02/04/2013

S P E C I A L

R E P O R T

‘Annual Awards’

State Farm Bureaus and Farm Bureau members win national honors | 4 February 4, 2013 Vol. 92

‘Farm Bill’ Legislation one of many Senate priorities | 3

‘Stallman Address’

AFBF president highlights wins, buoys members for action | 6

‘FB Women’

Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Terry Gilbert celebrates outstanding year | 6

Farm Bureau members are USFRA’s ‘Faces of Farming and Ranching’ In late January, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance announced that Farm Bureau members Chris Chinn (Mo.), Will Gilmer (Ala.), Katie Pratt (Ill.) and Bo Stone (N.C.) were selected as the winners of its “Faces of Farming & Ranching” program, a nationwide search launched in summer 2012 to help put real faces on the American agriculture industry. More than 100 applications were submitted from passionate, dedicated farmers and ranchers across the country.

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AFBF board sets strategic action plan for 2013 Following the delegate session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th annual meeting, which wrapped up on Jan. 16 in Nashville, the organization’s board of directors met to establish priorities for AFBF’s strategic action plan for 2013.

“This plan represents those issue areas where we believe the American Farm Bureau Federation and its grassroots members will have real opportunities to achieve success this year, as well as challenges we will need to tackle to help safeguard our members’ ability to operate their farms and ranches,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

Aggressively working to secure passage of legislation early in the year that addresses both long- and short-term agricultural labor needs is a priority for AFBF. A recent Farm Bureau economic analysis concluded that $5 billion to $9 billion in annual production is in jeopardy if the employee shortage cannot be filled.

“Comprehensive immigration reform through legislation is needed to solve the agricultural worker problem,” Stallman said.

Passage of the Water Resources Development Act and reform of the harbor maintenance trust fund and the inland waterways trust fund is another priority for AFBF. “A reliable and efficient inland water system for shipment of farm goods is essential for U.S. agriculture to be competitive,” explained Stallman.

Another important priority is working to secure passage of a new farm bill that meets core principles important to farmers and ranchers. This includes a farm income safety net and crop insurance products to provide risk management tools that help protect farmers from catastrophes, including programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and specialty crops producers not covered by farm programs or federal crop insurance.

The board also directed AFBF to

defend standards and incentives necessary to further develop the U.S. renewable fuels industry; oppose Environmental Protection Agency efforts to expand the scope of navigable waters subject to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act; oppose expansion of federal Clean Water Act permit requirements for poultry and livestock farmers and ranchers; protect farmers’ and ranchers’ tax interests in debates on fiscal policy and tax reform; and protect farmers’ and ranchers’ interests in development of Food and Drug Administration food safety regulations.

“The 2013 priorities set by the board are built upon the dedicated efforts of our grassroots members working together during our annual meeting and throughout the year to achieve policy goals that will benefit all of agriculture, as well as the nation’s consumers and our customers around the world,” said Stallman.

AFBF delegates call for flexible, insurance-based farm bill

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FARM BUREAU DELEGATES representing every state and commodity reiterated their support for a reform-minded farm bill with a strong safety net and risk management programs. The delegates also called for comprehensive immigration reform that includes streamlining or replacing the H-2A ag worker program.

Voting delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 94th annual meeting expressed support for a bipartisan, reformminded farm bill, crafted around a broad, flexible, crop-insurancebased program, including riskmanagement protection for peanuts, rice, forage and specialty crops.

“After ending a long year of policy uncertainty culminating with an extension of the old bill, we will push hard, in cooperation with our congressional and administration allies, for a five-year farm bill that provides our farmers certainty and extends muchneeded risk management tools across more acres and more

crops,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

Delegates said AFBF would not only support a farm bill with a strong safety net and risk management programs to protect farmers from catastrophes, but they also would work for programs that provide emergency assistance for livestock and tree producers not covered by federal crop insurance programs.

Delegates reaffirmed policy supporting changes to the dairy safety net, consistent with the margin insurance programs included in versions of the farm bill approved by the House and Senate Ag committees.

On another dairy issue, dele-

gates approved a new policy that states only pasteurized milk and milk products should be sold for human consumption. Delegates approved the measure in light of the potential risks to public health and food safety posed by consumption of raw milk.

On national fiscal policy, delegates reaffirmed the importance of a sound budget process with a priority on spending restraints rather than tax increases.

Delegates also voted to support streamlining or replacement of the H-2A seasonal and temporary agricultural worker program in addition to allowing experienced, Delegates Continued on Page 3

Viewpoint

February 4, 2013

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The

Bob Stallman

President, American Farm Bureau Federation

Innovation is anything but business as usual

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lbert Einstein once said, “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” I’ve tried to adhere to this mantra throughout my life by embracing risk and thinking outside of the box.

American agriculture, too, follows this philosophy pretty darn well. Through innovation and thinking big, U.S. farmers and ranchers have transformed agriculture from mule and plow operations into one of the most techsavvy and society-changing industries in the modern world.

Fail big

at AFBF’s annual meeting, former astronaut Mark Kelly talked about the various satellites NASA uses. As he spoke, I couldn’t help but think to myself that farmers also use satellites and other precision agriculture technologies in their line of work to increase yields and reduce chemical use.

American agriculture has employed science and technology to dramatically increase production and choice while lowering prices, but these changes have also altered the experience of farmers and the public in unexpected ways.

No longer are we just producing food for our families; each farmer now feeds 155 people. We are using innovative methods to meet the future global demand of feeding 9 billion people and we are finding breakthroughs in cancer research and eradicating other diseases through the groundbreaking uses of food we produce.

There’s a popular theory that goes something like this: Failure is not an option—it’s a requirement. Fear of failing dooms us to repeat what others have done, therefore never finding innovation and change. So, if we are going to think big, we will certainly at some point fail big. But it’s these failures that in the end make us better than what we were.

Without a doubt, modern agriculture has had its ups and downs getting to where it is today. In other words, it’s failed big on an occasion or two. But because of that, modern agriculture is at the forefront in technology, leading to greater efficiency and safety. Recently,

Entrepreneurial spirit Recognizing U.S. agriculture’s role in the business sector, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is partnering with farmers, ranchers and American agribusiness to build a collection that reflects modern agricultural practices. The initiative, called “American Enterprise,” will be unveiled in

spring 2015 and will celebrate precision farming, traceability, environmental practices, irrigation, biotechnology and hybrid seeds.

Agriculture has played a vital role in the development of America’s business sector, from innovation and enterprise to the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been a major focus of America’s farms and ranches.

Not only is Farm Bureau partnering with the Smithsonian on this exciting venture, the first donation to the exhibit came from Tennessee Farm Bureau member and dairy farmer Pat Campbell. Campbell gave the museum a selection of photographs, a computer cow tag and a reader unit to show the change in dairying from a hand-labor intensive process to a modern computer-run operation. The donation will also include his personal recollections about how changing technology has altered his work life and has led to greater efficiency and safety.

The Smithsonian exhibit will showcase to the public what farmers and ranchers have known for a long time: innovation and technology makes agriculture a leading business opportunity; we are an industry where failing big isn’t bad (at least once in awhile) and our modern farming practices are changing the world in which we live. All in all, innovation on the farm is anything but business as usual.

FB members are USFRA’s ‘Faces of Farming and Ranching’ Continued from page 1 The winners will act as national spokespeople, and will share stories and experiences on a national stage to help answer consumers’ questions about how food is grown and raised to feed our nation.

“The four winners selected are passionate about farming and ranching, and eager to share their stories about the innovative ways they continue to improve food production each day,” said Bob Stallman, chairman of USFRA and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “There are a lot of misconceptions and questions among consumers about how food gets from the farm to our tables. These four individuals are equipped with the passion and experience necessary to address these complicated issues and give honest answers.”

Chris Chinn and her husband, Kevin, are fifth-generation farmers, farming with his parents and

FBNews

Chinn

Gilmer

Pratt

brother. They raise 1,500 pigs on their farm, and 60 head of cattle, in addition to growing corn, soybeans, hay and rye.

Will Gilmer and his father own and operate a dairy farm, which has been in continuous operation since Will’s grandfather established it in the early 1950s. They currently milk 200 Holstein cows and raise their own replacement heifers, while managing 600 acres of land used for pasture and forage production.

Mace Thornton, Acting Director, Public Relations Erin Anthony, Editor Phyllis Brown, Assistant Editor Tracy Grondine, Contributing Writer Cyndie Sirekis, Contributing Writer Miranda McDaniel, Contributing Writer

February 4, 2013 Vol. 92

Stone

Katie Pratt and her husband, Andy, a seventh-generation farmer, farm in partnership with Andy’s family. They raise corn, soybeans and seed corn for a regional family-owned company. They welcome tour groups to their farm as part of a family tradition, which started back in the early 1970s.

Bo Stone jointly owns P&S Farms with his parents and wife, Missy.

They grow 2,300 acres of row crops, raise approximately 10,000 pigs annually and have 60 cows.

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Published monthly by the American Farm B ­ ureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 1000W, Washington, DC 20024.

Phone: 202-406-3600. E-mail: fbnews@fb.org. Web site: http://www.fb.org.

Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate for officers and board members of county and state Farm Bureaus—$6, which is deducted from dues. For other subscribers—$10.

Postmaster: Send address changes to FBNews, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 1000W, Washington, DC 20024.

(ISSN 0197-5617)

They also grow 2.5 acres of strawberries and 4 acres of sweet corn to sell at their own roadside market.

Stone represents the sixth generation to farm the family’s land.

From Nov. 15-Dec. 15, 2012, thousands visited www.fooddialogues. com to learn more about the candidates and to vote for whom they believed best represented American agriculture. In addition to the public vote, a panel of judges from throughout the food and agriculture community interviewed and evaluated the finalists to help determine the winners. Criteria included the ability and commitment to share their stories about continuous improvement; involvement with the community and agricultural organizations; strong speaking capabilities, and a passion for what they do.

fooddialogues.com

Farm Bureau TV: www.youtube.com/farmbureautv

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/farmbureau

“Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmericanFarmBureau

February 4, 2013

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Capitol View

New farm bill one of many Senate priorities Calling it a “revolutionary piece of legislation,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (DNev.) late last month introduced in the 113th Congress a farm bill very similar to the one that was passed by the Senate last session.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman said growers were encouraged to hear that Reid is making the farm bill one of several top priority legislative actions this year.

“This represents real hope for farmers and ranchers that the Senate, like last session, will aggressively move forward on a long-term farm bill to give farmers the risk management certainty we need,” Stallman said.

The Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act (S. 2340) on June 21, 2012.

The five-year farm bill would overhaul the way the government supports commodity production. A new Agriculture Risk Coverage revenue protection program would cover so-called shallow losses due to declines in crop yields and prices. The new program would replace direct payments, which are made on the basis of historical acres and yields rather than market prices, and it would replace countercyclical

payments made when market prices fall below statutory target levels.

The bill also would allow farmers to buy supplemental crop insurance coverage based on county-level yield data, in addition to farmlevel crop insurance, and provide new profitmargin insurance policies.

The bill Reid introduced will serve as a placeholder for the legislation that will be drafted by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said her panel will mark up a bill “as soon as possible.”

Stallman said farmers and ranchers are hoping House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will follow the lead of colleagues Frank Lucas (ROkla.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), House Agriculture Committee chairman and ranking member, respectively, in their actions last year to pass out of committee a bipartisan farm bill.

The House Agriculture Committee’s bill, which was not taken up by the full House, would eliminate the farm program’s direct payments, Average Crop Revenue Election payments and Supplemental Revenue Assistance

Payments or disaster payments for crops, as did the Senate-passed bill.

In addition, both the House Agriculture Committee bill and the Senate legislation would consolidate the current 23 separate conservation programs into 13 and make other reforms, cutting the cost of the programs by more than $6 billion.

Both bills presented substantial savings, a key point during this fiscal crisis. The Senate bill would have saved $23 billion over 10 years, while the House Agriculture Committee’s legislation provided a $35 billion savings. The gap in savings was primarily due to cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.

“America’s farmers deserve the policy certainty that a five-year farm bill would provide,” Stallman said. “We need a flexible, reformminded bill that draws its key risk management tools from crop insurance provisions.

We are encouraged that the process is starting early, and we look forward to working with leaders and committees from both houses and both parties to get this long-term farm bill done.”

Delegates call for flexible, insurance-based farm bill Continued from page 1 undocumented agricultural workers to adjust to legal status.

“Only comprehensive immigration reform through legislation can solve the agricultural worker problem,” Stallman said.

Recognizing the important role played by agricultural biotechnology and rapid developments in the industry, delegates expressed continued support of a private-sector, industry accord to govern how biotech traits are managed when patents expire. They also reiterated

support for the continued implementation of an industry solution that promotes investment and marketability of new technologies.

On regulatory policy, delegates said that “all federal agencies shall be held to the strictest interpretation of law when setting regulations” and “no federal agency shall be allowed to legislate through their regulatory power.”

They also said that “no regulatory action should be taken against landowners based on satellite or aerial imagery.”

Delegates expressed concern about the advantage that Internet retail sellers have over local merchants when it comes to charging sales tax. They noted that in addition to lost revenues that affect rural communities’ budgets, the resources those communities have for economic development activities also are reduced.

Delegates voted to support greater flexibility within the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. Specifically, they voted to oppose mandatory limits

on calories and serving sizes for lean meats, protein-rich foods and dairy products, believing that local school districts are best able to determine how to meet the nutritional needs of their students.

At the annual meeting, 362 voting delegates deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization in its legislative and regulatory efforts throughout 2013.

State FB Links

Moore to lead AFBF public policy, Young named deputy executive director The American Farm Bureau Federation recently announced that Dale Moore will lead the organization’s public policy department. As executive director of public policy, Moore, an agricultural policy veteran, will manage the organization’s lobbying staff, according to AFBF Executive Vice President and Treasurer Julie Anna Potts.

Potts also announced that AFBF Chief Economist Dr. Bob Young will now serve as deputy executive director of public policy for AFBF—the position formerly held

by Moore. Moore replaces Mark Maslyn, who retired from AFBF on Feb. 1 after 32 years of distinguished service.

“Dale brings more than 30 years of deep public policy and Capitol Hill experience to this position,” Potts said. “AFBF will greatly benefit from Dale’s experience and insights gained from working with members of Congress and the administration on agricultural policy issues.”

In 2001, Moore was appointed by President George W. Bush as USDA’s chief of staff. He served four individuals appointed as secretaries of agriculture—Ann M. Vene-

Dale Moore

Bob Young

man, Mike Johanns, Chuck Conner (acting) and Ed Schafer. He also provided transition assistance to President Barack Obama’s agricultural advisers.

In addition, Moore spent more than a dozen years on Capitol Hill, working in various positions for the House Agriculture Committee and in the personal office of Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) when he served in the House. Moore received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Fort Hays (Kan.) State University and grew up in southwest Kansas on a livestock, hay and grain farm.

Young, prior to being named AFBF’s chief economist in 2003, was a co-director of the Food and

Agricultural Policy Research Institute from 1991 through 2003.

Young also served as an associate professor in agricultural economics at the University of Missouri.

Young was the chief economist of the Senate Agriculture Committee from 1987 through 1991.

There he was active in the development of the 1990 farm bill as well as various budget and disaster assistance bills. Young has a Ph.D. in agricultural economics and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in atmospheric sciences from the University of Missouri.

“AFBF is pleased that Dale and Bob will be leading our lobbying effort,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “As the American Farm Bureau reorganizes, integrates and realigns its organizational resources behind implementing our grassroots policies, we know that the strategic know-how and analytical skills that Dale and Bob offer will take us down the road to success. We could not ask for a more complete leadership team at the top of our public policy department to implement policies that benefit America’s farm and ranch families.”

FB member wins with Grainger, Stanley Black and Decker The strong purchasing agreement in place between Grainger and Farm Bureau allows Farm Bureau members across the country to receive discounted prices on many key maintenance, repair and operations items—from hand and power tools, lubricants and degreasers, to hand soap and safety items.

Throughout January, Grainger offered an additional purchasing incentive: Farm Bureau members who placed a $500 order of Proto, DEWALT, Blackhawk or Stanley products by Jan. 31 earned an entry into a drawing.

Among the grand prizes provided by Grainger Industrial Supply and Stanley Black and Decker was a Blackhawk by Proto 15 Drawer Tool Chest valued at $1,500.

Grainger and Stanley Black and Decker would like to congratulate Farm Bureau member Ed Murphy of Illinois as the winner of this grand prize.

For more information about these valuable Grainger discounts, contact your state Farm Bureau membership department to receive your Grainger account number and visit www.grainger. com to save now.

Annual A

Drs. Crowder and Quinn receive Distinguished Service Award The American Farm Bureau Federation presented its highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, to Ambassadors Dr. Richard Crowder and Dr. Kenneth Quinn.

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving agriculture.

For more than 40 years, Crowder has dedicated his career to advancing the farming and ranching industry. He served as the U.S. chief agriculture negotiator from January 2006 to May 2007 and as a senior adviser to the U.S. trade representative from May 2007 to April 2008. Prior, he served as the chief executive officer of the American Seed Trade Association.

Dr. Crowder has also held/holds various senior management and board level positions with food and biotechnology companies. He is a professor of international trade at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech University.

“Dr. Crowder is a true ambassador of agriculture, having worked to better opportunities for farmers and ranchers in trade, biotechnology and marketing agriculture products,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “I am honored to have worked alongside him while he served at USTR, where his work on trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama, as well as Russia accession into the World Trade Organization, has helped ensure better market access for farmers and ranchers.”

Dr. Quinn, former U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, has served as president of the World Food Prize Foundation since January 2000.

One of the most decorated Foreign Service officers of his generation, Quinn served at the State Department for 32 years prior to his work at the World Food Prize Foundation.

 American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman (right) and Illinois Farm Bureau President Phillip Nelson (left) present Dr. Richard Crowder with AFBF’s top award. Crowder was recognized for his 40-plus years of working to advance the farming and ranching industry.

 Dr. Kenneth Quinn also received the Distinguished Service Award.

Quinn, standing with Stallman (right), his wife, Le Son, and Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill (left), was recognized for, among other things, his efforts to advance the quality, quantity and availability of food throughout the world as president of the World Food Prize Foundation.

“Dr. Quinn exemplifies the genuine meaning of humanitarianism,” said Stallman. “His work at the World Food Prize helps to advance the quality, quantity and availability of food throughout the world. Carrying on Dr. Norman Borlaug’s vision and work in agriculture, Dr. Quinn has continued to raise awareness

of modern agriculture’s importance to the world food supply.”

The Illinois Farm Bureau nominated Dr. Crowder to receive the DSA award, while the Iowa Farm Bureau nominated Dr. Quinn. A national Farm Bureau committee named them both as winners.

Foundation for Agriculture announces Book of the Year The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its sixth annual Book of the Year award to Cat Urbigkit for “The Guardian Team: On the Job

with Rena and Roo.” The book introduces young readers to Rena and Roo, a dog and burro team at work on a sheep ranch in Wyoming. Urbigkit included dynam-

“The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo” introduces young readers to Rena and Roo, a dog and burro team at work on a Wyoming sheep ranch, like the one award-winning writer and photographer Cat Urbigkit lives on.

ic real-life photographs in the book.

Urbigkit is an award-winning writer and photographer who lives on a Wyoming sheep ranch.

She writes for several media outlets and blogs, and honed her writing skills as a newspaper reporter for more than a decade.

A firm believer in using the written word to educate the public about agriculture, Urbigkit has channeled her enthusiasm for farming into her book.

“Living on a working ranch, I see beautiful things every day,” said Urbigkit. “I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between the burro, the pup and the lambs, as these young animals got to know each other and as they matured together. It was a joy to watch, and it is a joy to share their story. It’s a true story of a life in agriculture.”

The Book of the Year award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify “accurate ag books,” a collection of more than

400 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, reflect farmers’ and ranchers’ love for the land and what they do, create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives as well as tell the farmer’s story. The Accurate Ag Books database is available at: http://www.agfoundation.org/.

The Foundation has created an educator’s guide and the Sheep Ag Mag publication as companion pieces to “The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo,” which takes elementary students through various learning activities.

In honor of Urbigkit’s recognition and the host city of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2013 annual meeting, the book’s publisher, Boyds Mills Press, has donated 120 copies of “The Guardian Team: On the Job with Rena and Roo” to Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

February 4, 2013

Awards

S P E C I A L

R E P O R T

State Farm Bureaus honored for excellence State Farm Bureaus were recognized for excellence in membership achievement and implementation of outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau members in 2012. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman announced the winners during AFBF’s annual meeting.

Stallman announced winners of the Pinnacle Award, for overall outstanding program achievement combined with membership growth. The Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin Farm Bureaus

received the Pinnacle Award. The Awards for Excellence and the President’s Awards were presented in five program areas:

• Education and Outreach • Leadership Development • Member Services • Policy Development and

Implementation • Public Relations and Communications

The winning states and the number of Awards for Excellence categories won by each include: Alabama (5), Arizona (5), Arkan-

sas (5), California (3), Colorado (5), Florida (5), Georgia (5), Idaho (4), Illinois (5), Indiana (5), Iowa (5), Kansas (5), Kentucky (5), Louisiana (5), Maryland (4), Massachusetts (5), Michigan (5), Minnesota (3), Mississippi (5), Missouri (4), Montana (5), Nebraska (5), Nevada (5), New Mexico (1), New York (5), North Carolina (5), Ohio (5), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (5), Rhode Island (1), South Carolina (4), Tennessee (5), Texas (5), Utah (4), Virginia (5), Washington (4), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (5) and Wyoming (5).

The winning states and the number of President’s Awards won include: Arizona (3), Florida (2), Idaho (1), Iowa (1),Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (5), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), Montana (2), North Carolina (2), Ohio (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (1) and Wisconsin (4).

New Horizon Awards, presented to states with the most innovative new program, were awarded to: Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana and New York.

Young farmers and ranchers win big Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. Young farmers and ranchers from around the country competed for the awards by demonstrating knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as commitment to promoting the agriculture industry.

Ryan and Misty Bivens of Kentucky won the Achievement Award. They are the winners of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM. Runners-up in the Achievement Award contest are Michael Springer of Kansas, Dan and Mikki Hosman of Arkansas, and John and Alicia Boelts of Arizona. The runners-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 65A, courtesy of Case IH, and $3,000 in cash and STIHL merchandise, courtesy of STIHL. The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

Dillon Kjerstad of Arizona won the Discussion Meet. He has his choice of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or a 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM. The three runners-up in the Discussion Meet are Ann Larson of Illinois, Stacy Vincent of Kentucky and Allison Honea of South Carolina.

Each runner-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 55A, courtesy of Case IH, and $3,000 in cash and STIHL merchandise, courtesy of STIHL. The Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting in which active discussion and participation are expected. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on a predetermined topic.

Dana Allen Fisher of Virginia won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. He will receive his choice of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM. The three runners-up in the Excellence in Agriculture competition are Kelby and Kathie Iverson of Utah, David and Meghan Corvin of Tennessee, and Jarrod and Sarah Bowser of Kansas. Each runner-up will receive a Case IH Farmall 45A, courtesy of Case IH, and $3,000 in cash and STIHL merchandise, courtesy of STIHL. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an

agricultural operation, but who actively contribute and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.

The winners of all three competitions also receive free registration to the 2013 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., in February.

 Achievement Award winners Ryan and Misty Bivens of Kentucky have their pick of either a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado or 2013 GMC Sierra, courtesy of GM. Mark Gilbert (far right), Chevrolet assistant manager for retail sales promotions, presented the keys to the couple.

 Dillon Kjerstad (left) of Arizona won the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet.

He is pictured with his wife, Courtney.

 Virginia’s Dana Allen Fisher (left) won the Excellence in Agriculture Award. Along with their choice of vehicles, all of the winners receive free registration to the 2013 YF&R Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., later this month.

Annual Meeting

February 4, 2013

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Stallman highlights wins, buoys members for action in 2013 Farm Bureau members faced the challenge of drought in 2012, but scored major policy victories, including permanent estate and capital gains tax changes. With a new five-year farm bill and needed reform in key areas such as fiscal, environmental and labor policy hanging in the balance, agricultural unity will be essential in 2013, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman.

“Lest anyone wonder why we need a farm bill, we should remember the drought of 2012,” Stallman told more than 6,000 Farm Bureau members who gathered in Nashville for AFBF’s annual meeting. “More than half of the country was in a severe drought last summer.

Crops withered, hay supplies disappeared, feed costs soared and wildfires blazed. Thankfully, our crop insurance program worked as intended and we lived to fight another day.”

Beyond the farm bill, Stallman said it is also time for America’s elected leaders to put political differences aside for the good of the nation.

Stallman said that recently enacted permanent reform of estate and capital gains taxes was a long-sought victory—“one that Farm Bureau members worked

In his annual address to Farm Bureau members, AFBF President Bob Stallman noted how impressive it is to see farmers and ranchers of all types from across the country work together for what’s best for all of agriculture. hard to achieve.” Unity within Farm Bureau, despite agriculture’s amazing diversity, is what made the difference in the long fight for these important reforms, he said.

Stallman outlined legal cases that AFBF has been involved in, including an ongoing suit challenging over-reaching Environmental Protection Agency water regulations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

He also highlighted the case of West Virginia poultry farmer Lois Alt, who brought suit against the EPA regarding unlawful water regulations. The judge in that case earlier ruled that both AFBF and the West Virginia Farm Bureau could join the case on behalf of other farmers and ranchers who could be affected by EPA actions.

Stallman said that American agriculture is also standing together on the issue of agricultural labor.

He said farmers need a workforce that is “legal, stable and reliable.”

“For too long, we have dealt with the shortcomings of a broken farm labor system,” Stallman said. “The results have been labor shortages, lost crops and bureaucratic nightmares. Our nation’s leaders can’t continue to avoid this issue. We need solutions.”

Stallman said Farm Bureau, working in conjunction with the Agriculture Workforce Coalition, will this year offer “a reasonable, practical and common-sense farm labor option that works for growers and workers alike.”

Farm Bureau members, in particular, are known for coming together to make progress on common issues, according to Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas.

“It’s impressive to see farmers and ranchers from pastures, orchards and fields across every region of our country come togeth-

er and determine what is in the best interest of agriculture overall,” Stallman said. Expounding on the theme of the meeting, Stallman added, “We truly are ‘Many Voices, One Vision.’”

Stallman praised farmers and ranchers for their innovation and productivity, sufficient to “meet the diverse and growing food demands” of today’s consumers. “Consumer tastes are all over the map, and they continue to change,” he said.

One thing that will never change is that consumers need farmers and ranchers to continue to work hard to produce food, Stallman said.

“Each farmer already feeds an average of 155 people and estimates are that food production must double to meet global demand,” Stallman said.

He encouraged Farm Bureau members to tell their personal stories about how they are using fewer resources to grow crops and produce meat, milk and eggs.

“Consumers really listen when we talk about our desire to continually improve sustainability, quality and safety on our farms,” he said. “We must open our doors—and maybe more importantly, open our minds—to consumers and their perspectives about food and agriculture.”

Farm Bureau Women celebrate outstanding year

Hunnicutt elected YF&R Committee chair

Through involvement in the Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program and Farm Bureau as a whole, women are developing their strengths as agricultural professionals, according to Terry Gilbert, chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Gilbert, a cattle and corn farmer from Kentucky, highlighted program successes during the annual business meeting of the AFB Women.

“The program had an outstanding year in 2012,” said Gilbert.

“Farm Bureau Women are developing and achieving personal and professional goals. They also are using training and knowledge to tell their stories to decisionmakers, lawmakers, teachers, students and consumers,” she said.

Gilbert challenged women in Farm Bureau to strive to improve their skills and find more opportunities to tell agriculture’s story.

Coming up in February, the committee and Farm Bureaus around the nation will hold consumer outreach events during Food Check-Out Week while also supporting Ronald McDonald Houses and other charities with food and monetary donations.

In April the biennial National Women’s Leadership Conference coordinated by the committee will be held in Las Vegas. Gilbert noted that the conference, with the theme “Engaged, Empowered, Strong,” is open to all Farm Bureau women and will provide numerous opportunities for professional development.

Members of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee elected Zach Hunnicutt from Aurora, Neb., as the committee’s chairman for 2013.

He will take over as chairman in February, at the end of the committee’s leadership conference, and serve for one year. He will also serve a one-year term on the AFBF board of directors.

Zach and his wife, Anna, farm outside of Giltner, Neb., raising irrigated corn, popcorn and soybeans. Hunnicutt attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a degree in agricultural economics. He and Anna have two children, Everett and Adeline.

Both Hunnicutts are very active in social media, working to tell agriculture’s story and helping bridge the gap between consumers and farmers and ranchers. Hunnicutt currently serves as treasurer for the Ag Chat Foundation.

With a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram (zjhunn) and Twitter (@zjhunn), he is well-versed in the opportunities social media offers for starting a conversation with consumers nationwide.

As YF&R chair, Hunnicutt said he intends to continue to build on young farmers’ efforts to connect with people outside of agriculture.

“With social media, I can reach out to people from the seat of my tractor,” Hunnicutt said. “It’s very effective.”

Hunnicutt would also like to help younger growers ramp up

AFB Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Terry Gilbert urged Farm Bureau women to do all they can to boost their skills and share agriculture’s story with decision-makers, teachers, students, consumers and others.

Further, the committee annually sponsors the Women’s Communications Boot Camp, an intensive training seminar held each July that is open to all Farm Bureau women.

Gilbert continues to serve as chair of the AFB Women’s Leadership Committee and on the AFBF board of directors. Vice-chair Sherry Saylor was re-elected to a two-year term on the committee.

Sue Billiot of Arkansas, Marieta Hauser of Kansas, Vicki Malloy of Washington and Debbi Tanner of Connecticut were elected to twoyear terms on the committee.

Zach Hunnicutt their involvement in the policy development process in their counties and states.

“Whether they’re just getting started or have long been a part of the policy development process, I’d encourage everyone to get more active, from the early stages of shaping policy to implementation,” said Hunnicutt.

Getting state YF&R committees to collaborate more is another goal of Hunnicutt’s.

“The committees should be a great resource for one another. We should be tapping into each other’s strengths and learning from each other’s successes,” he said.

The YF&R program includes men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. The program’s goals are to help younger Farm Bureau members learn more about agriculture, network with other farmers and become future leaders in agriculture and Farm Bureau.

February 4, 2013

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Annual Meeting

Vilsack urges farmers to reach out beyond agriculture Last year was a tough one for farmers and ranchers, and while many are anxious to put it behind them, a number of 2012’s key events will be driving the Agriculture Department’s efforts in 2013, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting.

Chief among those events was the drought and its continuing ramifications, like the significantly low Mississippi River levels. Key lessons Vilsack said he learned from the drought are “the extraordinary resilience of our producers” and the importance of a safety net for agriculture.

In that vein, Vilsack said he and the department will continue to push for passage of a five-year farm bill. Along with a strong and viable safety net, key components of the legislation are provisions related

to reforming credit and conservation programs and continuing the country’s commitment to enhancing trade. Research and biofuels will be important elements, too.

Vilsack also focused on rural America, urging Farm Bureau members to tap into the opportunities a biobased economy presents, “whether producing cutting-edge new products or advanced biofuels from crops and plant products.”

A newly created “USDA Biobased Product” label will link manufacturers of more than 25,000 plant-based products with buyers. The label will help promote production of feedstocks to be converted into biofuel. In addition, research and loan support will promote the development of new-generation refineries.

USDA will also concentrate on promoting investment in rural

America through research and collaboration.

“We must create new agricultural products that provide a renewed opportunity for the next generation of American farmers,” Vilsack said.

Equally critical to farmers’ and ranchers’ future is regaining the clout rural America once had.

One way to do that is by building strategic alliances in rural America, but not limiting relationships to those in agriculture.

“We have to extend beyond talking to ourselves,” Vilsack said.

“We must embrace diversity.”

As an example, groups that are pressing for immigration reform, like those that represent Hispanic interests, would be natural allies.

“I have a feeling 2013 is the year people begin to pay a lot of attention to what goes on in rural America,” Vilsack concluded.

Last year’s drought demonstrated “the extraordinary resilience” of farmers and ranchers, as well as the need for a strong safety net for agriculture, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told Farm Bureau members.

Retired astronaut Mark Kelly inspires FB members Retired astronaut Mark Kelly delivered an inspirational keynote address at AFBF’s annual meeting.

Kelly sprinkled his uplifting and sometimes humorous remarks with anecdotes about his

Mark Kelly

exceptional career and life with his wife, Gabrielle Giffords, the former member of Congress who survived an assassination attempt in January 2011.

Growing up in New Jersey as the child of two police officers set the stage for the philosophy that has guided the down-to-earth Kelly since boyhood: “Have a goal, a plan and then work hard.” He modestly described himself as “an underachiever who had to overcome a lack of natural aptitude” at many of the skills required to succeed as a Naval aviator, test pilot and, later, astronaut.

“How good you are at the beginning is not a good indicator of how good you can become,” Kelly said. He also shared the inspiration he finds in the strength of his wife, who continues to recover from gunshot wounds. She reminds him nearly every day to

“deny the existence of failure.”

In his closing comments to the appreciative audience of Farm Bureau members, Kelly shared a few words from Giffords: “Be passionate, be courageous, be strong, be your best.”

Kelly is one of America’s most experienced pilots and has logged more than 6,000 flight hours aboard more than 50 different aircraft. His experience includes 375 aircraft carrier landings, 39 combat missions, more than 50 days in space and service as commander of the space shuttle Endeavor’s final mission.

In addition to his experience as an astronaut and Navy captain, Kelly is a prostate cancer survivor and best-selling author. “Moustronaut: A Partially True Story,” is a children’s book written by Kelly that is slated for release in October.

Foundation for Agriculture presents awards Six state Farm Bureaus were recognized for outstanding financial support of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

State Farm Bureaus receiving the Scholar Award are: Alabama, Delaware, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and South Dakota. The Scholar Award is given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations within their membership groups. The Scholar Award is a “traveling” award.

Delaware Farm Bureau received the Award of Excellence. To qualify for this award, a state Farm Bureau and all of the county Farm Bureaus within the state must donate to the Foundation.

In addition, 29 state Farm Bureaus received Apex Awards: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The Apex Award is presented to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total investment in the Foundation by 10 percent or more over the previous year.

“Like the apex of a plant, it is the generous contributions from individuals and families that nourish the Foundation and fuel its mission of increasing agricultural literacy,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman.

During the event, Stallman challenged Farm Bureau members to make 2013 a record year for donations to the Foundation.

“The donations from dedicated members like you help the Foundation provide programs, curriculums and projects to achieve our mission of building awareness, understanding and a positive perception of agriculture through education,” Stallman said.

FB elects grassroots leaders The delegates newly elected three state Farm Bureau presidents to the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors: Richard Bonanno of Massachusetts (Northeast Region), Jimmy Parnell of Alabama (Southern Region) and Don Shawcroft of Colorado (Western Region).

Fourteen other state Farm Bureau presidents were re-elected to represent their regions on the AFBF board of directors:

• Midwest Region—Craig Hill of Iowa, Kevin Paap of Minnesota, Don Villwock of Indiana and Wayne Wood of Michigan.

• Southern Region—Ronnie Anderson of Louisiana, Kenneth Dier-

schke of Texas, Zippy Duvall of Georgia, Mike Spradling of Oklahoma, Lacy Upchurch of Tennessee and Larry Wooten of North Carolina.

• Northeast Region—Dean Norton of New York and Carl Shaffer of Pennsylvania.

• Western Region—Perry Livingston of Wyoming and Paul Wenger of California.

Grassroots

February 4, 2013

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More Farm Bureau Photo Contest winners These 10 photos received honorable mentions in the 2012 Farm Bureau Photo Contest, held by the American Farm Bureau Federation together with the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. There were five con-

test categories, each accurately portraying farm and ranch families and their efforts to keep farms a safe place to work and a healthy place to live: Safety & Health; At Work on the Farm or Ranch; At Home on the Farm or Ranch; Con-

sumer Outreach; and My Scenic Farm or Ranch.

The first-third place winners were featured in the Jan. 14 issue of FBNews.

They can also be viewed online at FB.org. From the “Newsroom”

At Home on the Farm or Ranch

option in the menu bar, click on “News Releases,” then “2012 News Releases” on the right. Select “Farm Bureau announces photo contest winners” and scroll to the bottom for a link to the images.

At Work on the Farm or Ranch

, Ohio David Sean Hinton, Carrollton

Brenda Hastings, Chardon, Oh

io

At Home on the Farm or Ranch Jacki Picco, Richmond, Va.

Safety & Health

Safety & Health

Andy Lucas, Montrose, Ga.

Consumer Outreach

Stacie Lee, Kindred, N.D.

Consumer Outreach

Claire Smith, Belmond, Iowa

io

Brenda Hastings, Chardon, Oh

At Work on the Farm or Ranch Peggy Gannon, Jefferson, Iowa

My Scenic Farm or Ranch Peggy Gannon, Jefferson, Iowa

My Scenic Farm or Ranch

Tom & Kay Luxton, Hillpoint,

Wis.