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S P E C I A L R E P O R T
‘Public Relations
Awards’
State Farm Bureaus win national
recognition for excellent agricul-
tural public relations | 4
July 9, 2007 Vol. 86 No. 14 fbnews.org
‘Biotech alfalfa’ AFBF to continue push for much-needed
guest worker program for agriculture
A court has changed
some of the require-
ments in an earlier
After a total of nearly two dozen farmers’ livelihood as immigration tion, including AFBF, considered
ruling concerning days of floor debate and more than reform.” the bill imperfect, but emphasized
Roundup Ready 70 amendments, the Senate on Stallman said in a statement that that passing it would provide an
June 28 failed again to limit addi- the agriculture industry respected opportunity to work with House
alfalfa plantings | 3 tional debate on amendments and the hard, bipartisan work that went lawmakers to further refine it.
bring immigration reform legisla- into the legislation and considered Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), part
tion (S. 1639) to a vote. the vote “a setback, not a defeat.” of the group of Republican and
‘Farmer Up’ The Senate’s 53-46 vote halts the
bill for the foreseeable future.
“We have seen our share of dif-
ficulties and delays in the years we
Democratic senators who crafted
the compromise the Senate was
Missouri farmer stirs American Farm Bureau Federa- have been working for immigration debating, warned that the sand
tion President Bob Stallman ex- reform, when agriculture was the was running quickly through im-
pride in agriculture | 7 pressed disappointment at the Sen- only sector drawing congressional migration reform’s hourglass.
ate’s inability to “move forward on attention to the problem,” he said.
an issue as vital and critical to our Many supporters of the legisla- Reform Continued on Page 3
Citing importance
to agriculture, Bush, FB: Don’t believe the ‘food v. fuel’ hype
AFBF continues call
for TPA renewal
Just before the sun set on President
George W. Bush’s trade promotion
authority (TPA) on June 30, the United
States finalized free trade agreements
(FTAs) with South Korea and Panama.
Continued on Page 6
RISING CORN PRICES DUE TO ETHANOL PRODUCTION are not to blame for an increase in other food prices. Ethanol critics and
others have pounced on the growing production of the corn-based fuel as the reason for higher grocery bills.
High demand for corn to make er Price Index (CPI). The AFBF Post said, “A sudden rise in the
ethanol is being blamed for driving “marketbasket” survey for the first price of corn, driven by demand for
up the cost of a smorgasbord of quarter of 2007 also shows the total corn-based ethanol fuel, has had a
foods, from milk to bacon to break- cost of 16 basic grocery items is up downstream effect on costs of ani-
fast cereal. But the American Farm about 4 percent or $1.65 from the mal feed, beef, poultry, milk,
Bureau Federation says that weath- last quarter of 2006. cheese, eggs and the high-fructose
er and high energy costs are more Meanwhile, production of etha- corn syrup used as a sweetener in
to blame, and the “food versus nol, mostly from grain corn, has many products.”
fuel” issue is one of rhetoric, not more than doubled since 2002. Tax Whether the root of such state-
reality. incentives and a government man- ments is a lack of understanding of
Terry Francl, AFBF senior econo- date that increasing amounts of the agricultural economics, opposition
mist, said that nearly all the evi- nation’s fuel supply must come to government incentives for etha-
dence points to factors other than from renewable fuels are driving nol production or food companies’
ethanol demand, including an ear- production even higher. As a result, hype to justify their price increases,
n e w s p a p e r
ly freeze that zapped fruits and the price of a bushel of corn has the claim that ethanol demand so
vegetables, low world supplies of nearly doubled to $4 over the last far has increased Americans’ food
wheat, milk producers’ cutting year. bills is off the mark, said Francl.
back on production in response to Based on a realization of how “These articles and reports are
last year’s low prices and the rising many foods either contain corn or generally vague about the specific
cost of energy. come from animals that are fed connection between ethanol de-
Food and beverage prices rose corn, dozens of news stories have mand and food prices,” Francl said.
about 4 percent in May 2007 com- focused on a perceived ethanol- “In fact, there is little if any evi-
pared to a year ago, according the food price connection.
Labor Department’s latest Consum- A June 15 story in the Washington Hype Continued on Page 2
fbnews.org July 9, 2007
Viewpoint 2|
It’s time to take immigration reform off hold
A
s I travel the countryside, I hear one $9 billion annually in domestic agricultural pro- Farm Bureau has seen its share of steps for-
resounding echo from producers: duction is at risk of being lost if we don’t solve ward and backward in the last decade of
We need immigration reform now! this problem. In layman’s terms, that’s $9 billion working for comprehensive immigration re-
Growers in the upper Midwest have had to that will go to farmers in other countries to pro- form; so, while the inaction in the Senate is
mow down crops of asparagus because of a duce food to be sent back to the United States— disappointing, we hope it is just another pot-
lack of workers. Strawberries and oranges by food that’s not as fresh, not as safe and more hole in the long road to solving this critical
the tons have rotted on the ground in the expensive. problem for many of our nation’s farmers.
West. Producers everywhere are dealing with The $9 billion question is: Given the prob-
class-action lawsuits against them because of Looking ahead lems associated with America’s dependence
the current system’s malfunction. The immigration bill has been declared all but on foreign sources of oil, do we really want to
These hardships aren’t isolated. It’s happen- dead in the Senate. The Senate has voted twice create the same dilemma by outsourcing the
ing all over the nation. The time is now to against limiting debate and allowing a vote on nation’s food supply and, indirectly, compro-
pass immigration reform. a comprehensive immigration reform bill. But mise our national security? I think the answer
none of those senators who voted against the for most Americans is “no.” That’s why it’s
$9 billion out the door bill has offered a real solution to agriculture’s time to take immigration reform off hold.
Agriculture, Michigan’s second-largest in- severe worker shortage. Ignoring the problem
dustry after automotives, is really suffering. It won’t make it go away, but it will make a huge
is estimated that Oceana County, the largest portion of our agricultural production go away. The
asparagus-producing county in the state, has Time is running out to pass a bill in this Con-
less than 75 percent of its needed workforce. gress, but it’s still doable if members of Congress
This burden, coupled with the average cost of show some political will and stop listening only
$36,000 in unsold asparagus for every 100 to a vocal minority of people who are worked up
acres mowed, which some growers have re- by listening to inaccurate anti-immigration
sorted to, has producers hoping they will slogans on television and radio.
have enough workers for other crops that will While the Senate bill was not flawless, it Bob Stallman
be harvested following asparagus. would have provided answers to critical prob- PRESIDENT
Farm labor is hard work. Pickers, for exam- lems and paved the way for improving the bill American Farm Bureau Federation
ple, work in extreme weather conditions up in the House. The bill would have provided
to 14 hours a day, seven days a week. Their strong incentives for migrant workers to stay in
jobs are fluid, causing them to move around agriculture for several years, while allowing
the country each crop season with uncertain them to work toward legal citizenship. It would
start and end dates. have fixed the “catch 22” of the current system
I cringe when I hear the criticism that farm- that requires producers to check papers—yet
ers are taking jobs away from Americans to discourages questions about those papers—or
give to migrant, seasonal workers. Truth be face a Homeland Security raid. But, if produc-
told, most Americans, other than farmers ers do question a worker’s papers, they could
themselves, won’t take farm jobs because of also be faced with a lawsuit. Catch 22.
the required intensified labor and job volatility. For example, Evans Fruit, a Farm Bureau mem-
It’s not that producers are looking for cheap ber family and third-generation orchard opera-
labor, either. Farmers on average pay $10 per tion in Yakima County, Wash., is in a class-ac-
hour. Take Michigan asparagus farmers Steve tion lawsuit brought by a Chicago law firm
and Julie Dillingham, who offer free housing, that’s seeking millions of dollars in damages.
free utilities and $10 to $14 an hour, and still The lawyers allege that Evans Fruit and hun-
can’t get an adequate supply of workers. Sen. dreds of apple growers in the area are conspiring
John McCain (R-Ariz.) earlier this year offered to hire illegal workers, but the farmers are com-
$50 per hour to anyone who finished out the plying precisely with the law—a law that says
lettuce harvest in Yuma, Ariz. He had few if farmers must accept the documents presented
any takers. by workers at the time of hire, unless obviously
Farm Bureau economists estimate that up to fraudulent.
Farm Bureau: Don’t believe the ‘food v. fuel’ hype
food, energy and corn prices done corn flakes has been estimated to pact on the price of soft drinks.
by LECG, a consulting and eco- be 2.2 cents. “Ethanol is unfairly getting a bad
“There is no conflict nomic analysis firm, showing that “Even if the cost of the corn rap,” Francl said, “because people
rising energy costs have had twice doubled, it is hard to understand aren’t looking at all the other fac-
between food and fuel— the impact of corn prices on the how this relates to an increase of tors that are involved in food pric-
CPI for food. 10 to 20 times that much in the es. It could dilute support for a re-
we can produce both.” “Energy costs have a much great- price of a box of cereal,” he said. newable fuel that diversifies our en-
er impact on consumer food costs Some news stories have focused ergy supply and provides economic
as they impact every single food on high-fructose corn syrup, the and environmental benefits.”
Continued from page 1 product on the shelf,” said the largest industrial use of corn com- Francl would not rule out the
dence that higher corn prices have report’s author, John Urbanchuk. pared to feed, export and ethanol possibility that corn prices could
influenced consumer food prices.” “Energy is required to produce, production. However, Francl have a greater impact on grocery
The National Corn Growers As- process, package and ship each pointed out that soda producers bills in the future. However, he said
sociation (NCGA) also disputes food item. Conversely, corn prices who use HFCS to sweeten soft the increases are likely to be moder-
the claims that ethanol demand impact just a small segment of the drinks contract for their HFCS sup- ate and extended over several years.
is making food more expensive. food market as not all products plies once a year, typically at the USDA’s Economic Research Ser-
“There is no conflict between rely on corn for production.” start of the year. He said only about vice forecasts the CPI for food will
food and fuel—we can produce Francl said the value of corn usu- one-half of the run-up in corn increase 3 percent to 4 percent this
both,” said Ken McCauley, NCGA ally is just a tiny fraction of a prod- prices occurred before the first of year as retailers pass on their ris-
president. uct’s price. For example, the value this year, so higher corn prices ing input and energy costs to
The group cites an analysis of of corn that goes into a box of would have had only a small im- consumers.
FBNews
July 9, 2007 Vol. 86 No. 14
Published semimonthly, except monthly in August and December, by the
American Farm Bureau Federation, 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 1000W, Washington, DC 20024.
Phone: 202-406-3600. E-mail: fbnews@fb.org. Web site: http://www.fb.org.
Don Lipton, Director, Public Relations Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate for officers
and board members of county and state Farm Bureaus—$6, which is deducted from dues.
Lynne Finnerty, Editor For other subscribers—$10.
Erin McGinn, Assistant Editor Postmaster: Send address changes to FBNews,
Phyllis Brown, Assistant Editor 600 Maryland Ave., SW, Suite 1000W, Washington, DC 20024. (ISSN 0197-5617)
July 9, 2007 fbnews.org
|3 Capitol View
Court rulings will benefit farmers
The U.S. District Court for the information must be disclosed and statutory requirements. The group
Northern District of California has how quickly the government must said that delegating the permitting
modified requirements that the provide the information. authority to states without a spe-
same court imposed in early May The court removed the require- cies review would have foreclosed
on Monsanto, USDA and farmers ment that biotech alfalfa hay be future ESA reviews and consulta-
who have planted Roundup Ready placed in containers, agreeing with tion requirements because the ESA
A bill introduced in the House in June
alfalfa. USDA that the requirement was applies only to federal actions, not
While the modifications do not impractical. In addition, the court state issuance of NPDES permits. would phase out the current farm safe-
change the underlying ruling and agreed that mid-season equipment The Supreme Court disagreed, ty net that includes direct payments,
prohibition on planting the bio- cleaning requirements were im- and held that the delegation of per- countercyclical payments and loan
tech variety, they address practical practical, and instead APHIS could mitting authority to the states is deficiency payments. Farm Bureau op-
concerns expressed by USDA. issue best management practices not discretionary if a state satisfies poses the bill, titled the Food and Risk
The court earlier ruled that USDA on equipment cleaning. Clean Water Act requirements. As
Management for the 21st Century,
and Monsanto must publicly dis- The court in May banned further a result, the ESA cannot impose ad-
close on a USDA Web site where planting of Roundup Ready alfalfa ditional requirements. or FARM21, Act (H.R. 2720).
the biotech alfalfa was planted. —a herbicide tolerant variety—until “Owners of livestock operations The FARM21 Act would shift fund-
Now, USDA and the plaintiffs—an USDA completes a comprehensive and other farms may have faced ing from the current farm program to
environmental group and several review of its environmental and more regulatory burdens if ESA conservation, nutrition, rural devel-
organic growers—will work out a other impacts. The ruling allowed review applied to all non-discre- opment and energy programs. It
disclosure procedure that gives farmers who planted the crop be- tionary government actions, such
would cut the farm program by bil-
farmers access to biotech alfalfa lo- fore March 30 to grow and harvest as granting the states authority to
cation information as needed, but it, as long as they complied with issue stormwater and concentrated lions of dollars and create farm risk
is not a blanket public disclosure containment, equipment cleaning animal feeding operation (CAFO) management accounts (RMA) that
requirement. and other steps to prevent cross- permits,” said Quist. “This ruling would be similar to Individual Re-
“That is good news, because there pollination with non-biotech crops. means that the requirements of the tirement Accounts. Commodity sub-
have been cases where farmers who The earlier ruling also ordered the ESA are no more important than sidies would decline over seven years,
planted biotech crops were harassed manufacturers that sold the Round- the requirements of the Clean Wa-
with an increasing portion of each
and fields destroyed by anti-bio- up Ready alfalfa seed to use their ter Act or any other law. That’s im-
tech activists,” said Danielle Quist, best efforts such as GPS technology portant for farmers and ranchers.” year’s payment going into the farm-
American Farm Bureau Federation to locate the biotech alfalfa plant- AFBF submitted two briefs in the er’s RMA. Farmers could deposit their
assistant general counsel. “This ings and provide that information case, National Association of Home- own money into the RMA tax-free.
change in the ruling makes more to APHIS for public disclosure. builders v. Defenders of Wildlife, to in- Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) says his bill
sense, because it gives those pro- In other legal news, the Supreme form the Supreme Court of the wid- “takes farm policy in a bold new di-
ducers who feel they have a ‘need Court on June 25 issued an impor- er-ranging ramifications, even be-
rection,” but the American Farm Bu-
to know’ the right to access that tant ruling that the Endangered yond CAFO permitting, and on the
information, but it doesn’t unnec- Species Act (ESA) is not a “super merits of the complex legal issues. reau Federation and 37 other groups
essarily expose farmers who have statute” that overrides the man- “The principal question presented say it would be the wrong direction.
planted the crop to harassment.” dates and procedures of other laws, is whether [the ESA] overrides the di- The groups sent a June 21 letter to
The court also gave Monsanto such as the Clean Water Act. rectives and limitations of other fed- the full House urging members not
more time to locate the biotech The environmental group Defend- eral statutes,” AFBF said in one brief. to co-sponsor the bill.
alfalfa fields and comply with the ers of Wildlife claimed that the En- The court ruled that the EPA con-
“The stringent requirements placed
disclosure requirements. vironmental Protection Agency sultation requirements apply only
The disclosure requirement now must consider the impact on en- to the extent that they don’t im- on the risk management accounts
requires USDA’s Animal and Plant dangered species when delegat- pede on the federal government’s that replace direct payments in
Health Inspection Service (APHIS) ing National Pollutant Discharge responsibility to comply with other FARM21 would not provide producers
and the plaintiffs to negotiate the Elimination System (NPDES) per- laws. with the necessary flexibility to effec-
specifics as to how farmers can make mitting authority to the states. “This is the first time in decades tively manage their operations,” the
inquiries about biotech alfalfa loca- As written, the Clean Water Act that the Supreme Court has limited
groups wrote. “Aside from crop losses,
tions, what information farmers requires EPA to delegate this au- the ESA,” said Quist. “For that rea-
have to provide, how much of that thority if a state satisfies certain son alone, it’s a significant ruling.” producers can face a wide range of
challenges, including dramatically
increasing input prices.”
The RMA could be tapped when
AFBF to continue push for much-needed there is a gross revenue loss of more
than 5 percent. The 2002 farm bill’s
guest worker program for agriculture
countercyclical payments kick in when
market prices fall below target levels.
In addition, direct payments provide
Continued from page 1 The compromise was hailed as Calif.) said she was surprised about a safety net against rising costs for
“It is getting late into the season a major turning point that would the demise of the Senate’s immigra- energy, fertilizer and other inputs.
now,” Kennedy said on June 27, allow the Senate to make progress tion reform discussion. The current farm bill has saved
speaking on the Senate floor about on immigration reform. When “It was stunning to us because we the government billions of dollars,
the upcoming vote on whether to the bill was debated on the Sen- anticipated that we would be work- because market prices for most
move the legislation forward. “July ate floor in late May and the first ing on an immigration bill soon,”
commodities have been well above
and August we will be out and in week of June, however, disagree- Pelosi said. “[I]n any event, my
September is the appropriations ment over the number and type conversations with our leaders on target levels. The government has
time. We will move into a highly of amendments that would be this issue in the House, as well as paid out about $21 billion less in
politicized period of time, and we allowed resulted in Senate Major- interested parties throughout our farm payments than was expected
will move into a presidential cam- ity Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) caucus, is that we’ll come back in a when Congress passed the bill. Still,
paign. So we will miss an incredible pulling the bill from the floor. week [and] take stock of what the Farm Bureau says that even with
opportunity.” The weeks of June 18 and June 25 options are from there.”
good farm prices, there is no guaran-
Kennedy said that if Congress marked the Senate’s second stab at U.S. farmers are committed to
does not succeed in reforming im- immigration reform. continue their push for an ad- tee that high prices will continue and
migration policy, the country During the most recent round of equate workforce, without which, farmers still need a safety net.
would be maintaining its current debate, senators rejected a number according to AFBF analysis, up to The bill has been referred to the
policy of “silent amnesty” toward of AFBF-opposed amendments that $9 billion of U.S. agricultural pro- House Agriculture Committee, as
undocumented workers. Sen. John would have driven critical support duction could be lost to foreign well as three other committees. It
McCain (R-Ariz.) has also used that away from the bill. competitors who have lower labor
has 18 co-sponsors, including Reps.
phrase to describe the U.S.’ ap- However, senators did approve an and production costs.
proach to immigration. amendment offered by Sen. Max “We will look for and use every Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Joseph Crowley
The legislation being debated on Baucus (D-Mont.) that would have opportunity to secure a workforce (D-N.Y.), Dave Reichert (D-Wash.),
the Senate floor last month was the weakened employment identifica- for agriculture,” said Austin Perez, Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), Earl Blue-
product of a bipartisan compro- tion provisions. Approval of that AFBF immigration and labor spe- menauer (D-Ore.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.),
mise. Among the components of amendment was a factor in the cialist. “Whether that’s moving Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Thomas
the bill that farmers and ranchers bill’s downfall. these provisions individually
Petri (R-Wis.), Paul Ryan (R-Wis.),
are most interested in are “Z” visas Across Capitol Hill, House law- through Congress, incorporating
for undocumented workers and makers have signaled they may be them into a relevant bill that’s be- Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) and
“Z-A” visas for agricultural work- ready to make their own move on ing worked through the legislative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) as original
ers, as well as changes to the H-2A immigration. process or again tackling immigra- co-sponsors.
agricultural guest worker program. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- tion reform in one large package.”
Public Relat
FBs recognized for outstanding public relations
Twenty-three state Farm Bureaus awards; and Arizona, Florida, Kan- writing; publications; and pho- In addition to any awards they
received top awards at the recent sas, Oregon, Vermont and Wiscon- tography and graphics. Within may have won in other catego-
American Farm Bureau Federa- sin, with two awards each. Other the promotion, public relations ries, the following 25 state Farm
tion Public Relations Conference, winning states were Arkansas, Col- and media relations category is Bureaus received honorable
June 24-27, in Rochester, N.Y. orado, Illinois, Minnesota, Mis- the Dave Lane Award for Media mentions: Alabama, Arizona, Ar-
Every year, state Farm Bureau souri, New Hampshire, New York, Relations Excellence, which rec- kansas, California, Florida, Ida-
staff members submit their organ- Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vir- ognizes the state public relations ho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kan-
izations’ news stories, publications, ginia and Washington. staff that does the best job of sas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missis-
photos, advertising campaigns, Independent public relations and building and maintaining work- sippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
Web sites and other communica- agricultural journalism profession- ing relationships with members New Mexico, New York, North
tions projects for national recog- als who do not work for Farm Bu- of the news media. The award is Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
nition at the AFBF conference. reau volunteer to judge the compe- in memory of former AFBF direc- Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Thirty-six states submitted 328 en- tition. The judges said they were im- tor of media relations Dave Lane. Texas, Virginia and Washington.
tries, a record for the competition. pressed by how well agriculture is Separate awards were given for Here’s the list of who won
Winning multiple awards were represented through the efforts of Farm Bureaus with more or fewer what. AFBF, again, congratulates
California and Ohio, with six Farm Bureau public relations staff. than 70,000 members, except in cas- these hard-working public rela-
awards each; Iowa, Michigan AFBF gave awards for best audio; es where not enough entries were re- tions professionals who have
and New Mexico, with four promotion, public relations and ceived, in which case all entries were dedicated their talents to help
awards each; Idaho, with three media relations; video; Internet; combined into one competition. tell farmers’ and ranchers’ stories.
AUDIO Best Audio Commentary/Edi- Wisconsin. Honorable mention: John Swan, Mark O’Neill, Pennsylvania.
torial (combined category): Stuhlmiller, Dan Wood, Patrick Honorable mention: Dan Wood, John
Best Audio Public
Denny Banister, Missouri. Honor- Connor, Dan Fazio, Scott Dilley, Stuhlmiller, Gary Joiner, Patrick
Service Announce-
able mention: Alan Jarand, Illinois. Gary Joiner, Washington. Conner, Scott Dilley, Washington.
ment or Series (over
70,000 members): Best Regularly Scheduled Au- Best Advertising Campaign Dave Lane Award for Media
Rodger Meschke, Michi- dio Program or Service (com- or Spot (over 70,000 mem- Relations Excellence (over
gan. Honorable mention: bined category): Joe Cornely, bers): Bill Johns, South Carolina. 70,000 members): Greg Hicks,
Rod Hemphill, Florida. Rebecca Everman, Seth Teter, Honorable mention: Dana Ardary, Pam Wiley, Norm Hyde, Sherri
Natalie Walston, Ohio. Honorable Jessica Skinner, Bo Geigley, Iowa. McKinney, Mark Cramer, Kelly
Best Audio Public Service An-
mention: Mike Feldhaus, Kentucky. Best Advertising Campaign or Pruitt, Bill Altice, Maria La Lima,
nouncement or Series (under
Spot (under 70,000 members): Barbara Zeidman, Chris Baxter,
70,000 members): Chad Vorth-
Erik Leroy Ness, New Mexico. Hon- Cathy Vanderhoff, Virginia. Hon-
mann, Colorado. Honorable men- PROMOTION, PR orable mention: Dennis Rudat, Jill
tion: Erik Leroy Ness, New Mexico. orable mention: Gary Swan, Joel
AND MEDIA Corrin, Jeremy Nagel, Paul Jack-
Rotz, Lorraine Potochney-Kobold,
Best Audio News Story (com- RELATIONS Pennsylvania. son, Erica Venton, Dennis Bond,
bined category): Erik Leroy Ness, Best Communica- Stephanie Lonier, Rodger Meschke,
New Mexico. Honorable mention: Best Public Relations Cam-
tions Tool (over Steve Paradiso, Kristi Kirkpatrick,
Mike Feldhaus, Kentucky. paign (over 70,000 members):
70,000 members): Dana Smith, Bill Bogle, Michigan.
Kathy Richardson, Florida. Honor-
Best Audio Feature Story Laurie Groves, Holly Dave Lane Award for Media
able mention: Kurt Ely, Pat Petzel,
(combined category): Natalie Coppola, Iowa. Honor- Relations Excellence (under
Lynn Snyder, Cara Lawson, Mike
Walston, Ohio. Honorable mention: able mention: Norm Hyde, Sherri 70,000 members): Erik Leroy
Pullins, Galen Harris, Cindi Good,
Sam Knipp, Oklahoma. McKinney, Nathan Blair, Virginia; Ness, New Mexico.
Susan Gaughan, Anthony Huey,
Kurt Ely, Joe Cornely,
Shannon Powell, Ohio.
Amy Beth Graves,
Best Public Relations Campaign VIDEO
Galen Harris, Gayle
Lewis, Seth Teter, (under 70,000 members): Tom Best Promotional or
Natalie Walston, Thieding, Paul Ketring, Wisconsin. Educational Video
Bob Worrall, Ohio (combined category,
Best Media Relations Event
*Tie*): Scott Monaco,
Best Communi- (over 70,000 members): Dennis
Tracy Sellers, California;
cations Tool Rudat, Jill Corrin, Steve Paradiso,
Jake Putnam, Steve Rit-
(under 70,000 Michigan.
ter, Idaho. Honorable
members): Best Media Relations Event mention: Mark O’Neill, Joel Rotz,
Tom Thieding, (under 70,000 members): Gary Gary Swan, Pennsylvania; Tina
Henderson, Nebraska.
Best Video Newsletter (com-
bined category): Steve Paradiso,
Michigan. Honorable mention: Matt
Hilton, Bob Shrader, Kentucky.
Best Video News Story (com-
bined category): Mike Matson,
Kansas. Honorable mention: Ken
California Farm Bureau’s Moore, Robert Potter, Steve Edding-
and Vermont Farm Bureau’s ton, Arkansas; Norm Hyde, Vir-
magazines were judged “the ginia; Tom Nicolette, Edward Wolff,
best” in this year’s competi- Texas.
tion. According to the judges,
Vermont Fences is “a very Best Video Feature Story (com-
attractive publication from bined category, *Tie*): Mark
cover to cover,” and California Williams, Mark Pressburger, Jim
Country is “an outstanding Polus, Helen Dobbyn-Reedy, Illi-
publication, which appeals nois; Scott Monaco, Jim Morris,
greatly to member and non- California. Honorable mention: Gene
member alike.” Hall, Tom Nicolette, Edward Wolff,
July 9, 2007
S P E C I A L R E P O R T
tions Awards
Texas; Greg Gibson, Mississippi; sas. Honorable mention: Ed Albanesi, California Farm Bu-
Richard Wonderling, Richard Nord- Florida. reau’s “Faces of Farm
strom, Ohio; Matt Hilton, Bob Bureau” brochure
Shrader, Kentucky; Steve Ritter, Best Series of Editorials or shows “imagination,
Jake Putnam, Idaho. Commentaries (under 70,000 energy, whimsy and
members): John Thompson, humor,” according to
Best Regular Program or Ser- Idaho. Honorable mention: Alan the judge.
vice (combined category): Kurt Knight, New York.
Ely, Pat Petzel, Cara Lawson, Kitty
Lensman, Deborah Andrews, Ohio.
Honorable mention: Kevin Worth-
PUBLICATIONS
ington, Alabama; Scott Monaco, Best Pamphlet or
Jim Morris, Tracy Sellers, Ron Brochure (over
Miller, California. 70,000 members):
Rosanna Westmoreland,
Rhonda Asher, Sarah
INTERNET Lee, Scott Monaco, Jim
Best Internet Feature Morris, California. Hon-
(combined category): orable mention: Steve Eddington,
Dennis Bond, Michigan. Arkansas. New York Farm Bureau’s “Join Farm
Honorable mention: Ted Bureau” brochures concisely and clearly
Jankowski, John Haw- Best Pamphlet or Brochure
(under 70,000 members): Alan explain the benefits of Farm Bureau
kins, Josh St. Peter, membership, according to one judge.
Illinois. Knight, New York. Honorable men-
tion: Lorraine Potochney-Kobold, NYFB even developed customized bro-
Best Web Site (over 70,000 Erin Carlin, Pennsylvania. chures for different agricultural sectors,
members): Lynn Snyder, Karen from horse owners and goat farmers to
Lotus, Pat Petzel, Ohio. Honorable Best Leader Newsletter (over micro-breweries and Amish farmers.
mention: Chris Baxter, Virginia. 70,000 members): Alton Audie
Ayer, Arkansas. Honorable mention:
Best Web Site (under 70,000 Meagan Cramer, Kansas. fornia. Honorable mention: Paul W. (under 70,000 members): Kris-
members): Julie Murphree, Jackson, Stephanie Lonier, Tim tin Harner, Karin Nordling, Madsen
Arizona. Best Leader Newsletter (under Rogers, Dennis Rudat, Jeremy Na- Ink, Minnesota. Honorable mention:
70,000 members): Chris Coon, gel, Michigan; Linda Goltz, Dan Sabrina Matteson, New Hampshire.
Cecilia Abeyta, New Mexico. Hon- Grant, Dave McClelland, Martin
WRITING orable mention: John Stuhlmiller, Ross, Kay Shipman, Bob Standard, Best magazine (over 70,000
Dan Wood, Patrick Connor, Dan Richard Verdery, Cyndi Cook, Nan members): California Farm Bu-
Best News Story
Fazio, Scott Dilley, Washington. Fannin, Ken Kashian, Sharon New- reau Federation, California Coun-
(over 70,000 mem-
ton, Grace Rist, Tony Wilson, try. Honorable mention: Kathleen
bers): Teresa Bjork, Best Newspaper or Tabloid
Illinois. Dutro, Lew Middleton, Mindy
Iowa. Honorable mention: (over 70,000 members): Califor- Reef, Indiana; Kurt Ely, Pat Petzel,
Kate Campbell, Califor- nia Farm Bureau Federation, Cali- Best Newspaper or Tabloid Galen Harris, Lynn Snyder, Seth
nia; G.B. Crawford,
Teter, Natalie Walston, Gayle Lewis,
Florida.
Ohio; Dave Smith, Curtis Hayes,
Best News Story (under 70,000 “It just doesn’t get much Chris Street, North Carolina.
members): Sean Ellis, Idaho. better than this” says the
judge of the photo competi- Best Magazine (under 70,000
Best Feature Story (over tion concerning the photo members): Tim Buskey, Beth
70,000 members): Seth Teter, produced by Joseph Mur- O’Keefe, Vermont.
Ohio. Honorable mention: Dirck phy and Jeremy Coyle of the
Steimel, Iowa. Iowa Farm Bureau staff. “This PHOTOGRA-
photo screams wholesome.
Best Feature Story (under
It’s American agriculture at
PHY/GRAPHICS
70,000 members): Anne Marie Best Single Photo
its best.”
Moss, Oregon. Honorable mention: (over 70,000 mem-
Teresa Paisley, New York. bers): Joseph L. Mur-
Best News or Feature Series phy, Jeremy Coyle,
(over 70,000 members): Kate Iowa. Honorable mention:
Campbell, Barbara Arciero, Rhonda Jim Morris, California.
Asher, Sarah Lee, California. Honor- Best Single Photo (under
able mention: Dale Johnson, Teresa 70,000 members): Anne Marie
Bjork, Tom Block, Dirck Steimel, Moss, Oregon. Honorable men-
Joseph Murphy, Iowa. tion: Chris Coon, New Mexico.
Best News or Feature Series Best Use of Photos (over
(under 70,000 members): Sabri- 70,000 members): Galen Har-
na Matteson, New Hampshire. ris, Megan Nadolski, Ohio.
Honorable mention: Jim Klinker, Honorable mention: Larry Kem-
Paul Brierley, Arizona. merlin, South Carolina.
Best Editorial or Commen- Best Use of Photos (under
tary (over 70,000 members): 70,000 members): Beth O’Keefe,
Rod Hemphill, Florida. Honorable Vermont. Honorable mention: Sa-
mention: Paul Wenger, Rosanna brina Matteson, New Hampshire.
Westmoreland, California.
Best Graphic Design (over
Best Editorial or Commen- 70,000 members): Bo Geigley,
tary (under 70,000 members): Evelyn George, Dana Ardary,
Jim Klinker, Julie Murphree, Ari- Iowa. Honorable mention: Bill
This photo, taken by Anne Marie
zona. Honorable mention: Robert Johns, South Carolina; Stepha-
Moss, Oregon Farm Bureau com-
Johnson, New Hampshire. nie Lonier, Michigan.
munications director, features a
Best Series of Editorials or “strong cover subject” and “full Best Graphic Design (un-
Commentaries (over 70,000 range of colors,” says the photo der 70,000 members): Marc
members): John Schlageck, Kan- competition judge. Northrop, Washington.
fbnews.org July 9, 2007
For the Record 6|
Senate votes on energy, immigration legislation
Vote 1—June 20 requirement, in effect, killed the 1639). The Baucus amendment Vote 3—June 28
The Senate rejected, 36-56, a mo- amendment. The American Farm would have stricken the require- The Senate rejected, 46-53, a mo-
tion to waive the federal budget Bureau Federation favored a “nay” ment that the identification card tion to invoke cloture, limit debate
“pay-as-you-go” requirement con- (N) vote. employers must check to verify and proceed to a final vote on the
cerning an amendment offered by work eligibility be “Real ID”-com- immigration reform bill (S. 1639).
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) to the Vote 2—June 27 pliant. The Senate’s failure to strike The Senate fell 14 votes short of the
CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6). The Senate rejected, 45-52, a mo- the amendment from the immigra- 60 needed to invoke cloture. The vote
The amendment would have elim- tion to table (i.e. remove from con- tion bill made it all the more diffi- halts consideration of immigration
inated the current import tariff on sideration) an amendment offered cult to get the immigration bill reform for now, but AFBF hopes it is
imported ethanol. The failure of by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) to passed. AFBF favored a “yea” (Y) only a temporary set-back. AFBF fa-
the motion to waive the budget the immigration reform bill (S. vote on the motion. vored a “yea” (Y) vote on the motion.
Name/Vote 1 2 3 Name/Vote 1 2 3 Name/Vote 1 2 3 Name/Vote 1 2 3 Name/Vote 1 2 3 Name/Vote 1 2 3
Alabama Georgia Maine Nevada Oregon Virginia
Shelby (R) y n n Chambliss (R) N Y n Snowe (R) y n Y Reid (D) N Y Y Wyden (D) N n Y Warner (R) y Y n
Sessions (R) N n n Isakson (R) N Y n Collins (R) y n n Ensign (R) y Y n Smith (R) N Y n Webb (D) y n n
Alaska Hawaii Maryland New Hampshire Pennsylvania Washington
Stevens (R) N Y n Inouye (D) N Y Y Mikulski (D) N n Y Gregg (R) y Y Y Specter (R) N Y Y Murray (D) N n Y
Murkowski (R) N Y n Akaka (D) N n Y Cardin (D) N n Y Sununu (R) y n n Casey (D) N n Y Cantwell (D) y n Y
Arizona Idaho Massachusetts New Jersey Rhode Island West Virginia
McCain (R) ? ? Y Craig (R) N n Y Kennedy (D) y Y Y Lautenberg (D) y n Y Reed (D) y n Y Byrd (D) N Y n
Kyl (R) y Y Y Crapo (R) N n n Kerry (D) N n Y Menendez (D) y n Y Whitehouse (D) ? n Y Rockefeller (D) N n n
Arkansas Illinois Michigan New Mexico South Carolina Wisconsin
Lincoln (D) N n Y Durbin (D) N Y Y Levin (D) N n Y Domenici (R) N Y n Graham (R) y Y Y Kohl (D) N Y Y
Pryor (D) N n n Obama (D) ? n Y Stabenow (D) N n n Bingaman (D) N n n DeMint (R) y n n Feingold (D) N n Y
California Indiana Minnesota New York South Dakota Wyoming
Feinstein (D) y Y Y Lugar (R) y Y Y Coleman (R) N Y n Schumer (D) y Y Y Johnson (D) ? ? ? Barrasso (R) * n n
Boxer (D) y Y Y Bayh (D) N n n Klobuchar (D) N Y Y Clinton (D) N Y Y Thune (R) N Y n Enzi (R) y n n
Colorado Iowa Mississippi North Carolina Tennessee
Allard (R) y Y n Grassley (R) N n n Cochran (R) N Y n Dole (R) y n n Alexander (R) y n n
Salazar (D) N Y Y Harkin (D) N n n Lott (R) y Y Y Burr (R) y Y n Corker (R) y Y n
Connecticut Kansas Missouri North Dakota Texas
Dodd (D) N Y Y Brownback (R) ? Y n Bond (R) N Y n Conrad (D) N n Y Hutchison (R) y Y n
Lieberman (I) y Y Y Roberts (R) N Y n McCaskill (D) N n n Dorgan (D) N n n Cornyn (R) y Y n
Delaware Kentucky Montana Ohio Utah
Biden (D) ? ? Y McConnell (R) N Y n Baucus (D) N n n Voinovich (R) N Y n Hatch (R) N n n
Carper (D) N Y Y Bunning (R) y n n Tester (D) N n n Brown (D) N n n Bennett (R) y Y Y
Florida Louisiana Nebraska Oklahoma Vermont
Nelson (D) y Y Y Landrieu (D) N n n Hagel (R) N n Y Inhofe (R) y n n Leahy (D) y n Y
Martinez (R) y Y Y Vitter (R) N n n Nelson (D) N n n Coburn (R) ? n n Sanders (I) N n n
Legend: Y,y — Yea N,n — Nay ? — Not voting * — Vacant
No shortage of weather disasters this year
So far, 2007 is shaping up as heat wave this summer, after freez-
a year of extreme weather. ing temperatures in January dam-
Drought throughout the aged citrus, artichokes, strawberries More than two
Southeast is stunting corn and and other crops. straight weeks
other crops and causing feed And a blizzard that hit Colorado of rain and
PHOTO By MELISSA BARNISTON, TENNESSEE FARM BUREAU
shortages. The Southeast had its and other Plains states in early Jan- flooding has
driest spring on record, and con- uary stranded thousands of caused this Ok-
tinuing drought has farmers livestock. lahoma wheat
praying for rain. At least the California and Plains to sprout in the
“I believe it’s the driest I can state farmers who lost crops and head, making it
ever recall in my lifetime,” said livestock to disasters in January worthless for
Georgia Agriculture Commis- and February will be eligible for bread making.
sioner Tommy Irvin. some of the $3 billion in disaster PHOTO By BROOk
The drought led to wildfires in assistance Congress approved in STRADER, OkLA-
southern Georgia and northern May. The Agricultural Assistance HOMA FB MEMBER
Florida in May. Act of 2007 covers losses in either
Weather forecasters estimate 2005, 2006, or the first two months
that 30 inches of rain are needed of 2007.
in Tennessee just to get back to As far as the farmers and ranch-
normal. January through May ers hit with disasters this spring
were the driest there in 118 and summer are concerned, “They
years. will see nothing out of the disas-
Meanwhile, flood waters are ter package that was passed,” said
receding in Oklahoma, Texas Tara Smith, American Farm Bu- Tennessee Farm Bureau President Lacy Up-
and Kansas after 19 straight days reau Federation farm policy church (left) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
of rain. The rain has caused specialist. in mid-June visited a drought-stricken farm in
wheat to sprout in the head, She said that there has been no Philadelphia, Tenn., about 40 miles southwest
rendering it useless for bread talk of another disaster assistance of Knoxville, where the corn was only a quarter
making. package to cover the losses since of its normal size. Alexander said he couldn’t
A tornado all but wiped out February. Politicians who have promise federal disaster aid, “but will try to
the town of Greensburg, Kan., toured parched fields have not been make sure that whatever we can do, we will do.”
in early May, blowing away able to promise much in the way of
farm buildings and causing the a federal response. The new farm bill could include gram that would not duplicate or
loss of crops and livestock. “I am not here to make a lot of a permanent disaster program; lessen the importance of crop in-
An Easter freeze affected promises, but will try to make sure however, no one knows what such surance coverage. Rather, the Farm
crops and trees throughout that whatever we can do, we will a program would look like or how Bureau-recommended program
much of the eastern part of the do,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R- to pay for it. would be more integrated with
country. enn.) at a news conference with AFBF has recommended a county- crop insurance and countercycli-
California is experiencing a Tennessee Farm Bureau. based catastrophic assistance pro- cal farm payments.
July 9, 2007 fbnews.org
|7 State FB Links
Missouri grower urges youth to ‘Farmer Up!’
Missouri farmer Becky Plattner farmer who did not share a positive way,” she said. you’re involved in agriculture,” she
has put a new spin on the old ad- this passion that “Even in our everyday adult explained.
age about “wearing your heart on inspired Plattner world, it’s those flashes. It’s Similarly, she considers her work
your sleeve.” With Plattner’s to create the driving 60 miles an as Saline County presiding com-
“Farmer Up!” bands young and fu- bracelets. hour down the missioner as an extension of being
ture growers can wear their pride “I asked highway and a farmer and an ambassador for
about being involved in agriculture him what seeing a phrase agriculture.
on their wrists. he was do- on a billboard. “Being a county commissioner
Plattner’s wristbands come in two ing these Sometimes gave me the opportunity to pro-
colors: orange, which represents days and that phrase mote the agricultural business of
safety, and brown, which repre- he put his sticks with our county—from an economical
sents the earth. Both colors bear hands in you.” standpoint and a personal stand-
the phrase Farmer Up! Borrowed his pockets Plattner em- point,” she said.
from the rodeo saying “cowboy and looked phasized that Plattner distributed some of her
up,” it means when things are down to the farming and wristbands at the Missouri FFA
down in agriculture, farmers and floor,” she said. ranching go convention in April in Colum-
ranchers get right back up, Platt- “He quietly an- beyond pro- bia, but with recognition from
ner said. swered, ‘Oh, I viding food. people like Trent Loos, a farmer,
“There are many tough days in farm.’ He almost Furthermore, radio show host and motivational
agriculture, some tougher than acted ashamed it’s not just speaker, word has spread beyond
others,” she explained. “It’s on the to answer me those who the Show-Me State. Plattner has
toughest of days, when you want and at that point, are raising fielded inquiries from people in
to walk away, that you have to I began my crops and Vermont, Iowa and elsewhere.
farmer up.” mission.” livestock During the April convention,
Plattner, who with her husband, That mission is to who are in- Plattner’s youngest daugher, Mi-
Russell, runs a custom farm in part- convey to peo- volved in chaela, received her state FFA
nership with Russell’s brother, ple in as few as the industry. degree. She will receive her na-
Spencer, grew up with a love of the the 30 seconds it “If you’re tional degree later this year.
land and has always been proud to takes for a person behind a At their upcoming meeting,
be in agriculture. Through the wrist to see and read the counter and the American Farm Bureau Feder-
bands, and ideally the legions of bracelet that farm- you a sell a ation Young Farmers and Ranch-
FFA and 4-H students who will ing and ranching farmer or ers Committee will consider ways
wear them, she hopes to create are careers to as- rancher to help Plattner encourage youth
momentum and passion for agri- pire to and a part to Farmer Up! and sport the
culture among youth nationwide. be proud of. for their wristbands.
It was an encounter at a wed- “It captures work PHOTO By CHRIS FENNEwALD, MISSOUR FARM
ding four years ago with a young kids’ attention in truck, BUREAU
State Focus
Newsmakers
The Califor-
nia Farm Bu-
reau Federa-
tion has three
personnel
Ohio FB task force close to Oregon legislature passes Texas FB ‘dumbfounded’ over changes. On
finishing guide for group’s future ban on gestation stalls governor’s property rights veto Aug. 1, Rich-
ard Matteis
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s Enhanc- With Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s sig- Texas farmers and ranchers are not will become
ing the Vision task force, charged with nature on S.B. 694, Oregon on June 28 pleased with Gov. Rick Perry’s recent administra- Richard Matteis
providing a guideline for the future became the first state to ban gestation veto of legislation that would have tor of the orga-
of OFBF, is in the process of develop- stalls through the state legislature. The helped ensure that property owners nization. Matteis has served since
ing a draft report that will be finalized measure, which takes effect in 2012, are treated fairly when the state takes 1980 as chief executive officer of
this summer. The report will be pre- makes it a misdemeanor to confine a their property. According to a state- the California Grain and Feed As-
sented to the OFBF board of trustees sow for more than 12 hours in any 24- ment from Kenneth Dierschke, Texas sociation. Rosanna Westmoreland
in October. The task force was formed hour period. The bill was approved 32- Farm Bureau president, property own- has been named manager of the
last year and is made up of 22 county 25 in the Oregon House and 20-9 in the ers in that state are “dumbfounded” communications/news division.
Farm Bureau leaders—one from each state Senate. Oregon is the third state to that a governor they thought agreed Westmoreland joined CFBF in 2005
trustee district—and six OFBF trustees. ban gestation stalls but the first to do so with them about the need for eminent as manager of internal communi-
Guided by the concept that “the things through the legislature. In Florida and domain reform would not support cations. Elizabeth Giannini was
that got us here, will not get us there,” Arizona, gestation crates were banned the legislation. “The taking of private hired as field representative for
the task force members are approach- after voters approved a referendum in property has become far too easy in region II. Giannini most recently
ing their work with five goals in mind: 2002 and 2006, respectively. Like Florida this state,” Dierschke said. During the served as executive director of the
better serving the needs of future and Arizona, the law would affect few, 2007 legislative session, one of TFB’s Lodi Grape Growers Association.
OFBF members, developing a vision if any, producers in Oregon. There are priorities was passage of legislation that
for membership, promoting volunteer- fewer than 4,000 sows in the state and reforms the eminent domain process Two new employees joined the
ism in Farm Bureau, improving the it’s been reported that none of them are and restores protections for property Montana Farm Bureau Federa-
organization’s efficiency, and ensur- housed in stalls. In all three states the owners. “We cannot overstate our deep tion. Nicole Griffin has been hired
ing responsibility and accountability push for the ban was largely led by the disappointment that Governor Perry as western regional manager.
in the governance of the organization. Humane Society of the United States chose to veto [the bill].” The eminent Kevin Arntzen is serving as sum-
Among the issues the group has ex- and other animal rights groups. Last domain legislation (H.B. 2006) passed mer field services associate. Griffin
amined are the relationships between year, Arizona Farm Bureau and a number the Texas House with 125 of 150 votes. served as MFBF summer field
state and county organizations, their of other agriculture-related groups The Senate passed it unanimously. services associate in 2006 and
governance, structure, programming, came together under the Campaign for “With the projected growth of this state, worked part time for the organi-
membership criteria and finances. A Arizona Farmers and Ranchers to edu- takings will occur much more frequent- zation throughout her senior year
central element of the task force report cate the public about the humane treat- ly for roads, reservoirs and other public at Montana State University. Arnt-
will address how the organization ment of farm animals and the danger needs,” Dierschke said. “It is imperative zen will be a senior at Montana
should position itself to continue its Proposition 204, which bans sow gesta- that we treat property owners, urban State University this fall.
success. tion stalls, posed to animal agriculture. and rural alike, fairly.”
July 9, 2007 fbnews.org
|8 Grassroots
‘Join the Ride Iowa’ roars through the state
Inspired by Iowa’s extensive renewable agriculture they
energy efforts, the crew from The Learning can to move
Channel’s “American Chopper” hopes their us away from
recently unveiled “green” chopper—the first foreign oil.”
of its kind—will in turn inspire further de- The custom-
velopment and use of renewable energy. built chopper
The Iowa Farm Bureau Renewable Energy features spin-
Chopper is a central part of IFB’s “Join the ners in the
Ride Iowa” campaign to highlight Iowa’s lead- wheels that run
ership in renewable energy and its connection to the scale of
to Iowa agriculture. a genuine wind
Through the campaign, launched in mid- turbine, front
May, IFB is encouraging Iowans to ask retail- fenders with
ers for E85, make their next vehicle purchase 3-D sculpted
a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) and support their corn and rear
local livestock farmers. fenders with 3-
“People may not realize livestock farmers D sculpted soy-
are a critical link in the renewable energy val- beans, an E85
ue chain and how important responsible live- engine and a
stock farming is in continuing to sustainably cowhide leather
grow Iowa’s economy, statewide,” explained seat with artis-
Craig Lang, IFB president. “We need livestock tic renderings
to consume the co-product of ethanol.” of livestock. The Teutul family of The Learning Channel’s “American Chopper” unveils the Iowa Farm Bu-
The Renewable Energy Chopper was de- The chopper reau Renewable Energy Chopper, which has an E85 engine. Paul Teutul Sr. sits on the bike,
signed and built by the Teutul family—Paul Sr., was unveiled while his sons, Paul Jr. and Mikey, IFB President Craig Lang and Craig Armstrong, Iowa Speed-
Paul Jr. and Mikey. The trio runs Orange Coun- June 24 at the way general manager, stand behind him (left to right).
ty Choppers, which is featured on the TLC Iowa Corn
program “American Chopper.” Indy 250, which marks the first year the Indy- nered with Kum & Go and General Motors for
“We had no idea Iowa had so many cutting- Car Series race cars are running on 100 percent the campaign. Kum & Go is a Midwest-based
edge renewable energy efforts under way until fuel-grade ethanol. Iowans will have the op- gasoline and E85 retailer. Kum & Go is offering
we came to the state for inspiration in the portunity to win the chopper as it makes its way three cents off a gallon of ethanol throughout
design of the E85 chopper,” said Paul Jr. “It on the “Join the Ride Iowa” tour across the state the summer with each raffle ticket purchased.
was really amazing to see a wind turbine up this summer by purchasing $10 raffle tickets. General Motors is providing IFB members
close and learn that a single wind farm could Gross proceeds from the raffle will go to the discounts on FFVs.
power more than 5,000 homes. It was cool American Lung Association of Iowa in support of
to learn that cattle were necessary for renew- the organization’s “Clean Air Choice” program,
able energy; something we found out when which promotes consumer education of E85,
we climbed a [dried distillers grains] pile. biodiesel and other clean energy initiatives. www.jointherideiowa.com
They are literally using every component of Along with the Teutul family, IFB has part-
Citing importance to agriculture, Bush, AFBF continue
call for renewal of trade promotion authority
Continued from page 1 to urge Congress to reauthorize the tance of TPA to agriculture and the “We cannot cede our global lead-
Emphasizing how important TPA, critical trade negotiating power. nation’s economy. ership position by unilaterally tying
which limits Congress to only an TPA renewal supporters are con- “Since trade promotion authority our hands at the trade negotiating
up or down vote on trade agree- cerned that without TPA many was last authorized in 2002, U.S. ag- table, while our competitors secure
ments, is to agriculture and the en- countries will be reluctant to nego- ricultural exports have grown from agreements that give them better
tire U.S. economy, administration tiate new trade agreements with $53.1 billion to $68.7 billion in market access and put U.S. exporters
officials and a number of organiza- U.S. officials if Congress will have 2006,” he said in a statement. “Each at a disadvantage,” he continued.
tions, including the American Farm the opportunity to make changes billion dollars in agricultural exports AFBF is also urging Congress to
Bureau Federation and the U.S. to those pacts. support 13,400 jobs throughout approve the recently completed
Chamber of Commerce, continue “The best chances for progress and America, both on and off the farm. FTAs.
to secure positive outcomes for the
United States is for our lawmakers
Williams joins to come together to provide trade
promotion authority for the admin-
AFBF staff
istration,” AFBF President Bob Stall-
man said in a statement earlier this
year. “TPA approval will provide our
Corner Post
Russell Wil-
liams joined the
negotiators the authority they need
to address the many trade barriers Farm Share
American Farm faced by American agriculture.” Percent of U.S. farms
Bureau Fed-
eration public
Although the Democratic leader- 1.7 Small family farms
ship on Capitol Hill has signaled
policy team as that TPA renewal is not a legislative Large-scale family farms
director of regu- priority, administration officials, Non-family farms
latory relations
handling bio-
including U.S. Trade Representa- 7.1
tive Susan Schwab and Agriculture
technology and international Secretary Mike Johanns, continue
environmental agreements. making the case for renewing TPA.
Williams moved to Wash- Schwab highlighted TPA as a
ington, D.C., in 2002 to work critical element of the increase in
for then-House Agriculture U.S. exports in the past six years.
Committee Chairman Larry “President Bush has used trade
Combest (R-Texas). Most re- promotion authority to open new
91.2
cently, he worked for Sen. Pete markets for American farmers,
Domenici (R-N.M.) as agricul- ranchers, manufacturers and ser-
ture legislative assistant. vice providers,” Schwab said. “U.S.
Williams was raised on a fam- exports to the 10 countries with
ily farm in rural west Texas. He which we have implemented FTAs Are family farms disappearing? The news media frequently run
received a bachelor’s degree in since 2001 have increased nearly stories about the perceived increase in “corporate” farms and de-
international business and Span- twice as fast as U.S. exports to the crease in family farms. But USDA data show that more than 98 per-
ish from Texas Tech University. rest of the world.” cent of farms are still family owned. Source: USDA, ERS
Johanns zeroed in on the impor-
