Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.Wishing Everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Remember to reserve February 28 on your calendar to attend this year's annual meeting.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Newest Farm Bureau Member
Jacob Ayler Mann born 12/22/2011 at 2:49 pm. Weight 10lbs .93 oz 22 inches long. Yes, he is BIG. Luckily for Angela the last one! Angela and baby are doing great.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Remembering Christmas on the Dairy Farm
Christmas on our family Dairy starts out like any other day with the alarm ringing at 5 am telling me its time to head to the barn. Santa’s helpers were busy late that night making sure all the gifts were wrapped and stockings were stuffed so I tiptoed out of the house to the barn as quiet as a mouse. I reached the barn and begin the daily ritual of starting the pipeline rinse, turning on the heater in the parlor and preparing the feed troughs for the cows. Next, I remind the cows what time it is as many have already made their way to the barn for the morning milking. Some of them usually decide to sleep in so it’s off to the pasture to round everybody up. It’s a good chilly walk as far as ½ mile to the back of the pasture in the cold morning air. Counting as I go so I know when I’ve got all the cows heading to the barn I head back to the barn singing Christmas carols on the way with the occasional moo approval of the cows. After the cows are locked in the holding pen its back to the milk house to finish getting ready to milk. Carrying the milkers into the parlor and connecting the pipeline to the bulk tank would complete the preparation along with getting all the teat dips and frost guard to protect the teats after each cow is milked. At 6 a.m. cows enter the parlor 4 on a side and I begin prepping and milking them 4 at a time. Milking the cows normally take about an hour. Back in the house the kids begin to stir in anticipation of seeing what Santa left. They also begin to shout to their mom asking how long they would have to wait. Back at the barn around 7 a.m. the cows have been all milked and cleaning begins. The barn is washed out, the milkers are cleaned and the pipeline begins its wash cycle. The kids get excited when they hear the silo begin pouring out silage and the conveyer and bunk feeder motors are fired up to distribute the cows forage for the morning. While the cows are being fed I continue to feed the calves and heifers their morning diet. Milk for some, feed for others and water for all of them. Real cold mornings mean taking time to bust some ice. With the silage feeding complete I make one final walk through the milk house and parlor to make sure all the work is done. Usually about 8 a.m. or so I make it back to the house and find a good seat to watch the kids run to the tree and find the one present Santa had left them unwrapped along with a well filled stocking full of goodies. Can we open more shouts the kids but mom says not till we’ve had some cinnamon rolls and milk. After the quick breakfast everyone begins opening the packages under the tree. Play time is short as there are grandparents to visit. By late morning everyone enjoys the company of all the family at grandpa’s house to open more presents and enjoy a great Christmas lunch. About 4 p.m. I head to the barn for another 2-3 hours work in milking and feeding the cows and heifers. This time some of the other family members offer some help and things go a little faster. A nice dinner of leftovers is enjoyed by all and then it’s off to bed as 5 a.m. will come again tomorrow to start another day on the Dairy.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Farm Bureau's Indiana Young Farmers awarded.
Hawaii Bound for Indiana Young Farmers
Posted on 12 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
They’re headed to Hawaii! Two Indiana couples and one individual have qualified for American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher contests by emerging as state winners, so they’ll be flying to the national convention in Honolulu in January.
Clinton and Julie Taylor of Boone County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award and Don and Jennifer Shoemaker picked up Achievement Award honors.
In his third try at Discussion Meet, where contestants simulate a committee meeting group discussion, Steve Gauck of Decatur County won, breaking through stiff competition all day Saturday.
“This year’s whole discussion meet was super,” he said. “I encourage people to come out and be a part of it. It’s a discussion. It’s fun. You’re with friends and you get to make a lot of new friends, and you’re just having a conversation. This final four round especially was a group of people we all knew each other. We all could play off of that and just had a fantastic time.”
The other finalists were John Feutz of Gibson County, Jason Morehouse of
Hamilton County and Amanda Mosiman of Warrick County. They discussed “How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?” and received a $1,000 cash runner-up prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
Gauck and his wife Kimmie were the Indiana Excellence in Ag award winners two years ago, earning a trip to Seattle. He told HAT a lot of doors open when young farmers get involved in Farm Bureau competition.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Farm Bureau and Young Farmers. It’s built relationships all over the state. I have friends that are farming where they’re not competing for land. You can call and talk about things and make some really good friendships that way. And you learn about all the things that Farm Bureau can offer, from helping you with policy and legislative issues, maybe in your own county at your own farm, to networking with people from a job standpoint. So many opportunities.”
The three major awards are available to Farm Bureau members age 35 or younger, and as state winner, Gauck receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and $500 from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. plus the expenses paid trip to the national convention in Honolulu January 8-11.
Gauck is the district sales manager for Beck’s Hybrids, and he and Kimmie also work on the family farm raising corn, soybeans, sod and grass-fed beef. Kimmie is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore. She graduated from South Putnam High School as well.
Posted on 12 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
They’re headed to Hawaii! Two Indiana couples and one individual have qualified for American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher contests by emerging as state winners, so they’ll be flying to the national convention in Honolulu in January.
Clinton and Julie Taylor of Boone County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award and Don and Jennifer Shoemaker picked up Achievement Award honors.
In his third try at Discussion Meet, where contestants simulate a committee meeting group discussion, Steve Gauck of Decatur County won, breaking through stiff competition all day Saturday.
“This year’s whole discussion meet was super,” he said. “I encourage people to come out and be a part of it. It’s a discussion. It’s fun. You’re with friends and you get to make a lot of new friends, and you’re just having a conversation. This final four round especially was a group of people we all knew each other. We all could play off of that and just had a fantastic time.”
The other finalists were John Feutz of Gibson County, Jason Morehouse of
Hamilton County and Amanda Mosiman of Warrick County. They discussed “How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?” and received a $1,000 cash runner-up prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
Gauck and his wife Kimmie were the Indiana Excellence in Ag award winners two years ago, earning a trip to Seattle. He told HAT a lot of doors open when young farmers get involved in Farm Bureau competition.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Farm Bureau and Young Farmers. It’s built relationships all over the state. I have friends that are farming where they’re not competing for land. You can call and talk about things and make some really good friendships that way. And you learn about all the things that Farm Bureau can offer, from helping you with policy and legislative issues, maybe in your own county at your own farm, to networking with people from a job standpoint. So many opportunities.”
The three major awards are available to Farm Bureau members age 35 or younger, and as state winner, Gauck receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and $500 from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. plus the expenses paid trip to the national convention in Honolulu January 8-11.
Gauck is the district sales manager for Beck’s Hybrids, and he and Kimmie also work on the family farm raising corn, soybeans, sod and grass-fed beef. Kimmie is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore. She graduated from South Putnam High School as well.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Winterizing Farm Equipment Pays
Winterizing: A Modest Time Investment Pays Big Bucks
A half-day spent winterizing farm equipment can produce major savings, according to a sampling of equipment experts.
“My theory is that maintenance costs less than repairs,” says Dan Anderson, a technician for Van Wall Group, an Iowa-based implement dealer.
Anderson puts a thorough cleaning first on his list of winterizing steps: “When you really clean a machine, you look at it more closely and see cracked metal, worn belts, or bad bearings that you might overlook when it is in use.
“If you don’t catch them until you’re in the field next spring, you’ll pay for the same repair plus the damage to related components, and it will mean a breakdown right in the middle of a busy season.”
Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University, says time spent preparing equipment for winter can keep a $500 repair from turning into $2,000 worth of damage. He offers a winterizing checklist.
Cleaning and Rodent PreventionIt’s especially important to remove all grain and crop residue from combines so they won’t serve as source of food or bedding for rodents. “Right now, they are looking for places to nest where they won’t be disturbed,” says Hanna. “Get into all the nooks and crannies and remove all biomaterial.”
It’s fairly common for mice to chew on wiring harnesses, according to Hanna. “That could quickly add up to several thousand dollars in repairs if mice sever the wrong connections.”
He also suggests using sticky traps in addition to baits, since poisoned mice may take refuge inside equipment, then die in hard-to-locate spots.
FuelCheck equipment manuals -- many recommend filling fuel tanks to avoid leaving room for water to condense.
For equipment that won’t be used all winter, Roger Hoy, director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, suggests draining the fuel tank of any biodiesel and replacing it for the winter with regular diesel.
“Even using an algaecide [in the biodiesel], you can get some algae growth over that time, and it could cause fuel system problems in the spring,” Hoy notes.
For tractors that may get use in colder climates, Hoy reminds growers to replace the #2 diesel commonly sold in spring and summer with #1 diesel, which is less likely to gel.
“When it comes to engines and fuel systems, the practices for tractors and combines are about the same, says Hoy.
Fluids, Coolants, and FiltersFor any engine, check fluid levels, make sure coolants and oils are up-to-date, change transmission and crank case fluids as needed and change filters. Check the operator’s manual for specifications and make sure the antifreeze will protect engines down to the lowest expected winter temperatures in your area. This is also a good opportunity to spot leaks that need attention.
Belts, Hoses, and BearingsClean-up is an excellent time to inventory and inspect belts, hoses, and bearing, and make a list to follow up before spring.
BatteriesMake sure to have a good charge on batteries and remove the connection to the negative battery post to avoid a long, slow drain. Hoy suggests putting batteries on a trickle charger in someplace warm until spring.
Water Pumps and Water LinesDrain any water pumps or lines in the system, especially in sprayers, to avoid freeze damage.
HeatersFor a tractor that may be used during winter, install a timer on the heater, so the tractor will be ready to go when needed but won’t draw energy around the clock.
Hoy sums up his winterization approach: “Inspect and repair anything that got put off during harvest. Take a few extra days to do that now, and spring will go a whole lot easier.”
Related Reading:
Winter’s right around the corner…are you ready?
Tips for Tackling Winter Storage
Mastering the Art of Maintenance
A half-day spent winterizing farm equipment can produce major savings, according to a sampling of equipment experts.
“My theory is that maintenance costs less than repairs,” says Dan Anderson, a technician for Van Wall Group, an Iowa-based implement dealer.
Anderson puts a thorough cleaning first on his list of winterizing steps: “When you really clean a machine, you look at it more closely and see cracked metal, worn belts, or bad bearings that you might overlook when it is in use.
“If you don’t catch them until you’re in the field next spring, you’ll pay for the same repair plus the damage to related components, and it will mean a breakdown right in the middle of a busy season.”
Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University, says time spent preparing equipment for winter can keep a $500 repair from turning into $2,000 worth of damage. He offers a winterizing checklist.
Cleaning and Rodent PreventionIt’s especially important to remove all grain and crop residue from combines so they won’t serve as source of food or bedding for rodents. “Right now, they are looking for places to nest where they won’t be disturbed,” says Hanna. “Get into all the nooks and crannies and remove all biomaterial.”
It’s fairly common for mice to chew on wiring harnesses, according to Hanna. “That could quickly add up to several thousand dollars in repairs if mice sever the wrong connections.”
He also suggests using sticky traps in addition to baits, since poisoned mice may take refuge inside equipment, then die in hard-to-locate spots.
FuelCheck equipment manuals -- many recommend filling fuel tanks to avoid leaving room for water to condense.
For equipment that won’t be used all winter, Roger Hoy, director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, suggests draining the fuel tank of any biodiesel and replacing it for the winter with regular diesel.
“Even using an algaecide [in the biodiesel], you can get some algae growth over that time, and it could cause fuel system problems in the spring,” Hoy notes.
For tractors that may get use in colder climates, Hoy reminds growers to replace the #2 diesel commonly sold in spring and summer with #1 diesel, which is less likely to gel.
“When it comes to engines and fuel systems, the practices for tractors and combines are about the same, says Hoy.
Fluids, Coolants, and FiltersFor any engine, check fluid levels, make sure coolants and oils are up-to-date, change transmission and crank case fluids as needed and change filters. Check the operator’s manual for specifications and make sure the antifreeze will protect engines down to the lowest expected winter temperatures in your area. This is also a good opportunity to spot leaks that need attention.
Belts, Hoses, and BearingsClean-up is an excellent time to inventory and inspect belts, hoses, and bearing, and make a list to follow up before spring.
BatteriesMake sure to have a good charge on batteries and remove the connection to the negative battery post to avoid a long, slow drain. Hoy suggests putting batteries on a trickle charger in someplace warm until spring.
Water Pumps and Water LinesDrain any water pumps or lines in the system, especially in sprayers, to avoid freeze damage.
HeatersFor a tractor that may be used during winter, install a timer on the heater, so the tractor will be ready to go when needed but won’t draw energy around the clock.
Hoy sums up his winterization approach: “Inspect and repair anything that got put off during harvest. Take a few extra days to do that now, and spring will go a whole lot easier.”
Related Reading:
Winter’s right around the corner…are you ready?
Tips for Tackling Winter Storage
Mastering the Art of Maintenance
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Break-out Sessions at the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention
Indiana Farm Bureau Convention is this Friday and Saturday at the JW Marriott and will be highlighted by the following breakout session. All Farm Bureau members are welcome to attend.
Go to the Indiana Farm Bureau website to learn more.
"The Link Between Ag Nutrients and Water Quality" - Excess nutrients in water have been linked to fish kills and algal blooms. This session will explore policy options being reviewed by government agencies for addressing those issues.
"Connecting with Consumers" - Twenty-three national ag-related organizations have agreed to work together to directly engage consumers and enhance the public trust of farmers and our food supply. Learn how the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance hopes to start a "movement" to counter the bad publicity modern agriculture is getting in traditional and social media.
"Tying Government Finance to the Economy" - The economy is bad and government coffers are empty. Larry DeBoer, Indiana's resident expert on tax and fiscal policy, will discuss the connection between a sluggish economy and government financial well being. Friday, Dec. 9, 2-3 p.m.
"Connecting the Dots of the Revised CFO and CAFO NPDES Rules" - IDEM staff will present information on what should be the newly adopted environmental rules for the construction and operation of a CFO or CAFO.
"Relating to Local Government: Understanding the Role and Appointment Process for Local Boards and Commissions" - This session will help participants understand the roles of various appointed boards and commissions and how a county Farm Bureau can help increase the agricultural representation on those boards and commissions.
"Securing Your Farm Legacy" - Passing the farm to the next generation can be a complicated and emotional process. Get tips from an attorney to aid in the transition of your farm to your heirs. Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 -9:30 a.m.
"Personal and Professional Connections" - This highly interactive session will have participants connecting with Breakout sessions offer ways to connect others through the sharing of experiences of Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants will walk away with new Farm Bureau contacts and new information through new connections.
"Avoiding Bad Connections: Farm Truck Accidents and Liability" - One accident on the road can wipe out the entire farm if you have not taken appropriate steps to shield yourself and your farm from liability. With his entertaining style, Fred Whitford will provide insight on how you can protect your farm from liability.
"Priced at the Intersection of Supply and Demand" - Market volatility and upward price trends seem to be the new norm. In this session, Dan Zwicker will give his outlook on whether that trend will continue or if a different market outlook will prevail.
AG Child labor laws
Farm Labor Rules Process Called into Question
Posted on 07 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
The comment period on proposed changes to the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order closed December 1st. On that date a letter was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor by four men who have been working on a USDA program to enhance the safety training of youth wanting to work in agriculture.
Purdue University’s Bill Field says they spent weeks on the letter, which outlines their opposition to the changes, because they were never consulted about the proposals.
“In my mind these are bureaucrats that are not elected by the public that are implementing rule changes in the way we live at the community level without really giving a fair shake to the public response that has been very strong concerning some aspects of the proposed rule changes.”
Field and his group are not at all opposed to adjustments to some of the rules. In fact technology and practices that have changed dramatically in the 48 years since the rules were implemented beg for an update. But Field says the ramifications of many items being proposed threaten the accessibility to work experiences for young people.
“It almost excludes for non-farm kids the opportunity to work in some operations. Some of the very narrow interpretations for example, it prohibits the use of almost any power tool, and that could include a battery operated screw gun for putting up fences.”
Field says DOL wants to implement changes by the first of the year, and he is deeply troubled by the speed of the process and the process itself.
“In a democratic society which offers us the opportunity to have public input, there’s no way they’re going to be able to work through 3,900-4,000 responses and give them fair consideration before implementation.”
Legislators across the country have been contacted about the rules, and Field says that may be the best recourse now for those hoping to put the skids on implementation. So his advice is contact your congressmen and senators.
Bill Field is a Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue. Those who worked with him preparing the presentation and signing it are Shannon Snyder, Ph.D. Student and Agricultural Instructor at Purdue, Roger C. Tormoehlen, Professor at Purdue, and Brian French, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Washington State University. The full letter is here.
Posted on 07 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
The comment period on proposed changes to the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order closed December 1st. On that date a letter was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor by four men who have been working on a USDA program to enhance the safety training of youth wanting to work in agriculture.
Purdue University’s Bill Field says they spent weeks on the letter, which outlines their opposition to the changes, because they were never consulted about the proposals.
“In my mind these are bureaucrats that are not elected by the public that are implementing rule changes in the way we live at the community level without really giving a fair shake to the public response that has been very strong concerning some aspects of the proposed rule changes.”
Field and his group are not at all opposed to adjustments to some of the rules. In fact technology and practices that have changed dramatically in the 48 years since the rules were implemented beg for an update. But Field says the ramifications of many items being proposed threaten the accessibility to work experiences for young people.
“It almost excludes for non-farm kids the opportunity to work in some operations. Some of the very narrow interpretations for example, it prohibits the use of almost any power tool, and that could include a battery operated screw gun for putting up fences.”
Field says DOL wants to implement changes by the first of the year, and he is deeply troubled by the speed of the process and the process itself.
“In a democratic society which offers us the opportunity to have public input, there’s no way they’re going to be able to work through 3,900-4,000 responses and give them fair consideration before implementation.”
Legislators across the country have been contacted about the rules, and Field says that may be the best recourse now for those hoping to put the skids on implementation. So his advice is contact your congressmen and senators.
Bill Field is a Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue. Those who worked with him preparing the presentation and signing it are Shannon Snyder, Ph.D. Student and Agricultural Instructor at Purdue, Roger C. Tormoehlen, Professor at Purdue, and Brian French, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Washington State University. The full letter is here.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Putnam County Farm Bureau would like to give thanks for the following things.
We are thankful we live in a country where healthy food choices are available for everyone, from the quality conventional and organic products in our grocery stores to the more diverse offerings at specialty markets.
We are thankful that all Hoosiers are free to make food choices based on their spiritual beliefs, personal tastes and financial situations.
We are thankful for the opportunity to farm, especially during this time of population growth when science and technology allow us to raise crops and animals safely and efficiently while using less land and fewer inputs.
We are thankful that in our nation obesity is the problem - not starvation. We are especially thankful we have never had to see the distended belly or look into the hollow eyes of a starving child.
We are thankful we live in a country where farmers are free to work hard and succeed at the job we love, even as those who benefit from it are free to criticize what we do.
If you are lucky enough to sit down to dinner with family this Thanksgiving holiday, please remember to give thanks not only to those who prepared the food, but also for those who grew it.
Sincerely,
Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
We are thankful we live in a country where healthy food choices are available for everyone, from the quality conventional and organic products in our grocery stores to the more diverse offerings at specialty markets.
We are thankful that all Hoosiers are free to make food choices based on their spiritual beliefs, personal tastes and financial situations.
We are thankful for the opportunity to farm, especially during this time of population growth when science and technology allow us to raise crops and animals safely and efficiently while using less land and fewer inputs.
We are thankful that in our nation obesity is the problem - not starvation. We are especially thankful we have never had to see the distended belly or look into the hollow eyes of a starving child.
We are thankful we live in a country where farmers are free to work hard and succeed at the job we love, even as those who benefit from it are free to criticize what we do.
If you are lucky enough to sit down to dinner with family this Thanksgiving holiday, please remember to give thanks not only to those who prepared the food, but also for those who grew it.
Sincerely,
Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
District V Farm Bureau Meeting
Chris Skillern, Putnam County Insurance agent (pictured above) received a special award last night at the Fall District FB meeting for signing 7 new voting members. Kevin Hutcheson also received the award but was not at the meeting. Putnam County Farm Bureau Inc. was recognized for its Agriculture Chamber After Hours held this past year. Patti and Steve Cash represented Putnam County at the meeting.One election took place as County Presidents and Women Leaders elected Judy Coon to serve another term as District Woman's Leader. Other business of note was comments by Indiana Farm Bureau's Megan Ritter concerning the newly proposed Department of Labor regulations action to prevent farm kids from working on the farm or someone else's farm. This could be very restrictive to FFA and 4-H project work. The Government is seeking your comments at:
www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=WHD-2011-0001-0001
On the lighter side, the District 5 Young Farmer's will be hosting a Bowling Night at the Plaza Lanes in Crawfordsville on Sunday, Nov. 20th at 3 pm. Cost will be $15 for 2 games and shoes. A Silent Auction will be held along with door prizes and refreshments. A portion of the proceeds will go to Feeding America - Food Pantries with the remaining funds to an educational trip for young farmers interested in Agriculture.
New to the Farm Bureau discount program is a $500 discount on all qualifying 2011 or 2012 model year Chevrolet, GMC, or Buick vehicle.
Other Dates to remember is the State FB Convention on December 9*10. Young Farmer Conference on January 27-28. This year's Indiana Grain and Livestock Forum in Indy will be held on February 27. Finally, mark your 2012 calendars on Feb. 28 for our Putnam County Farm Bureau Annual meeting.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Putnam County City Elections
The City of Greencastle will have a new clerk-treasurer come Jan. 1 after Republican Lynda Dunbar scored a 183-vote victory over incumbent Teresa Glenn Tuesday night in the 2011 Municipal Election.
In the only other contested race on the city ballot, Democrat Jinsie Bingham retained her Third Ward City Council seat with an 18-vote victory over political newcomer Jade Griffin, a Republican.
Bingham's victory means that the Democrats retain a 3-2 edge on the Greencastle City Council.
Bingham joins fellow Democrats Adam Cohen, First Ward, and at-large Councilor Phyllis Rokicki on the 2012-15 City Council, along with Republicans Mark Hammer, Second Ward, and Terry (T.J.) Smith, Fourth Ward.
Cohen, Rokicki, Hammer, Smith and Mayor Sue Murray were all unopposed in their bids for election, and thus were not included on Tuesday's ballot.
Other results from around the county:
Cloverdale
Clerk-Treasurer
Cheryl Galloway -- 147
Laurie Monnett -- 98
Council Ward 1
Gary Bennington -- 129
Cathy Tipton -- 121
Council At-Large (Top 2)
Larry Fidler -- 171
Coweta Patton -- 140
William David Lyon -- 83
Bainbridge
Council Ward 1
Chuck McElwee -- 78
David Crawley -- 52
Council Ward 2
Bonnie L. Osborn -- 76
Jim Watson -- 49
Michael Lewis -- 8
Council Ward 3
Joel Thomspon -- 75
Richard Cope -- 57
Fillmore
Clerk-Treasurer
Wanda Seidler -- 39
Margaret Alexander -- 24
Kari Bills -- 20
Council Ward 1
Curt Leonard -- 55
Wes Terhune -- 25
Roachdale
Clerk-Treasurer
Martha Louk -- 105
Kristy Yack -- 68
Brian Lathrop -- 32
Kelly Marshall -- 11
Council At-Large (Top 3)
Zach Bowers -- 167
Barbara Scott -- 96
Jack Jones -- 94
Rick Kiefer -- 93
Jim Cromwell -- 65
William Long -- 58
Joe Cook -- 42
Russellville
Clerk-Treasurer
D. Devon Davis -- 43
Sally McAfee -- 40
Council At-Large (Top 3)
Cathy Jones -- 68
Norma Jean Gross -- 66
Don Reddish -- 61
Jim Rodgers -- 24
Betty Joy Need -- 24
In the only other contested race on the city ballot, Democrat Jinsie Bingham retained her Third Ward City Council seat with an 18-vote victory over political newcomer Jade Griffin, a Republican.
Bingham's victory means that the Democrats retain a 3-2 edge on the Greencastle City Council.
Bingham joins fellow Democrats Adam Cohen, First Ward, and at-large Councilor Phyllis Rokicki on the 2012-15 City Council, along with Republicans Mark Hammer, Second Ward, and Terry (T.J.) Smith, Fourth Ward.
Cohen, Rokicki, Hammer, Smith and Mayor Sue Murray were all unopposed in their bids for election, and thus were not included on Tuesday's ballot.
Other results from around the county:
Cloverdale
Clerk-Treasurer
Cheryl Galloway -- 147
Laurie Monnett -- 98
Council Ward 1
Gary Bennington -- 129
Cathy Tipton -- 121
Council At-Large (Top 2)
Larry Fidler -- 171
Coweta Patton -- 140
William David Lyon -- 83
Bainbridge
Council Ward 1
Chuck McElwee -- 78
David Crawley -- 52
Council Ward 2
Bonnie L. Osborn -- 76
Jim Watson -- 49
Michael Lewis -- 8
Council Ward 3
Joel Thomspon -- 75
Richard Cope -- 57
Fillmore
Clerk-Treasurer
Wanda Seidler -- 39
Margaret Alexander -- 24
Kari Bills -- 20
Council Ward 1
Curt Leonard -- 55
Wes Terhune -- 25
Roachdale
Clerk-Treasurer
Martha Louk -- 105
Kristy Yack -- 68
Brian Lathrop -- 32
Kelly Marshall -- 11
Council At-Large (Top 3)
Zach Bowers -- 167
Barbara Scott -- 96
Jack Jones -- 94
Rick Kiefer -- 93
Jim Cromwell -- 65
William Long -- 58
Joe Cook -- 42
Russellville
Clerk-Treasurer
D. Devon Davis -- 43
Sally McAfee -- 40
Council At-Large (Top 3)
Cathy Jones -- 68
Norma Jean Gross -- 66
Don Reddish -- 61
Jim Rodgers -- 24
Betty Joy Need -- 24
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
District Farm Bureau Banquet
Our District Farm Bureau Banquet will be Monday, November 14th at the Covington Beef House. Starting at 6:30 pm, be there for the fall awards and scholarship presentations. County Directors and any Farm Bureau member interested, need to RSVP to the County Farm Bureau office by November 7th. Call 653-9797
Also, make plans to attend the State FB Convention on December 9-10, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Registration can be made through the Indiana Farm Bureau website. Contact your local FB office for meal tickets for Friday Lunch & Dinner, and Saturday's luncheon.
Also, make plans to attend the State FB Convention on December 9-10, 2011 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Registration can be made through the Indiana Farm Bureau website. Contact your local FB office for meal tickets for Friday Lunch & Dinner, and Saturday's luncheon.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
New Essay Contest for HS Seniors
Clark’s Catches Help Fund Essay Contest
Posted on 10 October 2011 by Andy Eubank
The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), in conjunction with the Indianapolis Colts, have created the Hoosier Horsepower Essay Contest. Indiana High School seniors can enter the contest and win cash prizes to help fund their college education. Colts tight end Dallas Clark will once again serve as spokesperson for the program.
On behalf of Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers, the Colts will donate $100 to the program for each catch Clark makes this season. Clark had thirteen receptions entering Sunday’s game against Kansas City.
Four (4) Indiana high school seniors will each receive $2,000 to help defer college education related expenses.
“I’m excited to continue as the spokesperson for the Hoosier Horsepower Program,” Clark said. “A quality education is extremely important, but it isn’t cheap. I’m excited that every pass I catch helps relieve some of that financial pressure.”
To be eligible for the essay competition, applicants must be a high school senior in Indiana and plan to enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States pursuing either an associate or bachelor degree for the 2012-2013 school year.
Essay competition winners will be awarded based on a combination of factors. Academic achievement, leadership and community service will be considered in addition to their essay detailing how today’s farmers are working to tackle tomorrow’s needs for food, fiber and fuel.
“Partnering with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Clark is a great way to connect with Hoosiers with their neighbors on the farm who continue to produce more food using less land, energy, and inputs every year,” said Jane Ade Stevens, executive director for ISA and ICMC. “This essay contest allows Indiana high school seniors to think about the important role Indiana’s farmers and their families play when it comes to providing not only food but also so many other products to the world.”
Winners will be announced prior to the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. All essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 17, 2012. Parents and students can go to www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower to learn more.
Posted on 10 October 2011 by Andy Eubank
The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), in conjunction with the Indianapolis Colts, have created the Hoosier Horsepower Essay Contest. Indiana High School seniors can enter the contest and win cash prizes to help fund their college education. Colts tight end Dallas Clark will once again serve as spokesperson for the program.
On behalf of Indiana’s corn and soybean farmers, the Colts will donate $100 to the program for each catch Clark makes this season. Clark had thirteen receptions entering Sunday’s game against Kansas City.
Four (4) Indiana high school seniors will each receive $2,000 to help defer college education related expenses.
“I’m excited to continue as the spokesperson for the Hoosier Horsepower Program,” Clark said. “A quality education is extremely important, but it isn’t cheap. I’m excited that every pass I catch helps relieve some of that financial pressure.”
To be eligible for the essay competition, applicants must be a high school senior in Indiana and plan to enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States pursuing either an associate or bachelor degree for the 2012-2013 school year.
Essay competition winners will be awarded based on a combination of factors. Academic achievement, leadership and community service will be considered in addition to their essay detailing how today’s farmers are working to tackle tomorrow’s needs for food, fiber and fuel.
“Partnering with the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Clark is a great way to connect with Hoosiers with their neighbors on the farm who continue to produce more food using less land, energy, and inputs every year,” said Jane Ade Stevens, executive director for ISA and ICMC. “This essay contest allows Indiana high school seniors to think about the important role Indiana’s farmers and their families play when it comes to providing not only food but also so many other products to the world.”
Winners will be announced prior to the end of the 2011-2012 academic year. All essays must be postmarked no later than Friday, February 17, 2012. Parents and students can go to www.colts.com/hoosierhorsepower to learn more.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Meat and Dairy has strong global demand.
Grocery prices rise for 4th straight quarter
Strong global demand, especially for meats and other protein-rich foods, was a primary driver behind higher retail prices at the supermarket during the third quarter of 2011, according to the latest grocery price survey from Farm Bureau.
Indiana Farm Bureau’s latest “market basket” survey, an informal survey of grocery prices released every quarter, shows that 16 food items on the survey cost an average of $50.33, up $1.39 from the second quarter of 2011. Of those 16 items, 11 increased and five decreased in average price compared to the prior quarter.
The IFB survey is part of a nationwide survey compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation from data supplied by state Farm Bureaus. The national survey reported similar results, showing a total average price of $53.12, up $1.95 from the previous quarter.
“Global demand for meat and dairy products remains strong and continues to influence retail prices here in the U.S.,” said AFBF economist John Anderson. “Many nations around the world rely on America to provide the food they need to improve their standard of living, particularly through the addition of protein to the diet. Strengthened demand for meats began in 2009, continued through 2010 and remains important as we look ahead to the close of 2011.”
Other factors also came into play, noted Anderson and Isabella Chism, IFB second vice president.
“Farmers continue to pay higher costs for fuel, fertilizer and feed for their livestock, but those costs aren’t passed along to consumers,” said Chism, who farms in Howard County with her husband, Kent. “It’s after the food leaves the farm that costs for transportation, processing, packaging, storage and marketing are added – and those costs continue to rise,” she said.
“As long as these costs remain elevated, consumers will continue to feel it in the form of higher food prices at the supermarket,” Anderson explained.
Meat and dairy products generally showed increases, with some exceptions. Shredded cheddar cheese rose by 20 cents to $4.24/pound; whole milk rose by 13 cents to $3.40/gallon; sirloin tip roast rose by 10 cents to $4.02/pound; and sliced deli ham rose by 3 cents to $5.26/pound.
But the increases in meat and dairy products weren’t universal. Bacon dropped by 24 cents to $3.92/pound, boneless chicken breasts dropped by 21 cents to $3.15/pound, ground chuck was down by 8 cents to $2.97/pound, and eggs were down 3 cents to $1.58/dozen.
Apples, which rose by 50 cents to $2.08 per pound, and potatoes, up 45 cents to $3.59 for a 5-pound bag, accounted for the two largest individual increases. Bagged salad mix also dropped significantly, decreasing by 41 cents to $1.88 for a 1-pound bag.
Other items that increased in price compared to the second quarter were flour, up 30 cents to $2.71 for a 5-pound bag; vegetable oil, up 22 cents to $3.20 for a 32-ounce bottle; white bread, up 18 cents to $1.79 for a 20-ounce loaf; orange juice, up 15 cents to $3.30 for a half gallon; and cereal, up 10 cents to $3.24 per 10-ounce box.
“At the beginning of 2011, a number of factors including growing demand pointed to continued increases in retail food prices, especially for meats. But there’s always a lag time as farmers and ranchers increase the size of their herds to meet higher demand,” Anderson explained. “Extreme weather conditions around the nation have further compounded the issue, diminishing production and further increasing costs.”
The year-to-year direction of the market basket survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http://www.bls.gov/cpi/ ) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. USDA’s new Food Dollar Series may be found online at www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/ .
AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, has been conducting the informal quarterly market basket survey of retail food price trends since 1989. A total of 85 shoppers in 32 states participated in the latest survey, which was conducted in August. In Indiana, 23 volunteer shoppers participated.
According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world.
-30-
3rd Quarter Market Basket Results
Apples, 1 lb. $2.08
Potatoes, 5 lbs. $3.59
Bagged salad mix, 1 lb. $1.88
Orange juice, 1/2 gal. $3.30
Ground chuck, 1 lb. $2.97
Sirloin tip roast, 1 lb $4.02
Bacon, 1lb. $3.92
Sliced deli ham, 1 lb. $5.26
Boneless chicken breast, 1 lb. $3.15
Whole milk, 1 gal. $3.40
Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 lb. $4.24
Grade A large eggs, 1 doz. $1.58
Flour, 5 lbs. $2.71
Vegetable oil, 32 oz. $3.20
Cereal, 10-oz. box $3.24
White bread, 20-oz. loaf $1.79
Total $50.33
Strong global demand, especially for meats and other protein-rich foods, was a primary driver behind higher retail prices at the supermarket during the third quarter of 2011, according to the latest grocery price survey from Farm Bureau.
Indiana Farm Bureau’s latest “market basket” survey, an informal survey of grocery prices released every quarter, shows that 16 food items on the survey cost an average of $50.33, up $1.39 from the second quarter of 2011. Of those 16 items, 11 increased and five decreased in average price compared to the prior quarter.
The IFB survey is part of a nationwide survey compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation from data supplied by state Farm Bureaus. The national survey reported similar results, showing a total average price of $53.12, up $1.95 from the previous quarter.
“Global demand for meat and dairy products remains strong and continues to influence retail prices here in the U.S.,” said AFBF economist John Anderson. “Many nations around the world rely on America to provide the food they need to improve their standard of living, particularly through the addition of protein to the diet. Strengthened demand for meats began in 2009, continued through 2010 and remains important as we look ahead to the close of 2011.”
Other factors also came into play, noted Anderson and Isabella Chism, IFB second vice president.
“Farmers continue to pay higher costs for fuel, fertilizer and feed for their livestock, but those costs aren’t passed along to consumers,” said Chism, who farms in Howard County with her husband, Kent. “It’s after the food leaves the farm that costs for transportation, processing, packaging, storage and marketing are added – and those costs continue to rise,” she said.
“As long as these costs remain elevated, consumers will continue to feel it in the form of higher food prices at the supermarket,” Anderson explained.
Meat and dairy products generally showed increases, with some exceptions. Shredded cheddar cheese rose by 20 cents to $4.24/pound; whole milk rose by 13 cents to $3.40/gallon; sirloin tip roast rose by 10 cents to $4.02/pound; and sliced deli ham rose by 3 cents to $5.26/pound.
But the increases in meat and dairy products weren’t universal. Bacon dropped by 24 cents to $3.92/pound, boneless chicken breasts dropped by 21 cents to $3.15/pound, ground chuck was down by 8 cents to $2.97/pound, and eggs were down 3 cents to $1.58/dozen.
Apples, which rose by 50 cents to $2.08 per pound, and potatoes, up 45 cents to $3.59 for a 5-pound bag, accounted for the two largest individual increases. Bagged salad mix also dropped significantly, decreasing by 41 cents to $1.88 for a 1-pound bag.
Other items that increased in price compared to the second quarter were flour, up 30 cents to $2.71 for a 5-pound bag; vegetable oil, up 22 cents to $3.20 for a 32-ounce bottle; white bread, up 18 cents to $1.79 for a 20-ounce loaf; orange juice, up 15 cents to $3.30 for a half gallon; and cereal, up 10 cents to $3.24 per 10-ounce box.
“At the beginning of 2011, a number of factors including growing demand pointed to continued increases in retail food prices, especially for meats. But there’s always a lag time as farmers and ranchers increase the size of their herds to meet higher demand,” Anderson explained. “Extreme weather conditions around the nation have further compounded the issue, diminishing production and further increasing costs.”
The year-to-year direction of the market basket survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (http://www.bls.gov/cpi/ ) report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Anderson said. USDA’s new Food Dollar Series may be found online at www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/ .
AFBF, the nation’s largest general farm organization, has been conducting the informal quarterly market basket survey of retail food price trends since 1989. A total of 85 shoppers in 32 states participated in the latest survey, which was conducted in August. In Indiana, 23 volunteer shoppers participated.
According to USDA, Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world.
-30-
3rd Quarter Market Basket Results
Apples, 1 lb. $2.08
Potatoes, 5 lbs. $3.59
Bagged salad mix, 1 lb. $1.88
Orange juice, 1/2 gal. $3.30
Ground chuck, 1 lb. $2.97
Sirloin tip roast, 1 lb $4.02
Bacon, 1lb. $3.92
Sliced deli ham, 1 lb. $5.26
Boneless chicken breast, 1 lb. $3.15
Whole milk, 1 gal. $3.40
Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 lb. $4.24
Grade A large eggs, 1 doz. $1.58
Flour, 5 lbs. $2.71
Vegetable oil, 32 oz. $3.20
Cereal, 10-oz. box $3.24
White bread, 20-oz. loaf $1.79
Total $50.33
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fairboard Annual Meeting
The 2011 Annual Fairboard meeting will be held at the Community Building on the fairgrounds next monday, Sept. 26 starting with a pitch-in dinner at 6 pm. Membership and voting rights will cost adults $1 while 4-H members are already members through their 4-H fees. Come and voice your thoughts on the future of the fair through your votes.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Farm Getaway opens in Greencastle
New family farm getaway opens in Greencastle, Monday, September 12, 2011
By LAUREN BOUCHER Staff Writer
The Holton family will open the first family fun farm of its kind in the Greencastle area on Friday, Sept. 16.
As the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to fall, many families are faced with trying to keep their children active as well as entertained. This year families will now have the option of going to Red Barn Farm for some local family fun.
Starting this Friday the farm will be open to public each weekend from 1-7 p.m. until Oct. 31. The farm will feature various activities for kids of all ages such as a 4.5-acre corn maze shaped like Noah's Ark, hayrides, bonfires, and even a pumpkin slingshot. Other activities throughout the day will include story time, various games, as well a build your own scarecrow craft.
The family-run farm, headed by Tom Holton, is 155 acres. The farm has been within the Holton family since 1943 and for the last 15 years the family has been raising their livestock as well as their plants naturally. Which has recently become important to many people in the past few years.
"The reason we went the all-natural route is because a lot of American farmers do it the right way but, there are people out there who don't follow procedures correctly," explained Holton. "They've made consumers scared of the product at the grocery store."
Although the farm wasn't always naturally run, it was fully supported by his mother and father, Bud and Audra. Starting off as a young boy on a milk crate, Holton sold pork chops and pork burgers at the county fair. He learned from his mother and father that promotion of agriculture was extremely important for success.
"We used to go to grocery stores all over the state and pass out pork samples," Holton said. "Promotion is a big part of what we've done as a family."
Today, Holton still practices the same teachings his parents passed down to him. It is with the Red Barn Farms that the Holton family hopes to provide a fun-filled educational day. Many children as well as adults do not know much about where their food comes from about not only where their food comes from but also what is in it.
"We have a passion for teaching kids where their food comes from," said Holton. "It's extremely important to understand the values, the hard work and the animals care that goes into producing a healthy product for people."
The experience at the Red Barn Farm is going to be enjoyable as well as educational. It is the Holton's goal for families to leave with a better understanding of the workings on a farm.
"Parents like this just as much as kids do," explained Holton.
Expanding the farm to include such activities is the first change Holton will make to the farm since his father passed away.
"It's been an emotional rollercoaster because this is something we've always done together and it's my first time on my own," explained Holton. "Opening day without him is going a tough day without him."
Holton and his family spent the past year traveling to different farms around both Indiana and Illinois seeing what worked and what didn't. It took a full year of planning and daily activities in the spring and summer to prepare for this fall.
"My kids were my target audience," Holton said. "We have a good vision for this year but it is a work in progress."
There is still a lot of work to be done but the Holton family will be ready for opening day on Friday, Sept. 16. The farm will be open each weekend up until Oct. 31.
The cost for adults will be $6 and kids two and under will be free. The family has chosen to give a $1 discount to those who bring a canned food item. The food items will later be donated to the Greencastle Christian Church as well as the Putnam County Food Pantry.
"We believe in this community," explained Holton. "This is where we live and this is where we want to do our business."
There will be fall decorations for sale, corn, pumpkins, as well as frozen all-natural meats. It is the Holton family's goal to be open year round. But, for now, starting out with this fall celebration will have to do.
The farm is located just south west of the Putnam County Hospital, at 4409 S. CR 25 W. in Greencastle. For more information visit www.redbarnfamily.com or call 720-8840.
By LAUREN BOUCHER Staff Writer
The Holton family will open the first family fun farm of its kind in the Greencastle area on Friday, Sept. 16.
As the weather gets colder and the leaves begin to fall, many families are faced with trying to keep their children active as well as entertained. This year families will now have the option of going to Red Barn Farm for some local family fun.
Starting this Friday the farm will be open to public each weekend from 1-7 p.m. until Oct. 31. The farm will feature various activities for kids of all ages such as a 4.5-acre corn maze shaped like Noah's Ark, hayrides, bonfires, and even a pumpkin slingshot. Other activities throughout the day will include story time, various games, as well a build your own scarecrow craft.
The family-run farm, headed by Tom Holton, is 155 acres. The farm has been within the Holton family since 1943 and for the last 15 years the family has been raising their livestock as well as their plants naturally. Which has recently become important to many people in the past few years.
"The reason we went the all-natural route is because a lot of American farmers do it the right way but, there are people out there who don't follow procedures correctly," explained Holton. "They've made consumers scared of the product at the grocery store."
Although the farm wasn't always naturally run, it was fully supported by his mother and father, Bud and Audra. Starting off as a young boy on a milk crate, Holton sold pork chops and pork burgers at the county fair. He learned from his mother and father that promotion of agriculture was extremely important for success.
"We used to go to grocery stores all over the state and pass out pork samples," Holton said. "Promotion is a big part of what we've done as a family."
Today, Holton still practices the same teachings his parents passed down to him. It is with the Red Barn Farms that the Holton family hopes to provide a fun-filled educational day. Many children as well as adults do not know much about where their food comes from about not only where their food comes from but also what is in it.
"We have a passion for teaching kids where their food comes from," said Holton. "It's extremely important to understand the values, the hard work and the animals care that goes into producing a healthy product for people."
The experience at the Red Barn Farm is going to be enjoyable as well as educational. It is the Holton's goal for families to leave with a better understanding of the workings on a farm.
"Parents like this just as much as kids do," explained Holton.
Expanding the farm to include such activities is the first change Holton will make to the farm since his father passed away.
"It's been an emotional rollercoaster because this is something we've always done together and it's my first time on my own," explained Holton. "Opening day without him is going a tough day without him."
Holton and his family spent the past year traveling to different farms around both Indiana and Illinois seeing what worked and what didn't. It took a full year of planning and daily activities in the spring and summer to prepare for this fall.
"My kids were my target audience," Holton said. "We have a good vision for this year but it is a work in progress."
There is still a lot of work to be done but the Holton family will be ready for opening day on Friday, Sept. 16. The farm will be open each weekend up until Oct. 31.
The cost for adults will be $6 and kids two and under will be free. The family has chosen to give a $1 discount to those who bring a canned food item. The food items will later be donated to the Greencastle Christian Church as well as the Putnam County Food Pantry.
"We believe in this community," explained Holton. "This is where we live and this is where we want to do our business."
There will be fall decorations for sale, corn, pumpkins, as well as frozen all-natural meats. It is the Holton family's goal to be open year round. But, for now, starting out with this fall celebration will have to do.
The farm is located just south west of the Putnam County Hospital, at 4409 S. CR 25 W. in Greencastle. For more information visit www.redbarnfamily.com or call 720-8840.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Grades for Charitable Groups - 4-H, HSUS, and PETA
Amanda Radke August 31st, 2011
It’s that time of year again — time for 4-H kids to enter their final projects at the State Fair, and time for students to return to school. Calves are being washed and clipped, book bags are being packed, sports practices have resumed, and the busy schedule of fall is officially getting started. Whether it’s getting a purple ribbon on a show steer, scoring a touchdown in the football game or receiving an A on a spelling test, we are constantly being graded for our efforts. In a fitting article I read recently, the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) has released its final grades for charitable groups including 4-H, HSUS and PETA. Find out how they stack up in today’s blog.“Three times a year, the venerable AIP analyzes publicly reported information from charities and issues a report card grading how well these organizations spend their money. Unlike other charity analysts, AIP digs past the face-value data to get a more accurate measure of how effective a charity is,” according to the article.
“In its latest report, AIP gives the deceptively named Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) a ‘D’ grade, yet again. Last year, AIP gave HSUS a ‘D’ grade, twice, due to the animal rights group’s lackluster performance in using donors’ contributions. Even the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a ‘C-plus’ grade.”
To read the entire report, link here.
Notably, 4-H and Farm Aid both received an ‘A’ grades.
Come on, HSUS and PETA. Why the poor grades? Perhaps you aren’t being honest about where your funds are going to?
Learn more about these activist groups here.
It’s that time of year again — time for 4-H kids to enter their final projects at the State Fair, and time for students to return to school. Calves are being washed and clipped, book bags are being packed, sports practices have resumed, and the busy schedule of fall is officially getting started. Whether it’s getting a purple ribbon on a show steer, scoring a touchdown in the football game or receiving an A on a spelling test, we are constantly being graded for our efforts. In a fitting article I read recently, the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP) has released its final grades for charitable groups including 4-H, HSUS and PETA. Find out how they stack up in today’s blog.“Three times a year, the venerable AIP analyzes publicly reported information from charities and issues a report card grading how well these organizations spend their money. Unlike other charity analysts, AIP digs past the face-value data to get a more accurate measure of how effective a charity is,” according to the article.
“In its latest report, AIP gives the deceptively named Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) a ‘D’ grade, yet again. Last year, AIP gave HSUS a ‘D’ grade, twice, due to the animal rights group’s lackluster performance in using donors’ contributions. Even the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has a ‘C-plus’ grade.”
To read the entire report, link here.
Notably, 4-H and Farm Aid both received an ‘A’ grades.
Come on, HSUS and PETA. Why the poor grades? Perhaps you aren’t being honest about where your funds are going to?
Learn more about these activist groups here.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
More on the Indiana Farm Bureau Delegate session
Farm bill, taxes and local government structure debated by IFB delegates
Local government structure, property taxes and fire territories were among the many issues that Indiana Farm Bureau delegates discussed during the annual policy session, but it was federal farm funding that held center stage.
During the Aug. 27 session, delegates took an unusually long look at farm program funding because all indications are that the debate over the next farm bill is going to be extremely unusual.
“Because of the budget catastrophe in Washington, the farm bill policy process has been expedited,” said IFB President Don Villwock, explaining that the super committee – the -member group of U.S. representatives and senators responsible for finding $1.5 trillion in budget savings for the next 10 years – could have an enormous effect on the farm program.
“There are some who believe that the super committee might actually write the farm bill, or at least allocate the dollars, before the Christmas break,” he said. “It’s critical that we get our ideas to Washington this fall.”
Because of this accelerated schedule – and the certainty that there will be less money in the farm program budget – IFB delegates voted to prioritize farm program budget areas rather than debate specific programs. IFB’s farm program priorities are:
· Risk management/crop insurance. “This is the no. 1 priority of IFB delegates – and that’s something I’ve heard across the state,” Villwock said. 2011 shows how important a viable risk management program is to farmers and their credit institutions, he noted.
· Research. Delegates ranked this budget area so high because research dollars have long been dwindling even as research has become more essential. “As we think about trying to feed a 9 billion-population planet, we’ll need to increase production by almost 70 percent. That won’t happen without research,” Villwock explained.
· Conservation.
· Rural development.
· Direct payments. These are no longer a high priority for Indiana farmers, Villwock said, because for most, these payments no longer constitute a significant portion of their income.
The delegates’ willingness to prioritize farm spending demonstrated something he’s noticed across the state, Villwock said: “Indiana farmers realize that we need to get deficit reduction as a priority, we need to get our finances in the shape, we need to balance the budget, and agriculture’s willing to do its fair share.
“But I think the key word is ‘fair.’ I think we’re willing to take some cuts as long as they’re fair.”
Other key policy decisions taken by the delegates include:
Local government mergers: Reacting to recent efforts by the General Assembly and some counties to consolidate townships or city-county governments, delegates added language saying that consolidation “should occur only after the voters of incorporated and unincorporated areas have independently approved a comprehensive plan.”
Fire territories: Delegates greatly expanded the policy’s language addressing fire territories, adding language saying that prior obligations from participating units “cannot be spread to taxpayers of the other participating units.”
Indiana State Fair: By a close vote, delegates approved language in support of the sale of beer and wine during the state fair so long as it was sold in a “controlled environment” and emphasized Indiana-made products.
Property taxes: Delegates maintained IFB’s stance in favor of “permanent and substantial measures to free Hoosiers from the burden of property taxes” but added language supporting the “elimination or reduction of the supplemental homestead deduction.”
Local government structure, property taxes and fire territories were among the many issues that Indiana Farm Bureau delegates discussed during the annual policy session, but it was federal farm funding that held center stage.
During the Aug. 27 session, delegates took an unusually long look at farm program funding because all indications are that the debate over the next farm bill is going to be extremely unusual.
“Because of the budget catastrophe in Washington, the farm bill policy process has been expedited,” said IFB President Don Villwock, explaining that the super committee – the -member group of U.S. representatives and senators responsible for finding $1.5 trillion in budget savings for the next 10 years – could have an enormous effect on the farm program.
“There are some who believe that the super committee might actually write the farm bill, or at least allocate the dollars, before the Christmas break,” he said. “It’s critical that we get our ideas to Washington this fall.”
Because of this accelerated schedule – and the certainty that there will be less money in the farm program budget – IFB delegates voted to prioritize farm program budget areas rather than debate specific programs. IFB’s farm program priorities are:
· Risk management/crop insurance. “This is the no. 1 priority of IFB delegates – and that’s something I’ve heard across the state,” Villwock said. 2011 shows how important a viable risk management program is to farmers and their credit institutions, he noted.
· Research. Delegates ranked this budget area so high because research dollars have long been dwindling even as research has become more essential. “As we think about trying to feed a 9 billion-population planet, we’ll need to increase production by almost 70 percent. That won’t happen without research,” Villwock explained.
· Conservation.
· Rural development.
· Direct payments. These are no longer a high priority for Indiana farmers, Villwock said, because for most, these payments no longer constitute a significant portion of their income.
The delegates’ willingness to prioritize farm spending demonstrated something he’s noticed across the state, Villwock said: “Indiana farmers realize that we need to get deficit reduction as a priority, we need to get our finances in the shape, we need to balance the budget, and agriculture’s willing to do its fair share.
“But I think the key word is ‘fair.’ I think we’re willing to take some cuts as long as they’re fair.”
Other key policy decisions taken by the delegates include:
Local government mergers: Reacting to recent efforts by the General Assembly and some counties to consolidate townships or city-county governments, delegates added language saying that consolidation “should occur only after the voters of incorporated and unincorporated areas have independently approved a comprehensive plan.”
Fire territories: Delegates greatly expanded the policy’s language addressing fire territories, adding language saying that prior obligations from participating units “cannot be spread to taxpayers of the other participating units.”
Indiana State Fair: By a close vote, delegates approved language in support of the sale of beer and wine during the state fair so long as it was sold in a “controlled environment” and emphasized Indiana-made products.
Property taxes: Delegates maintained IFB’s stance in favor of “permanent and substantial measures to free Hoosiers from the burden of property taxes” but added language supporting the “elimination or reduction of the supplemental homestead deduction.”
Monday, August 29, 2011
Your County Farm Bureau board at work
Your FB board met tonight with local zoning officials and a commissioner to discuss our current zoning language. The main objective is to allow the sale off of Homestead residences without the loss of farm ground. These existing homes could be sold without the 10 acre minimum if our ideas are heard. We also discussed controling the density of new homes in A1 properties.
Joe Mann, Steve Cash, and David Greenburg attended the state FB policy meeting this past Saturday to help shape Farm Bureau's direction when the legislators go back to work.
Steve Cash attended the Candidate Surfacing meeting last Friday where attention was given to the need to surface candidates with an Ag background to protect the rights of the local farmer. A candidate training school is coming up in November.
The board set the date for its annual meeting as Feb. 28 provided all the details can be worked out.
Plans will soon be in the works for the upcoming Legislative session with plans for a meeting between county superintendents and school boards and our legislators along with scheduling our Legislative Update sessions for the 3rd Saturday in Jan., Feb, and March.
Joe Mann, Steve Cash, and David Greenburg attended the state FB policy meeting this past Saturday to help shape Farm Bureau's direction when the legislators go back to work.
Steve Cash attended the Candidate Surfacing meeting last Friday where attention was given to the need to surface candidates with an Ag background to protect the rights of the local farmer. A candidate training school is coming up in November.
The board set the date for its annual meeting as Feb. 28 provided all the details can be worked out.
Plans will soon be in the works for the upcoming Legislative session with plans for a meeting between county superintendents and school boards and our legislators along with scheduling our Legislative Update sessions for the 3rd Saturday in Jan., Feb, and March.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Cheese sculpture at State Fair
Cheese Sculpture Popularity Growing 08/16/2011by Andy Eubank
Just a few hundred feet from the always popular and packed dairy bar at the Indiana State Fair sits the newest cheese sculpture commissioned by Indiana dairy farmers. Over 1420 pounds of Indiana cheese was used to create the giant slice of birthday cake for the 80th birthday of the Indiana Dairy and Nutrition Council.Cheese lady Sarah Kaufmann again crafted the sculpture in the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion. "This is fabulous cheddar from Indiana, from Pace Dairy in Crawfordsville. They're the big cheddar manufacturer in the state and we get two 640 pound blocks in. On the first day I'm splitting them with wires to make different configurations of squares."The cheese lady told HAT it's just impossible to be around that much cheese day after day without sampling it. "Well it's my job as quality control to taste the cheese, and every once in awhile when I'm scraping, this beautiful ribbon of cheese comes off, and I have to. I have to have a taste."Delicious pepper jack cheese has been incorporated into the sculpture and that cheese has become a dairy bar favorite since being added to the menu this year as a grilled sandwich on sourdough bread.At the official unveiling of the sculpture last week there was a huge crowd, and Deb Osza, general manger of Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, explained that the sculpture is becoming a traditional state fair destination for Hoosier families.
"We have so many people here lining up trying to take a picture. They want to get up close and see, and they just marvel at this beautiful sculpture that's made out of cheese. And it really helps us tell our message about dairy farming and how they care for their animals and the land while they're producing wonderful milk which is used to make cheese. So it kind of demonstrates the whole cycle and I think people get that message."See the creation as it remains on display inside the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion through the end of the fair Sunday, August 21. And hear more from Deb and Sarah at the HAT blog, hatchat.net.
"We have so many people here lining up trying to take a picture. They want to get up close and see, and they just marvel at this beautiful sculpture that's made out of cheese. And it really helps us tell our message about dairy farming and how they care for their animals and the land while they're producing wonderful milk which is used to make cheese. So it kind of demonstrates the whole cycle and I think people get that message."See the creation as it remains on display inside the Pioneer Our Land Pavilion through the end of the fair Sunday, August 21. And hear more from Deb and Sarah at the HAT blog, hatchat.net.
Monday, August 8, 2011
"Why do we grow soybeans!"
"Why do they grow soybeans?"Poultry are the largest consumers of soybeans followed by swine, beef and dairy. Soybeans also produce vegetable oil which is used in salad dressing, cooking oil, and in a variety of processed food items. So, chances are, several of the food items you consumed today contained soybeans. McDonalds calls those bite-sized pieces of chicken, "chicken nuggets," but it would be more accurate to call them soybean nuggets. Perhaps they should start putting soybean action figures in Happy Meals.
The real magic of the soybean, however, comes from the thousands of other uses it has in addition to food for people and animals. Soy can be found in many industrial products including paint, rubber, and ink. A wide variety of consumer products are also made with soy including hand cream, hair care products, antibiotics, and crayons. Each year, Purdue University holds a contest for inventors to come up with new products made with soy. Such inventions as soy candles and ski wax have come from this competition. Soybeans are even helping to solve our energy crisis. Soy methyl ester, a byproduct of the soybean, can be mixed with diesel oil to produce soy biodiesel. This renewable fuel can power cars, trucks, and busses and can produce less air pollution and reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil.
Soybeans were first discovered and cultivated in China. The first field of soybeans was planted in the U S in 1765 in Georgia. In 1770, Benjamin Franklin wrote about the new crop called soybeans. During the Civil War, soybeans were often roasted and ground as a substitute for coffee. Growing of soybeans by farmers did not become widespread until after World War I. Farmers, especially in the west, started growing soybeans as a way of replenishing their soil. The soybean plant puts a lot of nitrogen back into the soil when it is grown. Henry Ford was a big promoter of soybeans. The Ford Motor Company spent over $1 million dollars on soybean research and, by 1935, 2 bushels of soybeans were part of every Ford car made. After World War II, the growing of soybeans became more popular in Indiana and across the Midwest. With the introduction of hybrid seeds and commercial fertilizers, farmers began to use soybeans as a rotation crop with corn. Today many farmers will grow corn one year in a field and the next year grow soybeans. This rotation helps replenish the soil as well as control pests and diseases. Much of Indiana's soybean crop enters the world market.
The United States it the largest exporter of soybeans in the world. The adoption of biotechnology has increased the soybean yields and has given farmers many new tools to produce soybeans more economically. New varieties of soybeans now produce vegetable oil that has no trans-fats and has many other properties that are good for human health. On average, a soybean field in Indiana will yield 50 bushels of soybeans. US soybean production has been steadily increasing from 28 bushels per acre in 1984 to a national average of 44 bushels per acre in 2009. But yields will have to continue to increase. It is estimated that, by 2050, world population will top 9 billion people. The US farmer will have to double food production by that time in order to feed the world’s population. Soybean protein will be a big part of that effort. So that is why we grow soybeans: to provide the world with a source of food, fiber, and fuel. Growing soybeans also helps the environment by providing profitable rotation crops with corn for Midwestern farmers. Soybeans will continue to increase in importance as our world increases its food demand and seeks for more bio-based industrial and energy products. Consumers need to know more about soybeans. It is up to soybean farmers to help explain why we grow soybeans.
The real magic of the soybean, however, comes from the thousands of other uses it has in addition to food for people and animals. Soy can be found in many industrial products including paint, rubber, and ink. A wide variety of consumer products are also made with soy including hand cream, hair care products, antibiotics, and crayons. Each year, Purdue University holds a contest for inventors to come up with new products made with soy. Such inventions as soy candles and ski wax have come from this competition. Soybeans are even helping to solve our energy crisis. Soy methyl ester, a byproduct of the soybean, can be mixed with diesel oil to produce soy biodiesel. This renewable fuel can power cars, trucks, and busses and can produce less air pollution and reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil.
Soybeans were first discovered and cultivated in China. The first field of soybeans was planted in the U S in 1765 in Georgia. In 1770, Benjamin Franklin wrote about the new crop called soybeans. During the Civil War, soybeans were often roasted and ground as a substitute for coffee. Growing of soybeans by farmers did not become widespread until after World War I. Farmers, especially in the west, started growing soybeans as a way of replenishing their soil. The soybean plant puts a lot of nitrogen back into the soil when it is grown. Henry Ford was a big promoter of soybeans. The Ford Motor Company spent over $1 million dollars on soybean research and, by 1935, 2 bushels of soybeans were part of every Ford car made. After World War II, the growing of soybeans became more popular in Indiana and across the Midwest. With the introduction of hybrid seeds and commercial fertilizers, farmers began to use soybeans as a rotation crop with corn. Today many farmers will grow corn one year in a field and the next year grow soybeans. This rotation helps replenish the soil as well as control pests and diseases. Much of Indiana's soybean crop enters the world market.
The United States it the largest exporter of soybeans in the world. The adoption of biotechnology has increased the soybean yields and has given farmers many new tools to produce soybeans more economically. New varieties of soybeans now produce vegetable oil that has no trans-fats and has many other properties that are good for human health. On average, a soybean field in Indiana will yield 50 bushels of soybeans. US soybean production has been steadily increasing from 28 bushels per acre in 1984 to a national average of 44 bushels per acre in 2009. But yields will have to continue to increase. It is estimated that, by 2050, world population will top 9 billion people. The US farmer will have to double food production by that time in order to feed the world’s population. Soybean protein will be a big part of that effort. So that is why we grow soybeans: to provide the world with a source of food, fiber, and fuel. Growing soybeans also helps the environment by providing profitable rotation crops with corn for Midwestern farmers. Soybeans will continue to increase in importance as our world increases its food demand and seeks for more bio-based industrial and energy products. Consumers need to know more about soybeans. It is up to soybean farmers to help explain why we grow soybeans.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Antique Tractor Show
Putnam County Farm Bureau hosted this year's Antique Tractor Show at this year's Putnam County Fair. Roger Earley, Jeff Coffman, and Steve Cash served on the show committee. Judges for the contest were Eric Earley, Jerry Chandler, and Dan Cash. Winners of this year's show were Denver McMurtry with Best in Show, John Shoffner was 1st runner-up, Parker and Jeff Coffman were 2nd runner-up, and Matt Chandler came in as 3rd runner-up. Best Tractor in Work Clothes was awarded to Verlin Cash with his WC Allis and plow. Also receiving Dash plaques were Jeff Mendenhall and his wife, and Roger Earley. The Committee would like to give special thanks to John Shoffner for bringing his Massy Ferguson Combine to the Show. Award donors were Wright Implement, Shoffner Implement, Taylormade, Roger Earley, and Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Investors driving up land prices?
Braden Janowski has never planted seeds or brought in a harvest. He doesn't even own overalls.
Yet when 430 acres of Michigan cornfields were auctioned last summer, it was Janowski, a brash, 33-year-old software executive, who made the winning bid. It was so high -- $4 million, 25 percent above the next highest -- that some farmers stood, shook their heads and walked out. Janowski figures he got the land cheap.
"Corn back then was around $4," he said from his office in Tulsa, Okla., stealing a glance at prices per bushel on his computer. Corn rose to almost $8 in June and trades now at about $7.
A new breed of gentleman farmer is shaking up the American heartland. Rich investors with no ties to farming, no dirt under their nails, are confident enough to wager big on a patch of earth -- betting that it's a smart investment because food will only get more expensive around the world.
They're buying wheat fields in Kansas, rows of Iowa corn and acres of soybeans in Indiana. And though farmers still fill most of the seats at auctions, the newcomers are growing in number and variety -- a Seattle computer executive, a Kansas City lawyer, a publishing executive from Chicago, a Boston money manager.
The value of farmland has almost doubled in six years. In Nebraska and Kansas, it's up more than 50 percent. Prices have risen so fast that regulators have begun sounding alarms, and farmers are beginning to voice concerns.
"I never thought prices would get this high," said Robert Huber, 73, who just sold his 500-acre corn and soybean farm in Carmel for $3.8 million, or $7,600 an acre, triple what he paid for it a decade ago. "At the price we got, it's going to take a long time for him to pay it off -- and that's if crop prices stay high."
Buyers say soaring farm values reflect fundamentals. Crop prices have risen because demand for food is growing around the world while the supply of arable land is shrinking.
At the same time, farmers are shifting more of their land to the crops with the fastest-rising prices, which could cause those prices to fall -- and take the value of farms with them. When the government reported June 30 that farmers had planted the second-largest corn crop in 70 years, corn prices dropped 8 percent in two days.
Even if crop prices hold up, land values could fall if another key prop disappears: low interest rates.
When the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate to a record low in December 2008, yields on CDs, money-market funds and other conservative investments plunged, too. Investors were unhappy about earning less but were too scared about the economy to do much about it.
As they grew more confident -- and more frustrated with puny returns -- they shifted money into riskier assets such as stocks and corporate bonds. To many Wall Street experts, this hunt for alternatives helps explain the rapid rise in gold, art, oil -- and farms.
Those who favor farms point out that, unlike the first three choices, you can collect income while you own it. You can sell what you grow on the farm or hand the fields over to a farmer and collect rent.
In Iowa, investors pocket annual rent equivalent to 4 percent of the price of land. That's a 60-year low but almost 2.5 percentage points more than the average yield on five-year CDs at banks. That advantage could disappear quickly if the Fed starts raising rates. For now, though, investors can't seem to get enough of it.
Concern that farm prices may be inflated is serious enough that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. held a conference for farm lenders in March titled "Don't Bet the Farm."
Yet when 430 acres of Michigan cornfields were auctioned last summer, it was Janowski, a brash, 33-year-old software executive, who made the winning bid. It was so high -- $4 million, 25 percent above the next highest -- that some farmers stood, shook their heads and walked out. Janowski figures he got the land cheap.
"Corn back then was around $4," he said from his office in Tulsa, Okla., stealing a glance at prices per bushel on his computer. Corn rose to almost $8 in June and trades now at about $7.
A new breed of gentleman farmer is shaking up the American heartland. Rich investors with no ties to farming, no dirt under their nails, are confident enough to wager big on a patch of earth -- betting that it's a smart investment because food will only get more expensive around the world.
They're buying wheat fields in Kansas, rows of Iowa corn and acres of soybeans in Indiana. And though farmers still fill most of the seats at auctions, the newcomers are growing in number and variety -- a Seattle computer executive, a Kansas City lawyer, a publishing executive from Chicago, a Boston money manager.
The value of farmland has almost doubled in six years. In Nebraska and Kansas, it's up more than 50 percent. Prices have risen so fast that regulators have begun sounding alarms, and farmers are beginning to voice concerns.
"I never thought prices would get this high," said Robert Huber, 73, who just sold his 500-acre corn and soybean farm in Carmel for $3.8 million, or $7,600 an acre, triple what he paid for it a decade ago. "At the price we got, it's going to take a long time for him to pay it off -- and that's if crop prices stay high."
Buyers say soaring farm values reflect fundamentals. Crop prices have risen because demand for food is growing around the world while the supply of arable land is shrinking.
At the same time, farmers are shifting more of their land to the crops with the fastest-rising prices, which could cause those prices to fall -- and take the value of farms with them. When the government reported June 30 that farmers had planted the second-largest corn crop in 70 years, corn prices dropped 8 percent in two days.
Even if crop prices hold up, land values could fall if another key prop disappears: low interest rates.
When the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate to a record low in December 2008, yields on CDs, money-market funds and other conservative investments plunged, too. Investors were unhappy about earning less but were too scared about the economy to do much about it.
As they grew more confident -- and more frustrated with puny returns -- they shifted money into riskier assets such as stocks and corporate bonds. To many Wall Street experts, this hunt for alternatives helps explain the rapid rise in gold, art, oil -- and farms.
Those who favor farms point out that, unlike the first three choices, you can collect income while you own it. You can sell what you grow on the farm or hand the fields over to a farmer and collect rent.
In Iowa, investors pocket annual rent equivalent to 4 percent of the price of land. That's a 60-year low but almost 2.5 percentage points more than the average yield on five-year CDs at banks. That advantage could disappear quickly if the Fed starts raising rates. For now, though, investors can't seem to get enough of it.
Concern that farm prices may be inflated is serious enough that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. held a conference for farm lenders in March titled "Don't Bet the Farm."
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Putnam County Fair Queen and her Court
Paxton Danielle Stephenson was crowned the 2011 Putnam County Fair Queen. She is the daughter of Aaron and Mandy Stephenson of Fillmore. A recent graduate of North Putnam she plans to attend Milligan College. She was a member and president of the Working Farmers 4-H Club.
Cara Faye Stanley was selected 1st Runner up. She is the daughter of Rusty and Lisa Stanley of Fillmore. She too is a 2011 graduate of North Putnam and plans to go to Ball State in the fall.
Megan Brooke Robinson received the 2nd Runner up award. Megan is the daughter of Roland and Melissa Robinson of Roachdale. Also a recent North Putnam graduate she plans to study at Hanover this fall. She was a member of the Working Farmers 4-H Club.
Danielle Harbison may have been 3rd Runner up but she received the coveted Miss Congeniality award. She is the daughter of Bruce and Julie Harbison of Roachdale. You might have guessed that she too was a recent graduate of North Putnam. Also a member of the Working Farmers
4-H Club in Bainbridge. You will find her at Ball State this fall. Completing her 10th year of 4-H will be very special for Danielle.
Cara Faye Stanley was selected 1st Runner up. She is the daughter of Rusty and Lisa Stanley of Fillmore. She too is a 2011 graduate of North Putnam and plans to go to Ball State in the fall.
Megan Brooke Robinson received the 2nd Runner up award. Megan is the daughter of Roland and Melissa Robinson of Roachdale. Also a recent North Putnam graduate she plans to study at Hanover this fall. She was a member of the Working Farmers 4-H Club.
Danielle Harbison may have been 3rd Runner up but she received the coveted Miss Congeniality award. She is the daughter of Bruce and Julie Harbison of Roachdale. You might have guessed that she too was a recent graduate of North Putnam. Also a member of the Working Farmers
4-H Club in Bainbridge. You will find her at Ball State this fall. Completing her 10th year of 4-H will be very special for Danielle.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Putnam County Fairgrounds Endowment
Please make every effort to attend and support the Fairgrounds Endowment by attending the Kick-Off event this Sunday from 2-4 pm. Ken Torr will MC the event with plenty of ice cream to go around. Ken will discuss the history of the fair dating back to 1837. The Endowment will attempt to provide funds for years to come to help insure the Fair will continue to provide Putnam County Agriculture to display its work and educate and entertain the people of Putnam County and surrounding counties. The Putnam County Fair has received many awards and will continue to be one of the best fairs in the state. Having been a part of the fair since 1962 and President in 1991 and 1992 I encourage all the past fairboard members to be a part of Sunday's event. Looking forward to seeing you there and remember the ice cream is free but bring your check book and support this worthy cause.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Preparing for the County Fair
The Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc. board is making plans for completion of a number of activities at this year's fair.
1. Donation to the Putnam County Fair Queen
2. Donation for the Beef Ultrasound program
3. Preparation of the Milk Barn. Workers are always needed to help sell milk, stop in at the barn to donate some time.
4. Donation for the Master Gardner award.
5. Buying animals at the Livestock Auction.
6. Conducting the Pedal Tractor Pull Event on Friday. Registration begins at 3pm with pulling at 3:30, location still pending.
7. New This year will be Farm Bureau's involvement with the Antique Tractor Show.
8. Discontinued is the Pet Parade.
9. Tenure Awards
10. $1000 Donation to the Fairgrounds Endowment Program.
Anyone wishing to assist with any of the activities please contact Joe Mann.
1. Donation to the Putnam County Fair Queen
2. Donation for the Beef Ultrasound program
3. Preparation of the Milk Barn. Workers are always needed to help sell milk, stop in at the barn to donate some time.
4. Donation for the Master Gardner award.
5. Buying animals at the Livestock Auction.
6. Conducting the Pedal Tractor Pull Event on Friday. Registration begins at 3pm with pulling at 3:30, location still pending.
7. New This year will be Farm Bureau's involvement with the Antique Tractor Show.
8. Discontinued is the Pet Parade.
9. Tenure Awards
10. $1000 Donation to the Fairgrounds Endowment Program.
Anyone wishing to assist with any of the activities please contact Joe Mann.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
New Indiana FFA Officers
Casie Conley to Lead New Indiana FFA Officers
06/15/2011by Andy Eubank
The old adage when you need something done have a busy person do it certainly applies to the new Indiana State FFA president. Casie Conley was installed as the 82nd state convention concluded Wednesday afternoon in Purdue University's Elliott Hall of Music.
The recent Knightstown High School graduate was 2nd runner-up in the Indiana State Fair queen pageant last year and she also has juggled many high school and extracurricular activities.
I was class president, cheerleader, Student Council, National Honor Society, History Club, Spanish Club, FCA, and 4-H. Im president of my 4-H club and 4-H is a big part of my life too. So I was in almost everything!
But nothing tops the excitement Casie is feeling about leading a state organization that means so much to her. I seriously cannot wait. I cant wait to move into the house and get into serving this great organization that has made me the woman I am today. I cant wait. The new state president plans to be an agricultural communications major when she starts college. She already has a good feel of the need for good communicators in agriculture.
I think in the world today there are just so many misconceptions of agriculture, she explained. Is our food safe, is our fiber safe. I think its so important because we have to keep the world going and we have to feed the world, and thats so important to me and all the rest of the agriculturalists here today. I love nothing better than to be an advocate for agriculture and Im sure thats what Im going to be doing this year.
Conley told HAT she was impressed by all fifteen other state officer candidates and is excited about working with the new state officer team.
The other state officers in the coming year are Sarah Correll of North Miami, Secretary; Rachel Schmitt of Tipton, North Region VP; Jacob Mattox of South Decatur, South Region VP; Treasurer Gianna Hartman of Warsaw; Reporter Ross Newton of Hoosier Hills; and Travis Olinske of Carroll @ Ft. Wayne, Sentinel.
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06/15/2011by Andy Eubank
The old adage when you need something done have a busy person do it certainly applies to the new Indiana State FFA president. Casie Conley was installed as the 82nd state convention concluded Wednesday afternoon in Purdue University's Elliott Hall of Music.
The recent Knightstown High School graduate was 2nd runner-up in the Indiana State Fair queen pageant last year and she also has juggled many high school and extracurricular activities.
I was class president, cheerleader, Student Council, National Honor Society, History Club, Spanish Club, FCA, and 4-H. Im president of my 4-H club and 4-H is a big part of my life too. So I was in almost everything!
But nothing tops the excitement Casie is feeling about leading a state organization that means so much to her. I seriously cannot wait. I cant wait to move into the house and get into serving this great organization that has made me the woman I am today. I cant wait. The new state president plans to be an agricultural communications major when she starts college. She already has a good feel of the need for good communicators in agriculture.
I think in the world today there are just so many misconceptions of agriculture, she explained. Is our food safe, is our fiber safe. I think its so important because we have to keep the world going and we have to feed the world, and thats so important to me and all the rest of the agriculturalists here today. I love nothing better than to be an advocate for agriculture and Im sure thats what Im going to be doing this year.
Conley told HAT she was impressed by all fifteen other state officer candidates and is excited about working with the new state officer team.
The other state officers in the coming year are Sarah Correll of North Miami, Secretary; Rachel Schmitt of Tipton, North Region VP; Jacob Mattox of South Decatur, South Region VP; Treasurer Gianna Hartman of Warsaw; Reporter Ross Newton of Hoosier Hills; and Travis Olinske of Carroll @ Ft. Wayne, Sentinel.
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Monday, June 6, 2011
Tire Care for Your Farm Equipment
Tire Care and Productivity
Take care of your tires, and they will take care of you. Taking time to adjust inflation pressures can lead to improved performance and fuel efficiency
Proper tractor tire maintenance not only helps extend the life of your tires, but also can have significant impact in helping to improve overall efficiency in the field.
According to engineering research, tractive efficiency (getting axle power to the ground) is at best 60 to 80 percent, depending on soil conditions, but proper tire maintenance could improve efficiency by up to 10 percent. That shift in efficiencies can translate into substantial fuel savings, so maintaining your tires does have a positive effect on your bottom line.
Obtaining optimum performance from your tractor tires requires one of your most valuable resources - time. But the time spent checking inflation pressures and adjusting tractor ballast to the application at hand can pay big dividends in terms of improved traction, decreased compaction and overall performance.
Basically there are two factions out in the countryside:
Those farmers who purchase a radial tire, but don’t like the way they road - to squirmy - so they inflate them to 30 psi, and as a result they have a very expensive bias tire because of the high inflation pressure. This defeats the original purpose in purchasing radial tires - improved traction and flotation.
The other faction knows the load of the tractor and implement and adjusts the tire inflation pressures to achieve optimum performance. When another implement is attached to the tractor they adjust inflation pressures to account for the new load rating.
"Ultimately farmers should be adjusting inflation pressure with each field activity to maximize the tire footprint, traction, tire wear and overall fuel efficiency," says Scott Sloan, product engineering manager for Titan Tire Corporation. "It’s all about hitting that load and inflation sweet spot."
For example, tire inflation during heavy tillage work will be different than when pulling a planter. Why? Because the load varies with each implement, and that load affects the performance of the tire. Let’s say you run a maximum load for heavy tillage at 9000 pounds and an inflation pressure of 23 psi, but pulling a planter will only load the tires to 6000 pounds, allowing you to drop the inflation pressure to as low as 6 psi in some cases.
"A common mistake is that farmers see the inflation pressure on the sidewall and think that is the proper tire inflation, but that’s actually not the case," says Dennis Buckmaster a Purdue University agricultural engineer. "Proper inflation is a function of the load on the tire. There are manuals and tables available on the Internet to help farmers calculate the best possible inflation based on tractor weight, what’s being pulled and the speed traveled. They also can help determine the amount of weight (ballast) to add or subtract from the tractor."
Air carries the loadAir pressure is the most critical part of the equation because air, not the tire, carries the load of the tractor and the implement. The best thing farmers can do is to determine, before major field work, the load they will be carrying for various applications (chisel, disk planter, etc.).
"It’s as simple as stopping by a local retailer that has a scale and weighing the tractor and implement," says Sloan. "Also, if you typically run with additional weights on the tractor, make sure they are in place during this process and that all tanks (fuel and saddle) are full as it’s important to know the true maximum load on the axle. Once you have that information you can determine the desired inflation pressure. If that’s not an option, contact your local equipment dealer and they can provide the weight of the tractor and implement."
So you’ve calculated the load; how do you determine the optimum inflation pressure?
The Tire and Rim Association of America - made up of all major tractor tire manufacturers - has established a set of recommendations for setting air inflation based on load. These tables can be accessed on the Internet, from tire manufacturer websites or by contacting your local independent tire dealer.
"All tire manufacturers work from the same tables," says Sloan. "This provides consistency among the tire brands in case you are running two or three different brands of tractor tires across your equipment."
Not only will adjusting air inflation result in better productivity and fuel efficiency out of your tire, but it can also affect the ride and handling in the field and on the road. Then again there are some compromises. The optimum air inflation for field work may not produce a smooth ride when moving from one field to the next. A farmer can always take time to increase inflation pressure when driving between fields for a better ride and then drop the pressures back down before commencing additional field work. However, not many farmers want to go to that trouble. So instead of running at 6 psi, they will take it up to 12 or 14 psi, which will provide a better ride and still maintain good efficiency in the field.
Don’t ignore ballast Air inflation pressure isn’t the only way to get the best performance from your tires and tractor. Ballast is another way to maximize performance in the field by enhancing traction or eliminating an issue, such as power hop. Power hop occurs when the tractor tires load up and let loose, basically causing the tractor to jump in a high-torque application.
To enhance traction additional weight can be added to the front or rear wheels, whereas with power hop you are redistributing weight to the front of the tractor. Ballast should be used to attain enough traction to pass power to the ground without creating excessive wheel slip. Too much ballast can create a deeper track, which can result in power loss because the tractor wheel must climb out of a deeper track.
"There is a wealth of information regarding ballast on the Internet," says Sloan. "In fact, many tractor manufacturers also have information on how to properly ballast their respective brands."
When it comes to ballast, case weights are the most popular since they are relatively easy to add and remove from the tractor. Another option is wheel weights that attach directly to the axle of the tractor. The last option is filling the tires with calcium chloride, but this method isn’t used much today.
Before making a decision on ballast, farmers should also take into consideration the type of implement being used. The heavier the implement - chisel - the more traction you get. That does help, but farmers may try to combat that with not ballasting and adjusting inflation pressure. It all goes together - ballasting and inflation pressure - the lower your tire inflation pressure, the less ballast needed, and thus the higher your inflation pressure, the more weight is needed to get the same traction. It’s a balancing act.
Buckmaster adds that the correct weight, tire size and inflation pressure can help reduce slip by half. Or, in other words, 25 percent slip could be reduced to 12 to 13 percent. That’s a significant improvement.
So take some time to care for your tires, and you may be surprised at the results you attain in the field. Your time is valuable, but what better place to invest a couple of hours? The results can lead to better traction, less compaction and improved fuel efficiency. Over the course of a growing season, these small adjustments can help save time and money in the long term.
Take care of your tires, and they will take care of you. Taking time to adjust inflation pressures can lead to improved performance and fuel efficiency
Proper tractor tire maintenance not only helps extend the life of your tires, but also can have significant impact in helping to improve overall efficiency in the field.
According to engineering research, tractive efficiency (getting axle power to the ground) is at best 60 to 80 percent, depending on soil conditions, but proper tire maintenance could improve efficiency by up to 10 percent. That shift in efficiencies can translate into substantial fuel savings, so maintaining your tires does have a positive effect on your bottom line.
Obtaining optimum performance from your tractor tires requires one of your most valuable resources - time. But the time spent checking inflation pressures and adjusting tractor ballast to the application at hand can pay big dividends in terms of improved traction, decreased compaction and overall performance.
Basically there are two factions out in the countryside:
Those farmers who purchase a radial tire, but don’t like the way they road - to squirmy - so they inflate them to 30 psi, and as a result they have a very expensive bias tire because of the high inflation pressure. This defeats the original purpose in purchasing radial tires - improved traction and flotation.
The other faction knows the load of the tractor and implement and adjusts the tire inflation pressures to achieve optimum performance. When another implement is attached to the tractor they adjust inflation pressures to account for the new load rating.
"Ultimately farmers should be adjusting inflation pressure with each field activity to maximize the tire footprint, traction, tire wear and overall fuel efficiency," says Scott Sloan, product engineering manager for Titan Tire Corporation. "It’s all about hitting that load and inflation sweet spot."
For example, tire inflation during heavy tillage work will be different than when pulling a planter. Why? Because the load varies with each implement, and that load affects the performance of the tire. Let’s say you run a maximum load for heavy tillage at 9000 pounds and an inflation pressure of 23 psi, but pulling a planter will only load the tires to 6000 pounds, allowing you to drop the inflation pressure to as low as 6 psi in some cases.
"A common mistake is that farmers see the inflation pressure on the sidewall and think that is the proper tire inflation, but that’s actually not the case," says Dennis Buckmaster a Purdue University agricultural engineer. "Proper inflation is a function of the load on the tire. There are manuals and tables available on the Internet to help farmers calculate the best possible inflation based on tractor weight, what’s being pulled and the speed traveled. They also can help determine the amount of weight (ballast) to add or subtract from the tractor."
Air carries the loadAir pressure is the most critical part of the equation because air, not the tire, carries the load of the tractor and the implement. The best thing farmers can do is to determine, before major field work, the load they will be carrying for various applications (chisel, disk planter, etc.).
"It’s as simple as stopping by a local retailer that has a scale and weighing the tractor and implement," says Sloan. "Also, if you typically run with additional weights on the tractor, make sure they are in place during this process and that all tanks (fuel and saddle) are full as it’s important to know the true maximum load on the axle. Once you have that information you can determine the desired inflation pressure. If that’s not an option, contact your local equipment dealer and they can provide the weight of the tractor and implement."
So you’ve calculated the load; how do you determine the optimum inflation pressure?
The Tire and Rim Association of America - made up of all major tractor tire manufacturers - has established a set of recommendations for setting air inflation based on load. These tables can be accessed on the Internet, from tire manufacturer websites or by contacting your local independent tire dealer.
"All tire manufacturers work from the same tables," says Sloan. "This provides consistency among the tire brands in case you are running two or three different brands of tractor tires across your equipment."
Not only will adjusting air inflation result in better productivity and fuel efficiency out of your tire, but it can also affect the ride and handling in the field and on the road. Then again there are some compromises. The optimum air inflation for field work may not produce a smooth ride when moving from one field to the next. A farmer can always take time to increase inflation pressure when driving between fields for a better ride and then drop the pressures back down before commencing additional field work. However, not many farmers want to go to that trouble. So instead of running at 6 psi, they will take it up to 12 or 14 psi, which will provide a better ride and still maintain good efficiency in the field.
Don’t ignore ballast Air inflation pressure isn’t the only way to get the best performance from your tires and tractor. Ballast is another way to maximize performance in the field by enhancing traction or eliminating an issue, such as power hop. Power hop occurs when the tractor tires load up and let loose, basically causing the tractor to jump in a high-torque application.
To enhance traction additional weight can be added to the front or rear wheels, whereas with power hop you are redistributing weight to the front of the tractor. Ballast should be used to attain enough traction to pass power to the ground without creating excessive wheel slip. Too much ballast can create a deeper track, which can result in power loss because the tractor wheel must climb out of a deeper track.
"There is a wealth of information regarding ballast on the Internet," says Sloan. "In fact, many tractor manufacturers also have information on how to properly ballast their respective brands."
When it comes to ballast, case weights are the most popular since they are relatively easy to add and remove from the tractor. Another option is wheel weights that attach directly to the axle of the tractor. The last option is filling the tires with calcium chloride, but this method isn’t used much today.
Before making a decision on ballast, farmers should also take into consideration the type of implement being used. The heavier the implement - chisel - the more traction you get. That does help, but farmers may try to combat that with not ballasting and adjusting inflation pressure. It all goes together - ballasting and inflation pressure - the lower your tire inflation pressure, the less ballast needed, and thus the higher your inflation pressure, the more weight is needed to get the same traction. It’s a balancing act.
Buckmaster adds that the correct weight, tire size and inflation pressure can help reduce slip by half. Or, in other words, 25 percent slip could be reduced to 12 to 13 percent. That’s a significant improvement.
So take some time to care for your tires, and you may be surprised at the results you attain in the field. Your time is valuable, but what better place to invest a couple of hours? The results can lead to better traction, less compaction and improved fuel efficiency. Over the course of a growing season, these small adjustments can help save time and money in the long term.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
This Old Farm - Meats and Processing
Located at 9572 W. 650 S, Colfax, Indiana,
website thisoldfarminc.com ,
email orders@thisoldfarminc.com telephone 765-624-2161
Beef, Pork, Lamb, Goat, and Poultry processing.
What sets them apart!
*Natural celery juice cures for ham and bacon with no added salt nitrates/nitrites.
*MSG/preservative free sausage options.
*Vacuum packed meat cuts
*Traceability - every package of meat includes the name of who raised it.
*Organic Certification for those that want to differentiate their products in this way.
*Experience
*Wholesale ability through their alliance of growers offering everything local from meats to vegetables.
*Great Customer Service
Looking for someone new to process your livestock check them out.
website thisoldfarminc.com ,
email orders@thisoldfarminc.com telephone 765-624-2161
Beef, Pork, Lamb, Goat, and Poultry processing.
What sets them apart!
*Natural celery juice cures for ham and bacon with no added salt nitrates/nitrites.
*MSG/preservative free sausage options.
*Vacuum packed meat cuts
*Traceability - every package of meat includes the name of who raised it.
*Organic Certification for those that want to differentiate their products in this way.
*Experience
*Wholesale ability through their alliance of growers offering everything local from meats to vegetables.
*Great Customer Service
Looking for someone new to process your livestock check them out.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Chocolate Milk - Double the benefits of Milk
The Battle Over Chocolate Milk 05/15/2011
By Gary Truitt
My father was in the dairy business. He did not milk cows but, rather, worked for a small local dairy. When I was in grade school and had a holiday from class, I would willingly get up at 4am to accompany him on his route. After a hard day of work, I was rewarded with a bottle of the coldest chocolate milk I have ever tasted. To this day, chocolate milk is one of my favorite drinks. But, unfortunately, this cold, delicious and nutritious drink is under attack. A cadre of self appointed experts and do-gooders has decided to take away our chocolate milk.The invention of milk chocolate by the Dutch in the 1800s spurred the development of chocolate milk. Adding chocolate syrup to milk was the first flavored milk product in the 20th century. Today, a variety of colors and flavors of milk are available. The dairy industry has encouraged the development of exotic flavored milk products as a way to get children to drink more milk. Milk provides the calcium and other nutrients that are lacking in the diets of today’s children. However, some food celebrities and busybody school administrators are working to remove chocolate and other flavored milk products from schools. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has declared war on the American diet with a promotion called “food revolution.” This nauseatingly self-righteous, British import has been on a rant to eliminate chocolate milk from schools. He recently scored a victory when the Los Angeles school system agreed to remove flavored milk from the school menu. “America and Britain need to be radical in its approach to the food revolution,” said Oliver. The reasons given for the ban are the usual suspects: obesity and diabetes. While Oliver and his food phobiacs focus on the sugar content of chocolate milk, they ignore the benefits the drink provides. According to Chocolate Milk.com, chocolate milk has substantial qualities that help improve your overall health, “Studies show that when the two items, milk and chocolate, are combined, the nutritional benefits of each doubles their effects on your body. There is no real reason not to drink this ultimate kids’ drink as it has been proven to aid in all sorts of health benefits from prevention of cancer to helping your body build stronger muscle and bone. It makes the optimal drink not just after exercise, but any time to really aid your body in a number of ways.” Banning chocolate milk in school does not make kids healthier, but does make their diets worse. The Milk Processors Education Program reports that milk consumption dropped by an alarming 35 percent in schools that kicked out chocolate milk. So, in the name of reducing sugar intake, Mr. Oliver is willing to reduce the vitamins and minerals growing children need which are provided so well by milk. A food service director at a Massachusetts school system that was considering banning flavored milk was quoted as saying, “Milk especially is an extremely nutrient dense food and that we serve breakfast and lunch here and especially in some of the schools that have high free and reduced populations, this is the only place where they‘re going to get that milk, which they so need.” A variety of credible organizations have come to chocolate milk’s defense, including the School Nutrition Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association, and National Medical Association. They argue that the nutritional value of flavored low-fat or skim milk outweighs the harm of added sugar.The battle over chocolate milk is just another example of problem that is not a problem and does not need a fix. Childhood obesity, along with adult obesity, is a problem, but one that is not going to be solved by restricting food choices. We must educate and motivate people to make good healthy choices and to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of their children. Big mouth celebrities like Oliver need to stick to cooking, and school superintendents need to keep their hands off the lunch menu.
By Gary Truitt
My father was in the dairy business. He did not milk cows but, rather, worked for a small local dairy. When I was in grade school and had a holiday from class, I would willingly get up at 4am to accompany him on his route. After a hard day of work, I was rewarded with a bottle of the coldest chocolate milk I have ever tasted. To this day, chocolate milk is one of my favorite drinks. But, unfortunately, this cold, delicious and nutritious drink is under attack. A cadre of self appointed experts and do-gooders has decided to take away our chocolate milk.The invention of milk chocolate by the Dutch in the 1800s spurred the development of chocolate milk. Adding chocolate syrup to milk was the first flavored milk product in the 20th century. Today, a variety of colors and flavors of milk are available. The dairy industry has encouraged the development of exotic flavored milk products as a way to get children to drink more milk. Milk provides the calcium and other nutrients that are lacking in the diets of today’s children. However, some food celebrities and busybody school administrators are working to remove chocolate and other flavored milk products from schools. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has declared war on the American diet with a promotion called “food revolution.” This nauseatingly self-righteous, British import has been on a rant to eliminate chocolate milk from schools. He recently scored a victory when the Los Angeles school system agreed to remove flavored milk from the school menu. “America and Britain need to be radical in its approach to the food revolution,” said Oliver. The reasons given for the ban are the usual suspects: obesity and diabetes. While Oliver and his food phobiacs focus on the sugar content of chocolate milk, they ignore the benefits the drink provides. According to Chocolate Milk.com, chocolate milk has substantial qualities that help improve your overall health, “Studies show that when the two items, milk and chocolate, are combined, the nutritional benefits of each doubles their effects on your body. There is no real reason not to drink this ultimate kids’ drink as it has been proven to aid in all sorts of health benefits from prevention of cancer to helping your body build stronger muscle and bone. It makes the optimal drink not just after exercise, but any time to really aid your body in a number of ways.” Banning chocolate milk in school does not make kids healthier, but does make their diets worse. The Milk Processors Education Program reports that milk consumption dropped by an alarming 35 percent in schools that kicked out chocolate milk. So, in the name of reducing sugar intake, Mr. Oliver is willing to reduce the vitamins and minerals growing children need which are provided so well by milk. A food service director at a Massachusetts school system that was considering banning flavored milk was quoted as saying, “Milk especially is an extremely nutrient dense food and that we serve breakfast and lunch here and especially in some of the schools that have high free and reduced populations, this is the only place where they‘re going to get that milk, which they so need.” A variety of credible organizations have come to chocolate milk’s defense, including the School Nutrition Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association, and National Medical Association. They argue that the nutritional value of flavored low-fat or skim milk outweighs the harm of added sugar.The battle over chocolate milk is just another example of problem that is not a problem and does not need a fix. Childhood obesity, along with adult obesity, is a problem, but one that is not going to be solved by restricting food choices. We must educate and motivate people to make good healthy choices and to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of their children. Big mouth celebrities like Oliver need to stick to cooking, and school superintendents need to keep their hands off the lunch menu.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
First Blender Pump installed
Growth Energy Partners with Rhoads Energy to Install First Blender Pump in PA
Author: Growth Energy
WASHINGTON, DC -- Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, has teamed up with Rhoads Energy to install the first Flex Fuel pump in the state of Pennsylvania. The new pump is located at 2176 Paxton Street in Harrisburg and was installed with assistance from Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program.“Providing consumers with greater access to ethanol will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our energy security. Growth Energy is pleased to have been able to assist in Rhoads Energy in their efforts and we hope that this Flex Fuel pump will be the first of many in the great state of Pennsylvania,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce will take place on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. EST at the Paxton Street Pacific Pride location. This ceremony will celebrate not only the installation of the Flex Fuel Pump, but also the various upgrades and enhancements made to the site over the past several months.“We greatly appreciate the support Growth Energy provided during installation of Pennsylvania’s very first Flex Fuel pump, which is located only two miles from the State Capitol,” said Michael DeBerdine, President and CEO of Rhoads Energy. “In addition to the grant, their team offered guidance that proved invaluable as we navigated the process.”Rhoads Energy has become part of Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program, offering funds to retailers for the alternative fuel infrastructure. To find a listing of all Flex Fuel pump and E85 sites across the nation, go to http://www.E85Refueling.com.For more information on the 2010 Growth Energy E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Grant Program, contact the Growth Energy Market Development office at 402.932.0567 or at scourter@growthenergy.org
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Author: Growth Energy
WASHINGTON, DC -- Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, has teamed up with Rhoads Energy to install the first Flex Fuel pump in the state of Pennsylvania. The new pump is located at 2176 Paxton Street in Harrisburg and was installed with assistance from Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program.“Providing consumers with greater access to ethanol will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our energy security. Growth Energy is pleased to have been able to assist in Rhoads Energy in their efforts and we hope that this Flex Fuel pump will be the first of many in the great state of Pennsylvania,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce will take place on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. EST at the Paxton Street Pacific Pride location. This ceremony will celebrate not only the installation of the Flex Fuel Pump, but also the various upgrades and enhancements made to the site over the past several months.“We greatly appreciate the support Growth Energy provided during installation of Pennsylvania’s very first Flex Fuel pump, which is located only two miles from the State Capitol,” said Michael DeBerdine, President and CEO of Rhoads Energy. “In addition to the grant, their team offered guidance that proved invaluable as we navigated the process.”Rhoads Energy has become part of Growth Energy’s 2010 E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Program, offering funds to retailers for the alternative fuel infrastructure. To find a listing of all Flex Fuel pump and E85 sites across the nation, go to http://www.E85Refueling.com.For more information on the 2010 Growth Energy E85 and Flex Fuel Pump Grant Program, contact the Growth Energy Market Development office at 402.932.0567 or at scourter@growthenergy.org
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Ethanol's effect on gas prices
Study Quantifies Value of Ethanol 05/02/2011NAFB News Service
A new study by economists at Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin, and released by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, puts into focus the savings in fuel prices provided by using ethanol. But, it also makes one fact clear. If ethanol disappeared, gasoline prices would rise by as much as 92 percent. According to the report, for the ten years between 2000 and 2010, drivers saved an average of 25 cents per gallon. During that period, savings averaged 34-billion dollars. The report also indicates that in 2010, the increased use of ethanol reduced wholesale gasoline prices by an average of 89 cents per gallon.According to Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen, - this study confirms that ethanol is playing a tremendously important role in holding down volatile gasoline prices. Dinneen notes - as rising oil prices are contributing to higher retail costs for everything from gas to food to clothing, ethanol is clearly providing some real relief for American families.
A new study by economists at Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin, and released by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, puts into focus the savings in fuel prices provided by using ethanol. But, it also makes one fact clear. If ethanol disappeared, gasoline prices would rise by as much as 92 percent. According to the report, for the ten years between 2000 and 2010, drivers saved an average of 25 cents per gallon. During that period, savings averaged 34-billion dollars. The report also indicates that in 2010, the increased use of ethanol reduced wholesale gasoline prices by an average of 89 cents per gallon.According to Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen, - this study confirms that ethanol is playing a tremendously important role in holding down volatile gasoline prices. Dinneen notes - as rising oil prices are contributing to higher retail costs for everything from gas to food to clothing, ethanol is clearly providing some real relief for American families.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Hoosier Ag Today
I attended the Hoosier Ag Today Symposium yesterday, April 28th. I have attached a link to their site so you can sign up to receive their email newsletter. This is an up-to-date daily newsletter that covers current events, the weather, and links to other great information. Gary Truitt did a great job planning the day including a great lunch. I was able to connect with a number of people that may serve to help Putnam County Farm Bureau with getting their Farm information to the public. One connection was learning that WREB carries Hoosier Ag Today programs and I will be listing those times in upcoming blogs. Another connection was with staff from Indiana Farm Bureau where we were able to get this blog linked on the Indiana Farm Bureau website. Another radio station I became aware of was WCBK 102.3 and WCLS 97.7 which covers the southern part of Putnam County enabling us to connect with them in broadcasting local information through their Public Service Announcements. The meeting detailed a lot of statistics concerning what would work best to get information to the most farmers. One thing this blog will continue to try and do is provide valuable farm information that local farmers can use as well as information for the public to learn more about Agriculture. We will also try and announce local Ag Events as we become aware of them. Putnam Co. Farm Bureau will continue to expand it's presence on the web as we look to develop a website in the future along with the possibility of our own e-newsletter emailed to those who wish to receive it.
Please feel free to comment on this newsletter idea as this might be something very exciting to add to our program. Putnam County Farm Bureau would like to congratulate all the graduates of Putnam County as they complete their final year of High School or College.
Blog editor Steve Cash
Please feel free to comment on this newsletter idea as this might be something very exciting to add to our program. Putnam County Farm Bureau would like to congratulate all the graduates of Putnam County as they complete their final year of High School or College.
Blog editor Steve Cash
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Times Square Billboard Blasts HSUS
Times Square Billboard Blasts Humane Society Of The U.S.
Apr 26, 2011 1:21 PM, Source: Humane Watch
Humane Watch warns HSUS donors that only a small fraction of dollars helps animals.
HumaneWatch, a project of the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), has unveiled a new billboard in New York’s Times Square criticizing the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) for its deceptive fundraising practices. Despite most Americans’ belief to the contrary, HSUS is not a national umbrella group that represents community-based humane societies, and it shares less than 1% of its income with underfunded pet shelters at the local level.
The billboard is located at Seventh Avenue, between 48th and 49th Streets. Its unveiling coincided with HSUS President Wayne Pacelle’s April 21 New York City appearance to promote his new book, The Bond. The HumaneWatch ad features a young boy shocked to hear from the family pet that HSUS gives less than 1% of its money to hands-on pet shelters.
“HSUS is an animal rights group that uses heart-wrenching images of dogs and cats to guilt the American public into donating. But it’s sharing less than 1% of the proceeds with the hands-on shelters that actually care for these animals,” says Rick Berman, CCF’s executive director. “HSUS’s millions support a huge staff of lawyers and lobbyists, bloated executive pension plans, exorbitant fundraising expenses, and bankroll an animal rights agenda that attacks modern farming.”
To read the entire article, link here.
Related Articles
More Evidence Of HSUS TacticsLast week, I wrote a blog about how the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was “mainstreaming” its image....
HSUS: Is the Mask Slipping?Is the mask used by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to cover its agenda slipping a bit lately?...
Apr 26, 2011 1:21 PM, Source: Humane Watch
Humane Watch warns HSUS donors that only a small fraction of dollars helps animals.
HumaneWatch, a project of the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), has unveiled a new billboard in New York’s Times Square criticizing the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) for its deceptive fundraising practices. Despite most Americans’ belief to the contrary, HSUS is not a national umbrella group that represents community-based humane societies, and it shares less than 1% of its income with underfunded pet shelters at the local level.
The billboard is located at Seventh Avenue, between 48th and 49th Streets. Its unveiling coincided with HSUS President Wayne Pacelle’s April 21 New York City appearance to promote his new book, The Bond. The HumaneWatch ad features a young boy shocked to hear from the family pet that HSUS gives less than 1% of its money to hands-on pet shelters.
“HSUS is an animal rights group that uses heart-wrenching images of dogs and cats to guilt the American public into donating. But it’s sharing less than 1% of the proceeds with the hands-on shelters that actually care for these animals,” says Rick Berman, CCF’s executive director. “HSUS’s millions support a huge staff of lawyers and lobbyists, bloated executive pension plans, exorbitant fundraising expenses, and bankroll an animal rights agenda that attacks modern farming.”
To read the entire article, link here.
Related Articles
More Evidence Of HSUS TacticsLast week, I wrote a blog about how the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was “mainstreaming” its image....
HSUS: Is the Mask Slipping?Is the mask used by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to cover its agenda slipping a bit lately?...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Lugar Essay District FB Winner
Kiersten Mundy from Cloverdale Middle School is our Lugar Essay District winner.Troy Davis & Kiersten Mundy were the Putnam Co. 8th grade LugarEssay winners.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Do you have an Emergency Plan?
New Poll: Do You Have An Emergency Plan? BEEF magazine has posted a new online reader poll at www.beefmagazine.com. You’ll find it in the center column under “BEEF Poll.” This week’s question is: Does your operation have an Emergency Action Plan for severe weather? We have a comprehensive written plan that includes personal safety and property. We have a plan that only focuses on property We have a plan that only focuses on personal safety. We don’t have a plan; we don’t think it’s necessary. We haven’t ever thought about developing a plan.For more information on developing an emergency plan, go to It’s Tornado Season. Is Your Farm Ready? Or, see these articles: Picking Up The Pieces Fire Preparedness Tips
Friday, April 8, 2011
Food Check-off
Indiana Farm Bureau NEWS RELEASE April 8, 2011 For more information: Isabella Chism, 317-692-7803 Kathleen Dutro, 317-692-7824, kdutro@infarmbureau.org Grocery prices continue slow climb Grocery store prices increased during the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest market basket survey from Indiana Farm Bureau. The total cost of the food items in the informal survey was $47.20, up $1.97 or about 4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Of the 16 items surveyed, 13 increased in average price while three decreased compared to the prior quarter. The Indiana survey is part of a nationwide survey compiled by the American Farm Bureau Federation from data supplied by state Farm Bureaus. A total of 71 shoppers in 29 states participated in the latest survey, conducted in February. Twenty-three volunteer shoppers participated in the Indiana survey. AFBF’s survey had results similar to those found in Indiana, showing a total cost of $49.07, up $2.10 or about 4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Despite the increase, though, food prices remain below those of 2008 when the market basket hit a new record price of $50.70 for the 16 items. The reasons for the increase in food prices, said a Purdue University agricultural economist, are grain shortages, Middle East turmoil and extreme weather in critical crop-producing regions. These have combined to send retail food prices higher this year, explained Corinne Alexander. “When we buy our groceries each week we notice even the smallest increases but we forget all the non-food costs that affect that increase – packaging, transportation, processing and utilities to name a few, all of which are affected by our increasing petroleum prices,” said IFB 2nd Vice President Isabella Chism. “In the long run, increasing our energy independence could in the long run have a positive effect on food prices as well as fuel prices.” In the Indiana survey, sliced deli ham, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, orange juice and ground chuck increased the most in dollar value compared to the fourth quarter of 2010: Ham increased 73 cents to $5.52/pound, flour increased 42 cents to $2.53 per 5-pound bag, shredded cheese increased 38 cents to $4.02 per pound, orange juice 37 cents to $3.26 for a half gallon and ground chuck increased 33 cents to $3.10 per pound. Other items that increased in price since the fourth-quarter survey were vegetable oil, up 29 cents to $2.90 per 32-ounce bottle; potatoes, up 22 cents to $2.81/pound; cereal, up 13 cents to $2.99 per 10-ounce box; apples, up 11 cents to $1.52/pound; boneless chicken breasts, up 9 cents to $3.27/pound; white bread, up 4 cents to $1.55 per 20-ounce loaf; sirloin tip roast, up 2 cents to $3.81/pound; and eggs, up 2 cents to $1.57/dozen. “As anticipated, the increased consumer demand for meats and dairy products that began in 2009 and continued through 2010 remains evident as we look forward to the middle of 2011,” said John Anderson and economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Despite the overall increase in dairy prices in Indiana and nationwide, whole milk was one of the three items that decreased in price on the Indiana survey, dropping by 20 cents to $2.85/gallon. The largest decrease was bagged salad, which dropped by 62 cents to $1.91 for a 1-pound bag. Bacon also decreased, dropping by 36 cents to $3.60 per pound. Most items showing an increase in retail price from quarter-to-quarter also showed year-to-year increases. Compared to one year ago, sliced deli ham was up by 88 cents, potatoes by 66 cents, bacon by 63 cents, ground chuck by 62 cents, flour by 55, orange juice by 47 cents and boneless chicken breasts by 42 cents. “Retail price increases for some foods are likely to continue throughout the year, as it takes time for farmers to increase the size of their herds to accommodate increased demand,” Anderson explained. Although the market basket survey is informal and intended to represent only a snapshot of Indiana’s grocery store prices, the year-to-year direction of the market basket survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index (www.bls.gov/cpi) report for food at home. The Farm Bureau market basket also tracks with the trends noted by ag economist Corinne Alexander. American consumers can expect to spend about 4 percent more for food this year than in 2010, she said, adding that beef, pork and poultry products likely will see even greater price hikes. U.S. food price inflation reached 7.5 percent in September 2008 before falling in November 2009. It’s been moving back up ever since, she said. "We're returning to a period of food price inflation after coming off a period where we saw food price deflation," Alexander said. "We don't expect this to be a long-term, permanent higher food price period. We'll see these higher food prices until we rebuild global stocks of the primary crops." As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped. “In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average,” said Anderson of the AFBF. “Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 16 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series.” USDA’s Food Dollar Series may be found online at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
HSUS reminder
Beef Daily By Amanda Nolz I often speak with producer groups, and although I often feel like a broken record at times — I believe it’s critically important to repeat this important message: the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, spending less than 1/2 of 1% of its annual budget to assist animal shelters.Think everyone in your circle already knows these facts? Think again. I’ve had countless people listen to me speak on this topic and later come up to me to share their frustrations over having just sent a check to the organization. We all need to continue to spread the word and educate our peers about the true agenda of HSUS, which is to abolish animal agriculture and eliminate meat, dairy and eggs from the American dinner table. The group plans to do this by using litigation and legislation to regulate farmers out of business and escalate the cost of food.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Ag Day Photos
Above Jack Berry reacts to his selection as Farm Family of the Year
Pat Gottschalk receives the award for her outstanding Ag Photo.
Heather Poynter & Angela Mann served as Ag Day Committee Chairpersons at this year's event.
Megan Klotz State FFA Secretary from South Putnam discusses her year as a State FFA Officer.
Janna Oxford State FFA Treasurer from Cloverdale also presented her thoughts about the past year as a State FFA Officer.The Ag Day event was moved to Saturday this year and was warmly received and provided for a great turnout. Many thanks go out to all who helped make the event a success.
Monday, March 7, 2011
New Pork Campaign
New Pork Campaign Unveiled 03/06/2011NAFB News Service
The National Pork Board has announced a new branding position celebrating pork's ability to offer a wide range of options in the kitchen. Pork Be inspired focuses on reaching creative, flavor-seeking home cooks who already prepare, eat and love pork. That number of cooks is said to be 82-million Americans representing approximately 28 percent of U.S. households accounting for roughly 68 percent of all in-home fresh pork consumption and 50 percent of all away-from-home fresh pork consumption.The National Pork Board says the new campaign of: Pork® Be inspired shows pork's place in almost any menu, day part, cuisine and lifestyle, based on pork's unique combination of flavor and versatility as the source of kitchen inspiration. According to NPB, the new, fully integrated campaign moves from a functional to a more emotional positioning with a campaign voice that is proud, energetic, approachable and unapologetically optimistic about the unique attributes of the world's most popular protein.NPB plans to roll out the new program beginning later this month. The original, The Other White Meat campaign will play a role as a heritage brand, with use on the consumer web site and in nutrition communications. But it will not be featured in advertising. Ceci Snyder, vice president of domestic marketing for the National Pork Board says - to those that love pork, it requires no comparison to the other meats.
The National Pork Board has announced a new branding position celebrating pork's ability to offer a wide range of options in the kitchen. Pork Be inspired focuses on reaching creative, flavor-seeking home cooks who already prepare, eat and love pork. That number of cooks is said to be 82-million Americans representing approximately 28 percent of U.S. households accounting for roughly 68 percent of all in-home fresh pork consumption and 50 percent of all away-from-home fresh pork consumption.The National Pork Board says the new campaign of: Pork® Be inspired shows pork's place in almost any menu, day part, cuisine and lifestyle, based on pork's unique combination of flavor and versatility as the source of kitchen inspiration. According to NPB, the new, fully integrated campaign moves from a functional to a more emotional positioning with a campaign voice that is proud, energetic, approachable and unapologetically optimistic about the unique attributes of the world's most popular protein.NPB plans to roll out the new program beginning later this month. The original, The Other White Meat campaign will play a role as a heritage brand, with use on the consumer web site and in nutrition communications. But it will not be featured in advertising. Ceci Snyder, vice president of domestic marketing for the National Pork Board says - to those that love pork, it requires no comparison to the other meats.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Statehouse visit
It will be Ag Week at the Statehouse starting March 7th. Putnam County Farm Bureau is planning a trip to the Statehouse on that day to join the Ag festivities and visit with our Legislators. If you would like to join our group at the Statehouse comment on this blog and I will get back to you.
Next Legislative Update in the Putnam County FB board room will be Sat. March 19th.
Don't forget about Ag Day at the Fairgrounds on March 12th starting with breakfast for a dollar at 8 a.m., a short program at 9 a.m. followed by our mini farm fest from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Membership drive the push is on, to help support our Farm Bureau efforts we need new members. Purchase of insurance is not needed to become a member and support our Ag work. Other than a little income from our Fair Milk Barn we operate strictly on the income from our membership dues of $32.50. Remember we also have special membership pricing for spouses and college students. Contact any board member or stop in at the FB office to become a member today. Applications will also be available during Ag Day.
Next Legislative Update in the Putnam County FB board room will be Sat. March 19th.
Don't forget about Ag Day at the Fairgrounds on March 12th starting with breakfast for a dollar at 8 a.m., a short program at 9 a.m. followed by our mini farm fest from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Membership drive the push is on, to help support our Farm Bureau efforts we need new members. Purchase of insurance is not needed to become a member and support our Ag work. Other than a little income from our Fair Milk Barn we operate strictly on the income from our membership dues of $32.50. Remember we also have special membership pricing for spouses and college students. Contact any board member or stop in at the FB office to become a member today. Applications will also be available during Ag Day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
HSUS IS PETA in a Business Suit
HSUS Is PETA In A Business Suit
Amanda Radke February 22nd, 2011
While People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is busy planning its next radical move to gain media attention, employees for the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) are going to work in business suits gearing up to tie folks to a vegan lifestyle and abolish animal agriculture in this country. With their $200 million annual budget, these boys mean business; HSUS worked to pass 97 animal rights laws across the country in 2010. Last week, I attended the South Dakota Humane Lobby Day, where the state HSUS group spoke with legislators. While there, I got a first-hand glimpse at the organization’s priorities, and I’m deeply concerned about its agenda. Jeff Ondrak, a beef cattle clinical veterinarian and University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty member at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center in Clay Center, feels the same way. He spoke with Lori Potter of the Kearney Hubb about HSUS, saying, “They Are Here To Stay.”
Ondrak explains that PETA and HSUS have a common goal to eliminate animal agriculture, but utilize different approaches.
“PETA is an overtly animal rights organization,” Ondrak says. “PETA is upfront about its mission. They’re so goofy that most people don’t take them seriously. They really make us look rational and reasonable because they aren’t, obviously.”
He adds that the greater concern is with HSUS, because it appears to be a more reasonable organization and has a $200-million budget. A big issue with HSUS is name confusion.
“Many people falsely believe that the organization supports local animal shelters. HSUS owns no shelters,” Ondrak says. “And, most of its revenues go toward employee salaries and benefits and to lobbying. If you get a letter from HSUS, please don’t send them money.”
HSUS is certainly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and I’ll never forget the email I received from a beef producer and reader who urged me to focus on different topics because, “HSUS isn’t even in my top-10 list of concerns or priorities.” To that I say, if you aren’t worried about this organization, it’s high-time you start. I know it’s easy to forget about the political agendas of others when you’re busy calving out cows and feeding hay, but HSUS wants to regulate all of us out of business, and that’s something that’s getting more difficult to ignore. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the true agenda of this organization. For more information on this topic, link here.
Amanda Radke February 22nd, 2011
While People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is busy planning its next radical move to gain media attention, employees for the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) are going to work in business suits gearing up to tie folks to a vegan lifestyle and abolish animal agriculture in this country. With their $200 million annual budget, these boys mean business; HSUS worked to pass 97 animal rights laws across the country in 2010. Last week, I attended the South Dakota Humane Lobby Day, where the state HSUS group spoke with legislators. While there, I got a first-hand glimpse at the organization’s priorities, and I’m deeply concerned about its agenda. Jeff Ondrak, a beef cattle clinical veterinarian and University of Nebraska-Lincoln faculty member at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center in Clay Center, feels the same way. He spoke with Lori Potter of the Kearney Hubb about HSUS, saying, “They Are Here To Stay.”
Ondrak explains that PETA and HSUS have a common goal to eliminate animal agriculture, but utilize different approaches.
“PETA is an overtly animal rights organization,” Ondrak says. “PETA is upfront about its mission. They’re so goofy that most people don’t take them seriously. They really make us look rational and reasonable because they aren’t, obviously.”
He adds that the greater concern is with HSUS, because it appears to be a more reasonable organization and has a $200-million budget. A big issue with HSUS is name confusion.
“Many people falsely believe that the organization supports local animal shelters. HSUS owns no shelters,” Ondrak says. “And, most of its revenues go toward employee salaries and benefits and to lobbying. If you get a letter from HSUS, please don’t send them money.”
HSUS is certainly a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and I’ll never forget the email I received from a beef producer and reader who urged me to focus on different topics because, “HSUS isn’t even in my top-10 list of concerns or priorities.” To that I say, if you aren’t worried about this organization, it’s high-time you start. I know it’s easy to forget about the political agendas of others when you’re busy calving out cows and feeding hay, but HSUS wants to regulate all of us out of business, and that’s something that’s getting more difficult to ignore. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the true agenda of this organization. For more information on this topic, link here.
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