This year's Ag Week will be different. This year the Ag Breakfast and Mini Farm Fest have been combined and set for Saturday, March 12th. The breakfast will begin at 8 a.m., the program will begin at 9 a.m. and the Mini Farm Fest will follow until noon. The program will include the Farm Family of the Year, and the Friend of the Farmer awards. Special keynote speakers for the program are still being finalized. The Elementary Field day will move to April. Current plans are looking at April 20th but that could change.
In other action by the Ag Committee, will be the sponsorship of the February 22 Business After Hours for the Chamber of Commerce. Local Agriculture leaders and farmers will be on hand to discuss the importance of Agriculture in Putnam County to the Chamber members.
Both events will be held in the Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and sponsored in part by the Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
State Senator introduces Immigration Bill
DELPH INTRODUCES IMMIGRATION BILL Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) has introduced SB 590, a sweeping attempt to address at the state level illegal immigration and many associated issues. Among the many provisions of the bill are: employers who hire illegal immigrants could be penalized and eventually shut down; state and local law enforcement officers who stop anyone for violating a law or ordinance are to ask for proof that the person is here legally if the officers have “reasonable suspicion” that the person is not a citizen or legal visitor; government transactions, documents and meetings are required to be exclusively in English; employers doing business with the state would be required to use the federal E-Verify system; the state would be directed to bill Congress for the costs incurred by the state as a result of illegal immigrants; local units of government would be prohibited from limiting the enforcement of federal immigration law.
The bill, which is scheduled for a February 2 hearing in the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee, has been criticized by business groups, social groups and the media. In an editorial opposing the bill, The Indianapolis Star commented, “Frustration over Washington's failure to deal with immigration is behind this and other state-level initiatives. The impatience is warranted. The hodge-podge of legally questionable ‘solutions’ is not, especially in light of the limited resources and myriad other challenges states face. “
Indiana Farm Bureau policy very clearly states that immigration is a federal issue and should be dealt with in Washington. At its recent convention in Atlanta, the American Farm Bureau Federation reaffirmed its very comprehensive policy which calls for the strengthening of present immigration and naturalization laws in a manner that will adequately address agriculture’s unique needs for a legal workforce by recognizing that agricultural jobs are arduous, and often seasonal and migratory.
The bill, which is scheduled for a February 2 hearing in the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee, has been criticized by business groups, social groups and the media. In an editorial opposing the bill, The Indianapolis Star commented, “Frustration over Washington's failure to deal with immigration is behind this and other state-level initiatives. The impatience is warranted. The hodge-podge of legally questionable ‘solutions’ is not, especially in light of the limited resources and myriad other challenges states face. “
Indiana Farm Bureau policy very clearly states that immigration is a federal issue and should be dealt with in Washington. At its recent convention in Atlanta, the American Farm Bureau Federation reaffirmed its very comprehensive policy which calls for the strengthening of present immigration and naturalization laws in a manner that will adequately address agriculture’s unique needs for a legal workforce by recognizing that agricultural jobs are arduous, and often seasonal and migratory.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
HSUS is a School Yard Bully
“HSUS Is A School Yard Bully”
Amanda Radke January 18th, 2011
“HSUS has demonstrated an ability to destroy the image of so many wonderful and caring people. They have deceived the American public. It feeds on itself and builds on itself. They can orchestrate the confiscation of your animals. They can sue you, destroy you and take away your freedom to own animals that you have cared for and loved your entire life. They can force you to deplete all your resources to defend yourself. They are like the school yard bully. They are so successful because they have an obscene amount of money. They have a propaganda and lobbying machine unlike anything else,” warns Frank Losey, an attorney for dog breeders who has been active in fighting HSUS abuse of non-profit status, most recently in the Missouri Proposition B effort.This was Losey’s opening statement at the Summit of the Horses 2011, an event held Jan. 3-6 in Las Vegas, NV. I listened to the speakers via webcast, and I thought you all might appreciate what Losey had to say. He referenced the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), which prohibits any person from using force, violence or threats for the purpose of damaging or interfering with the operations of an animal enterprise.
“We are now in a better position to tell the American public our true story. This story is beginning to be told, and will continue to be told. Work is also under way to use this network to increase awareness among breeders, as well as in the FBI, about how best to document violations of the federal AETA by overzealous animal rights activists,” says Losey.
The AETA specifically addresses the targeting system used by animal rights activists by prohibiting any person from intentional damaging the property of a person or entity having a connection to an animal enterprise. It also increases the existing penalties for intentionally causing a person bodily injury or intentionally placing a person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury; includes penalties based on the amount of economic damage caused; and allows animal enterprises to seek restitution.
“HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle thinks AETA is an unjust law. Do yourself a favor, circulate the documents explaining the law and understand it. Also, if you are involved with an incident, write a letter to the FBI. Say you have been bullied and explain the incident. We can generate thousands of emails, phone calls and letters to the FBI,” explains Losey.
HumaneWatch has an interview with Losey that you can read here. In addition, you can learn more about the federal AETA by linking here. You might also like to read Losey’s clever campaign, How To Spay and Neuter The HSUS. I welcome your thoughts on Losey’s statements, how best we can use the federal AETA law in unjust situations and what you think of HSUS, the schoolyard bully.
Amanda Radke January 18th, 2011
“HSUS has demonstrated an ability to destroy the image of so many wonderful and caring people. They have deceived the American public. It feeds on itself and builds on itself. They can orchestrate the confiscation of your animals. They can sue you, destroy you and take away your freedom to own animals that you have cared for and loved your entire life. They can force you to deplete all your resources to defend yourself. They are like the school yard bully. They are so successful because they have an obscene amount of money. They have a propaganda and lobbying machine unlike anything else,” warns Frank Losey, an attorney for dog breeders who has been active in fighting HSUS abuse of non-profit status, most recently in the Missouri Proposition B effort.This was Losey’s opening statement at the Summit of the Horses 2011, an event held Jan. 3-6 in Las Vegas, NV. I listened to the speakers via webcast, and I thought you all might appreciate what Losey had to say. He referenced the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), which prohibits any person from using force, violence or threats for the purpose of damaging or interfering with the operations of an animal enterprise.
“We are now in a better position to tell the American public our true story. This story is beginning to be told, and will continue to be told. Work is also under way to use this network to increase awareness among breeders, as well as in the FBI, about how best to document violations of the federal AETA by overzealous animal rights activists,” says Losey.
The AETA specifically addresses the targeting system used by animal rights activists by prohibiting any person from intentional damaging the property of a person or entity having a connection to an animal enterprise. It also increases the existing penalties for intentionally causing a person bodily injury or intentionally placing a person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury; includes penalties based on the amount of economic damage caused; and allows animal enterprises to seek restitution.
“HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle thinks AETA is an unjust law. Do yourself a favor, circulate the documents explaining the law and understand it. Also, if you are involved with an incident, write a letter to the FBI. Say you have been bullied and explain the incident. We can generate thousands of emails, phone calls and letters to the FBI,” explains Losey.
HumaneWatch has an interview with Losey that you can read here. In addition, you can learn more about the federal AETA by linking here. You might also like to read Losey’s clever campaign, How To Spay and Neuter The HSUS. I welcome your thoughts on Losey’s statements, how best we can use the federal AETA law in unjust situations and what you think of HSUS, the schoolyard bully.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Legislative Update session
Putnam County Farm Bureau held its first Legislative Update session last Saturday at 8 a.m. Senator Connie Lawson, and Rep. Jim Baird were on hand to discuss current action at the State House. After a brief rundown of their recent activities at the State House the legislators took questions on Agriculture, Education, local government, and Central Time along with covering a few other areas. Its a little early to tell what bills are going to move in their committees so specific concerns may be premature. Everyone is encouraged to visit the legislative website to see which bills are moving and may speak during committee meetings by setting something up with our legislature representatives. They also wanted to offer High School students to apply to be pages at the State House.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Farm Bureau Legislative Luncheon
Patti & Steve Cash along with Keith Berry from Putnam County met with Rep. Jim Baird, and Senators Connie Lawson and Richard Bray at Wed. Indiana FB Luncheon. We will be talking again at our local Putnam County Farm Bureau Legislative Update session on Jan. 15th at 8 a.m. in our FB Boardroom at 1001 N Jackson St. in Greencastle.
Record Turnout for Farm Bureau Legislative Lunch 01/05/2011by Gary Truitt
Wednesday was opening day for the Indiana General Assembly, and Indiana Farm Bureau members gathered at the Statehouse to meet and greet their lawmakers. In what has become a tradition on the first day of the new legislative session, a lunch with lawmakers and farmers was held. IFB president Don Villwock told HAT that this year the turnout was tremendous, “We have over 300 farmers here to have lunch with their Senators and Representatives and discuss some of our legislative priorities.” Topping the list of priorities is the issue of local government reform. Villwock said Farm Bureau supports changes that will make local government more efficient, but is opposed to doing away with county commissioners and township trustees as the governor has proposed. Farm Bureau feels this would weaken the voice rural residents have in local government, “We have very progressive local governments across the state with county councilmen and township trusties who are in touch with what is going on in their area. We think a government that is closer to the people is the best form of government.” The Kernan-Shepard Commission has recommended the abolishment of the township form of government in favor of a single county executive. State Senator Ed Charbonneau (R), whose 5th district includes Starke, as well as portions of Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph, Jasper, Marshall, and Pulaski Counties, says the issue of local government reform divides urban and rural interests, “I have both rural and urban areas of my district and try and find a way to balance the interests of both groups.” Charbonneau, himself a Farm Bureau member, was attending his 4th legislative lunch and said the chance to visit with Farm Bureau members and get feedback on key issues was very helpful. Livestock agriculture, the state budget, immigration, limited liability for agritourism, and taxes are among the other high priority issues for Farm Bureau this session.
Record Turnout for Farm Bureau Legislative Lunch 01/05/2011by Gary Truitt
Wednesday was opening day for the Indiana General Assembly, and Indiana Farm Bureau members gathered at the Statehouse to meet and greet their lawmakers. In what has become a tradition on the first day of the new legislative session, a lunch with lawmakers and farmers was held. IFB president Don Villwock told HAT that this year the turnout was tremendous, “We have over 300 farmers here to have lunch with their Senators and Representatives and discuss some of our legislative priorities.” Topping the list of priorities is the issue of local government reform. Villwock said Farm Bureau supports changes that will make local government more efficient, but is opposed to doing away with county commissioners and township trustees as the governor has proposed. Farm Bureau feels this would weaken the voice rural residents have in local government, “We have very progressive local governments across the state with county councilmen and township trusties who are in touch with what is going on in their area. We think a government that is closer to the people is the best form of government.” The Kernan-Shepard Commission has recommended the abolishment of the township form of government in favor of a single county executive. State Senator Ed Charbonneau (R), whose 5th district includes Starke, as well as portions of Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph, Jasper, Marshall, and Pulaski Counties, says the issue of local government reform divides urban and rural interests, “I have both rural and urban areas of my district and try and find a way to balance the interests of both groups.” Charbonneau, himself a Farm Bureau member, was attending his 4th legislative lunch and said the chance to visit with Farm Bureau members and get feedback on key issues was very helpful. Livestock agriculture, the state budget, immigration, limited liability for agritourism, and taxes are among the other high priority issues for Farm Bureau this session.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Indiana Farm Bureau Scholarships
Indiana Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship Winners and Applications
Congratulations to Kristen Fry and Kyle Alcorn for winning the District Farm Bureau, Inc. Foundation Scholarship. Kristen and Kyle are both students at Purdue University. Kristen is the daughter of Phil and Janice Fry, Roachdale. Kyle is the son of Ron and Jane Alcorn, Greencastle. Local winners received $300 and the district winners receive $500. This makes five consecutive years that a Putnam County student has won one of the Indiana Farm Bureau District Scholarships.
These scholarships include the Foundation Scholarship, Marion Stackhouse Scholarship and Career Enrichment Scholarships. Beginning in 2011, the Indiana Farm Bureau Scholarships will be due March 1st rather than the past Fall deadline.
The Foundation Scholarship is due March 1st to the Farm Bureau Women’s Leader, Beth Evans, or submitted to the local Putnam County Farm Bureau office. One $500.00 scholarship will be awarded in each district. Eligible applicants must be over 17 years of age and from a family who has been a member of Indiana Farm Bureau for a period of two or more years prior to application. Additionally, the person must be a high school graduate, admitted to an approved or accredited school of higher learning and planning to study a minimum of 1 year as a full-time student in an ag-related major.
Career Enrichment Scholarship application deadline is March 1st. Applications need to be returned to the Farm Bureau Women’s Leader, Beth Evans, or submitted to the local Putnam County Farm Bureau office. This application is awarded to adults, 21 years or older. The scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit or non-credit class or degree program. The maximum award is $500.00 not to exceed cost of the class.
The Marion Stackhouse Scholarship is due March 1st. Applications must arrive to the Indiana Farm Bureau home office by the deadline. This scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit, or noncredit class or degree program in an agricultural area. One applicant may be awarded the full $1,000.00 scholarship, or it may be divided among several applications. Any Indiana Farm Bureau family member is eligible.
Harry L. Pearson Outstanding Leader Scholarship – Due February 15th, 2011.
Incoming Purdue University freshmen and College of Agriculture students are eligible for the Harry L. Pearson Outstanding Leader Scholarship. Funded by Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. this scholarship is given in honor of IFB past President Harry L. Pearson, who has a great love for agriculture education, Purdue University and Farm Bureau.
Applications for all the scholarships as well as information about additional scholarships are available on the Indiana Farm Bureau website, www.infarmbureau.org, under the “members only section” and then select the following menu choices, programs/women’s programs/scholarships or from the local Farm Bureau office, or County Women’s Leader Beth Evans 765-720.0011.
Congratulations to Kristen Fry and Kyle Alcorn for winning the District Farm Bureau, Inc. Foundation Scholarship. Kristen and Kyle are both students at Purdue University. Kristen is the daughter of Phil and Janice Fry, Roachdale. Kyle is the son of Ron and Jane Alcorn, Greencastle. Local winners received $300 and the district winners receive $500. This makes five consecutive years that a Putnam County student has won one of the Indiana Farm Bureau District Scholarships.
These scholarships include the Foundation Scholarship, Marion Stackhouse Scholarship and Career Enrichment Scholarships. Beginning in 2011, the Indiana Farm Bureau Scholarships will be due March 1st rather than the past Fall deadline.
The Foundation Scholarship is due March 1st to the Farm Bureau Women’s Leader, Beth Evans, or submitted to the local Putnam County Farm Bureau office. One $500.00 scholarship will be awarded in each district. Eligible applicants must be over 17 years of age and from a family who has been a member of Indiana Farm Bureau for a period of two or more years prior to application. Additionally, the person must be a high school graduate, admitted to an approved or accredited school of higher learning and planning to study a minimum of 1 year as a full-time student in an ag-related major.
Career Enrichment Scholarship application deadline is March 1st. Applications need to be returned to the Farm Bureau Women’s Leader, Beth Evans, or submitted to the local Putnam County Farm Bureau office. This application is awarded to adults, 21 years or older. The scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit or non-credit class or degree program. The maximum award is $500.00 not to exceed cost of the class.
The Marion Stackhouse Scholarship is due March 1st. Applications must arrive to the Indiana Farm Bureau home office by the deadline. This scholarship may be used for a workshop, seminar, credit, or noncredit class or degree program in an agricultural area. One applicant may be awarded the full $1,000.00 scholarship, or it may be divided among several applications. Any Indiana Farm Bureau family member is eligible.
Harry L. Pearson Outstanding Leader Scholarship – Due February 15th, 2011.
Incoming Purdue University freshmen and College of Agriculture students are eligible for the Harry L. Pearson Outstanding Leader Scholarship. Funded by Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc. this scholarship is given in honor of IFB past President Harry L. Pearson, who has a great love for agriculture education, Purdue University and Farm Bureau.
Applications for all the scholarships as well as information about additional scholarships are available on the Indiana Farm Bureau website, www.infarmbureau.org, under the “members only section” and then select the following menu choices, programs/women’s programs/scholarships or from the local Farm Bureau office, or County Women’s Leader Beth Evans 765-720.0011.
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