inside Message Board. . . . . . 2 under new eminent ... · times were testy but both said at the...

Buckeye Farm NewsMarch 11, 2010 | VoluMe 9 | Issue 11

A Publication of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation

OhiO’s Largest agricuLturaL newspaper

by Dan TolanD

As the House Agriculture Com-mittee approved implementing legislation for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, the Sen-ate began work on its version of the bill.

Funding Amendments to House Bill

414 removed the proposed three-year phase-in of a 15-cent per ton increase on commercial livestock feed and permitted the director of agriculture to use existing funds at the Department of Agriculture. Similarly, Senate Bill 233 frees up $162,000 from other sources in the

General Revenue Fund (GRF) to get the board running. The Senate bill is sponsored by Sen. Bob Gibbs, R-Lakeville, and Sen. Keith Faber, R-Celina.

“We applaud the discussions that have been ongoing between legisla-tive leadership, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and stakeholders on the subject of funding,” said OFBF Senior Vice President of Public Policy Keith Stimpert during House testimony in February.

“We believe (the Livestock Care Standards Board) benefits both consumers and farmers, and as such, should be funded from general revenue sources,” he said, while also noting that the state’s fiscal challeng-

es left OFBF open-minded toward alternate funding sources.

Right of EntrySB 233 further clarifies some of

the provisions included in the House bill. Specifically, it states that the reg-ulating entity may request to enter a farm, which a livestock farmer would have the right to deny, therefore re-quiring a warrant for entry. SB 233 also requires the regulating entity to follow biosecurity standards in place on farms it enters.

Organic Standards ClarificationsAn amendment to HB 414

further clarified that rules adopted

insideMessage Board. . . . . . 2Analysis . . . . . . . . . . 3Policy & Politics . . . . . 4Outreach . . . . . . . . . 6Farm Bureau News . . . 7Noteworthy . . . . . . . . 8

by Dan TolanD

Many farmers aren’t happy with the move of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to overturn the will of Ohio voters. Neither are Gov. Ted Strickland and his 2010 Republican gubernatorial opponent John Kasich, who both addressed a crowd of approximately 300 farmers during OFBF’s Ag Day at the Capitol in Columbus.

Before lawmakers had a chance to establish the details of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, HSUS launched a ballot campaign that would force the board to adopt the policies of the Washington, D.C.-based animal rights group.

“If we want to eat, and if we want access to affordable and inexpensive food, it is important for the agricul-tural community within our state not to be hamstrung and to have their hands tied behind their back by those who do not fully appreci-

ate the value of what happens on our farms,” Strickland said. “(The HSUS ballot initiative) is unnecessary and I will oppose it.”

Kasich referenced HSUS’s “ex-tremism,” saying the initiative is about regulations. “No outsiders ought to come in here and try to de-stroy our farms…I’m stomping with

you. It is wrong.”The candidates also laid out their

individual platforms for the upcom-ing gubernatorial race.

Strickland said Ohio can be the center of advanced energy solutions and that agriculture can be instrumental in this effort. He

ThIrd fronTIer

OFBF endorses

Issue 1by Joe cornely

The Ohio Farm Bureau Fed-eration (OFBF) has announced its support for State Issue 1, which will renew Ohio’s highly successful Third Frontier program.

OFBF’s Board of Trustees felt Third Frontier is a proven driver of economic development and represents responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

“Farmers understand how to mea-sure return on investment and the Third Frontier program has delivered,” OFBF President Brent Porteus said.

The proposal will appear on the May 4 ballot.

The Third Frontier program is a private-public partnership that targets state investments into technology-based growth industries. It was first approved by Ohio voters in 2005.

Since its inception, Third Frontier has created 48,000 jobs, aided 571 business start-ups and produced $6.6 billion in total economic impact. Business investment grew at 20.4 percent per year, nearly 2.5 times faster than the national average. Im-portantly, 50 percent of the state’s investment in Third Frontier has been repaid through tax receipts.

“Third Frontier is attracting businesses to Ohio. It’s enhancing existing industries. It’s advancing research and bringing products to market. It’s creating jobs. And it’s paying a return on the money we’ve put in,” Porteus said.

OFBF believes the program will provide benefits to all Ohioans, farmers included. Agricultural prod-ucts are used to produce bio-fuels and other alternative energy, ad-vanced materials for manufacturing, biomedical products and support many other industries.

Ohio governor, challenger address 300 farmers at OFBF’s Ag Day

ongoing discussionHere are a few of the provisions

the House and Senate are now considering for the Livestock Care Standards Board.

Funding for the board would •come from existing sources in the General Revenue Fund rather than the commercial livestock feed fee.

Organic farmers would not be •subject to any standards that conflict with the national organic program.

Regulators would need the •farmer's permission or a search warrant to enter a farm.

See Ag DAy, pg 2

See LegiSLAtive, pg 2

“No outsiders ought to come in here and try to destroy our farms.”

“(The HSUS ballot initiative) is unnecessary and I will oppose it.”

On this, they agree:

Gubernatorial contender John Kasich

Gov. Ted Strickland

Farmers from Allen County meet with Rep. Matt Huffman (r) at the State-house to discuss issues facing Ohio agriculture.

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house, senaTe MoVe closer To fInal bIll

Legislative process continues to shape livestock board

by amy beTh Graves

Ohio’s acceptance of more than $8 billion in federal stimulus money is “not only wise, it’s appropriate,” said Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. But Kevin DeWine, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, disagreed, saying that it does not solve the state’s fu-ture budget shortfalls.

“The governor’s plan for the state of Ohio is to look to Washington, get on his knees and say ‘If you send it, we will spend it’. He is not advancing any substantive reform,” DeWine said.

The point-counterpoints were made during the first of a two-part Town Hall Ohio radio show that

Party leaders offer opposing views on Town Hall Ohio

See LeADerS, pg 2

Landowner wins under new eminent domain law PG 4

Will the EPA open the door to tax livestock gases? PG 8

“What has historically been food philosophy, we're now going to have to deal

with legislatively.” PG 3

Buckeye Farm News | Ohio’s Largest Agricultural Newspaper 2

OHIO FARM BUREAU OFFICERSPresident Brent PorteusFirst Vice President Steve HirschTreasurer Keith TruckorExecutive Vice President John C. FisherVice President Center for Food and Animal Issues Mike BumgarnerVice President Organization Brian PeachVice President Communications Patricia PetzelSenior Vice President Public Policy Keith StimpertChief Financial Officer Irene MessmerAsst. Secretary Rachel Rittinger

BOARd OF TRUSTEES

BUCKEYE FARM NEWS STAFFExecutive Editor Patricia PetzelEditor Joe CornelyAssistant Editor Seth TeterCommunications Specialist Dan TolandCommunications Specialist Chip NelsonDirector of Art and Design Galen Ludwick HarrisGraphic Designer Joyce SpanglerProduction Coordinator Gayle LewisContributor Amy Beth Graves

AdVERTISINGCoordinator Gayle LewisP.O. Box 182383, Columbus, OH 43218-2383Phone614-246-8229•FAX614-246-8629e-mail: [email protected] fact a product is advertised in Buckeye Farm News should not be taken as an endorsement.

BUCKEYE FARM NEWSCirculation: From Norman Jones Enlow and Company footnotes to the 2008 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Audit: The Ohio Farm Bureau Federa-tion had 235,064 members as of August 31, 2009. Members may receive Buckeye Farm News as a part of their paid membership.Buckeye Farm News (ISSN 1540-3742), an official publication of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Inc. is published 16 times per year: semi-monthly in February, July, September and December and monthly in January, March, April, May, June, August, October and November, by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., 280 North High Street, P. O. Box 182383, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2383. Buckeye Farm News Periodical Postage Paid at Columbus, Ohio (USPS 0020-531).POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Buckeye Farm News, P. O. Box 182383, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2383.Buckeye Farm News content seeks to amplify the organization’s policy positions, recognize member activities and volunteer involvement, and raise awareness of agriculture as an industry and lifestyle.To contact us: E-mail [email protected]; call 614.246.8231 or write P.O. Box 182383, Columbus, OH 43218-2383

Craig Adams LeesburgFrank Burkett III Canal FultonKim Davis CarrolltonPatty DeBruin MillersportPam Haley West SalemPaul Harrison FostoriaSteve Hess St. ParisSteve Hirsch ChillicotheEllen Joslin Sidney

Daryl Knipp LindseyCharles Lausin ThompsonRandy Leis FarmersvilleJudy Loudenslager MarionBill Lowe MarysvilleAl Miller MariettaJohn Mossbarger Washington CHJoyce Payne Waterloo

Brent Porteus CoshoctonDon Ralph MorralMike Schumm WillshireBob Slicker Canal FultonJim Swingle PhiloAndra Troyer LondonKeith Truckor MetamoraSparky Weilnau MilanTim Williams Piketon

March 11, 2010 | ofbf.org

examined key issues with Ohio’s two major political parties. Redfern defended Gov. Ted Strickland’s de-cision to accept the stimulus funds and said Ohio’s tax code is flawed.

“It’s important to know how we got here. The income tax was reduced by 21 percent and the sales tax increased to make up for

lost revenue,” he said. “We raised about 100 fees and the sales tax a couple of times. Anytime there’s a downturn in the economy, the sales tax falls off and you can’t

keep up with revenue demands be-cause consumers aren’t shopping.”

Redfern also called Republican gubernatorial candidate John Ka-

sich’s proposal to eliminate the in-come tax “kooky” and “reckless.”

The two po-litical leaders’ comments at times were testy but both said at the start of the

broadcast that disagreeing is part of the political process.

“People say they don’t like the bitter bipartisanship and negative campaigning but at the end of the day I think Chris and I agree that stuff works in terms of moving voter opinion and changing the outcome of elections,” DeWine said.

Redfern said politicians are al-ways trying to find ways to connect with voters and that often voters respond to the comparison and con-trast of political candidates.

“If sending fruit baskets to every Ohioan worked, Kevin and I would start sending fruit baskets,” he said. “We’re in this business to get our message out in most appropriate and most effective manner and if sending flowers and fruit baskets works, we will do that.”

Both sides said the state’s eco-nomic woes will drive this year’s gubernatorial race. Calling the economic outlook for Ohio “bleak,” DeWine said voters will not be asked to decide who is to blame for the

state’s problems but whether Strick-land’s actions are appropriate.

“Have his actions, the plans he has put in place, the things that he said he wants to do, do they merit another four years or is it time for us to change course and do something different,” he said. “I think that’s going to be the narrative of this gu-bernatorial race.”

The growing cost of Medicaid and education continues to be at the top of lawmakers’ concerns with both sides looking for ways to rein in costs, both DeWine and Redfern said. They both felt having eight-year term limits for lawmakers is ineffective and should be extended.

“All across the state farmers are gathered at coffee shops to talk about the day’s challenges, and we

have fewer of those conversations taking place in Columbus with legislators,” Redfern said. “There’s a breakdown on the relationships, there’s hyperpartisan because of it, there’s self-focus, what is my next job rather than what’s my next is-sue. There are no stories to be told about the old because there are no legislators left who served during those days.”

The Message board

2009/2010 Farm Bureau Goals Market Farm Bureau to achieve membership growth Increase grassroots involvement by creating a volunteer-friendly Farm Bureau Expand relations with Nationwide and other affinity organizations Promote farming and the agbioresource industry Influence the adoption of OFBF and AFBF policy Speak out and stand up for animal agriculture and the food industry Protect personal property rights Engage members in the 2009 and 2010 elections

FOllOwing UpHardin Wind Energy

A previous issue of Buckeye Farm News mentioned that a wind farm in Hardin County had installed devices to detect bats. How does this system work? The Hardin Wind Farm conducted acoustic bat surveys from March to November of 2009. The objective was to estimate the seasonal and spatial use of the wind farm by bats. Two microphones were placed at each of three fixed meteorological towers to transmit ultra-sonic sounds to recording devices at the base of the towers, which were analyzed for the presence of bats. The micro-phones were used only during specific study periods and may not be permanently installed on the towers.

One clarification to the story: Hardin Wind Farm will interconnect with transmission lines owned by American Electric Power, but the power will not necessarily be sold to AEP. Any number of companies may purchase the power.

Wild Hogs A story in our last issue discussed how

wild hogs damage crops and threaten do-mestic swine. USDA Wildlife Services can help property owners set traps for wild hogs, but do not keep carcasses. For assistance with feral swine, call 866-4-USDA-WS.

Children’s Literature Award Mini Milk Maids on the Mooove

has been selected as the winner of the 2010 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Children’s Literature Award. The book highlights the experiences of 5-year-old twin sisters in the dairy industry. The book is available for purchase through county Farm Bureau offices. OFBF is also offering a bundle of four children's books for $25 (plus shipping and handling) that can be ordered from county Farm Bureaus. For more in-formation visit http://tinyurl.com/ofbfbooks.

stated that in 2007, no ethanol was being produced in Ohio, but now there are four functioning facilities annually producing 295 million gal-lons. “It is better to depend on the Midwestern farmer for energy than Middle-Eastern oil barons,” he said.

Strickland described Ohio as “the polymer state,” and that it is the ideal location for advanced polymer research and development. He also noted that Ohioans spend $43 bil-lion per year on food, with only 3 percent of that going to products grown on Ohio farms, an equation he wants to work to change.

Kasich, who focused on fixing the state budget, referred to his ex-perience as U.S. Budget Committee chairman in 1995, where he headed up the only U.S. budget surplus since 1969. “You hold yourselves ac-countable (fiscally) and you should hold legislators just as accountable,” he said.

He said the Third Frontier Program needs more agriculture inclusion.

“You’re in the business of alter-native fuels and bioproducts, and doing remarkable things,” he said. “This program can help you be prosperous, and (in a Kasich admin-istration) you’ll be included.”

“Agriculture is exciting, valuable, and it works,” Kasich said.

Farmers also shared lunch with their legislators and visited them in their offices at the Statehouse.

Allen County Farm Bureau Presi-dent and hog farmer Troy Ernest, who made the trek to visit his lawmakers, said it’s important to voice opinions on everyday issues in person.

“It’s extremely important for them to see faces from back home. It helps them realize the issues are more localized than they might think,” he said.

“The fact farmers are willing to come to Columbus and take part in the policy process shows the strong grassroots component of our orga-nization,” said OFBF Director of Legislative Relations Chris Henney.

by the Livestock Care Standards Board would not apply to organic producers if the rules violate USDA national organic standards.

OFBF stanceIn his testimony, Stimpert noted

OFBF supports the clarification for organic producers as well as added language that states the Board will not be able to establish a livestock identification program or develop standards for food processing.

OFBF opposes any expansion of the authority of the Livestock Care

Standards Board.“It’s important that the Live-

stock Care Board be effective in the development of standards and the enforcement of those standards,” Stimpert said. “This measure is the next step in making Ohio a national leader in livestock care and strength-ening the relationship between farmers and consumers.”

For the latest on the Livestock Care Standards Board, search for “Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board News” at www.ofbf.org.

Their Words““We sincerely regret any actions that led to the misperception of our

support of this organization.” Pilot Travel Centers apologizing for a well-intentioned partnership with the Humane Society of the United States. The company cut all ties with HSUS and reaffirmed its support of American agriculture after farmers protested the fundraising partnership through Facebook and Twitter.

Figured Up: 7 out of 10

The number of Americans who wrongly believe the Hu-mane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an umbrella group for local humane societies, according to a new public opinion poll. Nearly 6 out of 10 believe that HSUS gives most of its money to organizations that care for dogs and cats. Ac-cording to one analysis of HSUS tax returns, the group gave less than one-half of 1 percent of its $100 million budget to organizations that care for dogs and cats.

AG DAY from PG 1

LEGisLAtivE from PG 1

DeWine

Redfern

LEADErs from PG 1

Standard Practice Several states are following Ohio’s lead to stop animal rights

activists from forcing restrictions on livestock farmers. Here’s a look at legislation that was pending in recent weeks.

Kentucky – Establishes a 14-member Kentucky Livestock Care Commission to set standards for livestock care and pre-empts a local government from ruling on livestock care standards at the county level.

Indiana – States that the Board of Animal Health has the sole authority to regulate standards of livestock care.

Idaho – Establishes a 13-member Idaho Livestock Care Standards Board.

To listen to past editions of Town Hall Ohio or for a list of air dates and locations visit www.townhallohio.org or

www.facebook.com/townhallohio

Rep. Mark Okey (l) talks with OFBF State Trustee Kim Davis and her father-in-law John Davis from Carroll County during Ag Day at the Capitol.

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Buckeye Farm News | Ohio’s Largest Agricultural Newspaper

ANALYSIS

™™

Forgive them for asking

Addressing consumers’ concerns could pay off for farmers

First, an informal poll. Which of the following best describes you?❑ I’d prefer to be left alone to

run my farm as I and generations before me have done successfully and responsibly.

❑ I’d prefer to take time out of my schedule to defend accusations that my farm is detrimental to the environment, animal well-being and human health.

Now rank your least favorite chores?__ Shoveling out the stalls__ Repairing a broken combine

during harvest__ Paying fuel, seed and fertilizer

bills__ Giving a speech about agricul-

ture to a community group

This isn’t to imply that farmers, particularly those who direct market their products, don’t enjoy consumer interaction. But if you’re hauling corn to the elevator or steers to the auction, you’re likely more inclined to respond to the market report than the opinions

of the average suburbanite.That gets to Ohio Farm Bureau’s

mission of “forging a partnership between farmers and consumers.”

As an Advisory Council re-cently noted “The plan sounds good on paper. Making it function is an-other story.”

Farmers rightly question why they should have to respond to the

outrageous criticisms that are directed their way. And they are acutely aware that it is so easy for others to complain because their stomachs are full. Does overcom-ing public prejudice

mean swallowing a little pride?“I’m concerned when I hear some

of the questions that consumers sometimes ask farmers,” said Janet Cassidy, OFBF senior director of marketing communications. “I cer-tainly understand the frustration farmers must feel.”

But during a recent meeting, Da-vid White, OFBF senior director of

issues management, asked farmers how they think consumers would respond to a recent CBS News report claiming that giving antibi-otics to livestock was casuing a national health crisis.

“It would scare the hell out of you,” one farmer replied. “It would scare me if I didn’t know any better.”

White said those who have lost touch with the farm are becoming inclined to address these perceived problems through public policy.

“What has historically been food philosophy, we’re now going to have to deal with legislatively,” he said.

Cassidy noted that consumers don’t have much reason to know the details about how farms operate.

“Our opponents are simply plant-ing seeds of doubt, and it’s having an influence,” she said. She also believes consumers generally don’t want to be involved with the details of agri-cultural policy. “What most people really want is access to local farmers and to feel good about how their

food is produced,” she said. “But if they can’t find reassurance by talking to a farmer, they may find comfort through additional regulation.”

OFBF has launched extensive consumer outreach through its Our Ohio brand, which includes a maga-zine, Web site, TV show and events that are all aimed at connecting con-sumers to Ohio agriculture. County Farm Bureaus are also exploring ways to be more open with consumers through community events, farmers’ share breakfasts, displays about local agriculture and even social media.

Some counties have considered opening up local board meetings to offer others a look at how the organization approaches policy issues. There is also an interest in

providing farmers with pocket-sized video cameras so they can capture their daily activities and share them online with consumers.

“The most important thing is to put a local face on the issues,” Cassidy said. “The effort on Issue 2 last year was so successful because people trusted what they were hear-ing from local farmers.”

And answering questions could do more than ease consumer con-cerns, she suggested.

“This could be a huge economic driver for Ohio agriculture,” she said. “If this state becomes a leader in building trust between farmers and consumers, it will open up new op-portunities for businesses to boast that their products were grown in Ohio.”

If this was all you knew about farming, what

questions would you have?

◗ Advisory Council questions on page 5



poLIcY & poLItIcS

newsbriefsEPA announces final renewable fuel standard rules

According to American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman, farmers and ranchers should be encouraged that the Environmental Protection Agency will keep the nation’s renewable fuel standards on a path toward greater in-

dependence. The EPA has plans to continue raising the volume of biofuels available for the nation’s transportation fuel supply. “We will be analyzing the rule in its entirety, but we are optimistic about the overall direction of support it offers renewable fuels,” Stall-man said. “One area of continuing concern is the so-called measurement of indirect land use. Continuing to utilize indirect

land use changes to calculate greenhouse gas emissions is unfair to domestic biofuels. Using it as a measurement of biofuels’ carbon impact is still highly controversial and scientifically unproven. We will continue our efforts with policymakers on both sides of the aisle and in the administration to assure that biofuels live up to their potential.”

New guidelines for National Animal Identification SystemAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a new approach to

the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) to have a more flexible framework. The announcement comes after a USDA listening tour in which thousands of comments were gathered.

“I’ve decided to revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard,” Vilsack said. Among the changes, NAIS would only apply to animals moved in interstate commerce and will be administered by the states and tribal nations to provide more flexibility.

Farm Bureau opposes EPA’s spray drift regulationsAmerican Farm Bureau is concerned that farmers are being attacked by

activist labor and environmental organizations that want to restrict the use of vital crop protection products used on many farms. The EPA is proposing the addition of a general spray drift statement to pesticide labels. The phrasing of the general drift statement, according to AFBF, is vague and unjustifiably broad and sets an unachievable zero drift standard which may leave farmers vulnerable to enforcement actions and frivolous lawsuits. Many state Farm Bureaus are filing comments expressing their opposition to this proposal.

OLC MeetingThe Ohio Livestock Coalition will hold its 13th Annual Meeting and

Industry Symposium April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Waldo. Speakers in-clude David Martosko of the Center for Consumer Freedom and www.humanewatch.org, Tim Amlaw of the American Humane Association and Scott Higgins of the American Dairy Association Mid East. Cost to register is $35 before March 25. For more information, visit www.ohiolivestock.org or contact Amy Hurst at [email protected] or 614-246-8262.

Farm Bureau families raise record funds for America’s hungryThe farm and ranch families of Farm Bureau last year raised more than

$213,000 and donated more than 4.8 million pounds of food to hungry Americans as part of Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program. Combined, the monetary and food donations provided the equivalent of nearly 5.3 mil-lion meals through Feeding America-affiliated food banks.

The money raised last year was a record and broke the prior record of $160,000 in 2008. Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All program began in 2004, and the program has continued to build momentum since then.

For almost six years Farm Bu-reau member Elaine Irwin has been fighting a plan to run a storm-water drainage pipe across her horse farm in northeastern Ohio. In January, a Stark County probate judge agreed with Irwin’s argument that the city of Canton did not have the right to take her property by eminent domain, ruling that the use was for private, not public, use.

“I hope my case gives somebody else hope and inspiration,” Irwin said. “The city didn’t have a legal claim to my property at all. It goes to show you can fight city hall and win.”

Larry Gearhardt, Ohio Farm Bureau’s senior director of legal and local af-fairs, said it was “extremely” rare to have a property owner successfully argue that a pro-posed eminent domain taking was for economic development that would primarily benefit a private entity. He also said the ruling was significant because it reinforced state legislation passed in 2007 that prop-erty cannot be taken unless it was necessary and for a public use. Ohio Farm Bureau was part of a task force that recommended changes to the state’s eminent domain laws, which were later adapted by lawmakers.

“Eminent domain is huge for our members,” Gearhardt said. “It goes on all over the state of Ohio. This is a case of a landowner standing up for her rights and winning.”

Irwin’s fight began in April 2004 when a local real estate developer visited her Fair Crest Farm where she breeds, trains and sells American Quarter Horses. A development group had purchased a 143-acre farm adjacent to her property with the intention of creating an indus-trial park. He offered her $5,000 to sign off on a storm water drainage

easement, which he said was needed to properly drain the industrial park.

After talking with various experts, Ir-win concluded that the pipeline would lower the value of her property and potentially flood the

pastures she used for the horses. She declined the offer and after develop-ers failed to convince her over the years to change her mind, the city of Canton passed an emergency mea-sure to take 20 feet of her property by eminent domain for the indus-trial park’s drainage.

“It wasn’t just about what they were going to take but what they were going to ruin by taking that piece of property,” she said.

When it became evident that de-velopers and the city were not going to back down, Irwin hired an at-torney and had her property zoning changed from a family housing to multi-use designation. Last June the city sued her to take the property by eminent domain. The city had to show Probate Judge Dixie Park that the eminent domain taking was nec-essary and for a public purpose.

Irwin’s attorney argued that the drainage pipe was for an undevel-oped 30 acres of the industrial park that was to be used solely by private companies and had only one public street, which consisted of 1.1 per-cent of the area. The judge ruled in favor of Irwin, saying “it is question-able as to whether the taking will be of any use to the public. The Mills Park streets will primarily serve the private companies that will build there.” Irwin said the city has now appealed the judge’s ruling.

Irwin, who has had the horse farm for 17 years, said she has spent $33,000 so far on attorney fees.

“I think the eminent domain law was a huge positive step; however, we need more people like myself who are willing to fight the good fight to help set case law upon which other litigants can rely on,” she said. “The emotional toll is the biggest factor for me. I essentially fought 4 ½ years before I got an attorney involved.”

wrongful TakIng

Farm owner successfully battles city in eminent domain case

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Link Up Connect with Ohio Farm Bureau on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Visit www.ofbf.org and click on “media and publications” then “social media.”

“I hope my case gives somebody

else hope and inspiration.”

~Elaine Irwin, farm owner

advertise with us! Contact Gayle Lewis at 614.246.8229 or

[email protected]



poLIcY & poLItIcS

OFBF recently laid out its state policy priorities for 2010. Here’s a glimpse at some of the ways OFBF will be working on behalf of its members:

Livestock – OFBF supports fair regulations and the creation of the Livestock Care Standards Board in a timely, transparent process to protect the viability of Ohio’s animal agriculture industry. Legislation gov-erning the board should include reasonable funding, good stewardship and a process that is fair to all pro-ducers – regardless of size or method of production.

Business Climate and Taxes – OFBF believes a low tax burden is key to economic growth. It will work to main-tain a strong CAUV program, eliminate or reduce Ohio’s estate tax and clarify the sales tax exemption for farm equipment.

State Budget – OFBF will work to maintain adequate funding for key programs including the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Agricultural Research and Develop-ment Center, Ohio State Extension and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Transportation and Infrastructure – OFBF will support integration, maintenance, upgrades and expansion of the state’s highway, water, rail and air systems to support Ohio’s agbioresource industry. OFBF will support expansion of rural broadband and modification of the axle weight limits for farm trucks.

Property Rights and Wildlife – OFBF will protect personal property rights through engagement on issues such as eminent domain, wildlife population control, land use, mining drainage, home sewage treatment, scrap metal and timber theft, burning requirements, water rights and more.

Energy – OFBF will support implementation of Ohio’s current energy initiatives, uniform siting guidelines for renewable power generation, enhancement of biofuel pro-duction capacity and smart grid technologies.

Education Reform – OFBF believes any proposed education reform should include specific funding re-forms and curriculum improvements, integrate distance learning and maintain agriculture education and related programs in Ohio schools.

Federal priorities include climate change legislation, animal care, tax policy and budget, food quality and safety, environment and land use, energy and transportation, policy and labor and immigration.

OFBF sets priorities for

upcoming year

Advisory Councils: Speak Out

advisory council Questionsconsumer concerns, see story on Page 3

1. Farmers are often stereotyped by non-farmers. How do we as farmers stereotype non-farming consumers?2. How will food movements, such as “foodie” (food fans who want to learn about food, it’s production, how it’s

grown, etc.), which are focused primarily in urban centers, influence the way we approach and connect with consumers?

3. If Ohio Farm Bureau (both state and local) could change the public’s misconceptions of agriculture in creative new ways, what would you recommend? How would you use fairs, festivals, annual meetings, etc., in new, meaningful ways to engage and educate consumers?

4. Advisory Councils are at the heart of grassroots Ohio Farm Bureau. How can your council as a group reach out to consumers/outside groups in your community?

The saying in politics is that if you’re explaining, you’re losing. As the grassroots uprising mounts against the Humane Society of the United States, the group is finding it has a lot of explaining to do.

HSUS has long employed a weary tactic of painting anyone who criticizes its policies as a kowtowing politician or a profiteer of animal suffering. But those cynical and simplistic explana-tions are no longer enough to deflect questions about the group’s brand of underhanded activism.

A recent example of this was when farmers and sportsmen spontane-ously rallied through Facebook and Twitter to convince a major winery to sever its financial ties to HSUS. In a statement, HSUS chided its detrac-tors saying “either you are on the side of justice and mercy or you aren’t.”

But the continuing wave of frus-trated American farmers, hunters and others, who have organized online by the thousands, later led HSUS Presi-dent Wayne Pacelle to take stock of his organization’s efforts.

On his blog, he equated HSUS’s farm animal campaign to women’s suffrage and the civil rights move-ment, saying “Change on this level is never easy, and it is never self-executing. That’s certainly true when speaking about a fundamen-tal realignment in our treatment of animals.”

It is hard to imagine how the im-ages of lynch mobs, attack dogs, fire hoses and police brutality could fall into the same category as farmers who pen their pigs and chickens.

Pacelle even seemed to allude that public criticism of him is akin to the tribulations faced by civil rights activists, writing “Along the way, the leaders of these efforts were belittled, and sometimes liter-ally beaten down.”

If Pacelle now sees himself as modern day freedom rider, perhaps it’s because his image has taken a trouncing in recent weeks.

Much of this was due to the launch of the Web site, www.humanewatch.org.

The site is a project of Washington D.C. commentator David Martosko of the Center for Consumer Freedom. It is providing ammunition in the form of documents, analysis, news ar-ticles and photos to farmers, hunters, pet owners and anyone else who is fed up with HSUS’s reckless policies.

Shortly after the site was launched, Pacelle called Martosko, among other things, a “pro-cockfighting, pro-sealing, pro-puppy mill, pro-factory farming, pro-captive shooting hack” who works to “clear

a pathway for animal abusers.”The manic act of mudslinging only

confirmed that Martosko had struck a nerve. Or as one commenter noted, Mr. Pacelle doth protest too much.

Pacelle’s primary complaint is that Martosko heads a “front group” and that his paycheck is essentially signed by special interests. But even if

www.humanewatch.org was bankrolled by Bernie Madoff, it wouldn’t change the uncomfortable facts that it is surfacing about HSUS.

So our advice is this: HSUS should recognize that farm-ers are rightly angered that they may be

forced to “fundamentally realign” their treatment of animals based solely on the best ideas of vegan minds in a Washington D.C. board room. If HSUS has suggestions for improving livestock production, it should engage in a meaningful discussion with the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board once it is up and running.

This growing backlash could be a wakeup call. But if HSUS continues on this path, the fight that it brings to Ohio this year might be its most costly yet.

The undoing of HSUS

If HSUS continues on this

path, the fight that it brings to Ohio

this year might be its most costly yet.

TAKE ourCommentary on farm issues

March honeybaked ham winners:

Optimists, Erie County



outreAch

OFBF's $2500 reward program has been a good deal for Farm Bureau members and their watchful neighbors in recent months. Here are a few examples.

Knox County

Jackie Metzger and Lois Sipes shared a $2,500 reward for informa-tion they provided which led to the arrest of an individual on charges of receiving stolen property from a burglary committed at G.R. Smith Hardware in Mt. Vernon. Metzger and Sipes witnessed a truck being loaded with boxes at the back of the store and provided informa-tion to police officials. G.R. Smith Hardware is a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau.

Hocking CountyBrenda Heidlebaugh of Hocking

County recently received a reward from Farm Bureau for informa-tion she provided to the Hocking County Sheriff ’s office that led to the arrest and conviction of two in-dividuals attempting a burglary on

the property of a Hocking County Farm Bureau member.

Ashtabula CountyAn Ashtabula County resi-

dent received a $2,500 reward for providing information to the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s office that led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals who committed a burglary on the property of an Ashtabula County Farm Bureau member.

Montgomery CountyA Montgomery County resi-

dent received a $2,500 reward as part of Ohio Farm Bureau Property Protection program for providing information leading to the arrest of a man who was convicted of attempting to commit burglary on the property of a Montgomery County Farm Bureau member.

For more information on the $2,500 reward program, visit http://tinyurl.com/2500reward.

The deadline to apply for Ohio Farm Bureau’s next AgriPOWER Institute is June 1. The AgriPOWER Institute is an intensive, year-long leadership course consisting of multiple training sessions. Its purpose is to help farmers and agricultural professionals develop skills to influence public policy that has the potential to affect their business. Throughout their training, par-ticipants engage high-level government officials, activists, media insiders and farm leaders on pressing local, state and national issues. Among the topics covered are government structure and spending, regulations and public rela-tions. Prior to graduation, participants develop goals for using their training to effectively impact public policy. OFBF is currently seeking applicants for next year’s class. Information is available at www.ofbf.org. Click on “Policy and Politics” then “Resources.”

Guilt: “I’ve called six people and they’ve all said ‘no’. I’m desperate.”

No enthusiasm: “You wouldn’t be interested in this, would you?”

Martyrdom: “I’ll do it myself.”

Tradition: “But you’ve volun-teered for the past 20 years!”

While these approaches may oc-casionally work, are they best in the long run? If you were hiring some-one for the same position, would you approach the task differently?

Consider writing a job descrip-tion. It helps you identify the skills necessary for the role and present it in an attractive way. Please include: a short description/responsibilities of the job, why the role is impor-tant, the specific time commitment involved and skills needed for the position. Your “help wanted” ad, identifies and elevates the impor-tance of the task and makes it a positive opportunity.

Example: “Are you a people person? Do you have a knack for making others feel welcome? We are looking for a team of friendly, outgo-ing individuals to serve as Welcome Greeters for your Regional Cabinet Meeting from 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. – 9:10 p.m. Respon-sibilities include welcoming guests at the door and thanking them for their attendance when they depart. The Welcome Greeter provides an “instant” connect for guests and speakers within the first 90 seconds, ensuring that they have a positive experience and feel appreciated and connected. For more information, please contact ____.”

Think about promoting your “help wanted” approach in personal contact and in your county newslet-ter and Web site and make sure that those who are recruiting can explain it clearly and concisely.

For more examples, visit www.ofbf.org and click on “Leader-ship Buffet” and “Resources”.

OFBF taking applications for next AgriPOWER Institute

buIldIng a farM bureau TeaM

Tips from Ohio Farm Bureau’s Leadership

Buffet program

(L-R) Tiffany Pattison, OFBF regional supervisor, presents checks to Jackie Metzger and Lois Sipes along with Knox County membership coordinators Diana and Gene Phillips.

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fArm bureAu NewS MAy WE INTROdUCE…

“I consider myself as being an advocate for agriculture.”

~ Lucille Hastings, Holmes County

Lucille Hastings has two passions: farming and libraries. She and her now deceased husband, Jim, farmed for decades on their Ripley Township

farm where she raises corn and soybeans. Hastings, who has two grown sons, is still active with Holmes County Farm Bureau and has been on several local and state Farm Bureau boards. She is currently on the Ohio Farmland Preservation Board and helps administer funds for agri-cultural easements under the Clean Ohio Fund.

In 2007 Hastings was inducted into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame. She has been a member of the State Li-brary Board since 1999 and served as president and vice

president. In 2001 she received the national AARP Outstanding Service to Community Award. After vandals burned down her barn in 2000, she started Stop Barn Arsons in Holmes County and helped raise $30,000 to catch the vandal, who was never caught. She also is campaign treasurer for State Sen. Bob Gibbs.

“Farm Bureau is such an asset to the community,” she said.

“I like serving volunteers who are very passionate about agriculture. It’s easy to work for them because of that passion.”

~ Christy Montoya, organization director for Butler, Hamilton, Montgomery and Warren counties

For the past three years, Christy Montoya has been OFBF’s organization director for the four southwest Ohio counties. Before coming to Ohio Farm

Bureau, she was operations manager of Lucky Auction Company, Inc., and a substitute teacher for Bishop Lei-bold Schools.

She and her husband, Luciano, live in Farmersville where they raise goats and hogs on their 20-acre farm. She has been a licensed goat judge since 1997 and has judged at the county, state and national levels.

Montoya is a 1997 graduate of Ohio State University and has a bachelor’s degree in animal, dairy and poultry

science. She is a long-time member of the American Dairy Goat Association and Montgomery County Livestock Board.

Hastings

Montoya

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Farm umbrella insurance is designed to protect you when accidents happen and your existing liability insur-ance is not enough to cover all of the loss sustained by another party. Standard liability coverage will take care of you in most situations, but when serious situations arise, farm umbrella liability insurance is available to help ensure that your farm is protected. Accidents happen to everyone, so it makes sense to invest in a farm umbrella policy to help protect yourself in the event that:

An accident on your farm results in catastrophic dam-•ages, multiple injuries or deaths.Someone successfully sues you for damages resulting •in illness from your products.

Safeguarding your FarmA farm umbrella policy picks up where your farm

auto liability, general liability and other liability cover-age stops. Umbrella insurance can be an affordable way to provide extra coverage against bodily injury and/or property damage. For example, if your current policy covers you for $1 million and you are successfully sued for $1.5 million, applicable umbrella coverage can pay the outstanding $500,000 – a better solution to having

it deducted from your farm profits.How much umbrella insurance coverage does your

farm need? A variety of factors go into determining the answer, including the type of farm you own and how much coverage you already have.

24/7 claims serviceFarm insurance professionals from Nationwide Agri-

business Insurance are dedicated to helping keep your farm running smoothly in the event of an accident or emergency. Should you need to file a claim, you can rely on the team from Nationwide Agribusiness to gather all the facts, assess the damage and settle the claim quickly. Dedicated claims service representatives are available anytime at 1-800-248-6283.

As the largest farm insurance providers in the coun-try, Nationwide Agribusiness is committed to providing 24/7 claims service, free loss control information and the financial stability that comes with an A+ rating from A.M. Best. For a free farm umbrella insurance quote customized to fit your business needs, contact a local Nationwide Agribusiness agent (locations available at nationwide.com/OFBF).

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On your Behalf - Here are a few additional ways OFBF staff has worked on behalf of members in recent weeks.

Social Media – OFBF has helped others become better communicators through a presentation on“Agriculture in Social Media” via a national Extension Webinar. Work has also begun in the development of three new OFBF Leadership Buffet sessions on social media to help members utilize social media to advocate for agricultural issues.

Cabinet Meetings – OFBF facilitated Regional Cabinet meetings, encouraging members to take an active role within their counties through local Farm Bureau action teams. The meetings also provided members with information on the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and what to expect during the upcoming animal care ballot campaign.

Growing the Industry – OFBF participated in the OSU Waste to Energy Conference where numerous experts presented information regarding the potential for Ohio’s farmers to turn agricultural waste into energy, USDA’s Agricultural Outlook Forum in Washington D.C. which focused on sustainable agriculture, and AFBF’s Commodity Advisory Committee meetings in San Antonio, where an aquaculture session explored issues facing this sector of the agriculture community and the potential impacts on Ohio farmers.



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Call a Nationwide agent and ask about money-saving discounts for Farm Bureau members. To find an agent, visit nationwide.com/OFBF.

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Products underwritten by Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company, Farmland Mutual Insurance Company, Allied Property and Casualty Insurance Company, and AMCO Insurance Company. Home Office: 1100 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, 50391. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide framemark service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2010 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

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Endorsed by:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December an-nounced an endangerment finding on carbon dioxide and other green-house gases, claiming they threaten the public health and welfare of the American people. The EPA feels these findings go along with the 2007 Supreme Court decision that greenhouse gases fit within the Clean Air Act defini-tion of air pollutants and therefore can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

Adam Sharp, OFBF senior direc-tor of legislative and regulatory policy, said the EPA proposal could once again cre-ate a so-called “cow tax,” which could punish farmers for greenhouse gases naturally emitted by livestock.

“When the EPA came out with this more recent proposal, they claimed the emission thresholds for those who will need to get Clean Air Act permits to operate is much higher. But all this new rule does is set up the potential for activists to file lawsuits that will most certainly lower these permit emission thresh-olds and drastically impact farmers.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has introduced a resolution of dis-approval in the Senate to stop the EPA’s proposal to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

A Senate vote is expected in the coming weeks.

In a strongly worded letter sent to all members of Congress, AFBF

President Bob Stall-man said the choice is clear.

“The real oppor-tunity to stop EPA’s onerous regulations is to adopt a resolu-tion of disapproval,” he wrote.

In the House, a resolution has been introduced by Reps. Ike Skelton, D-Mo, Jo Ann Emerson

R-Mo, and House Agriculture Com-mittee Chairman Collin Peterson D-Minn.

The EPA’s proposal to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act is “economically harmful, legally suspect and environmentally indefensible,” according to AFBF.

The resolution to disapprove EPA’s proposal would not weaken any environmental protections, but would simply provide Congress

the appropriate opportunity to debate and legislate in this area, AFBF said.

“U.S. farmers and ranchers will be harmed by higher energy and fertil-izer costs if EPA is allowed to move forward with its proposal to regulate (greenhouse gases),” said Stallman. Further, according to AFBF, if EPA is allowed to move forward with its proposal, “it appears likely that for the first time in history, even medium- and small-sized farming operations might have to comply” with expen-sive permitting requirements.

“Such policy decisions, which will affect the entire U.S. economy for decades to come, should be made by elected officials, not by a regulatory agency,” Stallman said. He also encouraged both cham-bers of Congress to work toward bipartisan consensus on the disap-proval matter.

During AFBF's recent annual meeting, farmers from across the country voted to support any leg-islation that would suspend EPA's authority to move ahead with regu-lations of greenhouse gases without a Congressional vote. Farmers also voted to oppose current cap-and -trade legislation, stating that it would raise production costs for farmers and that any potential bene-fits to agriculture are far outweighed

by the costs to producers. During the meeting, Stallman

told farmers that Congress should focus on domestic renewable energy

but shouldn't "shrink U.S. agriculture at a time when many are concerned how to feed a growing global population."

Farm Bureau supports resolutions to stop EPA regulation of greenhouse gases

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Is the "cow tax" back on the table? EPA regulation of greenhouse gasses could open the door to taxing emissions produced naturally by farm animals.

“All this new rule does is set up

the potential for activists to file

lawsuits.”~Adam Sharp, OFBF senior

director of legislative and regulatory policy

inside Message Board. . . . . . 2 under new eminent ... · times were testy but both said at the...

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Transcript of inside Message Board. . . . . . 2 under new eminent ... · times were testy but both said at the...