January 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau News

8/13/2019 January 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau News

1/28

Things To Do to Put Your Policy in Action

Build relationships with state and national leaders

Share your story through FB-ACT. See more on page A2.

page B1

Nebraska Policy Idea Goes National

NebraskaFarm Bureau News

JANUARY 22, 2014

VOL. 32 ISSUE 1

MORE

INSIDE

Farm BureauMembership

Is About You!page A4

Everything's

BIG in Texasat AFBF

Conventionpage A6

Wind Energy

Discussed in

Nebraskapage A13

The Value

of NebraskaWater

page B6

Drones: The

Sky's the Limit

page B8

County

Farm

Bureau

Your

Idea

State

Legislative

Policy

Committee

State

Voting

Delegates

Your Idea

Becomes

Policy

National Policy to

AFBF Convention

It starts with

YOU!

AFBF Annual Convention

San Antonio, TexasJan. 11-15, 2014


2/28

A2 JANUARY 22, 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau News

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 1

January 22, 2014

USPS 375-780 ISSN 0745-6522

Official publication ofNebraska Farm Bureau Federation

402-421-4400www.nefb.org

Nebraska Farm Bureaus

Mission: Strong Agriculture

...... Strong Nebraska

Yearly subscription:50 cents of membership dues

Associate Member:Nebraska Press Association

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor/Advertising/Writer:Tina Henderson

[email protected] or ext. 4446

Writer: Craig Head


Writer: Kassi Williams

[email protected] or ext. 4730Graphic Designer/County News/

Photo Contest: Tara Grell


Want Ads and County Annual Meeting

Notices: Kylee Planer


NEBRASKA FARM BUREAUFEDERATION

Steve Nelson, president (Axtell)

Mark McHargue, first vice president

(Central City)

Rob Robertson, chief administrator/

secretary-treasurer (Lincoln)

BOARD OF DIRECTORSSherry Vinton, second vice president

(Whitman)

Nathan Bartels (Elk Creek)

Don Benner (Central City)

Leslie Boswell (Shickley)

Andy DeVries (Ogallala)

David Grimes (Raymond)

Jason Kvols (Laurel)

Scott Moore (Bartley)

Myles Ramsey (Kenesaw)

Todd Reed (Lincoln)

Tanya Storer (Whitman)

NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU NEWSispublished monthly, except July, by Nebraska

Farm Bureau Federation, 5225 South 16th St.,

Lincoln, NE 68512. Periodicals postage paid atLincoln, NE and additional entry offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Attn: Tina HendersonP.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501

Top 4 Ways

to AdvocateFarm Bureaus Agri-cultural Contact Team(FB-ACT) is the Nebraska

Farm Bureau Federa-tions grassroots actionnetwork. When we reach

out to state lawmakers orCongress, we impact thedecisions they make.

FB-ACT advances agri-cultural and rural interestsby connecting elected

officials to those peoplewho matter most

their constituents.

Passing legislation thatsupports our issues is achallenging process that

requires active participa-tion by our members. Youcan make a difference by:

SEND

A LETTER

As a con-stituent, yourlawmakers

and political appointeesknow that you are the key

to their understanding of

issues important to you.They want and need to

hear from you on issuesyou consider important.

MAKE A

PHONE

CALL

When youneed to getin touch with

your lawmaker immedi-ately, and dont have the

time to craft a letter or

email, thats when its timeto use the most commonmethod of communicating

with your lawmakers

make a phone call!

MEET

FACE

TO FACE

By far, themost effec-

tive way to articulate your

views to your elected of-ficials and positively affect

the outcome of legislation

and of policy debates isto speak with lawmakersface to face.

LETTER

TO THEEDITORYou cansend a letter

to the editor to many news-papers via email rather thanhand-writing them. Go to

our online Legislative ActionCenter to find media outletsin your area, and send them

a message. It only takesa minute.

For more informationabout getting involved inFB-ACT visit nefb.org or

call 402-421-4409.

2

3

4

1

ADec. 16 Omaha World-Herald editorial

raises an opportunity to hold more discussionabout the expansion of irrigated acres on

Nebraska farms.

The editorial was based on a University of Nebraska-

Lincoln Agricultural Economics piece that pointed outthe growing trend of dryland farm acres being convert-

ed to irrigated acres and the possibility that sometime

down the road well have more irrigated than dryland

acres in our state.

The editorial rightly points out the importance of

Nebraskans embracing sound water conservation ideas,but it may have led some readers to believe that more

irrigated acres means more water use.While it would be easy to jump to that conclusion,

that thinking misses out on one very important point:

Nebraska farmers have been working to get better at

conserving water using new practices and new tech-nologies. The proof is in the numbers.

According to the most recent data from the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS), the number of irrigated

acres in Nebraska increased from 7.8 million in 2000

to 8.3 mi llion in 2005. (The 2010 data from the

USGS are expected sometime in late 2014.) Duringthat same timeframe, the amount of irrigation water

used in Nebraska actually declined from 9.8 million

acre-feet per year in 2000 to 9.4 million acre-feetper year in 2005.

How is it possible to have more irrigated acres but

use less water? Many farmers have aggressively workedto better manage how water is used on the farm. From

the equipment used to the seeds put in the soil, the

goal for most is to get more out of each drop of water.

Today, technology and new conservation practices

are allowing farmers to monitor applications and collect

data to aid in making timely decisions about when andwhere to apply water to help ensure they are conserv-

ing and enhancing efficiency.

Farmers now have the ability to do a better job of

measuring their crops water use, water needs andkeep tabs on soil moisture content. Many farmers

are on the path of converting from gravity irriga-tion systems to center-pivot irrigation systems that

enhance efficiency. In some cases, farmers are using

subsoil irrigation systems that put water directly intothe crops root zone.

New technologies in seed varieties that use less

water, developed through research at land-grant

universities and private companies, also are makingtheir way into Nebraska crop f ields . Changes in t ill-

age practices, cropping rotations and adjusting plant

populations are other tools used to save water. Its

the combination of all of these that allows us to help

raise food using less water.

These changes are being made to not only help us bebetter farmers but because of a belief that we have an

obligation and responsibility for preserving water re-sources for the next generations not just those that

live on the farm.

Despite our efforts, we cant escape the fact that

raising food requires water. We all need to eat. And inNebraska, irrigation has implications beyond the dinner

plate. A Nebraska Farm Bureau-funded study released

earlier this year showed that irrigation contributes $11

billion to Nebraskas economy. It also creates more

than 30,000 Nebraska jobs, which, if all were located in

one county, would be Nebraskas 10th largest.The connection among irrigation, food production,

jobs and Nebraskas broader economy is the reason we

believe so strongly that managing our water resourcesis a statewide issue.

Innovations and improvements in water conserva-

tion will continue on the farm, but we all share someresponsibility in helping ensure we have sound long-

term water policy. This includes developing the water

programs, projects and activities needed to make sure

water continues to be available to all of Nebraskas

water users in the future.

The PresidentsMessage

By Steve Nelson, PresidentNebraska Farm Bureau Federation

Water ConservationNot New to Farmers


3/28

Nebraska Farm Bureau News JANUARY 22, 2014 A3

COUNTY NEWS

Stumpf Family Gift Supports Ag Research at University of NebraskaA generous gift of more than $3 million

provides the University of Nebraska withpotential to take wheat breeding and crop-ping systems research to a new level of in-

novation not seen since the early days ofplant genetics.

Marvin H. Stumpf III of Grant, Neb., and

member of the Perkins County Farm Bu-reau, has made the gift to the Universityof Nebraska Foundation to establish the

Stumpf Family Research and DevelopmentFund to support agricultural research anduniversity extension services. The contribu-

tion includes a $1 million outright gift anddonation of 640 acres of land in Perkinscounty, located in southwest Nebraska,

with an appraised market value of morethan $2 million.

This gift is about honoring my family and

our Nebraska heritage, Marvin Stumpf said.This state has meant so much to genera-

tions of my family, and its a privilege to giveback in a way that will further agriculturalresearch and service well into the future.

Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska

vice president and Institute of Agricultureand Natural Resources Harlan vice chan-cellor, said Marvin Stumpfs rich and active

legacy will live on through these gifts pro-viding researchers, faculty and students

the opportunity to make new discoveries

on his land.

We are excited about the additionalopportunities this donation creates for the

wheat industry in Nebraska and even moreexcited about the future impact our partner-ship will have on our state, region and world

since as much as 50 percent of Nebraskaswheat is annually exported to internationalmarkets, Green said. The wheat industry

is big business in Nebraska, with between65 and 75 million bushels grown each year.

Archie Clutter, dean of the Agricultural

Research Division at the University of Ne-braska-Lincoln, said, UNLs robust wheat

and cropping-systems research programswill grow even stronger with the help of this

generous gift from the Stumpf family. ThisPerkins county location will add importantrepresentation of high-plains, semi-arid pro-duction to the UNL system of integrated re-

search and allow accelerated progress in thedevelopment and application of new plantscience biotechnologies.

A Nebraska native, Marvin Stumpfworked for the U.S. Postal Service in Den-ver and received a degree from Metropoli-

tan State University in Denver. He returned

to Nebraska to help his parents, Henry J.

and Darlene Stumpf, with the family farm.Through hard work and determination, thefamily built the farm into a successful en-

terprise in Perkins county where Stumpfcontinues to live and work. The familys useof dryland cropping techniques, combined

with organic farming experience, are thetangible results of their willingness to experi-ment with new ideas while using the land to

its fullest potential.In making this gift to the university, Mar-

vin Stumpf said he wishes to honor the

legacy of his family, including his late wife,Pearl Stumpf, his grandparents, Henry J. andMargaret Stumpf, his parents Henry J. and

Darlene Stumpf, and his wifes late husband,Sam Peterson.

The Stumpf family devoted their lives to

acquiring and improving their land throughthe use of good farm management prac-

tices, Green said. Their desire to honorthe hard work and sacrifices of their fam-ily members by using the property for thebenefit of the citizens of Nebraska and U.S.

is commendable.The gift also provides support to the

University of Nebraskas current fundrais-

ing initiative, the Campaign for Nebraska:Unlimited Possibilities, and a top priority

to increase support for agr iculture and life

sciences programs.

Perkins County FarmBureau Marvin Stumpf(left) gave a gift of $1

million and 640 acresappraised at $2 millionto the University of

Nebraska for wheatbreeding and crop-ping systems research.

Stumpf is picturedwith former NebraskaFarm Bureau Federa-

tion President KeithOlsen, also a PerkinsCounty Farm Bureau

member.

#NEYFR14

Missing out on YF&RConference?

Dont miss a beat

Follow Live!

@NEFarmBureau

Nebraska FarmBureau

New Northeast Regional Director of Membership HiredMegan Kvols of Laurel, Neb., has ac-

cepted the Northeast Regional Director ofMembership position within the member-

ship department. Kvols replaces Clark Kin-nison, who retired in November, Del Ficke,director of membership services, said Jan.

10. Kvols first day with Nebraska Farm Bu-reau will be Jan. 27.

We are very excited to make this an-

nouncement. We look forward to Megancoming in to our Farm Bureau family, build-ing new relationships and continuing our ef-

forts to place a stronger emphasis on mem-bership, he said.

Megan and her husband, Greg, operate a

corn and soybean farm near Laurel and are

members of Cedar County Farm Bureau.They also help oversee a family cow/calf

operation near Whitney.Megan is currently operating her own

publishing company in which she has

published four childrens books and sheis also providing freelance writing servic-es to a variety of online companies. She

has several years of corporate sales andmanagement experience including fouryears of being a district sales manager for

Corporate Avon.She was a 2002 honors graduate from

the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where

she majored in elementary education and

social sciences. Right after college she taughtkindergarten and first grades at Greeley-

Wolbach schools and then third and fourthgrades in the Omaha Public schools.

Kvols brings an excellent skill set to

the position in terms of communications,marketing and sales experience as well asa passion for agriculture that should serve

our members, County Farm Bureaus andNebraska Farm Bureau well in the northeastdistrict, Ficke said.

She and her husband have a four-year-olddaughter, Elizabeth, and two-year-old twinboys, Jake and Grant.

Greg and Megan Kvols


4/28

The quote above isnt history its ab-solutely relevant to our organization today.

We wanted to start this year off witha message to our membership. Then youwont see us, because well be behind thescenes working for you. This organization

isnt about us its about you!Its about your work ethic and innovation

and experience you bring to the table.

What are we working on for you? Heresa snapshot for 2014:

Expansion of the Elite

Century Club membership

We had the opportunity recently to talkabout the Century Club membership at

Annual Convention. This is an amazing op-portunity. Its simply $100 with $50 goingdirectly back to the counties to do the most

important work we do in this organizationat the grassroots level.Currently we have just 380 Century Club

members in this elite group. With 56,500 paidmembers at the writing of this article, the op-portunity to expand the impact of these dol-

lars in your backyard are tremendous.We want to talk to current members about

upgrading and expand our reach through this

great program. Membership in the CenturyClub demonstrates a sincere belief and deepconnection with the core mission of our or-

ganization. Simply call 800-742-4016 to ex-pand your membership.Strong Agriculture = Strong Voices

Our organization is strong when mem-bers engage in two areas policy develop-

ment and agricultural education. We arededicated to connecting members to thevital work being done through the Nebras-ka Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture

and the governmental relations arm of ourFederation family. Our mission has an ave-

nue for every God-given talent and strengthto be utilized.

Were also building bridges with newpartners who are excited to be associatedwith us. Nebraska Farm Bureau doesnt looklike one farm or just one type of person

who wants to help feed their neighbor. Thisorganization must reflect the diversity of thisgreat state unified together to create policy

and educational opportunities to build re-lationships and remove barriers that inhibitour rural spaces and places from maximizing

their potential.Deepening our Relationship

with Insurance

At the Nebraska Farm Bureau Fed-eration, we understand we arent in theinsurance business our mission is built

around rural policy and agricultural edu-cation. However, we recognize the valueof our relationship with our friends who

are enhancing the lives of our neighborsthrough insurance services . Their workhelps keep our members in business and

their families secure. Hands down, with-out these partners our organization wouldnot thrive and grow.

Broadening Benefits that

Truly Benefit You

We are taking a deep dive into our

current benefit portfolio and reachingout to some great new partners to of-fer some super benefits for you! While

benefits enhance our membership, werecognize the complete value is best told

alongside our Federation story. You canexplore our current benefits by search-ing Membership Benefits at nefb.org.Watch for an exciting, enhanced benefits

story to unfold throughout the next yearand into 2015.

Farmer Veteran Coalition

In the months ahead, watch the news-

paper and other publications regarding ournew partnership on the state level with thenational Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC).On Sept. 18, we will be holding our first

annual membership event to support FVCand draw attention to their important workin a very fitting venue Seward, Neb., the

Fourth of July City.The FVC is an organization aimed at mo-

bilizing veterans to enter agriculture and

help feed America while rebuilding ruralcommunities. What better way to welcome

these heroes home than to open up oppor-

tunities in agriculture?Addressing the Hunger

Issue at Home

There are roughly 243,000 Nebraskanswho are food insecure among us. Who ismore equipped to help address the most

critical issue of our time than those who an-swer that higher-calling of raising food eachday, and who are stewards of the precious

resources of the land and water that are sovital to all of our futures?

President Steve Nelson launched this ef-

fort in the December newspaper. The Ne-braska Farm Bureau Federation along with

the Food Bank of Lincoln and Food Bank

for the Heartland are working together tohelp develop targeted opportunities for ourmembers to be part of the solution on the

complicated issue of hunger at the local andstatewide level.

Most Importantly, We Recognize We Work for You

Were extremely proud of our mem-bership department in Lincoln and our re-

gional directors of membership out in thefield who are closest to our mission every

day. They are motivated to serve you andstrengthen our mission.

Were devoted to collaboration. Werea team at the Federation, and that meanswere family working toward goals thatmake this organization work for you our

members.Bottom line: If we arent working togeth-

er, we arent working for you!

Whats good for our members is goodfor our nation. That has always been true,and with your help will be true for genera-

tions to come.Signed,

Del Ficke and Kerry Hoffschneider

Working for You, the Members


MEMBER BENEFITS

Whats good for the two million members of American Farm Bureau is good for the nation.1958 American Farm Bureau Federation

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Ingredients

2 cups very warm water (105-110 F)1 packet yeast

2 tablespoons sugar1 1/2 teaspoons salt3-4 cups flour

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast and sugar. Set the bowl ontop of your preheating oven for 10 minutes.3. Stir in the salt and add the flour a half cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft,

but not sticky. Knead the dough until elastic.4. Cut the dough into four even pieces. Roll each piece into a long thin rope. Twist

two of the ropes together to form one loaf. Twist the other two ropes together toform a second loaf. Transfer both loaves onto a large baking sheet lined with parch-ment paper.5. You can bake the loaves right away or allow to rise for 15-30 minutes on top of a

warm oven.6. Fill a large bowl with 3-4 cups of ice. Open your hot oven and place the bakingsheet with the baguettes inside, then toss the ice cubes on the bottom of the oven and

quickly shut the door. DO NOT open your oven for 15 minutes. Bake the baguettesfor 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.7. Serve fresh and hot with pasta or cool and use for appetizers calling for slices of

baguettes.

Yield:2 loaves

Ingredients

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons butter3 tablespoons honey1 cup warm water (105-110 F)

1 packet yeast2 tablespoons cornmeal5 to 5 1/2 cups flour + extra for rolling

dough1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat milk, butter

and honey until the butter is melted.Let cool slightly (be sure it isnt hotterthan 110 F).

2. Sprinkle yeast over the warm water,

mix lightly and set aside for 10 minutes.3. Combine the yeast and milk mixtures.4. In a large bowl (or mixer bowl if you plan to use a dough hook), sift 3 cups of flour.

Stir in the milk/yeast mixture. Sift in the remaining flour and salt. Stir until cohesive.5. If using a dough hook, work the dough for 2-3 minutes (you may need to add up to

a half cup more flour). If kneading by hand, flour work surface and knead the dough

for 3-5 minutes until elastic. Cover dough and let rest for 5 minutes.6. Meanwhile, cover two baking sheets with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal.7. Flour work surface lightly and roll the dough out until it is 1/2 inch thick. Do not roll

thinner than 1/2 inch.8. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles (do not twist the cutter) and gently

place them on the baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with cornmeal and cover with a

dry light-weight cloth.

9. Allow the muffins to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.10. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works well) on medium-low. Do not grease.

11. Gently place a muffin in your hand and shake off excess cornmeal. Gentle handlingis key. Place muffin in the skillet and repeat until the pan is full. Do not allow themuffins to touch.

12. Keep heat on low. This cant be rushed. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side oruntil desired brown color is achieved.

13. Cool on a wire rack.

14. Split and serve with your favorite condiments.

Yield:18 muffins

WHATS COOKING?If you want to submit your own recipes, and photos if you have them, send via email to [email protected].

Homemade English Muffins recipe from myfairbaking.blogspot.com and photos by Lois Linke. Crusty Baguettes in 30 Minutes recipe from babble.comand photo by Linke. Sweet Potato Mini Loaves with Orange Cinnamon Honey Butter recipe from laurenslatest.com and photo by Linke.

Pita Bread recipe from underthehighchair.com and photo by Linke.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon yeast1 1/4 cups warm water

1 teaspoon salt3-3 1/2 cups flour

Note: This recipe can be made strictlyby hand, but directions are given for

using a mixer with a dough hook.

Directions

1. In electric mixer bowl, dissolve yeast in water for about 5 minutes.

2. Add salt and 1 1/2 cups flour. With the dough hook, beat to make a batter.Add additional flour until a rough shaggy mass is formed. Knead 8 minutes untildough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour during kneading if the dough is too sticky.

3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 6-10 pieces, depending onthe size of pitas you prefer.

4. Form dough into balls. With a rolling pin, flatten dough balls into disks 1/4 inch thick.

Try to keep the thickness uniform.5. Let disks rest on the floured surface 30-40 minutes until slightly puffy.6. Preheat oven to 425 F.

7. With a large spatula, flip the rounds of dough upside down onto a greased bakingsheet. Bake 10-15 minutes until light golden. (During the first 5 minutes, the diskswill puff up.)

8. Cool on wire racks.

Note: You may need to hollow out some of the dough before filling.

Yield:6-8 pitas

Pita Bread

UPCOMING MONTHSBelow are themes for the coming months! Submit your recipe to [email protected].

February soups March brunch April low calorie or low carb

Bread Recipes

Crusty Baguettes

in 30 Minutes

Homemade

English Mufns

Mini Loaves Ingredients

1 cup warm water2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

(1 envelope)1/4 cup + 1 teaspoon sugar2/3 cup mashed sweet potato

1 egg1/4 cup melted butter, cooled3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon nutmeg3 1/2 -4 cups bread flour

Directions

1. Pour warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast and 1 teaspoon

sugar over water. Stir to combine and proof the yeast 5 minutes.2. Stir in remaining sugar, mashed sweet potato, egg and melted butter.3. With mixer on low, slowly incorporate the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and flour in

1/2 cup increments, switching to 1/4 cup increments as the dough starts to form.4. Once the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl and is tacky but will

not stick to your hands when pressed, turn the mixer on knead speed and knead for

6 minutes.5. Remove dough from the bowl, grease the bowl, turn the dough around in the bowl

to lightly grease it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour in a draft-free

warm place in your kitchen.6. Remove the plastic wrap, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Roll into logs and place in greased mini loaf pans. Lightly cover loaves with plastic

wrap or a clean towel and let rise another hour.7. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake loaves for 20 minutes or until tops are lightly golden.8. Remove from pans.

9. Brush loaves with butter (optional). To make the butter, combine all ingredientsuntil smooth.

Yield: 8 mini loaves

Sweet Potato Mini Loaves

with Orange CinnamonHoney Butter

Butter Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, softened4 tablespoons honeyZest from 1/2 orange

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon



6/28

American Farm Bureau FederationAnnual MeetingJan. 11-15, 2014 San Antonio, Texas Photos by Kassi Williams

Andy DeVries of Keith County and BrianMaricle of Boone County enjoy some

downtime between workshops at theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation AnnualConvention in San Antonio.

Don Benner and his wife, Karen, of Mer-rick County, enjoyed the tradeshow

during a break between workshops atthe American Farm Bureau FederationsAnnual Convention.

Nebraskans gathered at Ritas on the River for dinner on Jan. 11 to kick-off the Ameri-

can Farm Bureau Federations Annual Convention. Nebraska Farm Bureau members(from left) Vernon and Judy Geisler and Dianna Olson of Washington County, Darleenand Fred Tonack of Douglas County, and Kenneth Olson of Washington County, en-

joyed the nice weather on patio.

Dustin Fairley (left) of Jefferson County won the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discus-

sion Meet at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention earning a tripto the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Antonio. He is

pictured presenting his closing statement during round one of the national competition.

Dustin Ladenburger of Hitchcock County,

left, works in the American Farm BureauFoundation for Agriculture booth during the

convention. Ladenburger also serves on theAmerican Farm Bureau Foundation for Ag-ricultures board of directors as the Young

Farmers and Ranchers representative.

Zach Hunnicutt ofHamilton County,

left, was presented

with a plaque byAmerican Farm

Bureau President

Bob Stallman for hisservice on the Ameri-

can Farm Bureau

Board of Directors asthe Young Farmers& Ranchers Chair.

Hunnicutts termwill officially end atthe National Young

Farmers & RanchersLeadership Confer-

ence Feb. 7-10 in

Virginia Beach, VA.

Suzanne Jagels of Nuckolls County (left), Jolene Bartels of Johnson County and Tanya

Storer of Cherry County, enjoyed catching up during the Nebraska dinner Jan. 11 at

Rita's on the River.

Retired 4-Star Gen. Stanley McChrystal,whos last assignment was commander of

U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, presented a key-note address on developing leaders withthe power of adaptability and execution.


The 2014 American Farm Bureau Federations Annual Convention held in San Antonio

had representation from all 50 states with more than 7,000 members nationwide attend-ing. Nearly 75 Nebraska members headed to the Lone Star state to take part in the events.

The dinner at Rita'son the River was a

nice opportunity tobring Nebraska FarmBureau members

together at the AFBFConvention. Picturedfrom left are Susan

Ladenburger ofHitchcock County,Kirk Jamison of

Lancaster Countyand Sherry Vinton of

Arthur County.


7/28

Tax reform talks, which started last Janu-ary with a state legislative proposal to putnew sales taxes on the purchase of agri-

culture inputs, machinery and equipment,then later evolved into a broader discussionabout providing property tax relief to Ne-

braska farm and ranch families, is the statestop agriculture story of 2013, according toofficials at the Nebraska Farm Bureau in re-

leasing its annual list of the Top 5 NebraskaAgriculture Stories for the year.

It didnt matter the size of your opera-

tion, whether you raised livestock, or if youhad dryland or irrigated crops, the reality isif you were a farmer, feeder or rancher in

Nebraska you would have been significantlyimpacted by the initial sales tax proposal,said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve

Nelson. In 12 months weve gone fromtalking about new taxes on Nebraska farmand ranch families to having a Legislative

Tax Committee make recommendationshighlighting the need to address the prop-erty tax burden that has been a major point

of concern not just for farmers and ranch-

ers, but for people all across our state.The Legislatures Tax Modernization Com-

mittee unveiled recommendations for tax re-form in early December and the Legislaturewill reconvene in early January to determine

the future of tax relief for Nebraskans.The other top stories, in no specific

order, are: The impacts of the Affordable

Care Act (ACA) on farm and ranch

families.

Health insurance out-of-pocket costsare typically much higher for those that areself-employed and have to buy coverage on

their own as they dont have the benefit oftheir employer paying for part of the cov-erage. Many farmers and ranchers fall into

that category. These individuals are the oneswho are seeing significantly higher premi-ums, deductibles and, in many cases, signifi-

cantly higher overall costs associated withpurchasing health care coverage due to im-plementation of the ACA and the mandates

and rules associated with it, said Nelson. The failure of Congress and the

president to pass a farm bill.

The fact that we were talking about pass-ing a farm bill last year at this time and arestill sitting here today without a bill in place is

extremely disappointing. While there is a lot

of talk about action on the farm bill after thefirst of the year, there is no guarantee and

that continues to be troubling for Nebraskafarmers awaiting some certainty about farmprograms. Food security is national security.

The farm bill is a key piece of that equationand it is disappointing that connection is notbeing made in Washington, said Nelson.

The states recovery from drought

and statewide water management.

The impacts of the 2012 drought are still

being felt today. The drought conditions onlyfurther heightened the sensitivity to watermanagement statewide for all water users.

The result has been more conversations be-tween those parties and Natural ResourcesDistricts on how to manage to meet the

needs for all water users through periods ofwater shortage. The drought has left a last-ing impression on the need for sound water

management in Nebraska, said Nelson. The growing need for farmers

and ranchers to be active in talking

to the public about what happens

on their operations and where food

comes from.

The ability of farmers and ranchers toproduce more food with fewer resources isa great story, but its one people in agricul-

ture need to be doing a better job of telling.

The average American is now three genera-tions removed from the farm and the gap

in communication between farmers and thenon-farming public is one we need to bridgeand its important farmers and ranchers join

in the broader public discussion about agri-culture, said Nelson.

Farm Bureau also identified what it be-

lieves will be key agriculture stories for 2014.Among those story predictions are a coolingof the broader agriculture economy, growth

in precision technology on farms and greaterdiscussion about U.S. trade policy and impli-cations for greater movement of U.S. agricul-

ture commodities into foreign markets.

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Tax Reform Tops Nebraska Farm Bureaus Top 5 Agriculture Stories of 2013

Gov. Heineman:$500 Million Available

for Tax Relief

Gov. Dave Heineman announcedthe availability of up to $500 million for

meaningful tax relief for Nebraskans.Gov. Heineman is calling on legislators

to provide property tax and income tax

relief to Nebraskans during the 2014legislative session.

Taxes are too high in Nebraska and

high taxes are detrimental to economicgrowth and pros-perity, said Gov.

Heineman Jan.15. Nebraskasstrong agriculture

economy wontcontinue to existwith unreason-

ably high prop-erty taxes, andhigh taxes limit

the ability of small businesses to createnew jobs. Now is the t ime for propertyand income tax relief.

Gov. Heineman outlined certain

state financial reports that demonstrateaffordable tax relief between $370 mil-

lion to $500 million is possible by con-tinuing to hold the line on state spend-ing, by utilizing a portion of the record

high state cash reserve fund over thenext three years, and because of Ne-braskas growing economy.

We dont need more time to studythe tax issue to know that tax reliefhelps Nebraskans thrive and our busi-

nesses prosper, said Gov. Heineman.In rural Nebraska, record high prop-erty taxes are hurting our farmers and

ranchers. Thats why I support the Ne-braska Farm Bureau proposal to lowerag land valuations from 75 percent

to 65 percent. Additionally, I supportbusiness community efforts to reduceincome taxes. These ideas would put

money directly back into the pockets ofthe Nebraskans who earned it and whodeserve to keep it.

The states cash reserve fund is at arecord high of $722 million. A cash re-serve transfer of $220 million for tax

relief over the next three fiscal years,leaves $500 million in the cash reservefund. A $500 million cash reserve fund

is more than sufficient for an annualbudget of approximately $4 billion.

Additionally, tax relief can be realized

through continuing to hold the line on

state spending. The Legislatures cur-rent spending estimate is a 4.7 percent

increase for the next biennium bud-get, which results in $370 million be-ing available for tax relief over the next

three years. For fiscal years 2016 and2017, a spending growth of four per-cent, results in nearly $500 million be-

ing available for tax relief over the nextthree years.

Gov. Heineman noted an annual state

spending increase of four percent is real-istic and reasonable. The average annualspending increase in state general funds

for the last 14 years, fiscal years 2000-2013, is 3.55 percent.

Gov. Dave

Heineman


8/28

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Stallman: Grassroots Strength, Strategy Drive SuccessSAN ANTONIO With an apprecia-

tion for agricultures heritage, farmers andranchers are focused on the opportuni-

ties and challenges of the present, keeping

their eyes on the road ahead, according toAmerican Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)President Bob Stallman.

If we keep our commitment to learn

from the past, look toward the future andnever let go of the wheel, I know that Farm

Bureau will have a bright future, Stallmantold approximately 7,000 Farm Bureaumembers who gathered in San Antonio,

Texas, for AFBFs 95th Annual ConventionJan. 12.

Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from

Texas, also spoke about the example FarmBureau members set during what was a bit-

terly divided Congress in 2013.

This very gathering is about people fromdifferent regions and backgrounds coming

together to develop policy that benefits all

of American agriculture, he noted.While lawmakers are close to the finish

line on the farm bill and the Water Resourc-

es Development Act, farmers and rancherscant wait any longer for effective, long-termsolutions to the agricultural labor crisis,

which has forced growers to leave millionsof dollars worth of crops unharvested and

threatens the countrys food security.

Farmers and ranchers have been waiting

for Congress to take action and work for

solutions, waiting for them to put the na-tions needs above politics, Stallman said.

Despite this time of congressional grid-

lock, few organizations have seen their keypriorities passed by even one house of Con-gress, much less two, Stallman noted.

The progress weve made speaks to our

grassroots strength, our strategic focus andour credibility as the nations voice of agri-culture.

On the regulatory front, securing farmersand ranchers privacy is a growing concern,as are attempts to challenge farmers ability

to use modern technology to increase crop

yields and food quality.Instead of focusing on how to feed more

and more people with existing land and wa-ter, and instead of allowing us to use foodstaples to address nutritional deficiencies

in less-developed countries, some are in-tent on standing in the way, Stallman saidof state legislation and ballot initiatives that

would require labels for foods made withbiotech ingredients or even ban the use ofbiotechnology outright.

With the Environmental Protection Agen-cy (EPA) late last year putting the wheels inmotion to propose extending federal regu-

latory authority to nearly every body of wa-ter in the country and ultimately regulat-ing so-called waters that arent even wet

most of the time farmers and ranchers arebracing for a fight.

Farm Bureau has also been working

through the courts to stop EPAs attemptsto broaden its regulatory reach.

Disappointed with a loss in its case against

the EPAs Chesapeake Bay pollution limit

rules, AFBF, along with Pennsylvania Farm

Bureau, has appealed the ruling.Once again, we are saddled-up for the

long ride in our fight for rational regula-

tions that allow farmers to continue feedingAmerica, Stallman said.

Stallman highlighted West Virginia poul-

try grower Lois Alts court battle against the

EPAs unlawful water regulations as a testa-ment to the powerful results that can be

achieved when people work for the goodof the whole.

Whether its a regulatory, legal or legis-

lative issue, just think how much Farm Bu-reau could achieve if everyone was like LoisAlt taking a long-term view and taking a

stand for Americas farmers and ranchers,he said.

One challenge that Farm Bureau has

turned into an opportunity is the agingdemographic in agriculture. Farm Bureausrural development initiatives like the orga-

nizations partnership with the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture on Start to Farm andits support for the recently launched Farmer

Veteran Coalition put beginning farmersand ranchers on the path to success.

Stallman encouraged Farm Bureau mem-

bers to take part in the Farmer Veteran Co-alitions effort to help create opportunitieson farms for those returning from the wars

in Afghanistan and Iraq.

American Farm Bureau Federation Presi-dent Bob Stallman, originally from Texas,

welcomed convention attendees to hishome state and expressed the importanceof Farm Bureau providing a voice for farm-

ers and ranchers across the nation duringhis annual address.


9/28

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2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau and Ag in the Classroom Teachers of the Year Selected

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation forAgricultures Ag Promotion Committee and

the Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom

Program have selected two teachers astheir 2014 Teachers of the Year.

Kathy Bohac and Patti Romshek, both

teachers at East Butler Public School inBrainard, Neb., were honored. Bohac teach-

es fifth grade and Romshek teaches fifth andsixth grades.

These teachers demonstrate how agri-culture can be used to meet state educa-

tional standards. Each of these teachersprovide their students with real hands-onlearning experiences in such a manner that

it relates to their students everyday lives,Deanna Karmazin, executive director of the

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for Agri-culture, said Jan. 11.

Bohac and Romshek were able to bring

ag-citement to theirclassrooms through avariety of activities, les-

sons and experiments.Students were able to

dive into agriculturefrom soil to plate withsix units spanning twoweeks covering soil,

soybeans, corn, pork,beef and nutrition.

Their project began

with a lesson in farm safety and general pre-test over content from each of the units.

Students were able to utilize their mathskills with hands-on activities such as Soy-bean Silos and M&Ms Corn Futures.

Each of the units alsoincluded guest speak-ers, weekly field trips

and science experi-ments. The units con-

cluded with a relatedagricultural game

that helped keep theag-citement in the

classroom.One field trip in

particular increased

students awareness of the use of by-prod-ucts from agricultural commodities.

Some students cringed at the butchershop as they saw the hearts and tongues of

the pork, only to realize that nothing went

to waste, said Bohac.At the end of the 12-week lesson, stu-

dents created presentations and brochures

pertaining to one of the units to highlightwhat they learned.

We have realized a student interest andenthusiasm that far exceeded our expecta-

tions, said Bohac.Both teachers will be presented with an

award recognizing their achievement andwill receive an all-expense-paid trip to the2014 National Agriculture in the Class-

room Conference set for June 23-27, inHershey, Penn.

Kathy

Bohac

Patti

Romshek


10/28

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Beardless Brother Shares Duck Dynasty Familys StorySAN ANTONIO Duck Dynastys

Alan Robertson compared his famous familyto the loveable monsters from The Mun-

sters, labrador retrievers and even terror-ists during his keynote address at the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Federations 95th Annual

Convention Jan. 13.The oldest Robertson son, nicknamed the

beardless brother, arrived onstage sport-ing a close-shaven beard.

My brothers give me a hard time when Igrow a beard and say that I look like Yasser

Arafat, and thats really offensive to me, Rob-ertson said. Then, pointing to photos of Osa-ma bin Laden and his father, Phil, and brother,

Jase, he quipped, But you look at that and tellme they dont look like terrorists.

As the newest member of the Duck

Dynasty cast, Robertson said his reasonfor joining the familys television series af-

ter three seasons on A&E was to show

America what a real home looked like

and to have a larger platform to spreadhis message about the kingdom of God.The former pastor said his familys motto is

faith, family, ducks.Robertson shared intimate details of his

familys past, including a period of time that

his father strayed from his faith and nearlyleft the family when Alan was a child.

My mom taught us [life] lessons becausemy dads drinking and lifestyle turned for theworse, said Robertson.

Crediting his mother, Miss Kay, as the glue

that held his family together during thoseearly hardships, Robertson revealed that hisproudest moment on the series was his de-

but episode, Till Duck Do Us Part, duringwhich the family threw a surprise weddingfor his parents.

In addition to sharing the sadder side ofthe Robertsons family history, he made aseries of comical canine comparisons.

Labrador retrievers are good dogs, Rob-

ertson said. We use a black lab becausetheyre always ready to go, like my dad andJase. They never miss a day of ducking.

Robertson went on to liken himself and hisbrother Jase to the more domesticated yel-low lab and his colorful Uncle Si to a choco-

late lab on methamphetamine what Rob-ertson affectionately termed a meth lab.

Despite some of the wild antics on theseries, Robertson said his father still doesntunderstand why the show has such a broadappeal to non-duck hunters. Robertsons

hunch is that viewers yearn for shows thatdemonstrate the Christian family values thatAmericans need and are missing today.

Something ordinary to us and probablyto you [farmers] like working hard all dayand coming home to have dinner around a

table at night has become extraordinary topeople in the 21st century, said Robertson.Thats what the kingdom of God is having

a place called home.

Duck Dynasty's "Beardless Brother" Alan

Robertson keynoted the American FarmBureau Federations Annual Conventiongeneral session on the value and impact of

family, but now has a beard.

Crop Growers Told to Prepare for Low Price EraSAN ANTONIO Following someof the best years ever for growing rowcrops, an agricultural economist advisedfarmers to prepare for several years of

lower prices during a workshop at theAmerican Farm Bureau Federations 95thAnnual Convention Jan. 13.

The last six years have been extraordi-nary years if you are a row crop producer,said Matthew Roberts, an associate profes-

sor at Ohio State Universitys Department

of Agricultural, Environmental and Devel-opment Economics. It's been the best sixyears in history. The next six years will not

be like that.Strong demand from China and the etha-

nol industry altered corn and soybean pro-

duction globally during agricultures recentboom period. A decent U.S. crop year in2013 and curbed growth from ethanol may

mean some acreages will revert back to pas-

ture and forage crops.The question is how fast, after a grower

has made an investment into row crops,

well likely have to see losses before thatland reverts to another use, Roberts said.

Roberts advised large, aggressive and

young growers to prepare for a bumpy rideby putting cash in the bank.

We are entering a four to five year period

of lower costs and profitability. I think well

see some farms (that expanded aggressively)in the Corn Belt go bankrupt, he predicted.Put one years worth of land charges (above

normal working capital needs) in the bank assoon as possible.

Cash is the only way to ultimately man-

age risk, Roberts added. We have a gen-eration of young farmers who have neverexperienced hard times.


11/28

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SAN ANTONIO Panelists from vari-

ous state Farm Bureaus suggest that moms aretodays core influencers when it comes to build-ing greater trust among American consumers.

During a panel discussion Jan. 13 at the Ameri-can Farm Bureau Federations 95th AnnualMeeting, nearly every one of the participants

cited moms as the most important demo-graphic. Panelists also said farmers must engage.

First moms, the public, need to know us,

like us and then trust us, said Rita Hech-mer, marketing specialist for Ohio Farm Bu-reau. It has to be in this order.

Panel facilitator Judy Rupnow of Morgan My-

ers, began the session with consumer research.Researchers tell us the public has concernsabout where their food comes from. They

want to learn more. And while they appear tolike farmers, consumers are sometimes con-cerned that farmers wont act ethically.

Along the way, we forgot to tell the pub-lic what we were doing, Rupnow said. Thiscreated a trust gap, but thats changing.

As panelists shared their activities they con-sistently pointed to the importance of moms.

What we've found at Arizona Farm Bureau

is that we must create an environment where

were building ongoing relationships with ourArizona families and most importantly ourmoms, said Communications Director Julie

Murphree. Once they get to know us, espe-cially foodie influencers, we try to engage themin all aspects of our activities and programs

where we know there's a fit.This ongoing engagement is resonating

with moms on both sides of the aisle, in-

cluding farm moms.Rebecca French Smith, multi-media spe-

cialist with Missouri Farm Bureau, said, In

addition to all the things we do in this area,

our biggest initiative is to introduce them tofarmers so we can put a face to farming.

Chris Magnuson, executive director of op-

erations, news and communications, IllinoisFarm Bureau, highlighted Illinois Farm Fami-lies program. Were using farmers for out-

reach through our website, videos and moreand were engaged with mommy bloggers.

Illinois Farm Bureau has also done extensive

consumer research and plans to conduct a fol-low-up study to determine consumer attitudesnow, after several years of consumer outreach.

We hope to measure a shift in attitudes,explained Magnuson.

Mom Demographic Key to Building Trust Among Consumers

Grassroots Action Needed on Clean Water Act ProposalSAN ANTONIO There are two

things that farmers need to realize abouta new regulation that the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to

release in the coming weeks, two expertsin water regulations said at a workshop dur-ing the American Farm Bureau Federations

(AFBF) 95th Annual Convention Jan. 13.One is that the new rule the EPA is pro-

posing would greatly increase the scope ofthe Clean Water Act making it of enormousimportance to farmers across the country,said environmental and natural resources

attorney Virginia Albrecht of the law firmHunton & Williams LLP and Don Parrish,AFBFs senior director of regulatory relations.

We know there are people saying, Oh,what this again? Albrecht said. But nowwere at this crossroads.

Second is the need to make sure that theEPA and Congress hear from farmers.

Grassroots action on this issue is going

to be hugely important, Parrish said.

The Clean Water Act began in 1972 as

a non-partisan piece of legislation designedto reduce water pollution in the nationsnavigable rivers and streams. At the time,

discharging raw sewage into rivers andstreams was standard practice across thecountry. The act set up a regulatory pro-

gram that required permits that limited thevolume of pollutants.

In the years since, the EPA and the ArmyCorps of Engineers have attempted, withsome success, to expand the scope of

the program particularly by expanding the

definition of navigable waters or watersof the U.S. beyond rivers and streams toinclude such things as isolated ponds and

wetlands, ditches and even temporary wa-ter features caused by runoff and seasonalflooding. Not all of the EPAs efforts to ex-

pand the definition have succeeded, Parrishand Albrecht said.

But the new rule, at least in its current

form, would go even farther, they said.

While there are some exemptions, there

is no exemption for all standard farm prac-tices, and there is no exemption for isolatedor manmade water features such as ditches.

In fact, Albrecht said, ditches are explicitlyincluded in the proposal.

People will tell you that theres a ditch

exemption, and many genuinely believeit, she said. But in fact you should worry

about your ditches.The rule is expected to be released and

opened for comment sometime in the nextfew weeks, Albrecht said, noting that the

standard comment period is 60 days. Thatmight be extended, but probably not forvery long, she explained.

During that comment period, its vital thatfarmers comment, she and Parrish said, and

they added that its also important that they

talk to their members of Congress even af-ter the comment period is over.

Help them understand why this issue is

hugely important to you, Parrish said.

CALENDAR

OF EVENTSLegislative Issue Update Webinar

Tues., Jan. 28

7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. MST)

Visit nefb.org to register for the webinar.Space is limited to the first 95 attendees.

U.S. Senate Candidate Debate

Wed., Jan. 29

7 p.m. MST

Gering Civic Center

Gering, Neb.

Event is free, but tickets are requireddue to limited seating. Farm Bureau

members interested in tickets

should contact Kylee Planer [email protected] or 402-421-4485.

Visit nefb.org for more events!


12/28

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Nearly 200 Attend

Candidate ForumNearly 200 people in Hyannis, Neb.,

attended a Gubernatorial Candidate Fo-

rum Jan. 6 sponsored by Nebraska FarmBureau, the Nebraska Cattlemen and theIndependent Cattlemen of Nebraska.

It was the first time all seven sat at thesame table together, in front of a mod-erator with pointed questions. State Sen.

Al Davis moderated the forum. Sen. Da-vis represents district 43 in the legislature.Candidates include Mike Foley, Chuck Has-

sebrook, Bryan Slone, Beau McCoy, TomCarlson, Pete Ricketts and Charlie Janssen.

Propsed Changes to RFS

Standards Strikes a BlowThe Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) is currently accepting comments

about changes to the Renewable Fuel Stan-dard (RFS) numbers for 2014. The proposalwould set the overall RFS at 15.21 billion

gallons, including 2.2 billion gallons for bio-diesel and advanced biofuels. That would set

the corn ethanol number at just 13 billiongallons, well below the 14.4 billion gallons

that would have been required under the

laws original targets. Nebraska Farm Bureauneeds your help by submitting comments to

the EPA reminding them that corn-based

ethanol remains one of the most tried andtrue sources of domestically produced en-ergy. The EPA is currently accepting com-

ments until Jan. 28 on their proposed RFSrevisions. Go to nefb.org to take action andsubmit comments.

McDonald's to Buy

Verified Sustainable BeefIn an announcement on its special web-

site, McDonalds Corporation announcedplans to purchase verified sustainablebeef starting in

2016. But chang-ing up its beefsupply is a big un-

dertaking for the

chain that sellsabout a billion

pounds of beefeach year in theU.S. The worlds largest fast food restau-

rant chain says it will be a big challenge

because there hasnt been a universaldefinition of sustainable beef. The com-

pany says since 2011 it has been collabo-rating with World Wildlife Fund, Cargill,

JBS and others in this effort, forming a

Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.The consortium has drafted guiding prin-ciples and best practices for sustainable

beef which McDonalds is calling a break-through for the beef industry. McDonaldssays its timetable is to support develop-

ment of global principles and criteria in2014, develop targets for purchasing veri-fied sustainable beef, and begin purchasing

sustainable beef in 2016.

Panera Bread Marks a

Decade Serving Meat

Raised without AntibioticsPanera Bread is

marking the 10-year milestone ofserving meat raised

without antibiotics.Panera was one of

the first nationalrestaurants to buyproteins raisedwithout antibiotics

at scale. Today, all

of the chicken, roasted turkey, sausage andham used in Panera Bread's salads and sand-

wiches are raised without the use of anti-biotics. Panera continues to work with itssuppliers to increase the number of proteins

on its menu that are raised without antibiot-ics and is currently exploring alternatives forbeef and pork.

The Best and Worst

Ads of 2013The best ad was a two-minute commer-

cial, which aired during the Super Bowl, pay-ing tribute to American farmers with a mon-

tage of agricultural photos accompanied by

a voice-over of the late radio host PaulHarvey reading his essay "So God Made a

Farmer." Chipotle's three-minute animatedvideo ad that pokes fun at the processed-food industry is named one of the worstads of 2013 by some top executives in the

advertising business.

AGnotes


13/28


Farm Bureau agents have the answers.

Were here to help you understand all of your options, and the differences

between them so you can feel confident in choosing the right healthinsurance plan for your family. Contact someone who knows health

insurance your local Farm Bureau agent.

Questions

about health

insurance?

The agents are independent and authorized producers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. H234-NE (7-13)

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Nebraska FarmBureau Honoredfor Excellence

SAN ANTONIO Nebraska FarmBureau was one of fifty State Farm Bureaus

who were presented awards at the Ameri-

can Farm Bureau Federations 95th AnnualConvention Jan. 12, recognizing excellence

in membership achievement and implemen-tation of outstanding programs serving FarmBureau members in 2013.

The Awards for Excellence are awardedto state Farm Bureaus that have demon-strated outstanding achievements in six pro-

gram areas: Education and Outreach, Lead-ership Development, Member Services,Membership Initiatives, Policy Development

and Implementation, and Public Relationsand Communications.

Nebraska Farm Bureau received honors

in Education and Outreach, LeadershipDevelopment, and Public Relations and

Communications.

SAN ANTONIO Nebraska Farm Bureau Fed-

eration President Steve Nelson has been elected tothe American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) boardof directors. Nelson was elected to the position dur-

ing the 2014 AFBF Annual Convention held Jan. 12-14in San Antonio, Texas.

Nelson will join state Farm Bureau presidents from

Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, In-diana and Michigan in representing Midwestern stateson the AFBF board of directors. Nelson was elected

president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

in 2011.A Nebraska native, Nelson farms near Axtell, Neb.,

in south central Nebraska and produces irrigated

corn, hybrid seed corn and soybeans.In his role on the board, Nelson will help lead

American Farm Bureau's grassroots organization

charged with enhancing and strengthening the lives ofrural Americans and building strong and prosperousagricultural communities.

Nelson Elected to American Farm

Bureau Federation Board of Directors

LINCOLN, Neb. A Feb. 12 sympo-sium at the Quality Inn and Suites SandhillsConvention Center in North Platte will pro-

vide education and initiate a conversationon the appropriate siting of wind energyfarms in Nebraska.

Sponsored by the Sandhills TaskForce, "Siting of Wind Energy in Nebras-ka" will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by

3 p.m. Co-sponsors include University ofNebraska-Lincoln Extension, NebraskaCattlemen, Nebraska Grazing Land Coali-

tion and Western Nebraska Bank and theNature Conservancy.

The one-day symposium will provide in-formation in a balanced pro and con format,representing various viewpoints important

to landowners, rural communities and Ne-braska's natural resources.

The symposium is open to the public and

will give an overview of wind energy devel-opment in Nebraska, implications of windenergy development for natural resources

and implications of wind energy for people.Landowners, farmers and ranchers, commu-nity public policy and business leaders are

encouraged to attend.Presentations/topics include:

Balancing Economic Develop-ment and our Natural Resources Steve Williams, director, Wildlife Manage-ment Institute

Wind Energy 101 equipment usedand wind turbine installation considerations,

John Hay, UNL Extension

Wind Energy Development Plansin Nebraska Pat Pope, CEO, Nebraska

Public Power DistrictImplications for Wildlife Caroline

Jezierski, UNLNebraska's wildlife resource Mi-

chael Forsberg, UNL

Nebraska's Mitigation Process for

Wind Development Michelle Koch,Nebraska Game and Parks

Panel discussion of landownerand local community perspectives led by UNL Extension Dean and DirectorChuck Hibberd

Registration is $15 by Feb. 5. After Feb. 5through the day of the symposium, registra-

tion is $25. Walk-ins will be accepted. To reg-ister, visit go.unl.edu/windenergyconference.

For more information or questions aboutthe symposium, contact UNL Extension at

402-472-2966.

Symposium to Initiate Conversation on Wind Energy Development in Nebraska

Delegates fromacross the Midwest

congratulatedNebraska FarmBureau President

Steve Nelson onhis election to theAmerican Farm

Bureau Federationsboard of directors.

Nelson will represent10 states across theMidwest district onthe AFBF board.

www.becomeafan.org

1.888.580.AFAN (2326)

BECOMEA-FAN


14/28


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SAN ANTONIO Rather than luxu-

ries for todays farmers and ranchers, tabletsand smart phones are tools that can be used

to keep their operations running smoothly,

Jackie Smith, professor of Extension eco-nomics, and Jay Yates, Extension programspecialist, both from Texas A&M Agri-Ex-

tension Services, told attendees at a seminarduring the American Farm Bureau Federa-

tions 95th Annual Convention Jan. 13.

With the ever-growing marketplace forapps, Smith and Yates recommend farmersand ranchers be careful before buying. Ask

friends and peers, visit workshops, read ag-riculture magazines or blogs and watch ag-riculture television shows to see what oth-

ers are using. Make sure that no additionalequipment or subscription is needed.

Apps are currently being developed for

all corners of agriculture, turning a farmersphone or tablet into a portable office. Themarkets can now be monitored while sitting

on a tractor, allowing a farmer to input datainto a decision aid app and discern what

his or her crop costs will be. A livestockproducer can now make a few basic mea-surements and know how much an animalshould bring in when sold.

Yates also touched on a new trend inweb development that allows farmers andranchers to save websites and label them

alongside other apps. With smart phonesand tablets, any information that a producerneeds is never more than a few clicks away.

A lot of content is not in an app. It is ona mobile-ready site, Yates said. Many sitesdo this now because it is easier and faster to

manage content.Security is a concern for everyone, but

Yates encouraged people not to be thrown

off by the potential risk.

Agriculture Apps

Continue Growing

Big Data to Bring Innovationto Food Production

SAN ANTONIO Precision ag is

being replaced with Big Data and AgIn-formatics as sources of innovation in agri-culture, Matt Bechdol, founder of GeoSilos,

a consulting firm focused on leveragingplace-based solutions for agriculture, said at a

workshop during the American Farm BureauFederations 95th Annual Convention Jan. 13.

I dont like the term precision ag any-more, said Bechdol. Especially if were not

doing anything precise with it. Were goingto move to predictive ag and prescriptiveag. Were going to move beyond precision

ag with Big Data.Bechdols consulting firm helps agricul-

tural companies maximize the use of data

and conducts analyses for businesses, policymakers and economists. Bechdol said data is

the modern agricultural commodity and that

place-based approaches are important toolsin adding value because roughly 80 percentof all data has a geographical element.

A takeover of new technology is com-ing soon, according to Bechdol. Wearable

technology, for example, like the Fitbit and

Google glasses are poised to be used byfarmers to help make better planting deci-sions in real-time while walking their fields.

Bechdol went on to discuss apps, but crit-icized their inability to provide the full pic-

ture of an organizations data in one place

Heres my problem with apps. Apps donttalk to other apps, and thats got to change.

He predicted a rise in dashboards and

benchmarking tools that can aggregate datafrom various apps to make it easier forfarmers to access and utilize it.

On a larger scale, Bechdol said a tech-nique called fly and scan using unmanned

aircraft, or drone, will play an increasing rolein collecting data for crop producers.

Commenting on the downside of big

data collection, Bechdol warned attendeesto read the terms of service agreementswhen signing up for free email accounts or

downloading operating systems on tabletsand cell phones.

They make you agree to share your datawith their affiliates, which Im not saying ismalicious, but its not clear what their inten-

tions are, said Bechdol.

With all this rapidly changing and newlyavailable technology and data, Bechdolcalled upon Farm Bureau to bring stability,

clarity and guidance to farmers who are un-sure how to capture and utilize Big Data.

Because [change is] coming, and its go-

ing to make the difference between thestrong and the weak, said Bechdol.

But ultimately, Bechdol believes Big

Data and AgInformatics will help devel-oping nations acquire the information theyneed to sustainably feed the worlds grow-

ing population.I dont think the U.S. is going to feed the

world in [the year] 2050. Bechdol said. I

think were going to create innovations tohelp the world feed itself.


15/28


16/28

On the Road Again

BiodieselFuel made better.

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January 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Documents

Transcript of January 2014 Nebraska Farm Bureau News