A Message from our President, Peter Schanz – reprinted from the 2012 Winter print newsletter*
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I can’t help but wonder what the weather has in store next for the New Year 2012.
Most of us have just gone through one of the toughest years in recent history as far as the weather is concerned.
I don’t know about you, but I am looking for a good set of pontoons for my baler and maybe an aerator to dry down some hay for next spring.
Our cows have all passed their senior life-saving test after a record (for us anyway) four creek overflowing, pasture- flooding, debris strewing rain events this past year.
As I write this, there is still corn in some fields and a lot of deep tire ruts in others and all of them still have a lot of water, which means we’ll have to farm a little tougher in the New Year.
Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about the weather except make the best of it and utilize our time as best we can—while we can. That is what it is all about anyway, isn’t it?
From time to time, we are called on to help out in various ways, and, generally, we all do in one way or another. Everyone has a cause that they hold near and dear to them, or an organization they belong to, whether it is church, PTA, sports, civic, cultural, charitable, family, etc…
The important thing is that we serve or contribute to some degree or another.
I recently attended the OFBF annual meeting, something I haven’t done in many years. This event, although tedious, was a vivid reminder to me of why I belong to this organization and what it does for you and me as farmers and to some extent to all of us who take a part in this thing we call Agriculture – and that includes everyone who sits down to eat.
As a delegate, I took part in the election of Roger Baker who replaced Bob Slicker as our new District 8 State Trustee, and I was also part of our voting delegation which helped to formulate State and National policy for the upcoming year.
Believe me there is a lot of work that goes into this democratic process. Not everyone gets his way, but everyone can get his say in the final policy.
People on both sides of an issue are passionate when it comes to their position. The result is policy which our organization follows and supports in its dealing with those interests that I mentioned above which we as individuals try to serve and support.
I am urging you as a member of this organization to take an active part in it.
It doesn’t matter if you are an active farmer or an associate—your opinion does matter. You can give your organization input.
For those of us that are active farmers, our role is more critical than ever in these turbulent political and economic times. There are fewer farmers producing more food than ever before. We need to be the example and the resource and, yes, the voice of Agriculture in getting our message out to those that do not have the opportunity to visit “Grandpa” on the farm, to those who have never seen a calf being born or to look at a seedbed and to see how compaction of the soil affects the way that seed will grow.
We have to tell people about the costs that go into keeping our equipment rolling and fueled and what costs are involved to get a final product to the mill or processor.
We are at a critical point in time because too many people have no idea of how much effort it takes to put that piece of pizza on their plate and do it in the safest and most cost-efficient way. Farm Bureau needs you to tell your neighbor how you are part of what keeps him and his family eating food safely grown at an affordable price.
There are ample opportunities within our own county to serve this program. Take advantage of the programs available through our County and State offices. Talk to your county board of trustee member in your area to find out what issues are relevant and what Farm Bureau’s position is.
There are a number of educational seminars that will be held in the up-coming months right here in Summit County. Currently Oil and Gas are topics that will be in the forefront.
There will be seminars on “how to” do things better around the home, garden or farm. Announcements will be made announcing upcoming events.
Our Ag-mobile is still in operation and would love to visit your school. Contact your school and call the office to see about scheduling a date.
We will welcome your help in our upcoming membership drive and we are always looking for volunteers to serve on various committees or just to help out at the County Fair.
The opportunities to learn are endless, and the best part is, anyone can be an integral part of contributing to where their food and fiber comes from by taking a part in Farm Bureau.
*The Summit County Farm Bureau mails out a print newletter to each of its more than 1,000 members each year. To become a member, apply online here.
Kale - May 15 – October 15
