Action Alert!

 

If the thought of getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to haul a load of calves to the sale barn or drive a tractor on the highway from one field to another makes you uneasy, or if you are alarmed by the thought of the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers regulating farm ponds and ditches, then we need your help! Federal agencies need to hear from you by the end of June!

Issue #1: Application of commercial trucking regulations to farmers and ranchers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), is taking a close look at how farm trucks and farm equipment, as well as the farmers who operate them, are regulated under federal safety laws.

Several months ago regulators in Illinois began arguing that farmers hauling grain under crop share agreements are “for hire” carriers, putting them in the same category as drivers hauling for Yellow Freight or J.B. Hunt. The debate rose all the way to FMCSA in Washington, D.C. but the discussions have gone far beyond crop share agreements. Officials are also looking at implements of husbandry, such as tractors and combines, and questioning whether CDLs should be required of farmers when driving equipment on public roads for short distances. 

Of most concern to MFB is the distinction between intra- and interstate commerce since a strict interpretation of FMCSA guidance will mean virtually every farmer will need a CDL, medical cards and more even if they only drive a short distance using pick-ups with trailers. 

FB Action: Since learning about the guidance document, MFB has been in close contact with AFBF and other State Farm Bureaus to coordinate our response. We have also met with Missouri Department of Transportation staff to discuss the potential impacts at the state level. 

FMCSA is only allowing a 30 day comment period, which we believe is insufficient. MFB and Kansas Farm Bureau are working with lawmakers to push for an extension of the June 30 deadline. AFBF and MFB will submit comments.

Member Action: We strongly urge farmers to read the guidance document, found at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-31/pdf/2011-13035.pdf, and submit comments by June 30.

Please direct comments to FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro and specify Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0146. Letters may be faxed (202-493-2251) or mailed [Docket Management Facility, (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room 12-140, Washington, DC 20590]. Comments may also be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov.

Issue #2: Expansion of EPA’s Clean Water Act authority

In May, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) proposed draft Guidance that would expand their Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory authority. The proposed Guidance will be used by the EPA and the Corps to reinterpret the term “waters of the United States.” EPA has indicated this increased regulation will affect the implementation of all programs authorized under the CWA.

 In recent years environmental and wildlife organizations and their allies on Capitol Hill have pushed to broaden the scope of the Clean Water Act and the regulatory reach of the EPA and Corps. One bill, the “Clean Water Restoration Act,” would have expanded the federal government’s jurisdiction to over 314,000 farm ponds in Missouri alone. That piece of legislation was defeated in large part due to Farm Bureau’s grassroots opposition to the bill.

Fast forward to 2011—the private property rights threat is still present except this time federal agencies are bypassing Congress and the formal rulemaking process to put in place “guidance” for their field staff across the country to use.

FB Action: AFBF asked for an extension of the public comment period, which ends July 1, but to date it does not appear EPA will allow more time. AFBF and MFB will be submitting comments.

Member Action: We strongly urge farmers and landowners to submit comments by the July 1 deadline. EPA needs to hear that the impact on farms and ranches will be far-reaching, burdensome and extremely costly. A sample letter is below for your use.

Comments should be sent to: Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20460. The proposed guidance is referred to as Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0409. Comments may also be submitted electronically to owdocket@epa.gov. Please make sure to put in the subject line Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0409.

If you have any questions, please contact the MFB Legislative Department at (573) 893-1410 or send an email to Garrett Hawkins at ghawkins@mofb.com. Thank you in advance for your rapid response!

Sample Letter

Water Docket

Environmental Protection Agency

Mail Code 2822T

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20460

Attn: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0409

RE: Comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act, Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0409

To Whom It May Concern:

As a farmer and landowner from (insert location), I oppose the “Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act (CWA)” as proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 

 

While I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Guidance, this process falls far short of a normal notice-and-comment rulemaking.  It deeply concerns me that the agencies are essentially expanding their regulatory reach under the CWA without affording farmers and ranchers from around the country, and others impacted, a formal opportunity to provide meaningful comment on the effects of such action. 

As a result of this Guidance agency field staff will have an expanded list of options they can use to support a determination that wet or even dry land on my property is a “water of the United States”  Ditches, ponds, and other wet features are commonplace on agricultural land and now face the threat of federal regulation. 

Establishing regulatory controls over virtually all waters will come at a monumental cost to farmers and landowners, from the expenditure of time and money to obtain permits to potential land use controls that negatively affect agricultural production.  These impacts must be given more thorough consideration. 

There is no doubt the EPA and the Corps intend to and will have a significant impact on CWA permitting and enforcement nation-wide because the Guidance broadly expands the scope of the agencies’ CWA jurisdiction.  I oppose this effort and urge the EPA and Corps to refrain from moving forward with a final Guidance.

Sincerely,

Front Lines

Did you read the March/April issue of "Show Me" magazine?  All the way through?  Because besides having great photographs of the YF&R Conference and a list of our sponsors (please support!) it also contained a heart breaking story-- on the very last page.  And while I'm certainly not breaking any news headlines in summarizing the story here for you, this story begs to be repeated.  And honored.

On January 5th Staff Sergeant Robert W. Pharris was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb.  And though 268 soldiers have been tragically killed in this way in the war on Terror, you may wonder why such news would appear on the MFB YF&R blog.  The reasons is this; Pharris was a member of the Missouri Agri-business Development Team (ADT)-- his assignment was teaching Afghan farmers about sheep and goats.

A resident of Seymour, MO, Pharris raised sheep and goats on his own 36 acre farm.  This experience recommended him for a placement on the 13 member ADT. The article, written by Chris Fennewald, reports that Pharris was enthusiastic about making a big impact in his reconstruction mission. 

Imagine what an impact raising food will have.

Visit Early and Often

Passing along a little bit of news from the Promotion and Education Newsletter. 

The American Farm Bureau Foundation and Pioneer Hi-Bred have joined together to create an on-line ag literacy game.  The program, called My American Farm, teaches concepts in all the core subjects while sharing the message of agriculture.  This website targets 3-5 graders and it lots of fun!

But there is a way to participate in helping MOFB, even if you are no longer in grade school!  There is a contest among all state Farm Bureaus to see whose website link receives the most hits during the contest period.  So play the game (often!), but get there via http://www.mofb.org/ and help Missouri win money to use for an exhibit!

And that's how it's done

Farmers are outstanding people.

But you knew that.

But why are they outstanding today? you ask.  Because with only a few hours notice 750-1200 people convened on the capital steps for the "Stand Up for Agriculture Rally." 

HSUS managed to gather 100 people.  Some say that estimate is generous (see this You Tube video).  This is even more embarrassing to the Humane Society, since the county in which Jefferson City is located approved Prop B.

Based on statements from policy makers, FB President Blake Hurst reports "Stand Up for Ag" as "one of the best rallies they've seen at the State Capitol."

(photograph from HumaneWatch.org)

If you  haven't yet, you can still contact the governor at http://governor.mo.gov/contact.

Listen Up Folks!

Okay, we talk about it all the time, but here is a chance for action!  Wednesday the MO House voted 85-71 to approve SS/SCS/SBs 113 & 95, bills to amend Propsition B.  (To read the bill, google SS/SCS/SBs 113 & 95 or try this link.)  The bill also passed by the Senate and is headed to Governor Nixon.  Please get involved and let our Governonr know we support this bill and urge him to sign it into law. Please call or send e-mail ASAP urging Governor Nixon to sign SS/SCS/SBs 113 & 95 into law!  Call at this number, 573-751-3222 or go online to http://governor.mo.gov/contact.

Pass this information on to your friends, post it to your facebook page, e-mail it out-- be an agvocate!!!

From the Chair

This week's post comes from YF&R Chairman Jason Gerke.  If you're needing a little inspiration this week, here it is!

Earning trust by communicating our shared values

Here in 2011, the realities and challenges facing farm families of our generation are like none ever seen before. I am not talking about the challenge of good old fashion hard work, or the hard economic realities of trying to make a living at the mercy of Mother Nature. No, I’m talking about new challenges that threaten to put us out of business through referendum or regulation before we even get an honest chance to go broke farming on our own.

Yes, we face a lot of issues today.   From increased exposure to nuisance suits, to an Environmental Protection Agency that has run amuck, to an activist culture that seeks to manipulate emotions to further their animal rights agenda.

The good news is that the opportunity exists for us to overcome these challenges. But to do so -- if we as producers intend to stay in business -- we will have to engage in public conversation on food production and agriculture. We must earn trust by communicating our shared values.

Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about. A couple years ago, Harris Interactive surveyed consumers on behalf of AFBF to gauge support of farmers and their production practices. Consumers were asked if they agree or disagree with the following statement, “Farmers and Ranchers in my state treat their farm animals humanely.”

On the bright side, a majority -- 57 percent -- agreed or strongly agreed with the statement. Only 9 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Now I’m no math major, but what that tells me that 34 percent of respondent were still riding the fence as “Not sure.” They didn’t have enough information to have an opinion!

But there is hope. Those same consumers were exposed to information and messages about modern food animal production. When asked again later if they agreed or disagreed with the statement that “Farmers and Ranchers in my state treat their animals humanely.” This time, 72 percent of them agreed or strongly agreed. That’s a 15 point swing in our favor.

Now let’s take a look at a real world example. Think bake to the November 2010 ballot initiative known in Missouri as Prop B. Despite the passage of Prop B, there were several positive “take-aways.” We know the referendum limiting the number of dogs a breeder can own passed by a slight 51 to 49 margin state wide. But a closer look at the county by county results shows that in most of the state, the measure failed by a 60 to 40 margin on average.

This was due in no small part to the efforts of Farm Bureau members who took time to reach out to their neighbors, family members, civic groups and even media, to explain why Prop B would do little to protect dogs but would put good producers out of business. Although the initiative just barely passed, we discovered just how effective reaching out can be. If only we could have started sooner and reached a little further.

As we look to tell the story about agriculture and the value of technology in our industry, we have a real opportunity to establish trust through increase transparency with the one-third or more of our neighbors who just don’t have enough information to even have an opinion.

Make communications a part of your business

Communications needs to be a part of your business planning and budget. Just as you consider a new tractor or investment in genetics a necessity on the farm, a communication plan is becoming mandatory if you want to farm in the future.

It’s up to us to connect and show those that would listen about our way of life. Too often we get that mixed up. We try and educate before a connection has even been made. Too often we try to sell folks our products before letting them know we care about them or their views.

To connect with others, simply speak from experience – become a storyteller. Don’t sell facts and science. Share your values. For example, it’s not about how many pounds you weaned this year. Talk instead about how you had to miss another Anniversary dinner out with your spouse because one of your heifers was calving and needed extra care.

It comes down to this -- advocating for agriculture means providing a reasoned alternative to the activists’ message. We need to give consumers permission to eat again.

Go ahead and make a case for using technology in farming because it supports your VALUES. Tell those who will listen that you believe in the sound practices you are using and why they are used.

It is up to us

I’m reminded of the story about a young man who was determined to win the heart of the girl he wanted marry, but was to shy and afraid of rejection to pursue her directly. He began what can only be called “campaigning” for her affection and sent a small gift and messages of love to her house every day for a month. By the end of the month, the young lady was madly in love…. with the U-P-S man who delivered the packages!!

Too often we’ve been to shy, to proud or to busy to communicate with our consumers. And those with opposing view points are only too happy to deliver a story about modern agriculture for us.

Don’t let our neighbors and other consumers fall for the activists just because they are the ones doing the talking. We have to take the message to them ourselves. We have to get over our shyness --- make our own connection --- and build trust in agriculture once again.

By Jason Gerke

Youth Leadership Day

Next week provides a great opportunity for high school students in Missouri to take an active part in promoting agriculture!  On Thursday, March 31st several hundred students sponsored by dozens of counties will gather on the capital building to visit with their legislators. 

In addition, these students will also have the chance to be a part of training by MFB.  Several speakers will address the students and they will learn about programs available to them through FB, such as the Ambassador Program and Collegiate Farm Bureau.

Check out photos from last year!

Deadlines

A reminder!  Scholarship applications are coming due!  If you know anyone who qualifies for these-- make sure they have applied.

The Vocational Scholarship is due March 30th.  Requirements are: • Missouri residents and they, their parent(s) or guardians must hold a current Farm Bureau membership.
• Enrolled as a full-time student.
• Enrolled for the fall semester of the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
• Pursuing an associate of applied science degree or certification in a trade related to agriculture

The Mini Grant is due May 30th.  This grant is for up to $250 for teachers to promote ag literacy.

For both of these programs visit the Promotion and Education page.

Yay!

Its ready!  The Wallendorf Log Home at the Missouri Farm Bureau Center in Jeff City is open! 

The project began more than six years ago by the MFB Foundation for Ag.  The goal?  To educate the many children who come through the Jeff City area about agriculture.  The one hour tours includes fun, hands-on activities that share life from the perspective of a farm family.  Currently the Foundation can handle groups of 24 students with at least one adult for every 8 children.

Now that its available, make sure your school is aware of the opportunity!  Check out the website or contact Melissa Smith at msmith@mofb.com or Val Dunn at vdunn@mofb.com.

News

The conference was a hit!  Farm Bureau accomplished much in the way of electing FARM-PAC officers, informing farmers, and updating committees.  Following are short summaries of four of the many speakers. 

Estil Fretwell, Director of Public Affairs at Farm Bureau gave an overview of the political state of the nation.  Using an interesting graph he showed how Missouri has changed in its make-up of Republicans and Democrats.  He also shared information about SWAT, Spokespersons Working for Agriculture Together.  This 2-3 hour training program teaches up to 6 participants how to become a better spokesperson for agriculture.  If you would like to learn more about the program or set a date, contact Estil at efretwell@mofb.com. 

Ford West, President of The Fertilizer Institute in Washington D.C. spoke about fertilizer prices and some of the issues affecting the industry.  Mr. West explained that the United States is a net importer of potassium.  We receive 90% of our potassium from Canada.   He also talked about the difficulty in obtaining permits for mining fertilizer.  Phosphorous, for instance, usually takes about seven or eight years to obtain a permit.  The underlying cause of this fertilizer difficulty lies with regulations created by the EPA and the environmentalist groups which sue the EPA to effect change. 

Dan Manternach, economist from Doane’s Ag Research, St. Louis, gave the Market Outlook.  He forecasted a "bullish" outlook for corn and soybeans, but was not as optomistic about wheat.  He backed these statements with five factors used to determine grain market, such as ending stocks.

One of the last speakers, Paul Simmons, is now from California, but grew up in Tarkio, Missouri.  He shared information about endangered species affecting water rights.  He explained how the government in CA shut down a canal, depleting all of the farmer's irrigation water.  The frustrating part of his story is the lack of scientific evidence that taking water for ag use would harm the fish.  Even proponents of the plan admit they have no true idea how much water the fish need.  It has been estimated that the loss of revenue to farmers was in excess of $1 billion dollars in 2009 alone. 

With so much going on in just a few short days this is only a glimpse of Commodity Conference/Legislative Briefing.  To learn about it all, you'll just have to attend next year!

More Ways

This week-- more ways you can be involved!  Missouri Farm Bureau holds two important conferences, beginning Monday. 

The first is District FARM-PAC Annual Meetings.  Trustees--volunteers selected by the county Farm Bureau boards, attend a meeting in Jefferson City to meet and interview political candidates.  There are six FARM-PAC committees, organized by the six congressional districts.  At the annual meetings the trustees vote to give the official Farm Bureau endorsement to a candidate running for each of the offices of U. S. Congress, U. S. Senate, Governor and State Senate .  Endorsements are made based on a candidate's stance on ag issues, not political party.  Endorsements are not made in the State Representative races, but Farm Bureau does have a Friend of Agriculture Award for members of the Missouri House of Representatives who have a proven record of support for agriculture and rural Missouri.

If you would like to be a part of a FARM-PAC, simply talk to a member of your local Farm Bureau board.  Volunteers needed!  For more information, check out this link.

The second meeting, which will be held Monday and Tuesday, is the Commodity Conference and Legislative Briefing.  This conference is designed to inform farmers about current production ag topics.  It is fast paced, and highly informative.  Past participants return year after year to hear great speakers and stay on top of their industry.  The Farm Bureau website provides more information.

Usually in attendance at the Commodity Conference are members of the commodity advisory committee.  Members of this group assist Farm Bureau staff with issues affecting that specific industry. Advisory committees include beef, cotton, dairy, equine, feed grains and wheat, forestry, horticulture, rice, sheep, soybean and swine. Each year Farm Bureau members are appointed to the advisory committees by the state board of directors. If you have an interest in serving on one of the committees, you can contact the marketing and commodities department.  Their e-mails are listed on the MOFB website.
 Though you may not be able to drop everything and walk out the door to attend sessions this year, check back with our blog for information coming from these conferences, and think about becoming involved in 2012.

We'll see you then!

Just an Example

LOVE this story shared at Young Farmer and Rancher Conference last weekend by Chris Chinn.  If you've ever wondered how to share your story, or if your story could ever have an impact-- listen to this!

Last year Yellow Tail wine pledged $100,000 to HSUS (Human Society of the United States).  The online world of agriculture tweeted, blogged, and generally out cried this action.  Then, this rancher, Troy Hadrick, created this simple YouTube video.  There are no special effects, no professionally produced scripts, no million dollar sets.  Troy simply set his cell phone on a fence post. 



The results of this homemade, minute long video? 20,000 viewers saw it and made an impact.  Others made their own videos of dumping the wine.  Bottles of Yellow Tail were turned backward in stores so shoppers couldn't see the labels.  Consumers stopped purchasing.

And Yellow Tail listened.  Unable to back out of their pledge, Yellow Tail promised to make no further donations to HSUS, but rather to give money for pets to local shelters.  They also promised to be more careful about future donation.

If you've ever asked, how can I help-- here is the answer.

Blake Hurst and the Great Debate

Many of you were able to listen to Urvashi Rangan explain her version of agriculture to Blake Hurst and the American public.  Now you can watch the video in its entirety! 

TGIF

It's Friday!  And what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend than at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach!  They have spacious accomidations, spa, indoor waterpark, arcade, fitness center and indoor pool.  Oh!  And the Young Farmer and Rancher Conference! 

Begining today Missouri farm families can get away from it all, or not-- kids are VERY welcome at this conference.  Meet other farm families, network with others from across the state, visit the exhibitor booths on the 5th level, attend seminars, watch a pedal tractor pull, be enthused by a great speaker, enter the Wii bowling tournament, and generally treat your hard-working Valentine to a wonderful weekend! 

Hope to see you tonight!

Good Luck

Well today many farmers are struggling to plow their way through drifts of snow taking care of the animals they love. The Gottman farm is no different.

Well maybe one difference, my husband has on off the farm job with MODOT. He left us early Tuesday morning and headed to a hotel about an 50 miles south of our home to help crews on I-70.

After a phone call this morning he shared that while running the motor grader all night visability was very poor. Most of the time he couldn't even tell where the road was. He then told me he loved me, he was heading to bed and good luck with the cows.

Luck is what I need right now. The blacktop road we live in has 3ft drifts both directions at the end of the driveway. We have another  farm 2 miles away. Even if I could get though the 4 ft drifts in my driveway going around the blacktop is going to be impossible! Did I mention these cows only water source is me chopping a hole in the ice at a lake on this farm?

Meanwhile back home it is a little easier I am able to walk down to the lake and chop ice here. Bundled in my carhardt finest my only obstacles are waist high drifts and a frozen gate. Our horses seem unphased by all of the snow. They happily munch hay and a young pony seems to be making a game out of jumping drifts.
All in all it could be worse. We never lost power so the tank heaters still functioned in the other lots. There is still plenty of hay in all of the pens. My house is warm and cozy & my 3 beautiful daughters are dressing to go out and play in the winter wonderland.

Oh, speaking of a warm house, I didn't fill our wood stove this morning. I better get dressed with the girls and go do that! Good thing the wood pile is covered with a tarp.

Maybe I will saddle that drift jumping pony and ride her to the other farm, she might be my only option today!

-Megan Gottman

Achievement Award Winners

You heard about Discussion Meet Winner Brad Bray's adventures in Atlanta.  Now meet the family who is the winner of the Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award!

Justin & Stephanie Oaks are from Sullivan County in District 2.  They live on a small farm near the town of Harris with 2 sons, Grant age 5, and 7 month old Kaden.  The family owns 70 acres and lease another 230 on which they raise row crops, hay, cattle, and hogs.  They rotate corn and soybeans on row crop acres, and have a commercial cow calf operation marketing yearling calves.  With a purebred and commercial farrow to finish hog operation, they sell purebred show pigs and breeding stock, and market commercial hogs for a substantial premium to Niman Ranch, a natural meat company. 

 

In addition to the farming operation, Stephanie is the Agriculture Instructor and FFA Advisor at Newtown-Harris R-3 School, and Justin is a sales representative for Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed.  In addition, Justin farms with Stephanie's parents on their 2,000 acre row crop operation, 125 head commercial cow herd, and custom grazing 100 cow calf pairs from spring through fall.  Justin also does the bookkeeping and accounting for their operation. 

 

The couple have been very involved in their community, which was a great asset in attaining the YF&R Achievement Award, including their services on the MO State YF&R Committee, Sullivan County Farm Bureau Board, Sullivan County Fair Board, North Central MO Regional Water Commission, and a wide variety of professional and business organizations.  Justin and Stephani are very proud to have represented their community, county, and MO Farm Bureau as this year's Achievement Award winners.  And we are proud to have them represent us.

 

 

So, let's talk about the weather!

Anyone else feeling six feet under... snow that is!  Weather, of course, is probably the most important aspect of a farmer's daily life.  One farmer I know keeps a calendar of all precipitation amounts written into each daily square.  Down to the hundredth of an inch.  How this helps I have no idea, but it seems to be vitally important.

Despite rain, snow, sleet or hail both the United States Postal Service and the American farmer can be found out in whatever elements mother nature sends our way.  And keeps sending our way.

Are you hauling hay?  Carrying feed over ice covered paths?  Using your tractor and blade to remove snow from your gravel road because it will take three days for the township to get all the way out to you?  I vividly remember as a child someone always needing to chop ice for the cows.  Actually, what I remember most is the time my brother cut his eye when ice flew up and smacked him in the face right before the 6th grade Christmas concert.  No problems though.  Dad stitched it up.

So what are you doing today?

Expect Delays

The snowy scene wasn't quite what anyone expected at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, nor was being stranded in Atlanta for an extra day or so.  However, all's well that ends well, and our Missouri participants are safely home once more.


One of these snow-bound participants was Young Farmer and Rancher, Brad Bray.  Brad competed in December at the Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in the "Discussion Meet" and placed first among a highly competitive group of contestants. 


His reward?  $500 from the MFB Foundation for Agriculture, $500 from Dodge, and a year's free use (150 hour limit) of a Case-IH Farmall tractor!  Not to mention three nights lodging at the convention hotel in Atlanta for the national competition.  Who'd have guessed Brad would need four nights due to a disaster-stricken, snowed-in south!

With prizes like these, you're probably wondering what exactly a Discussion Meet is and how you can get in on it!  Well, participants are given five pre-selected topics to study.  At the meet one of the topics is selected and competitors discuss ideas, pros and cons, and information about the topics.  Judges select a winner.  This year's topics were:

1. Farm Bureau is the leading voice for agriculture but not the only voice. How do we encourage other agricultural groups to work together for the common good of our industry?
2. Government has always been involved in agriculture. Is the current level of government involvement a net hindrance or a net benefit to agriculture?
3. How will food movements such as “foodie” and “locavore,” which are focused primarily in urban centers, influence national agricultural production and federal programs?
4. Has technology become essential for American farmers? Should Farm Bureau influence and encourage all generations of farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists to embrace technological opportunities? 
5. Given recent challenges, such as volatile food prices and limited world food supplies, do American consumers adequately appreciate the importance of US-produced food? Will American consumers consider American agriculture important to our security in the future?

All Young Farmers and Ranchers are eligible for this competition.  Simply apply through your local Farm Bureau office in the fall.  And just so you know, next year's American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is in Hawaii. 

I doubt there will be snow delays...

State Committee

Yikes!  The early bird registration discount for the YF&R Conference is Monday! Click here for the Registration Form, or here for the website.

And since its about that time, meet the second year committee members!

This year's State Committee Chairmen are Jason and Colleen Gerke from District 1. 

Jamie and Megan Gottman are from District 2.

Jason and Lacy Vandivort represent District 3.

Matt Moreland comes from District 4.

District 5 is represented by Derrick and Kristy Segelhorst.

Matt and Britt Graham hail from District 6.

Richard and Erinn Bollinger are committee members from District 7.

Jarrod and Krystal Simpson live in District 8.

Its About Time!

Farmers and Ranchers use technology every day.  iPhones to check markets, GPS to plant, spray, apply fertilizer, even Facebook to connect with colleagues.  But blogs, well, we've been a little behind the times.

Until now.

Welcome to the Missouri Farm Bureau YF&R blog.

Please come again.