The Agricultural View
July 2010
http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com
by Ralph D. Coffman
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HSUS Sues Ohio
Out of state, trained and well paid signature collectors invade Ohio.
When Ohioans for Humane Care was struggling to get the required number of signatures to put their initiative on Ohio’s ballot in November, what happened? HSUS to the rescue! The Humane Society of the United States pursued Ohio unleashing its money and powerful legal team to overturn our state law which made it illegal to have out of state signature collectors come into Ohio for state ballot initiatives. HSUS’s attorneys convinced a Federal Judge on May 14 to rule Ohio’s law unconstitutional! Washington D.C. and Wayne Pacelle’s money and power win and Ohio’s family farmers lose. The result was a tremendous increase in the collection of signatures insuring HSUS’s leverage in the fight!
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Governor Stickland Brokers Deal
Governor Ted Strickland brokers a deal between HSUS (Wayne Pacelle) and various agricultural industry leaders (lead by Jack Fisher of Ohio Farm Bureau). (See pages E & F) 1

Doug Mercer’s treatments are going well and are now complete. Doug is glad that they are over and appreciates your continued prayers.

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Similarities between Agricultural Education/FFA and AgriBusiness Planning & Analysis (APA) Programs
Unique Strengths:
1.Year round (fulltime - 12 month) instruction (In serious jeopardy for some programs!).
2. Personalized in home/on farm instruction which develops a special bond and genuine trust between the student and the instructor.
3. Both rely on advisory committees which act as a lifeblood between the farm and the program. Example: Following a meeting a few years ago one advisory committee member, who was new to the committee, stated to me, “these people (all 12 present) really care about the program – that’s impressive.” Advisory committees have been considered essential to our schools and the state recommends that programs have active advisory committees.
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Ohio FFA Camp is one of the most overlooked, underappreciated and effective FFA programs for students in Ohio. Todd Davis is FFA Camp Muskingum’s Director. (See - ohioffacamp.org)
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From the View’s Desk - Ralph
I would like to thank you so much for those of you who have supported the newsletter by making financial contributions (subscriptions, donations, ads, and postage) to the View. 2


Livestock Video Questions

I have watched the heinous video (Conklin Dairy Farm) where Billy Joe Gregg commits atrocities against innocent animals - it is worse than awful! Although I do not necessarily encourage you to watch the video I do have some questions to pose: 1. If this supposed animal-loving undercover agent from Mercy for Animals really cared about these innocent animals, then why did he watch and record nearly 20 hours of this abuse and apparently did not once confront Billy Joe? This seems suspicious - unless you are looking for money and political capital. 2. If Billy Joe was not aware of this undercover sting, then why does he at one point appear to look directly into the video camera and brag about his various atrocities against animals? 3. At one point the video highlights the owner Gary Conklin trying to get up a large Holstein cow (approximately 1400 pounds) that obviously has been down a while – Gary is certainly aggressive, but not abusive. If you have any experience in these matters you realize once a cow gets down you only have so many days to get her up or she will give up/die. Wouldn’t you do your best to get her up because you may have only one opportunity to save her? 4. Are you aware that animal activists Gary Yourofsky called for an attack on the Conklin Farm? He asked activists to bring any tools necessary to “destroy/tear down” the farm, and he supported the harming of people! He cancelled when the police became involved. 3

Alfalfa is the fourth largest crop grown in the United States. Alfalfa is a legume and has a deep single tap root system which can go many feet into the ground with smaller roots branching off of the tap root. This is why in a drought alfalfa plants remain very green in color. Contrast this with grass which has a very shallow (few inches deep) multi root system.
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Teenage Corner - Summer

For students that have a genuine desire to learn it is very important that you continue to keep your mind sharp by:
1. Reading good books. Young people need to develop a love/joy of reading which is becoming obsolete in today’s world.
2. Exercising daily if you are not involved in daily physical work.
3. Make a habit of sleeping only 8 hours. (See Proverbs 20:13)
4. Limit the time that you play electronic games, watch TV, listen to music, just loaf to 2 hours/day. Idle time dulls the mind!
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A Glance Back – by Hugh Coffman
(In the early 1800’s in Washington County) Rice was grown along with corn, oats and wheat. The excess cattle were taken to the Eastern markets and wool was also sold by the ton to Eastern Manufacturers. 4


Veterinary CHASERS? THE YEAR 2035

Veterinary CHASERS (similar to ambulance chasers) caused a traffic accident near Barlow, Ohio. The CHASERS claim they were not speeding and would fight the citation.
Farmers and veterinaries in Washington County seek protection from veterinary CHASERS as accidents increase.
Farmers argue that these people have no right to enter their farm property and that the CHASERS are only after prospective clients (the animals in need of veterinary care) and are simply money hungry.
Veterinaries are concerned that traveling to the farms is becoming so unsafe that farmers may need to transport all farm animals in need of care to the vet’s office.
Additionally, both local veterinaries in Washington County (who still treat large animals on the farm) are concerned that this change and impending costly expansion of their office facilities may force them out of business or to consider early retirement.
CHASERS (Citizens Helping Animals Secure Emergency Rights Safely) founded by Billy Joe Sustein (no relation to multi-millionaire Cass Sustein who was a pioneer in the Animals’ Right to Sue movement and once served as America’s Regulatory Czar). Billy Joe maintains CHASERS desire that the farm animals safety and legal rights are
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protected. (See *YEAR 2060)
Livestock Farmers Extinct? *YEAR 2060

Animal rights activists claim farmers’ methods of transporting farm animals to veterinary offices are inhumane and argue that farmers should be required to transport sick animals to veterinary offices in specially equipped animal ambulances (named after human ambulances).
The five family livestock farms, still existing in Washington County, claim that the immense costs of owning such a vehicle could be the final nail in their farms’ coffin. In a last ditch effort these livestock farms (each located in different geographical areas in the county) are working on a compromise agreement to share two ambulances between the five farms.
Animal ambulances are already required in California & Michigan for farms with over 200 animal units (number, weight, feed consumption factored in). Additionally, if Ohio passes HSUS’ (2060) Issue 4 requiring each farm with over 200 farm animal units to have their own animal ambulance then attorney J.P. Coffman, who represents the five farms, will request the courts waive the law for Washington County by citing Appalachia.
The federal government is currently working on a bill to take ownership of Ohio’s failing family livestock farms as they have previously done in California and Michigan. Government officials indicate that they will not take over the farms until all legal bankruptcy terms are finalized. Farmers may remain in their homes 60 days.
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July Insert Page (The Agricultural View)
Remember the warmer it gets the harder livestock have to work to get rid of the heat. This can significantly lower production and you should therefore be sure to provide plentiful water and shade where possible.
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*The advertisers in this issue (A-F) support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture, however, they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter.
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In 1997 the growth rate of world food production became less than the growth rate of world population.
(Dr. Jack Cline Retired OSU)

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In 1874 - 87% percent of America’s Universities were run by ordained ministers. Very few exist in today’s America!
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I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale.” Thomas Jefferson A
CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN
MORE DOLLARS FOR THE FARMERS!
Our packers want your steers and cull cows!
National Farmers Organization

Northeastern OH Jeff Rautseyer 330-749-7793
Southeastern OH Scott Upton 740-378-6102
Western OH Pat Lampert 937-726-2341

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Getting down to
Agribusiness
Register today!
Washington State
Community College
www.wscc.edu

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Food will spend about 72 hours in the digestive system of a cow.
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Ed Long - Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
468 Pike Street Marietta, Ohio 45750 740-373-5437
ed.long@edwardjones.com

B

State Farm
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Coffman Insurance Agency
Terry Coffman, Agent
426 Third Street Marietta, Ohio 45750-2101 740-373-6399
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Witten Farm
Market
& Greenhouses
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H & S Construction, LLC Scott Hart
Joe Schilling
Beverly, Ohio 740-984-0203
Commercial & Residential
WV# 033991

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The Ohio FFA Alumni Association
If you support the FFA then become a member of the Ohio and/or National FFA Alumni Association, by contacting Lexie Poulson at: 1poulson.bright.net or your local Ag. Ed. Teacher. Annual dues are $15.00 & Lifetime dues are $150.00

C

SEAMAN’S
GENERAL MERCHANDISE, INC.
P.O. BOX 10 * BARLOW, OHIO 45712
Served In The Tradition Of Yesterday
Charles F. Seaman 1-740-678-2450
1-800-428-2450 Fax 1-740-678-2678
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William D. McFarland
Washington County Auditor
205 Putnam Street Marietta, Ohio 45750
740-373-6623, ext. 263
Res. 740-374-3304 Fax 740-376-7424
bmcfarland@wcgov.org

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This newsletter goes to over 400 homes and to nearly one hundred Agricultural Education/FFA departments. Thanks to Farm Credit for assisting with postage.
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Please thank, and patronize where possible, our sponsors.

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Farmers must continue to be very careful who you hire, who is watching and/or videoing your farm from the road or a neighboring property. It is scary what editing and a change of context can do. Please be alert at all times.
D

Scott Hart 35 Ray Harr Road
Owner Beverly, OH 45715
Rainbow c 740-350-2047
International o 740-984-2424
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Independently Owned & Operated Franchise
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Governor Brokers Deal
Governor Ted Strickland accomplished what seemed impossible by brokering a deal (not legally binding) between Wayne Pacelle (HSUS) and Jack Fisher (representing the Ohioans for Livestock Care steering committee (which includes Farm Bureau, Ohio Pork Producers Council, dairy, poultry, corn and soybean associations).

Governor Strickland said, “This agreement
represents a joint effort to find common ground. As a result, Ohio agriculture will remain strong and animals will be treated better.”
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Wayne Pacelle (HSUS) stated, “I am grateful to Governor Strickland and his administration for their outstanding leadership on these issues”. “We are grateful, in particular, for the Governor for helping negotiate this deal, and to agricultural leaders who sat down in good faith on these issues.”

Jack Fisher (Ohio Farm Bureau) said, “One of animal agriculture’s most vocal critics has agreed (by dropping their ballot initiative for November) that the Livestock Care Standards Board (Issue 2) is the proper authority to handle difficult questions about farm animal care.”

Dick Isler (Ohio Pork Producers Council) said, “We have an agreement that I think without question will allow the pork industry to remain viable in the state of Ohio. Given that animal agriculture is constantly changing, we will always find new and better ways to do things and I think that’s also true with animal housing.”

Ohio Dairy Producers Association – Although there was some give and take throughout the process, ODPA is pleased to see an outcome that will work for Ohio agriculture, and in particular, the state’s egg, pork & veal farmers.

I have mixed emotions as agriculture is saving millions of dollars but the state seemed to give up a significant amount. However, if HSUS’s ballot initiative would have passed in November agriculture would have given up much more! Only time will tell. For farmers the fight will never end with animal rights groups – Ralph.

F

Additionally it conerns me that this seemed to be the Governor's show and not agricultures. Also, it bothered me that the other agriculture leaders were cut out of the picture in most publications and only Governor Strickland, Wayne Pacelle and Jack Fisher were left in the photo.

"Agreement Specifics"

Governor Strickland (The Broker), Wayne Pacelle (HSUS), Jack Fisher (Agricultural Ohioans for Livestock Care coalition committee representing – Farm Bureau, beef, pork, dairy, poultry, soybean and corn organizations – who individually made decisions to negotiate).
The Specifics

The specifics of the agreement include the following:

1) Recommendations will be made to The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB)to take action on issues related to downer cattle and humane euthanasia using language consistent with the proposed ballot initiative.

2) The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will coordinate and take action on wild and dangerous animals including the prohibition of the sale and/or possession of big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes and alligators and crocodiles. Existing owners will be grandfathered in, but they could not breed or obtain new animals.

3) Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass SB 95 largely in the current form, which regulates dog breeding kennels.

4) Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass HB 108, which will increase penalties on individuals who engage in cockfighting.

5) Recommendations will be made to the OLCSB to adopt the American Veal Association 2007 agreement to transition to group housing for veal calves by 2017.

6) Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will issue a statement in support of the mission and purpose of the OLCSB and will engage and work with the Board. Organizations representing Ohioans for Livestock Care and the HSUS will examine and jointly fund independent research projects and studies to identify best practices and to work for the highest farm animal care and welfare standards. If assistance of a third party is needed they will jointly agree on a representative to help in these discussions. When this work is complete, the findings will be presented to the OLCSB.

7) Recommendation will be made to the OLCSB for current hog producers and to phase out the use of gestation crates by December 31, 2025. By that date time all sows must be housed using alternative systems. After December 31, 2010, any new facilities must utilize alternative sow housing (not gestation crates). It is understood that in all housing systems, sows may be housed in breeding/gestation stalls until they are confirmed pregnant.

8) Recommendation will be made to the OLCSB to adopt standards to instruct ODA to deny permits of new egg facility applicants, based on current permitting standards that call for the use of battery cages. This standard will be in effect for the life of this agreement. This provision does not preclude any Ohio farm from expanding or modifying existing permits, using current housing methods at the existing facility.

9) HSUS will also not initiate litigation (nuisance or otherwise) to attempt to use legal process to obtain the same ends as articulated in the ballot initiative in Ohio through the life of this agreement. HSUS will not fund, advise or otherwise support other organizations to move forward in their place.

10) The HSUS will not submit a constitutional amendment on animal welfare in 2010 to the Ohio Secretary of State. Failure to implement the provisions related to wild and dangerous animals or the reforms recommended to the OLCSB by December 31, 2010 could void the agreement and allow the HSUS to pursue a ballot initiative whenever it chooses. However, if the terms of this agreement are met and implemented to the satisfaction of all parties, the agreement will extend to January 1, 2014. At that time the agreement shall be extended through January 1, 2017, and subsequently through January 1, 2020, if the terms continue to be met, and no party shall reasonably withhold its consent to the extensions. Any future pursuit of a ballot initiative by HSUS could nullify the limitation on gestation crate or battery cage facilities until and unless other lawful prohibitions come to exist.