Buckeye Farm News March 27, 2008 : 1

OFBF iN the Far east: “We didn’t see a tractor until we made our way into Wood-burning boilers come under fire PG 2 the southern half of the country.” PG 3 Primaries have passed; now prepare for November PG 8 Buckeye Farm News A Publication of the Ohio Farm Bureau® Federation OhiO’s Largest agricuLturaL newspaper march 27, 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 12 AgInst I tuteriPOWeR New program built to produce farm leaders By Seth teter Farmers who want to gain more influence over the public policy deci- sions that impact agriculture have a new opportunity through the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF). The organization will enroll 20 individuals in its AgriPOWER In- stitute, an intensive, year-long leadership program designed to provide the skills necessary to advo- cate for the farming industry. “Farm Bureau has always been about leadership. This program is a concentrated effort to help our members become even more effective in the public policy arena,” said Keith Stimpert, OFBF senior vice president of public policy. Starting in July, selected farm- farmer and will make efficient use of everyone’s time. Dates have been se- lected with respect to farmers’ busy calendars. Both OFBF staff and outside check your caleNDar Tentative Program Dates: July 25-26 | Columbus Aug 22-23 | Columbus Sept 11-13 | Athens Dec 11-13 | Washington, DC Jan 22-24 | Wooster Feb 20-21 | Columbus March 20-21 | Columbus experts will provide extensive in- struction on policy issues that face local communities, Ohio, the na- tion and the world. Specific sessions will focus on important leadership skills such as public speaking. The pro- gram will also offer external educational experiences, includ- ing a planned trip to Washington, D.C. Tuition is $4,000 and includes lodg- ing, meals, group travel, materials and all course contents. OFBF is offering 14 full scholarships in the ers will participate in seven two- to three-day training sessions held throughout the year. Stimpert said the program is designed for today’s Watch out whitetails OFBF, DOW teaming up on Ohio’s deer population program’s inaugural year. Additional scholarships may be available through the support of other organizations. Those accepted are asked to commit to all of the sessions. Applications and a description of planned sessions are available at www.ofbf.org. Applica- tions are due May 30. By dan toland have a problem. The first step to correcting a problem is admitting you At times, the Ohio Division of Gearhardt Wildlife (DOW) had suggested that there were too many deer in specific areas of the state, but this winter dur- ing a meeting hosted by the Harrison County Farm Bureau, it said for the first time the entire state’s deer population was out of control. That’s nothing new to Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF), whose policy has been to cull the state’s deer herd in an effort to control both deer popula- cowtown protest: An activist at the Statehouse in Columbus pro- tests the governor's emergency rule on dairy labeling. The rule says labels promoting that products are from cows not given the synthetic hormone known as rbGH or rbST must also include a disclaimer that explains there is no difference in the milk. OFBF supports the rule, believing farmers and consumers should have a choice in how food is produced, but that labels must not be misleading. The rule will remain in effect until the first week of May while it is reviewed and public comments are considered. tion growth and damage to crops. DOW’s next step includes turning to OFBF for as- sistance. “The door has been opened for Ohio Farm Bureau and the Division of Wildlife to partner on ways to ad- dress the problem,” said Larry Gearhardt, OFBF senior director of local affairs. Both organizations are already taking a look into what can be done. Reducing Damage An already-established nuisance permit program al- lows landowners to harvest deer out of season if they are causing damage to crops, but Gearhardt said they need to See WHITETAILS, pg 3 rate Debate Energy proposal stalls in House ❑OFBF wants lawmakers to support effort to control electricity prices By Seth teter Gov. Ted Strickland’s proposal to stabilize electricity costs, which sailed through the Senate with unanimous support, has met resis- tance from House lawmakers. The plan, endorsed by Farm Bu- reau, would continue state oversight of electric utility rates until sufficient market competition develops. Current rate regulation will expire at the end of this year, which is expected to lead to a dramatic spike in electricity costs. Strickland’s proposal, included in Senate Bill (S.B.) 221, also set stan- dards for the development of ad- vanced and renewable energy in the state. It originally had a benchmark of producing 25 percent of the state’s energy from such sources by the year 2025, although that requirement was dropped by the Senate. When the proposal landed in the House, leaders there carved the ad- vanced and renewable energy por- tion from the bill and championed stronger standards in their own separate piece of legislation, House Bill (H.B.) 487. Meanwhile, the governor’s rate-setting plan received little support. While there are some differences See RATE, pg 6 ◗ In addition to renewable energy, farmers could soon help produce bio-materials; SEE PAGE 2 Farm bill takes center stage during County Presidents Trip By dan toland Ohio’s county Farm Bureau presi- dents were among the first to know about Congress’ recent extension of the 2002 Farm Bill during their 62nd annual trip to Washington, D.C. House Agriculture Committee Ohio Sen. George Voinovich addresses members of the Ohio media who joined OFBF county presidents in Washington. Chairman Collin Peterson, D- Minn., broke the news to the group that the 2002 Farm Bill had been extended until April 18. This seem- ingly will give Congress an extra month to work out differences with the White House and get legislation signed. Peterson said time is much more constrained, however. “I will be here over (the two-week Easter) recess to get the bill done,” he said, noting that there will be about two working days to complete a bill once Congress returns. Peterson, addressing the group during a forum with Ohio’s congres- sional representatives, said Congress had been very close to letting the farm bill expire and reverting back to permanent law. “I was convinced we could give it one more chance,” he said. Peterson expressed the need to write a base- See TRIP, pg 6 ◗ Read about other issues discussed in Washington, D.C.; SEE PAGE 2 inside Public Policy Communications Organization Opinion Noteworthy 2 4 5 7 8 Photo by Dan Toland Photo by Galen Ludwick Harris

New Program Built To Produce Farm Leaders

Seth Teter

Farmers who want to gain more influence over the public policy decisions that impact agriculture have a new opportunity through the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF).

The organization will enroll 20 individuals in its AgriPOWER Institute, an intensive, year-long leadership program designed to provide the skills necessary to advocate for the farming industry.

“Farm Bureau has always been about leadership.

This program is a concentrated effort to help our members become even more effective in the public policy arena,” said Keith Stimpert, OFBF senior vice president of public policy.

Starting in July, selected farmers will participate in seven two- to three-day training sessions held throughout the year. Stimpert said the program is designed for today’s Farmer and will make efficient use of everyone’s time. Dates have been selected with respect to farmers’ busy calendars.

Both OFBF staff and outside experts will provide extensive instruction on policy issues that face local communities, Ohio, the nation and the world. Specific sessions will focus on important leadership skills such as public speaking. The program will also offer external educational experiences, including a planned trip to Washington, D.C. Tuition is $4,000 and includes lodging, meals, group travel, materials and all course contents.

OFBF is offering 14 full scholarships in the program’s inaugural year. Additional scholarships may be available through the support of other organizations.

Those accepted are asked to commit to all of the sessions. Applications and a description of planned sessions are available at www.ofbf.org. Applications are due May 30.

Watch Out Whitetails

Dan Toland

OFBF, DOW teaming up on Ohio’s deer population

The first step to correcting a problem is admitting you have a problem.

At times, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (DOW) had suggested that there were too many deer in specific areas of the state, but this winter during a meeting hosted by the Harrison County Farm Bureau, it said for the first time the entire state’s deer population was out of control. That’s nothing new to Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF), whose policy has been to cull the state’s deer herd in an effort to control both deer population growth and damage to crops.

DOW’s next step includes turning to OFBF for assistance.

“The door has been opened for Ohio Farm Bureau and the Division of Wildlife to partner on ways to address the problem,” said Larry Gearhardt, OFBF senior director of local affairs. Both organizations are already taking a look into what can be done.

Reducing Damage An already-established nuisance permit program allows landowners to harvest deer out of season if they are causing damage to crops, but Gearhardt said they need to Be easier to obtain. “We are looking at ways to expand wildlife officers’ view of damage and what qualifies for a damage permit,” he said. “Most wait until summer when crops are being eaten, but there is much more that can be considered deer damage.” He said deer love to eat winter wheat, which economists have said affects the crop’s yield. They also eat the tops off of alfalfa hay and go as far as entering barns to eat stored hay and corn silage.

Gearhardt suggested farmers encountering deer damage contact their wildlife officer so damage can be inspected for a nuisance damage permit, of which he encourages full use.

“OFBF loses credibility when calling for more damage permits if those who possess them fail to use them,” he said.

Access Management In a situation that could protect landowners and help them at the same time, OFBF and DOW are discussing an access management program, which would match landowners experiencing damage with those seeking private land on which to hunt. Landowners would be free of liability through documentation defining what hunters can and cannot do on the land.

The trend of private landowners leasing land to hunters has become popular and lucrative, according to Gearhardt. But many hunters from out of state come to hunt large bucks instead of eliminating does, which is necessary to controlling deer population.

“The population of does must be reduced in order to effectively manage Ohio’s herd,” Gearhardt said. “We want to thin the herd to produce larger deer, which will encourage more hunting.”

Providing Incentive “We’re investigating numerous options into what it will take to get a hunter access program in place and What it will take to provide an incentive for hunters to harvest more deer,” Gearhardt said.

Previously, in certain areas of the state, hunters could take up to six deer, but only needed one or two deer to fill their freezer, while the cost of processing a deer is in the $75 to $80 range. “There was no incentive for hunters to take extra deer,” Gearhardt said. “There was no room for meat and processing was an out-of-pocket expense. Very few hunters took more than two deer in this situation.” In an effort to provide an incentive, Gearhardt said future funding may pay for the processing of extra deer, with meat going to needy sources such as food banks, creating a beneficial use of excess deer harvests.

It will likely take a concentrated effort to start seeing results, but according to Gearhardt, “the most important thing is that for the first time, the Division of Wildlife has admitted the problem and is interested in working with Farm Bureau to address it.”

Energy Proposal Stalls In House

Seth Teter

Gov. Ted Strickland’s proposal to stabilize electricity costs, which sailed through the Senate with unanimous support, has met resistance from House lawmakers.

The plan, endorsed by Farm Bureau, would continue state oversight of electric utility rates until sufficient market competition develops. Current rate regulation will expire at the end of this year, which is expected to lead to a dramatic spike in electricity costs.

Strickland’s proposal, included in Senate Bill (S.B.) 221, also set standards for the development of advanced and renewable energy in the state. It originally had a benchmark of producing 25 percent of the state’s energy from such sources by the year 2025, although that requirement was dropped by the Senate.

When the proposal landed in the House, leaders there carved the advanced and renewable energy portion from the bill and championed stronger standards in their own separate piece of legislation, House Bill (H.B.) 487. Meanwhile, the governor’s rate-setting plan received little support.

While there are some differences Between the renewable and advanced energy plans proposed by Strickland and the House, they both are work toward a similar end, according to Rocky Black, OFBF senior director of policy and political affairs. The real sticking point, he said, lies in the reluctance of some lawmakers to provide government oversight of electric utilities, preferring the market-based system instead.

“That main philosophical divide is what the governor and lawmakers have to overcome,” he said.

Lawmakers are expected to merge the House bill on renewable and advanced energy back into S.B. 221.

However, they will likely look for the governor to make major concessions on his rate-setting plan before that happens, Black said. That could leave Strickland with little leverage when it comes time for the House and Senate to negotiate a final version.

“There is no sign of a deal yet and there very well might not be a deal for a while,” Black said.

OFBF was the first major statewide organization to endorse Strickland’s plan. It has since been joined by more than 100 groups including the Ohio Manufacturers Association and livestock and commodity organizations.

Farm Bill Takes Center Stage During County Presidents Trip

Dan Toland

Ohio’s county Farm Bureau presidents were among the first to know about Congress’ recent extension of the 2002 Farm Bill during their 62nd annual trip to Washington,

D. C. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, Dminn., broke the news to the group that the 2002 Farm Bill had been extended until April 18. This seemingly will give Congress an extra month to work out differences with the White House and get legislation signed. Peterson said time is much more constrained, however.

“I will be here over (the two-week Easter) recess to get the bill done,” he said, noting that there will be about two working days to complete a bill once Congress returns.

Peterson, addressing the group during a forum with Ohio’s congressional representatives, said Congress had been very close to letting the farm bill expire and reverting back to permanent law.

“I was convinced we could give it one more chance,” he said. Peterson expressed the need to write a baseLine farm bill with no extra money if issues are not resolved. When asked why Congress didn’t extend the bill 60 days to provide more time, he simply answered, “because if the extension was 60 days, they’d take the entire 60 days.” During a visit to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, county presidents heard from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner, who said funding, which has been the main point of contention on new farm legislation, shouldn’t be holding up the bill. He told the group the president would sign the extension, but at least a one-year extension of the current bill would be needed if a compromise cannot be reached.

To most, the highlight of the trip was the forum with Ohio Reps. John Boehner, Jim Jordan, Bob Latta, Zack Space and Charlie Wilson, and Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Topics included the farm bill, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit authority, elimination of death taxes, immigration, energy, trade and animal rights organizations. Ohio Sen. George Voinovich also voiced his opinions during a breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club.

Ohio’s presidents didn’t just hear from lawmakers in D.C.; they were also there to be a voice for Ohio’s farmers. In Capitol Hill offices, they met their representatives face-to-face to express agriculture’s needs and wants. The group came well-armed for discussion, having been briefed on issues by American Farm Bureau Federation policy specialists, carrying letters and position statements to back their vocal efforts.

The trip also included a view of both national and international agriculture, as some attendees toured AFBF headquarters and chose to visit the Egyptian, Japanese or Ukraine embassies.

OFBF President Bob Peterson was pleased with the county presidents’ efforts. “I appreciate your work on the Hill and encourage you to stay engaged in the issues and keep that pressure on,” he said.

“Farm Bureau gets things done and we get it done right.” First-term Congressman Space agreed. “Farm Bureau’s effort to reach out is nothing short of amazing,” he said. “I have a renewed respect for the level of participation, interest and knowledge of Farm Bureau and its members.”

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