- Have planter will travel to your farm and plant from April to August. Call for additional information. 931-657-2584

Fescue Grass Seed For Sale: Ky-31 Fescue Seed Cleaned, bagged and germed (95%). 70¢/pound K-31 Fescue Seed Combine Run; bagged 50¢/lb. Tom Calvert 308 Pleasant Valley Road, Ethridge, TN 38456 931-242-6717

Hay & Straw

FOR SALE: Vaughn’s #1 Hybrid Bermuda Hay. Premium Quality Hay available in small squares or 4x5 rolls. Jerry Roach, Linden, TN. 931-5932673 Top Quality Horse and Alpaca Hay. Square bales, barn kept Bermuda, Tiffany Teff, mixed grass. Sun Fresh Farms. Located in the Lebanon/Carthage/ Hartsville area. Contact Jim 615-390-2787; 615374-4029

Vegetables & Fruits

Next issue is July. Ad deadline is June 10. Name _________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________ State _______ Zip__________________ Phone (_________)_______________________________________________________ County of Farm Bureau Membership________________________________________ Place Ad Under Which Heading?____________________________________________ Place in Which Issue(s)?: ❏ Jan. ❏ March ❏ May ❏ July ❏ Sept. ❏ Nov.

Please print the copy for your ad in the spaces provided. Clip this form and mail with correct payment to: Tennessee Farm Bureau News • P.O. Box 313 • Columbia, TN 38402-0313

ANTIQUE APPLE TREES - Summer Rambo, Virginia Beauty, Yellow Transparent. Catalog $3.00. Write: Urban Homestead, 818-G Cumberland Street, Bristol, VA 24201. www.OldVaApples.com. 05-08 Tomato Plants - 65 varieties including Heirlooms. Also pepper and vegetable plants, garden seed, flowers and herbs. Sweetlips Greenhouses, 3705 Sweetlips Rd, Henderson, TN 38340. 731-9897046 sweetlipsgreenhouse.com

Lawn & Garden

Morton’s Horticultural Products, Inc. Free Catalog - Greenhouses & Growers Supplies. Drip Tape, Irrigation Supplies. We Manufacture our Greenhouses. Online Catalog - www.mortonproducts.com 800-473-7753; mortonprod@ blomand.net 05-05

Forestry

Panther Creek Forestry: Forestry, Timber, Wildlife Managers. Receive top timber prices. Hunting leases available - Cumberland Plateau & Land Between the Lakes. 931-474-6203; benmyers@ panthercreekforestry.net 05-14

Equipment

19’ Heavy Burch Disk Hyd Fold. $4,000. Gravity Wagons $750 to $1,250. 731-422-5282; 437-0196 Artsway-25 Grinder Mixer Like New $12,900 931-363-6684 Model 472 New Holland Haybine-Stub GuardsSpare Cutter Bar- $3,500. Model 256 New Holland Rake - $2,250. Model 435 International Square Baler- Bale Chute $3,000. Model RCS-10 Walton Pull Type Tedder- $750. Equipment was purchased new. Serviced and stored in dry. Has had limited use. 423-623-5137; 423-623-6775 Original Owner Ford TW20 Tractor, Cab, Heat and Air, Duals, 135 HP 5539 hr 2 year Bush Hog, 3226 QT Loader, Hay Spear, 84” Bucket never used. $19,500. 731-422-5282; 437-0196

Tractors & Implements 135 Massey Ferguson Gas Tractor and yard box $4,000. 865-933-3528 Disc Mower 7 foot Good Mechanical Condition $1,875.00 423-253-7820, leave message Disc Mower Curtains for most brand mowers $250.00 615-489-5355

Farmall Tractors 200, 240, 340 disc and Plows. 865-376-5442 For Sale: Case I.H. danish Tine Field Cult. 24ft. Ex. Cond. $4500 Castalian Springs 615-519-2477 For Sale: I.H. two row front mounted Planter fits C-200 Ex. Condition, $300. Castalian Springs 615-519-2477 New Holland BR740A 4x5 Round Baler, 3 years old, 1244 rolls, will demo kept in dry. $14,500 423-332-3698 Two Rear Antique Steel Wheels fit A.52 John Deere tractor $500.00 Firm. 731-782-3592 No Fri. night or Sat. calls

Trucks & Trailers

1972 Dodge D600 Grain Truck, V-8, 4 and 2, Hyd Dump, 56827 Miles. $4,250. 731-422-5282; 4370196 2003 Freightliner FL80 Tri-Axel Feed/ Grain Truck, $55,000, “cat” 3126 Engine, 300 H.P., 10 Speed, 20’ Dump Aluminum Bed, 48” sides, 24” Sleeper, Dual 75- Gal. Fuel Tanks, original owner, 615-330-3683 Retired Pump Truck Ideal for hauling water 87 Ford F-700 23100GWR 370 v-8 Hydralic Brakes 5-Speed split axle 1200 gal tank. 615-306-1065 Wanted to buy used Cattle Trailer with pipe or slatted sides, handover back gates Gooseneck 20ft, good condition. 615-529-2444

Other Equipment

Antique Fairbank Morris Cattle Scales $8,000 615-444-6818 Used portable sawmills! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148; US & Canada; www. sawmillexchange.com 05-01

Property

Real Estate

Easttennesseefarmsforsale.com View online listings for farms, homes, mountain land in North East Tennessee. East Tennessee Realty Services, Greeneville TN 423-639-6395 05-11 Timeshare Mariners Pointe Resort Crossville Tennessee, 1 bedroom unit 105A, week 33 Aug 17-24 $750.00, Interested? Call Sheila 1-800-9606676, 8-12 & 1:30-5:00 or owner 615-274-6367

Vacation Rentals

Farm Tours

HAWAII 4 Islands - 15 Days Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii...

Number of words in ad ____________ X 50¢ or $1.00 = ____________ X Number of issues ____________ = TOTAL COST OF AD____________

: Amount enclosed with ad

There are two types of classified ads: 1. FARM BUREAU MEMBERS - selling items that they make, produce, or raise themselves; or surplus equipment. Each member ad costs 50¢ per word. 2. NON-MEMBERS or COMMERCIAL MEMBER ADS - in which the member is acting as an agent or dealer (real estate, health products, mail order business, etc.). Each ad costs $1.00 per word.

Price, phone number, e-mail address and website count as one word each. Ads not accompanied BY payment will be returned to sender. Ads received in our office after deadline will be held for next issue.

Departs January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2013. Includes inter-island airfare. Escort on each island. Staying in Oahu, Hawaii (Kona & Hilo), Maui and Kauai. Sightseeing includes Honolulu City Tour with Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes National Park, Kona Coffee Plantation Tour, Parker Cattle Ranch Museum, from orchid nursery, Macadamia nut factory tour, Wailua Riverboat Cruise, Fern pp Grotto, Steel Grass Farm Includes inter-island airfare tour, Maui Gold Pineapple and taxes plantation tour and much more. So call today and make your reservations.

$2098*

*Price includes Tax and Services. Call for low-cost airfare prices.

Call for Information & Itinerary

800-888-8204 Carefree Vacations Since 1967

www.tnfarmbureau.org

May 2012 - Tennessee Farm Bureau News

Classified Ads CABINS ON COSBY CREEK - Gatlinburg, Smokies area. Hot tub, Jacuzzi, Fireplace, Kitchen, Porches, CATV. Comfy! Cozy! Clean! 423-487-2646; www. cosbycabins.com 05-06 Farm House - near Rock Island Park - furnished, daily-weekly rates. 931-668-4554; 931-235-8054; www.vrbo.com/89925 05-07 GULF SHORES CONDO- 2BR, pool/beach access. Spring $600/week, Summer $800/week, Fall $500/week. 931-296-4626 05-10

Hunting Leases

Hunting Lease Wanted: 2 experienced, middle aged hunters need to lease farmland or timberland for deer and turkey hunting. Prefer Middle TN area. 865-659-8816 Responsible hunter would like to lease land for deer and turkey hunting. 423-479-4149; 423-7158936 Hunting Land for Sale: 150 acres of lightly wooded hunting land in Van Buren County, TN. Private entrance. Some wetlands. Deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, grouse, waterfowl, predators. $1750.00 per acre. Ralph at 931-224-9077

Home Improvement Construction ATTENTION MOBILE HOME OWNERS: Take a punch at inflation with our super insulated roof over system by Roof King. No more leaks, never roof coat again, save $$ on heating and cooling costs, maintenance free, 100% watertight guaranteed. Call 1-800-276-0176, Roof King. 05-04

Home Security DRIVEWAY ALARMS, $209.95, 1000 feet, no wiring. TN DRIVEWAY AND DOOR CHIME CO 1-800342-9014 05-12

Business

Insurance Stock

WANTED: I collect World War I and II military relics - American, German, Japanese. Helmets, metals, knives, bayonets, guns, swords, daggers, etc. 423-842-6020 WANTED: Old millstones, cash paid, will pick up. 423-727-6486

Visit us @ tnfarmbureau.org

He’s going to need more help than he thinks. You remember when he was a little boy, always ready to help his dad. Now he’s a strong young man who believes he can do it by himself. But if something happens to you, will he have the means to see it through? Farm Bureau Insurance has affordable life insurance plans to make sure your farm will live on after you. Talk to your Farm Bureau Insurance agent today.

Wanted to buy TN Farmers Life and Assurance stock. 931-381-3580 Buying TN Farmers Life and Assurance stock. 731-285-1424

Financial Services

CASH! Holding a mortgage on property you sold? Sell it for CASH! 615-898-1400 Murfreesboro; 1-800-862-2744 nationwide 05-03

Miscellaneous

25,000 mile oil change: www.lubedealer.com/ rust 05-13 West Tennessee Quail and Pheasant Preserve Guided Hunts Large or Small Groups Call for Prices and Book early 731-234-2959 BUYING old comics and old toy collections. 615-897-2573 CURRENTLY FARMING WITH A DISABILITY? The Tennessee AgrAbility Project is a state-wide non-profit service that provides assistance to agricultural workers with disabilities. For further information, please call 731-855-7656 “PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear!” Add chords. 10 lessons $12.95. “LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC”. Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. “LEARN CHORD PLAYING”. Piano -$12.50 Davidsons, 6727HT Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204 913-262-4982 05-02 SAWMILLS- Band/Chainsaw - Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY. IN STOCK ready to ship. Starting at $995.00 www.NorwoodSawmills.com/651 1-800-578-1363 Ext: 651 05-09 Sleep Patients Products: C. Pap - BI Pap: Sleep APNEA Head Gear Stand. Portable (Goes between Bed & Night Stand) Made in America $39.95 “Doctor Approved” No More Head Gear Falling on Floor. 1-800-342-9014 Storage and Road Trailers: For Sale or Rent. Delivery Available. 615-714-3894

Tennessee Turns To Us ®

Get a free life insurance quote any time at fbitn.com

20 14

Tennessee Farm Bureau News - May 2012 2010

www.tnfarmbureau.org

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford F-150

2012 Lincoln MKT

ExclusivE $ 500 savings for farm BurEau mEmBErs Now Tennessee Farm Bureau members can get $500 Bonus Cash* savings off vehicle MSRP toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2011/2012/2013 Ford or Lincoln vehicle. Enjoy valuable savings on your choice of vehicles from our hard-working, technologically advanced new lineup of cars and trucksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including the 2012 Ford F-150 with available 4.2-inch productivity screen and 11,300 lbs. maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped).

Take advantage of this special offer today. Visit: www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/tn

* Program #33834: $500 Bonus Cash offer exclusively for active Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. Offer is valid from 1/04/2012 through 1/02/2013 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2011/2012/2013 model year Ford or Lincoln vehicle (not available on Shelby GT/GT500, Mustang Boss 302, Focus Electric, Edge SE AWD, F-150 Raptor and Taurus SE). This offer may not be used in conjunction with other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZDPlans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. You must be an eligible Association member for at least 60 consecutive days and must show proof of membership. Limit one $500 Bonus Cash offer per vehicle purchase or lease. Limit of five new eligible vehicle purchases or leases per Farm Bureau member during program period. See your Ford or Lincoln Dealer for complete details and qualifications.

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