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Oklahoma Country12/1/2005 • Winter2:07:58 2006 •PM 11

By Nicola Freeman Travis Jett never imagined that learning and reciting the FFA Creed as a freshman in high school would lead him to a path as the national FFA president. Travis has devoted the majority of his high school and college career to developing skills in agriculture and leadership and living by the creed.

During the 78th annual national FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., a young man from Oklahoma dreams came true with the calling of his name.

Travis was one of six individuals elected to hold national office from a field of 37 candidates.

Growing up in the Oklahoma Panhandle on his family’s cattle and wheat operation outside of Laverne, Travis never imagined the title of national FFA president would follow with his name.

His parents, Alan and Alyson, taught their son the importance of agriculture at a young age and Travis followed in his family’s footsteps by becoming involved in FFA during his eighth grade year.

He attended Laverne High School and was a member of 12 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006

its FFA chapter, with Brad Ashpaugh as his advisor.

Travis said it wasn’t until he attended the Oklahoma State FFA convention with his father that his prospective and future in the youth agricultural program changed.

“I was involved with FFA by being a member and attending meetings, however things changed when I attended the state convention and heard the retiring address by state FFA president Josh Bercheen,” said Travis. “He rode in on his horse and gave his speech entitled ‘Born to Be’ and he explained what an exciting future there was in agriculture.”

The retiring president’s speech spoke directly to Travis, and he realized there was a future for him in agriculture and FFA. As Travis matured through his high school years, he served as a Laverne chapter officer, participated in extemporaneous public speaking contests and showed livestock, but more importantly learned the organization was based on service and keeping a lasting tradition moving towards the future.

With these values close to him, Travis made the decision to run for state FFA office his senior year of high school and won the nomination of northwest district vice-president. The following year he was elected as the Oklahoma FFA president.

“I had accomplished so much through FFA and the organization had taught me the values I hold true to today,” said Travis. “ I was about two-thirds of the way through my state presidency when I began to seriously considered running for a national FFA office.”

With his duties as state president coming to a close, Travis realized he still had a growing passion to serve FFA members and saw an amazing opportunity on the horizon. And thus, started the road to running for a national FFA officer.

In order for Travis to run for national office, there were several steps he had to take before even attending national convention. The national FFA officer selection process is intense and includes a rigorous assessment of each candidate’s year of academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

Nominees first must qualify at the state level to represent their state

with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by present and past generations of agriculturalists; in the promise of better days through better ways even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

– The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 13

FFA association. They then submit an in-depth application to the national organization, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, and complete an essay explaining why they wish to be elected to the position.

recommended the slate of six national officers for approval by the convention delegates.

After the slating of candidates, Travis was placed before the delegation for a vote. However, he along with the other FFA members running for national office did not know what office they were running for.

After receiving the nomination for Oklahoma, Travis began the “After all the interviews and exam, we were told if we were in the preparation process, which included studying six to eight hours a day, final selection process, but never knew what office we had been slated with the focus on gaining something mental, physical, emotional and for,” said Travis. spiritual, he said.

“They read off the results of the four regional vice president officers “I felt a lot of personal growth during those months leading up to and my name wasn’t called, the national secretary and again no name national convention,” said Travis. and then the presidency. It was very nerve wracking.”

Along with his studies, the FFA member sought the advice of the And then the announcer said: “National FFA President is Travis Jett Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Public Policy division to assist him for his of Oklahoma.” future interviews at national convention. The staff covered issues Members of the Oklahoma delegation said they don’t think Travis’s relating the upcoming farm bill, agricultural policies and issues feet hit one of the stairs going to the podium. affecting rural communities across the nation.

“I could not believe it! It is a tremendous honor and privilege to “I appreciated the time the OFB Public Policy staff took to help serve the national FFA organization in this position,” he said. assist me with several of the potential issues I would be asked at Travis is the seventh Oklahoman to be a national FFA president, national convention as well as the screening process,” said Travis. more than any other state. Oklahoma is ranked the fourth largest At national convention in October, Travis participated in six rounds membership within the national organization. of interviews, took in-depth written tests on the organization, Oklahoma Executive Secretary Kent Boggs said Travis is among the agricultural issues, education and current FFA business. In addition, best from Oklahoma to run for national office. there were two personal rounds for each candidate to express his “Travis is a great one, and very deserving of the national officer reasons why he wanted to be a national officer and interact with other position,” said Boggs. “Oklahoma has had some great candidates over candidates before the delegation and members. years make a run for national office and were overlooked for whatever The nomination committee, composed of nine state FFA officers, reason. None were any more committed and worked harder to prepare for the election process than Travis.”

It has been 25 years since an Oklahoman was elected as president and Travis says he is eager to tell the story of the positive impact agriculture education has in our world.

“Agriculture has a bright future, it is becoming more global with more changes. But with those changes, it is an industry worth fighting for. We, as agriculture leaders, must adapt and embrace these changes and keep the values and principles that make agriculture great.”

As national president, Travis will have duties identical to the other national team members, which includes an introduction process that began in November for two months, followed by trips to various states and intense public speaking workshops, before the team travels to Japan this February for an international agricultural experience.

Travis with the 2005-2006 national FFA officer team: (top left) Eastern Region Vice President Ryan Peterson Travis will lead the officer team and serve of Michigan, Western Region Vice President Stuart Joy of New Mexico, (bottom row from left) Southern as spokesperson for the organization; though Region Vice President Erica Der of Florida, National FFA President Travis Jett of Oklahoma, National Secretary he is quick to point out he is just one member Jessie Geib of South Dakota and Central Region Vice President Anita Estes of Nebraska. of the national team and will work closely 14 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006

with the other five members. The team will work alongside the national FFA board of directors to shape policy and ensure the organization continues its success.

The national FFA organization is based in Indianapolis, Ind., where the team will be housed for the majority of its tenure, when it’s not traveling to state conventions and state officer leadership training workshops.

The team will travel more than 300 days out of the year.

As national FFA president Travis will take off one year of course work at Oklahoma State University he where is a junior majoring in agricultural economics/pre-law.

While attending OSU, Travis served on the Homecoming Steering Committee, Speaker’s Board, President’s Leadership Council, Student Alumni Board, College of Agriculture Student Council and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

During Travis’s time as national president he will travel the United States meeting FFA members, agricultural leaders and FFA supporters, as well as top business, government and education leaders in 40 states. His responsibilities include providing personal growth and leadership training to students, setting policies and promoting agricultural literacy.

“I hope the national FFA’s role will continue to be on a local level, for this is where FFA and agricultural education make a difference,” he said. “My greatest hope is to impact members on a local level and encourage diversity of membership in chapters.”

Travis’s term is a part of history as the national FFA convention is making a move to Indianapolis, Ind., during the fall of this year.

He hopes his time as a national officer will reflect his commitment to agriculture and serving youth.

As thinks back to his first experience with FFA and recites the last paragraph of the FFA Creed, know that Travis Jett, national FFA president, is living by those simple words, holding true to his values in agriculture and preserving it for generations to come within FFA. Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 15

KLAHOMA FARM BUREAU always has been committed to surfacing agriculturefriendly candidates for public office. Now that the Oklahoma State Legislature is deep into its first round of term limits, the organization feels it is imperative to find those willing to champion agriculture in the elected arena.

“Recently, term limits went into affect in the state of Oklahoma, so a lot of longtime legislators and good friends of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and agriculture can no longer serve their office,” said Lori Kromer Peterson, OFB vice president of public policy. “So, now we are looking for those good candidates who are willing to serve, and who can replace those good leaders and represent Oklahoma and agriculture.”

Surfacing rural candidates is not an easy task. However, individuals who are equipped with the skills necessary to run a campaign are more likely to take a stab at politics.

“If we can surface a good candidate, put them into a campaign school and give them the tools and information they need to run a good campaign,” said Linda Johnson, American Farm Bureau Federation director of policy implementation, “then it’s a little bit easier for them to take that step.”

OFB’s Campaign Management Seminar is designed to assist those candidates in running a successful campaign. A recent seminar held in Oklahoma City taught participants tricks of the trade through a computer-simulated

Oklahoma Farm Bureau surfaces agriculture-friendly candidates with Campaign Management Seminar

By Traci Morgan campaign, which tested the candidate’s techniques, tools and methods.

Participants learned how to gain the support of voters, budget their campaign dollars and involve the media in their campaigns. Candidates obtained valuable skills in media presence during an interview with a reporter, which was then critiqued by the group. Each activity is intended to strengthen the candidate’s ability to run a winning campaign, which is what makes the seminar so popular.

“This seminar continues to grow each year,” Peterson said. “Numerous elected officials previously attended the Campaign Management Seminar to gain valuable knowledge and were successful in their campaign efforts.”

Candidates for local, county and state elected offices all have benefited from the seminar in recent years. The seminar not only caters to first-time candidates, but also current legislators seeking a refresher course in campaign basics.

One such lawmaker is Sen. Daisy Lawler of

Comanche. The Stephens County Farm Bureau member and chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee first attended when her husband, Larry, ran successfully for the Senate seat she now holds.

“We had the information that Farm Bureau was going to hold a seminar, and my husband was interested in politics, so he suggested we come to that,” Sen. Lawler said.

The seminar has had a champion in the two-time attendee ever since. In addition to seeking a refresher course in campaigning, Sen. Lawler encouraged others to attend what she calls one of the best campaign courses available.

“I think the whole program is an excellent presentation,” she said. “It's the most and best information that I have gotten from any type of campaign seminar since my husband was elected.”

Peterson said it’s encouraging to see current legislators brushing up on campaign skills going into their election, but equally rewarding to see someone who’s not been elected attend the seminar.

The real draw for Farm Bureau’s seminar is its bipartisan nature and neutrality on policy issues.

“We have had, I would say, equal numbers from both parties attend the school. And in fact, in the campaign seminar itself, we do not talk policy issues whatsoever,” she said. “We don't promote Oklahoma Farm Bureau policy.

CAMPAIGNING 16 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006

We don't promote any specific agenda. It is just how you run a campaign from beginning to end. And several current legislators and candidates who have attended other schools tell us that this is the only campaign seminar where that is the case.”

One thing the seminar does advocate, however, is relationship building between OFB’s public policy staff and potential lawmakers.

“We build a relationship with them before they're elected, and then once they do serve in the legislature they are already familiar with us,” Peterson said. “You really have a different relationship with someone, I think, when you know them before they're elected, and you have supported and helped their campaign.”

OFB’s Campaign Management Seminar is not restricted to a select few. Incumbent legislators, potential candidates, those who have already thrown their hats in, as well as candidates’ spouses and their campaign managers also are urged to attend.

“Ideally, if the candidate, his or her spouse and the campaign manager all attend the seminar, that's the best way to go because those three people are so important to the campaign,” Peterson said.

Those interested in attending a Farm Bureau Campaign Management Seminar, or wanting more information, should contact Peterson at 405-523-2539 or 00551664 Lori.Peterson@okfb.org From top to bottom: OFB’s Campaign Management Seminar has a champion in two-time attendee Sen. Daisy Lawler, shown here speaking at a recent Farm Bureau event. The Stephens County Farm Bureau member and chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee recently completed a refresher course and encouraged others to attend what she calls one of the best campaign courses available.

Sam Knipp, left, OFB vice president of corporate communications/public relations, interviewed seminar participant Bettie Johnson to give the candidate oncamera practice with the media.

Campaign managers Meredith Walck, left, Laura Jones, center, and Don Eckhoff discussed budgeting during a section of OFB’s recent Campaign Management Seminar. The three are managing upcoming state Senate races.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 17

All Around

Oklahoma Inola’s Kathy Privett brought her peanut butter pancake syrup to the Tulsa State Fair to introduce the product and tempt prospective consumers.

Pass on the Maple and Pick-Up the Peanut Butter ancakes are being topped in a new way on some breakfast tables in Oklahoma. Aside from the usual maple, strawberry or butter pecan pancake syrup, a new choice is becoming available – peanut butter.

It may seem surprising that while peanut butter lovers have placed the condiment on bread, fruits, vegetables and in desserts for years, the idea to market it for pancake syrup had never been realized – until recently.

In Kathy Privett’s kitchen in Inola, however, peanut butter pancake syrup was a favorite.

“My husband and I mixed peanut butter and syrup in the kitchen for a snack for the kids,” Privett said. “One day he said, ‘Why don’t you bottle that?’”

After conducting research, Privett realized the idea was a new one in the food industry.

Seeking assistance with her idea, she attended the Basic Training Workshop at the Food & Agricultural Products Center located on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater in August 2004. The workshop provides food business entrepreneurs information on business economics and marketing.

It was at this workshop that Privett met Chuck Willoughby and Jim Brooks, FAPC business planning and marketing specialists, and David Moe, FAPC pilot plant manager.

Under their supervision and through eight months of trial and error, a final recipe for peanut butter syrup was formulated, and

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18 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006

the company, Abe’s Creations, was born.

“Mixing and bottling peanut butter pancake syrup came with a few challenges – challenges that Dave Moe was able to meet – but the real challenge laid ahead in marketing the product to retail buyers and prospective customers,” Willoughby said. “That is where we were able to help Kathy through our Market Development Program.”

Privett attended Oklahoma Grocer’s Association tradeshow in Oklahoma City with the help of the FAPC. Her “creation” was then picked up by Reasor’s Grocery located in the Tulsa area.

As Privett attended more tradeshows and the state fairs, the product was introduced to more consumers, and recently, Abe’s Creations peanut butter pancake syrup has also been added to the shelves of Homeland grocery stores, with 43 locations statewide.

In the beginning, the FAPC helped produce the syrup during the market testing phase, but production of the syrup is now produced by Backwoods Foods in Tahlequah.

“We are really pleased with the market response this product has received, especially selling out its debut weekend at the Reasor’s stores in the Tulsa area,” Willoughby said. “It is gratifying to know that we have been able to help another Oklahoma entrepreneur and keep the food manufacturing jobs here in Oklahoma.”

The FAPC is still currently involved in assisting Privett and her company.

“I continue to rely on my advisory team – Chuck and Jim,” Privett said.

Agroterriorism Information Center Popular

The agroterrorism information center in Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s booth at the 12th annual Tulsa Farm Show proved popular with visitors to the Dec. 8-10 event. FBI Special Agent Dana Ward joined Farm Bureau staff to promote the program, which relays information on biosecurity issues to those in the farm community who participate in the new program. The OFB booth was framed by the Kids Fire Safety Trailer. Those stopping by the booth also took home information about safety programs plus the many member benefits offered by OFB.

Member’s tractor is FFA finalist picture-perfect 1948 Case SC tractor owned and restored by Steven Snelson of Wann, Okla., was selected as a finalist in the 2005 Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration competition during the recent National FFA convention.

Steven is the son of Pam and Steve Snelson, Washington County Farm Bureau’s farm family of the year.

Steven rescued the tractor from a nearby pasture, where it had sat for 30 years. He reclaimed it from the weeds and trees that had turned the tractor into part of the natural environment.

The tractor’s original owner, Francis Warden, used it for many years until failing health forced him to retire. The tractor was relegated to “decorate” the scenery, patiently waiting for someone to return it to active duty.

After spending countless hours carefully restoring the tractor to original condition, Steven entered it in the Chevron

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Steven spent countless hours restoring this 1948 Case SC tractor. His efforts paid off when he was selected as a finalist in the 2005 Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration competition during the national FFA convention.

competition. He was required to meticulously detail all his work on the tractor, explaining every step of the restoration. The goal of the competition is to recognize the determination, mechanical skill and business

savvy of high school aged FFA members.

Steven has driven the tractor in local parades and plans to have the tractor at the 2006 FFA convention this spring in Oklahoma City.

OFB supports Tulsa auction klahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies was the major buyer at the 2005 Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Premium Auction Oct. 7.

The state’s largest farm organization purchased the grand champion lamb and 19 other prize-winning animals that made the annual premium auction. Farm Bureau was recognized prior to the auction with the 2004 Frank Sanders Memorial Award for last year’s premium auction, marking the fifth consecutive year for Farm Bureau to be recognized for purchasing the largest number of animals in the sale.

The exhibitors of the prize-winning animals Farm Bureau purchased were: • Kari Wendt of Kingfisher FFA for her Hampshire wether, which was the grand champion lamb.

• Cody Schenk of Chickasha FFA for the

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State leaders, back row from right, Mike Spradling, Steve Kouplen, and Charles Sloan were on hand to represent Oklahoma Farm Bureau during the Tulsa State Fair Premium Auction October 7. Along with several other animals, the organization purchased the grand champion lamb shown by Kingfisher FFA member Kari Wendt. Oklahoma Farm Bureau was honored during the auction with the Frank Sanders Memorial Award for being the top volume buyer at the sale for the fifth consecutive year.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 19

champion Simmental steer.

• Jake Long of Panama FFA for the champion AOB (all other breeds) steer.

• Blair Sutter of Alva FFA for the reserve champion Chianina steer.

• Emily Cline of Miami FFA for the reserve champion Simmental steer.

• Justin Gonsell of Lindsay FFA for the third place Chianina steer.

• Shannon Rose of Alva FFA for the champion Poland barrow.

• Taylor Augustine of Vanoss FFA for the reserve champion Yorkshire barrow.

• Haley Kromer of Big Pasture FFA for the second place crossbreed barrow.

• Carri Smith of Fairview FFA for the second place Hampshire lamb.

• Kaylee Lindsey of Tonkawa FFA for the fourth place Suffolk lamb.

• Alaina Parker of Garvin County 4-H for the reserve champion Southdown lamb.

• Lacy McMurtrie of Tonkawa FFA for the fifth place natural colored lamb.

• Casey Hough of Quapaw FFA for the fifth place Shorthorn steer.

• Deekotah Williams of Central High 4-H for the seventh place Hampshire barrow.

• Laura Smith of Newcastle FFA for the eleventh place Hampshire barrow.

• Jennifer Lawler of Cotton County 4-H for the eighth place natural colored lamb.

• Ethan Propp of Mayes County 4-H for the eighth place Simmental steer.

• Jared Chidester of Chouteau FFA for the tenth place Simmental steer.

• Jarred Bedwell of Fairview FFA for the tenth place Shorthorn steer.

Conference aims at women he Women in Agriculture and Small Business Conference is scheduled March 11 at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater. The conference committee is comprised of volunteers who

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Secretary Conference Antics

Edmond entrepreneur Stewart Kennedy recounted a mountain climbing experience as part of his motivational speech to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Secretary’s Conference opening session Nov. 29 in Oklahoma City. County office secretaries and CSRs attending the two-day session not only heard from Kennedy. AFBF Leadership Development Director Matt DeMarko presented a special program on harnessing emotional intelligence. Special workshops on membership, ag records and CSR issues also were presented as well as updates about member service programs.

20 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006

are small business women, agricultural producers and agricultural and rural community development professionals from Creek, Lincoln and Payne counties.

The theme of the meeting is “Oklahoma Women Making A Difference,” and provides an opportunity for women to expand their knowledge, networks, life satisfaction and tools for use in a competitive business world, according to Gail Holland, conference chair.

The conference will have workshops, a trade show, catered lunch and panel discussion. Workshop topics include stress management, alternative agriculture, business planning, farm family health insurance, estate and retirement planning and many others.

For more information, call 405-372-5711, extension 2 or 3.

Applicators don’t forget your records ecent events combined with past experience indicate that many commercial and non-commercial applicators are not keeping their pesticide records, according to Dr. Jim T. Criswell, pesticide coordinator for the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“There seems to be two problems,” he said.

“The first is there are no records at all. The second is applicators are waiting weeks to months to record the applications. Both situations lead to incomplete records – if they ever get recorded.”

Criswell said all commercial and noncommercial applications are required to keep the following records: • Time of application, • Place of each application, • Name and address of applicator, • Name and address of person for who applied, • Legal description of land where applied, • Date of application, • Pesticide tank mix concentration, • Dilution rate for mixing, • Total quantity of pesticide used, including amount of pesticide concentrate and tank mix used, • Complete trade name of product used, • EPA registration number of product used,

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• Target pest for the application, • Site where the pesticide was applied, • Restricted Entry Interval as stated on the product label, • A copy of the pesticide product label or labeling that is attached to the container or included in the shipping case, and • Copies of any contract issued.

Criswell said these records must be kept for two years. They are to be supplied to ODAFF when ODAFF requests them, in person, during business hours or within seven working days when ODAFF requests the records by mail.

“Applicators should record their applications as soon as possible on the day the applications are made,” said Criswell.

“This helps avoid memory loss on what was done and how it was done.”

Cost-share funding available for landowners who install field buffers klahoma farmers may now sign-up for the Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds (CP-33) program that will pay farmers to establish buffers around croplands to provide the grassy habitat that bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, and other upland birds require for food, cover and nesting.

Enrollment in the program is completely voluntary and simply requires the establishment of 35-120 foot buffers of planted or native vegetation around the perimeter of crop fields.

In turn, the landowner or farmer receives annual rental payments for the life of the 10year contract as well as the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to restore vital wildlife habitat.

Payments are based on the type of soils on the property and differ in various parts of the state. In Oklahoma, the average annual rental payment is $32 an acre. Additionally, landowners also receive a sign-up bonus of up to $100 an acre and 90 percent of the cost of installing the buffers.

Oklahoma has been approved to install up to 9,500 acres of buffers across the state under the CP 33 provisions, however only 448 acres

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have been enrolled so far.

“Many of our landowner assistance programs are very competitive and some have already reached their maximum enrollment, but this is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this relatively new program,” said John Hendrix, private lands biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

For example, depending on the soil type, if a landowner installs a 120-foot wide buffer on 160 acres of agricultural ground, the program will pay an incentive payment of $2,780 to install the 27 acres of buffers as well as an annual rental payment of $900 per year for the next 10 years. If a landowner chooses to install a 35-foot wide buffer on 160 acres of agricultural ground, the program will pay an incentive payment of $420 to install the four acres of buffers as well as an annual rental payment of $136 per year for the next 10 years.

“This is a win-win program for both landowners and wildlife and it just makes great sense for farmers who are interested in wildlife habitat and the bottom line,” Hendrix said. “I would highly encourage farmers across the state to do themselves a favor and look into this program.”

According to Hendrix the program offers several benefits to farmers, including: • Stabilizes income on what is typically the least productive portions of fields.

• Controls soil erosion and improves water quality in nearby creeks and ponds.

• Provides critical cover for rabbits, quail, pheasants and grassland songbirds.

• Provides quality hunting areas for family and friends.

Landowners can sign-up for this voluntary program at their local Farm Service Agency.

More information on this and other initiatives is also available at the Farm Service Agency's Web site at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Proper financial planning key to business success very business owner has high aspirations for their business. Whether these goals involve everyday operations, a new business venture or an expansion project, proper financing is essential to business owners reaching their objectives.

One of the biggest hurdles for small businesses is having enough capital to bring a business plan to fruition. The best planning and business management can be completely undermined if appropriate funding is not available.

According to Steven Windhaus, small business advisor for www.bankrate.com, “Having the proper financing, including working capital, is more important to a small business than developing a customer base, providing a product or even offering client services.”

It is not enough to simply have a well thought out business plan. Knowledge and planning are required to manage finances as well. According to the United States Small Business Administration, “These qualities ensure that entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes like securing the wrong type of financing, miscalculating the amount required, or underestimating the cost of borrowing money.”

Preventing these mistakes are just some of the reasons why planning must be done prior to a financing request, and why securing financing is more difficult than most small business entrepreneurs think. Despite this difficulty, small businesses lending has increased steadily for the past five years.

“You can improve your odds of receiving financing for your small business by getting your business plan evaluated by a bank loan

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officer, having an excellent personal credit history, submitting your personal financial statements, and by itemizing costs toward which the money would be directed,” Windhaus said.

Other ideas include having your business plan reviewed by a specialist at the nearest Small Business Development Center or by applying for financing from an institution you currently bank with said Windhaus. Also, be sure to decide what type of financing to apply for based on each individual business’ needs.

The requirements for financing through a business loan versus financing via a business line of credit differ greatly, as do the benefits and repayment options.

Farm Bureau Bank can help your business obtain the financial help it needs to grow through its Business Line of Credit. Farm Bureau Bank’s Business Line of Credit offers convenient access to working capital up to $100,000, year-end expense statements to manage budgets and forecasts, and rewards to help obtain needed capital expenditures. Its low-rate, unsecured, operating line of credit can help you meet all of your cash flow, expansion, and everyday business needs.

Help your business help itself. For more information about a business line of credit through Farm Bureau Bank, or to apply, visit www.farmbureaubank.com or call 1-800-492FARM (3276) to speak with a personal banker.

Retirement planning through IRAs aintaining a quality lifestyle in retirement is an objective of many American workers. Many could make their retirement come sooner through proper retirement planning and investments. One of the easiest ways to save for retirement is

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You may qualify for a federal income tax credit f your income for 2005 was less than $37,263 you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on your federal income tax return.

EITC is a credit for people who work, but don’t earn high incomes. If you qualify, you could pay less federal tax or no tax – even get a refund.

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If you have one dependent child and earned less than $33,030 you can get an EITC up to $2,662.

If you have more than one dependent child and earned less than $37,263 you can get an EITC up to $4,400.

If you have no children and earned less than $13,750 you can get an EITC up to $399.

To qualify, you must meet certain rules and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or did not earn enough money to require filing a tax return.

For more information, call 1-800-8291040, or log on to the Internal Revenue Web Site at www.irs.gov.