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The following advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture, however, they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please support them.
J.L. Riestenberg, D.D.S. T.C. Lavelle, D.D.S. E.C. Welsh, D.D.S. 207 Columbus Road Athens, OH 45701 Phone 740-593-8530 Fax 740-594-2215
Getting down to
Agribusiness Register today! Washington State Community College www.wscc.edu
Vlasak Performance Sled Pulling and Racing Shop: 3316 State Route 555 Cutler 45724 Home: 7111 State Route 555 Owner: Kyle 740-440-0483 740-989-2958 Vlasak email: vlasakperformance@ohiohills.com
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I grew up on a 330 acre dairy farm in Washington County and my father got up every morning at 3:15 A.M. to start the milking. He did this every day of the week except on Sunday morning when my uncle (Robert Coffman) would do the early milking to give my dad a break. Generally, my dad did not get to bed until sometime after 8:30 P.M. He did this every day of the year except for two to three days when our family would go to Cleveland Indian’s games. Every Saturday night my dad (Ralph Sr.) and my mom (Dorothy Stotler) would go bowling with friends and my grandpa (Clemens Coffman) would baby sit for me and my three brothers (John, Terry, and Chris) so mom and dad could have a night out together. My Uncle Hugh Coffman’s example is the reason that I became an Agricultural Education teacher. My mentor in teaching was Doug Mercer. I got to work with thousands of students at Fort Frye. I have been so blessed in my life!
We must stay informed by checking animal rights updates at: www.consumerfreedom.com
The majority of local humane societies support farmers and supported State Issue 2. If someone chooses to be a vegetarian that is fine with me, however, they do not feel that way about my rights – why not? What would happen if farmers did nothing (to fight) and just let HSUS and friends have their way? Farmers would lose everything and society would have more imported food that would be less safe and much more expensive. What would happen if HSUS and their friends did nothing and just left hard working and productive farmers alone? Nothing.
“Freedom is not, never has been, and never will be, free” Thank you to our service men, women and our veterans!
Please feel free to call me to discuss the View – I do appreciate your input both pro and con. Also, remember any repeated information is for our new readers.
“I wish you and your family Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”
The Agricultural View – I hope you are on our mailing list for 2010 – see you in January J Ralph & Alta, my best friend, sweetheart and wife (all one person for me J)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
At a recent rally for State Issue 2, I was confronted by a young farmer who wanted to know who and what brought this (Issue 2) on. He said he was frustrated with the constant invasion into farming by those who generally have little or no farm experience but claim to know what is best for farm animals, farmers and society in general. Ironically, this was my initial reaction before my research began.
The answers are; who was the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and what was the meeting they initiated in February with agricultural leaders of Ohio. HSUS presented their list of demands for Ohio’s farmers and made it clear that if the agricultural leaders rejected their demands they would use their money and power to force farmers to submit. Some states, a recent example being Michigan, have caved after deciding that they could not compete with HSUS’s money and powerful political clout.
Ohio’s agricultural leaders did not cave. They chose to stand up to the powerful Washington D.C. based group with an annual budget of well over 100 million dollars plus a net worth nearly three times that figure. Also, HSUS has a staff and board of nearly fifty professionals to assist with their attacks on animal agriculture. Sound intimidating? It is. Just wait until you witness their massive onslaught, assisted by other like-minded groups with multimillions, via the media and internet. The plan (State Issue 2) began with the support of nearly all agricultural organizations, and overwhelmingly by both political parties.
I find it ironic that HSUS’s staff and supporters, in written letters, claim to only be against select practices used by big agriculture. Modern animal practices are primarily the result of research done by Land Grant Universities and animal scientists. In California once HSUS passed their first issue, focusing on the biggest producers, they immediately began their next attack affecting smaller enterprises – it never ends. On their website the offspring of cattle are referred to as children. Also, you will see their ultimate goal of eliminating meat, milk, eggs and cheese from American diets – do you know of any family farms that produce meat, milk, eggs or cheese? They are countless. It also seems nonsensical that supporters of HSUS’s campaign do not recognize the fact that the better care that farmers take of their animals, the healthier and more productive their animals will become. Therefore, there will be an increase in income for farmers and the quantity of food they produce. If HSUS genuinely cares about rescuing animals, you have to wonder why they share less than five percent of their annual budget with grass roots, hardworking and underfunded local humane societies. I encourage you to call your local humane society and ask how much money they receive from HSUS – the likely answer is zero dollars.
HSUS certainly addresses some worthy cases, however, this attack on our hardworking food producing farmers is not one of them. HSUS is always questioning farmer’s societal contribution – what could be more socially redeemable than working hard, creating jobs and producing food for a starving world?
If HSUS gets their way you can be assured that we will have more imported food that will be less safe, and more expensive! Remember who and what started all of this. The fact is that we currently have two choices on this issue; support the Washington D.C. based HSUS, or an Ohio agricultural board created by State Issue 2.
See www.ohiolivestockcare.org or http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com for detailed information. Farmers are so few in numbers that I ask you to not approach this issue with an apathetic mindset. I encourage you to Vote Yes on State Issue 2.
The answers are; who was the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and what was the meeting they initiated in February with agricultural leaders of Ohio. HSUS presented their list of demands for Ohio’s farmers and made it clear that if the agricultural leaders rejected their demands they would use their money and power to force farmers to submit. Some states, a recent example being Michigan, have caved after deciding that they could not compete with HSUS’s money and powerful political clout.
Ohio’s agricultural leaders did not cave. They chose to stand up to the powerful Washington D.C. based group with an annual budget of well over 100 million dollars plus a net worth nearly three times that figure. Also, HSUS has a staff and board of nearly fifty professionals to assist with their attacks on animal agriculture. Sound intimidating? It is. Just wait until you witness their massive onslaught, assisted by other like-minded groups with multimillions, via the media and internet. The plan (State Issue 2) began with the support of nearly all agricultural organizations, and overwhelmingly by both political parties.
I find it ironic that HSUS’s staff and supporters, in written letters, claim to only be against select practices used by big agriculture. Modern animal practices are primarily the result of research done by Land Grant Universities and animal scientists. In California once HSUS passed their first issue, focusing on the biggest producers, they immediately began their next attack affecting smaller enterprises – it never ends. On their website the offspring of cattle are referred to as children. Also, you will see their ultimate goal of eliminating meat, milk, eggs and cheese from American diets – do you know of any family farms that produce meat, milk, eggs or cheese? They are countless. It also seems nonsensical that supporters of HSUS’s campaign do not recognize the fact that the better care that farmers take of their animals, the healthier and more productive their animals will become. Therefore, there will be an increase in income for farmers and the quantity of food they produce. If HSUS genuinely cares about rescuing animals, you have to wonder why they share less than five percent of their annual budget with grass roots, hardworking and underfunded local humane societies. I encourage you to call your local humane society and ask how much money they receive from HSUS – the likely answer is zero dollars.
HSUS certainly addresses some worthy cases, however, this attack on our hardworking food producing farmers is not one of them. HSUS is always questioning farmer’s societal contribution – what could be more socially redeemable than working hard, creating jobs and producing food for a starving world?
If HSUS gets their way you can be assured that we will have more imported food that will be less safe, and more expensive! Remember who and what started all of this. The fact is that we currently have two choices on this issue; support the Washington D.C. based HSUS, or an Ohio agricultural board created by State Issue 2.
See www.ohiolivestockcare.org or http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com for detailed information. Farmers are so few in numbers that I ask you to not approach this issue with an apathetic mindset. I encourage you to Vote Yes on State Issue 2.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Agricultural View October 2009 Issue 5 http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com (Which has all previous Issues and poems)
Vote Yes on State Issue 2 (Nov. 3)
(For a safe and locally grown food supply)
Please help farmers offset the Humane Society of the United States’ attack on animal agriculture in Ohio. If you support farmers and animal agriculture please see the insert page and get involved.
---------------------------------------------------------
I am available to speak to your organization about Issue 2, education, teenagers, or other agricultural issues.
--------------------------------------------------------
Please share this newsletter, and State Issue 2 information, with others. --------------------------------------------------
Doug Mercer’s (FBPA) Awards
1981 –Ed Johnson’s (Radio & TV)
Agri-Broadcasting Network honored as Ohio’s outstanding teacher in October. 1984 – Doug’s program was used as a model program, and entered into the congressional record, for passage of the Carl Perkins Act. 1985-86 – recognized as the Outstanding Teacher in Ohio by the 1
Ohio Vocational Agricultural Teacher’s Association. 1988 – Ed Johnson’s (Radio & TV) Agri-Broadcasting Network did a TV program on the Washington County FBPA Program at the Larry & Joyce Schwendeman and Raymond & Ruby Keller farms. 1990 – Recognized for Outstanding Service by Buckeye Hills RC & D 1990 - Recognized by the Marietta Chamber of Commerce’s “Agricultural Award” presented by the Washington County Council of Farm Cooperatives.
1993 – Ohio Vocational Agricultural Teacher’s Association’s (Focus) Teacher of the Month Award.
2008 – Received the Washington County Farm Bureau President’s Award. Also, Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Fort Frye and Waterford FFA chapters, and served 18 years on the Beverly/Waterford Community Fair Board.
Program Note: Our FBPA program is apparently now facing serious cuts – contact an advisory committee member for current updates. ---------------------------------------------------
May 15, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation which created the Department of Agriculture. 2
Farmers – although extremely difficult, it is crucial that we keep a healthy sense of humor when we face our trials. Who helps you keep your sense of humor?
Men – when was the last time you brought your wife, or mother, a flower with a hand written note of appreciation? ---------------------------------------------------------
Alta Jean (Morris) Coffman Is a Registered Nurse, my sweetheart and wife of 37 years. She was the Salutatorian at Warren High School in 1970 then accepted into the Riverside White-Cross School of Nursing program in Columbus where they only accepted the top 100 applicants for enrollment. Of the 100 prospective nurses only 67 graduated. Alta finished 3rd in her graduating class. P.S. Alta is not very happy about this being in here. I love you sweetheart! Yea Alta! -------------------------------------------------------
Discipline in Education Today How can you tell if your discipline procedures are effective? If you have a significant number of repeat offenders then the discipline is not working. The goal of discipline should be to eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the offenses. Some Texas schools have detentions at 6 A.M. 3
Agriculture is the Heartbeat of America (Ohio’s #1 Industry = 98 Billion Dollars) It is important that each of us be vigilant in watching closely to see that: *Our Agricultural Education/FFA programs are encouraged and supported in our schools. * Agriculture Extension is supported. *Our FBPA program is encouraged and supported. * All other agricultural agencies are supported. *Work to pass State Issue 2 then be vigilant in watching our politicians through a magnifying lens to see that they are not influenced in any way to change the intent of State Issue 2. HSUS’s history is to follow-up one successful attack on farmers with another, eventually harming all farmers. Ultimately, these successful attacks will lead to government takeover. --------------------------------------------- ----------
Cattle Trivia - Prehension is the process by which cattle eat – by wrapping their tongue around the feed (grass, hay, grain etc.) and engulfing it without chewing (to be regurgitated and chewed later). ---------------------------------------------------------
Teenage Corner: Beginning is half done. Do what is right Your Choices = Consequences 4
From the View’s Desk I have a passion for agriculture, FFA and farmers, especially when they are singled out or threatened. My farm poems might ooze some of that passionJ. The mailing list of this issue will top 300 and I wish to thank the 18 who have made financial contributions to assist with my costs. Definitions and mistakes are all mine. “2010 subscription options in Issue 6”
4 Steps in Making Decisions - When we studied decision making in Agri-Business & Management class at Fort Frye High School there were four basic steps: 1. You consider all possible decision options then list the pros and cons in relation to each possible decision.
2. Subdivide your pros and cons list into two categories - those that are facts, and those that are substantially rooted in emotion or feelings.
3. Eliminate the list based upon emotion or feelings, then, make your decision based upon the list of facts.
4. After carefully making your decision, do not turn back - once the decision is made then you make it the right decision. Note: If circumstances change drastically then you might reconsider your choices.
5
A Glance Back (by Hugh Coffman) In early Washington County (1788-90) the majority of the settlers were farmers. Deer & Turkeys were plentiful therefore corn had to be harvested early because of wildlife damage. Hemp was raised for the rope makers to supply the boats built in Marietta. Silk cultivation was attempted, but laborers could not be hired for 10 cents per day to handle the silk worms. -------------------------------------------------------
The Ohio State University’s College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) enrollment is up 20 percent. -----------------------------------------------------
Kids Today - are as great as ever they just come to class with a lot more baggage. As a high school teacher of 35 years I use the analogy that the baggage is like layers of clothing. There is a great kid in there somewhere if you have enough time, energy and patience to find them. As a young teacher I had the energy but little patience and in my later years I had much more patience, however, my energy was lacking. Take an interest in our young people (care) – say hi, ask them how they are doing or ask them about their activities and interests but be sincere. 6
Vote Yes on State Issue 2 (Nov. 3)
(For a safe and locally grown food supply)
Please help farmers offset the Humane Society of the United States’ attack on animal agriculture in Ohio. If you support farmers and animal agriculture please see the insert page and get involved.
---------------------------------------------------------
I am available to speak to your organization about Issue 2, education, teenagers, or other agricultural issues.
--------------------------------------------------------
Please share this newsletter, and State Issue 2 information, with others. --------------------------------------------------
Doug Mercer’s (FBPA) Awards
1981 –Ed Johnson’s (Radio & TV)
Agri-Broadcasting Network honored as Ohio’s outstanding teacher in October. 1984 – Doug’s program was used as a model program, and entered into the congressional record, for passage of the Carl Perkins Act. 1985-86 – recognized as the Outstanding Teacher in Ohio by the 1
Ohio Vocational Agricultural Teacher’s Association. 1988 – Ed Johnson’s (Radio & TV) Agri-Broadcasting Network did a TV program on the Washington County FBPA Program at the Larry & Joyce Schwendeman and Raymond & Ruby Keller farms. 1990 – Recognized for Outstanding Service by Buckeye Hills RC & D 1990 - Recognized by the Marietta Chamber of Commerce’s “Agricultural Award” presented by the Washington County Council of Farm Cooperatives.
1993 – Ohio Vocational Agricultural Teacher’s Association’s (Focus) Teacher of the Month Award.
2008 – Received the Washington County Farm Bureau President’s Award. Also, Honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from the Fort Frye and Waterford FFA chapters, and served 18 years on the Beverly/Waterford Community Fair Board.
Program Note: Our FBPA program is apparently now facing serious cuts – contact an advisory committee member for current updates. ---------------------------------------------------
May 15, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation which created the Department of Agriculture. 2
Farmers – although extremely difficult, it is crucial that we keep a healthy sense of humor when we face our trials. Who helps you keep your sense of humor?
Men – when was the last time you brought your wife, or mother, a flower with a hand written note of appreciation? ---------------------------------------------------------
Alta Jean (Morris) Coffman Is a Registered Nurse, my sweetheart and wife of 37 years. She was the Salutatorian at Warren High School in 1970 then accepted into the Riverside White-Cross School of Nursing program in Columbus where they only accepted the top 100 applicants for enrollment. Of the 100 prospective nurses only 67 graduated. Alta finished 3rd in her graduating class. P.S. Alta is not very happy about this being in here. I love you sweetheart! Yea Alta! -------------------------------------------------------
Discipline in Education Today How can you tell if your discipline procedures are effective? If you have a significant number of repeat offenders then the discipline is not working. The goal of discipline should be to eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the offenses. Some Texas schools have detentions at 6 A.M. 3
Agriculture is the Heartbeat of America (Ohio’s #1 Industry = 98 Billion Dollars) It is important that each of us be vigilant in watching closely to see that: *Our Agricultural Education/FFA programs are encouraged and supported in our schools. * Agriculture Extension is supported. *Our FBPA program is encouraged and supported. * All other agricultural agencies are supported. *Work to pass State Issue 2 then be vigilant in watching our politicians through a magnifying lens to see that they are not influenced in any way to change the intent of State Issue 2. HSUS’s history is to follow-up one successful attack on farmers with another, eventually harming all farmers. Ultimately, these successful attacks will lead to government takeover. --------------------------------------------- ----------
Cattle Trivia - Prehension is the process by which cattle eat – by wrapping their tongue around the feed (grass, hay, grain etc.) and engulfing it without chewing (to be regurgitated and chewed later). ---------------------------------------------------------
Teenage Corner: Beginning is half done. Do what is right Your Choices = Consequences 4
From the View’s Desk I have a passion for agriculture, FFA and farmers, especially when they are singled out or threatened. My farm poems might ooze some of that passionJ. The mailing list of this issue will top 300 and I wish to thank the 18 who have made financial contributions to assist with my costs. Definitions and mistakes are all mine. “2010 subscription options in Issue 6”
4 Steps in Making Decisions - When we studied decision making in Agri-Business & Management class at Fort Frye High School there were four basic steps: 1. You consider all possible decision options then list the pros and cons in relation to each possible decision.
2. Subdivide your pros and cons list into two categories - those that are facts, and those that are substantially rooted in emotion or feelings.
3. Eliminate the list based upon emotion or feelings, then, make your decision based upon the list of facts.
4. After carefully making your decision, do not turn back - once the decision is made then you make it the right decision. Note: If circumstances change drastically then you might reconsider your choices.
5
A Glance Back (by Hugh Coffman) In early Washington County (1788-90) the majority of the settlers were farmers. Deer & Turkeys were plentiful therefore corn had to be harvested early because of wildlife damage. Hemp was raised for the rope makers to supply the boats built in Marietta. Silk cultivation was attempted, but laborers could not be hired for 10 cents per day to handle the silk worms. -------------------------------------------------------
The Ohio State University’s College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) enrollment is up 20 percent. -----------------------------------------------------
Kids Today - are as great as ever they just come to class with a lot more baggage. As a high school teacher of 35 years I use the analogy that the baggage is like layers of clothing. There is a great kid in there somewhere if you have enough time, energy and patience to find them. As a young teacher I had the energy but little patience and in my later years I had much more patience, however, my energy was lacking. Take an interest in our young people (care) – say hi, ask them how they are doing or ask them about their activities and interests but be sincere. 6
The following advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture however they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please support them.
J.L. Riestenberg, D.D.S. T.C. Lavelle, D.D.S. E.C. Welsh, D.D.S.
207 Columbus Road Athens, Ohio 45701
Phone 740-593-8530 Fax 740-594-2215
Getting down to
Agribusiness
Register Today!
Washington State Community College
http://www.wscc.edu/
Vlasak Performance
Sled Pulling and Racing
Shop: 3316 State Route 550
Home: 7111 State Route 555
Cutler, Ohio 45724
email: vlasakperformance@ohiohills.com
J.L. Riestenberg, D.D.S. T.C. Lavelle, D.D.S. E.C. Welsh, D.D.S.
207 Columbus Road Athens, Ohio 45701
Phone 740-593-8530 Fax 740-594-2215
Getting down to
Agribusiness
Register Today!
Washington State Community College
http://www.wscc.edu/
Vlasak Performance
Sled Pulling and Racing
Shop: 3316 State Route 550
Home: 7111 State Route 555
Cutler, Ohio 45724
email: vlasakperformance@ohiohills.com
Farmers, Citizens and Food for Thought (State Issue 2)
Youth of America agriculture is a field for you
We need your help as agriculture’s future depends upon you too
To feed a hungry world by putting food on our plates
Mr. Pacelle and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is here to attack agriculture like they’ve done in other states
Farmers get no respect don’t you see
Generally, from the powers that be
However, politicians, state leaders and agricultural organizations have united
Issue 2 was spawned to be future sighted
To make a preemptive strike
Trying to save farmers from this mighty money and power driven HSUS spike
HSUS flying into our state to intimidate and spend millions
To convince us that they, not Ohioans, should make our decisions
Does their staff have vast experience raising animals in which many days farmers begin before daylight and continue after dark
The answer is no, however, with their massive millions of dollars farmers have no choice but to fret and defend themselves against HSUS’s insidious bark
I do not claim to know Mr. Pacelle’s sincere intent
Of their massive millions of dollars I wonder how much (what percent) annually to hard working and underfunded local humane societies is sent (it is < 5 percent)
You see farmers are in numbers so few
No apathy please, try to understand the farmer’s plight - we need each of you
HSUS is always in a questioning farmer’s societal contribution mood
What could be more socially redeemable than generating jobs and, for a starving world, producing food
Isn’t becoming a productive citizen in society the ultimate goal
HSUS, why do you spend millions to attack productive farmers at their very soul
Any collective group will always have a remote few who abuse and HSUS doesn’t even understand that the good care of animals increases farmer’s income and the quantity of food production
Do you understand that for farmers and their food production success the HSUS is like a huge egregious sweeper’s suction
Why do we attack our farmers, the lifeblood of our communities, who are productive and hardworking
For their hardworking, productive and efficient efforts all they get is besmirching
If the HSUS attack machine succeeds there will be less jobs, more imported food that will be less safe, but at higher prices that’s for sure
You’ll find that out when you go to the store
by Ralph D. Coffman - The Agricultural View 9/15/09
Please Vote & Vote Yes on State Issue 2 (November 3) See the Issue 2 website information at: www.ohiolivestockcare.org I have been asked if I am sure that the livestock board (Issue 2) is the answer. My response is that I am always concerned when a state organization of any kind is created, however, something had to be done; a preemptive strike of some kind. If it wasn’t done then HSUS will come into Ohio and steam roll animal agriculture! It is our responsibility to, once we get Issue 2 passed - which will take every single supporter’s active participation, be vigilant by watching our elected officials through a magnifying glass, and staying in touch with board members, to see that there are no influences that change the intent of the board! Remember, if you farm but think you are not affected by HSUS’s current attacks, this is only the first step of their attack. HSUS will still use their over one hundred million dollars annual budget to put their own issue on the ballot next year. Issue 2 gives us a reference point to try to stop that massive attack. Two of the angles they like to use in their ads: one being catchy phrases or jingles to bypass the thinking process of nonfarm citizens, and two, using pictures of heinous abuses of animals that nearly every farmer in America would find despicable and never condone. Also hunters, where do you think the HSUS stands in regard to hunting?
Youth of America agriculture is a field for you
We need your help as agriculture’s future depends upon you too
To feed a hungry world by putting food on our plates
Mr. Pacelle and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is here to attack agriculture like they’ve done in other states
Farmers get no respect don’t you see
Generally, from the powers that be
However, politicians, state leaders and agricultural organizations have united
Issue 2 was spawned to be future sighted
To make a preemptive strike
Trying to save farmers from this mighty money and power driven HSUS spike
HSUS flying into our state to intimidate and spend millions
To convince us that they, not Ohioans, should make our decisions
Does their staff have vast experience raising animals in which many days farmers begin before daylight and continue after dark
The answer is no, however, with their massive millions of dollars farmers have no choice but to fret and defend themselves against HSUS’s insidious bark
I do not claim to know Mr. Pacelle’s sincere intent
Of their massive millions of dollars I wonder how much (what percent) annually to hard working and underfunded local humane societies is sent (it is < 5 percent)
You see farmers are in numbers so few
No apathy please, try to understand the farmer’s plight - we need each of you
HSUS is always in a questioning farmer’s societal contribution mood
What could be more socially redeemable than generating jobs and, for a starving world, producing food
Isn’t becoming a productive citizen in society the ultimate goal
HSUS, why do you spend millions to attack productive farmers at their very soul
Any collective group will always have a remote few who abuse and HSUS doesn’t even understand that the good care of animals increases farmer’s income and the quantity of food production
Do you understand that for farmers and their food production success the HSUS is like a huge egregious sweeper’s suction
Why do we attack our farmers, the lifeblood of our communities, who are productive and hardworking
For their hardworking, productive and efficient efforts all they get is besmirching
If the HSUS attack machine succeeds there will be less jobs, more imported food that will be less safe, but at higher prices that’s for sure
You’ll find that out when you go to the store
by Ralph D. Coffman - The Agricultural View 9/15/09
Please Vote & Vote Yes on State Issue 2 (November 3) See the Issue 2 website information at: www.ohiolivestockcare.org I have been asked if I am sure that the livestock board (Issue 2) is the answer. My response is that I am always concerned when a state organization of any kind is created, however, something had to be done; a preemptive strike of some kind. If it wasn’t done then HSUS will come into Ohio and steam roll animal agriculture! It is our responsibility to, once we get Issue 2 passed - which will take every single supporter’s active participation, be vigilant by watching our elected officials through a magnifying glass, and staying in touch with board members, to see that there are no influences that change the intent of the board! Remember, if you farm but think you are not affected by HSUS’s current attacks, this is only the first step of their attack. HSUS will still use their over one hundred million dollars annual budget to put their own issue on the ballot next year. Issue 2 gives us a reference point to try to stop that massive attack. Two of the angles they like to use in their ads: one being catchy phrases or jingles to bypass the thinking process of nonfarm citizens, and two, using pictures of heinous abuses of animals that nearly every farmer in America would find despicable and never condone. Also hunters, where do you think the HSUS stands in regard to hunting?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Agricultural View
August 2009 Issue 4
http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com
(All issues and farm poems) ------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Mercer (FBPA) Retires The instructor of the top Farm Business Planning & Analysis program in Ohio recently retired leaving a legacy of assistance to farmers and agriculture in Washington County that will likely never be equaled. The program has served well over 200 farms countywide during Doug’s 37 years of instruction. See the insert page for a history of the program. From the View’s Desk I continue to provide some food for thought. I would also like to thank those who have given financial support and encouragement. The View goes to 250 homes. After the 6th issue, I plan re-evaluate in January. Mistakes are all mine. Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Vote YES on November 3! Nearly all agricultural organizations are on record in support of this initiative which is to try to help offset the HSUS’s attack on animal agriculture in Ohio. For information visit: www.ohiolivestockcare.com 1
Animal Rights Update PETA has a budget of more than 30 million dollars. According to *public records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service last year PETA killed 2,124 pets and placed only seven in adoptive homes. HSUS - The Humane Society of the United States (not local humane societies) is the largest and richest animal rights lobbying organization on earth with a net worth of about 300 million dollars and an executive staff and board of about 50 professionals at their disposal. This equals power and enormous political clout! At times these groups do some good, however the problem is where the mass majority of their millions are spent. See daily Animal Rights updates at: *www.consumerfreedom.com Land Resources Worldwide In 1997 retired Professor of Animal Science at OSU Dr. Jack Cline said there were 33 Billion acres of land resources worldwide including: 9.7 Billion acres of agricultural land of which only 3.5 Billion Acres are fit for cropland. This leaves 6.2 Billion acres that can only be utilized by animals to produce food for a world with millions of starving people! 2
Concerning Fruit Sales Incentives (See Issue 3) It has been brought to my attention that it is generally individual auditors and school clerks who invoke their opinions against student incentives that create some problems for FFA chapters. Incentives, however, are ultimately at the discretion of each school. Thoughts for Teenagers: 1. Think for and believe in yourself, set goals and decide what kind of person you want to be known as (see Proverbs 22:1). 2. Remember, when you text message in the presence of others you are actually sending two messages; the written text and the message you send to those in your presence that you ignore. Washington County Agricultural Education/FFA Instructors Lisa Miller – Fort Frye, Erwin Berry – Frontier, Brian Welch – Marietta, Allen Clark – Warren, Kevin Wagner and Jason Lipot - Washington County Career Center, Matt Hartline – Waterford (Chair) A Glance Back – Washington County *At the 1826 Agricultural Fair, Henry Fearing was recognized for raising 105 bushels of corn per acre. *Farmers built flatboats to float their 3 surplus farm produce down the Ohio River to Cincinnati or even New Orleans. *The excess cattle were taken to Eastern markets and wool was sold by the ton to Eastern Manufactures. Hugh Coffman An Ideal Medium for Plant Growth is composed of: 25% Air, 25% Water (Combined = 50% Pore Space), 5% Organic Matter and 45% Mineral Matter. Say What? Approximately fifteen years ago a couple of my students told me of the following fight they had witnessed in the cafeteria. They witnessed a boy sitting at their table innocently eating his lunch when unbeknown to him a young man approached him from behind and hit him full force with his fist in the side of his head (temple area) knocking the seated student to the floor. As he was flailing on the floor trying to regain some stability the attacking student came after him again with fists flying. While knocked on his back, and still stunned, the student instinctively put up his foot to try to hold off the attacking student. Eventually the attacking student was stopped by others. Note: In some schools if you defend yourself when attacked you are 4 suspended along with the attacker. Even if you swing in self defense and make no contact – the retaliatory attempt earns you an automatic suspension too. Later I learned that the principal had conducted a lengthy discussion about if the young man’s foot came forward, while he was down on the floor, the action might constitute an aggressive action on his part that would then result in a suspension for him as well. This is unreal – what increased liability threats will do! Cattle Trivia The 4 (ruminant) cattle stomach compartments are called: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum. Health Care/Family Doctors One day at lunch more than 30 years ago, I had the following discussion with my family doctor concerning his health care/patient frustrations. He explained his dilemma over the growing number of welfare patients that were attending his clinic. He had no problem with them personally, however, he had noted two trends. First, the steadily increasing number of welfare patients and secondly the frequency with which they would come in with the most insignificant cases 5 as compared to the regular paying patients. He also told me that it would generally take at least 6 months to get his payment from the government and then he would only get about two thirds of his actual costs reimbursed. Also, the required documentation was mounting. His concern was that he could only see so many patients per day, and therefore he had no choice but to increase the charge per visit. This indirectly caused the paying customers to absorb the added costs of the welfare patients. Imagine if we multiply this alarming trend by more than thirty years of expansion and increasing bureaucracy. He was also frustrated that his time spent with paying patients was more limited because he was also trying to see more patients per day to help with the loss of income. Another doctor, who retired just a few years ago, told me that he actually made more profit when he began practicing by charging $5.00 per visit (which included any prescriptions) than he did in his later years of practice. Note: Health care costs force most farmers to have at least one spouse work off of the farm to secure health insurance for their family. 6
August 2009 Issue 4
http://theagriculturalview.blogspot.com
(All issues and farm poems) ------------------------------------------------------------- Doug Mercer (FBPA) Retires The instructor of the top Farm Business Planning & Analysis program in Ohio recently retired leaving a legacy of assistance to farmers and agriculture in Washington County that will likely never be equaled. The program has served well over 200 farms countywide during Doug’s 37 years of instruction. See the insert page for a history of the program. From the View’s Desk I continue to provide some food for thought. I would also like to thank those who have given financial support and encouragement. The View goes to 250 homes. After the 6th issue, I plan re-evaluate in January. Mistakes are all mine. Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Vote YES on November 3! Nearly all agricultural organizations are on record in support of this initiative which is to try to help offset the HSUS’s attack on animal agriculture in Ohio. For information visit: www.ohiolivestockcare.com 1
Animal Rights Update PETA has a budget of more than 30 million dollars. According to *public records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service last year PETA killed 2,124 pets and placed only seven in adoptive homes. HSUS - The Humane Society of the United States (not local humane societies) is the largest and richest animal rights lobbying organization on earth with a net worth of about 300 million dollars and an executive staff and board of about 50 professionals at their disposal. This equals power and enormous political clout! At times these groups do some good, however the problem is where the mass majority of their millions are spent. See daily Animal Rights updates at: *www.consumerfreedom.com Land Resources Worldwide In 1997 retired Professor of Animal Science at OSU Dr. Jack Cline said there were 33 Billion acres of land resources worldwide including: 9.7 Billion acres of agricultural land of which only 3.5 Billion Acres are fit for cropland. This leaves 6.2 Billion acres that can only be utilized by animals to produce food for a world with millions of starving people! 2
Concerning Fruit Sales Incentives (See Issue 3) It has been brought to my attention that it is generally individual auditors and school clerks who invoke their opinions against student incentives that create some problems for FFA chapters. Incentives, however, are ultimately at the discretion of each school. Thoughts for Teenagers: 1. Think for and believe in yourself, set goals and decide what kind of person you want to be known as (see Proverbs 22:1). 2. Remember, when you text message in the presence of others you are actually sending two messages; the written text and the message you send to those in your presence that you ignore. Washington County Agricultural Education/FFA Instructors Lisa Miller – Fort Frye, Erwin Berry – Frontier, Brian Welch – Marietta, Allen Clark – Warren, Kevin Wagner and Jason Lipot - Washington County Career Center, Matt Hartline – Waterford (Chair) A Glance Back – Washington County *At the 1826 Agricultural Fair, Henry Fearing was recognized for raising 105 bushels of corn per acre. *Farmers built flatboats to float their 3 surplus farm produce down the Ohio River to Cincinnati or even New Orleans. *The excess cattle were taken to Eastern markets and wool was sold by the ton to Eastern Manufactures. Hugh Coffman An Ideal Medium for Plant Growth is composed of: 25% Air, 25% Water (Combined = 50% Pore Space), 5% Organic Matter and 45% Mineral Matter. Say What? Approximately fifteen years ago a couple of my students told me of the following fight they had witnessed in the cafeteria. They witnessed a boy sitting at their table innocently eating his lunch when unbeknown to him a young man approached him from behind and hit him full force with his fist in the side of his head (temple area) knocking the seated student to the floor. As he was flailing on the floor trying to regain some stability the attacking student came after him again with fists flying. While knocked on his back, and still stunned, the student instinctively put up his foot to try to hold off the attacking student. Eventually the attacking student was stopped by others. Note: In some schools if you defend yourself when attacked you are 4 suspended along with the attacker. Even if you swing in self defense and make no contact – the retaliatory attempt earns you an automatic suspension too. Later I learned that the principal had conducted a lengthy discussion about if the young man’s foot came forward, while he was down on the floor, the action might constitute an aggressive action on his part that would then result in a suspension for him as well. This is unreal – what increased liability threats will do! Cattle Trivia The 4 (ruminant) cattle stomach compartments are called: Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and Abomasum. Health Care/Family Doctors One day at lunch more than 30 years ago, I had the following discussion with my family doctor concerning his health care/patient frustrations. He explained his dilemma over the growing number of welfare patients that were attending his clinic. He had no problem with them personally, however, he had noted two trends. First, the steadily increasing number of welfare patients and secondly the frequency with which they would come in with the most insignificant cases 5 as compared to the regular paying patients. He also told me that it would generally take at least 6 months to get his payment from the government and then he would only get about two thirds of his actual costs reimbursed. Also, the required documentation was mounting. His concern was that he could only see so many patients per day, and therefore he had no choice but to increase the charge per visit. This indirectly caused the paying customers to absorb the added costs of the welfare patients. Imagine if we multiply this alarming trend by more than thirty years of expansion and increasing bureaucracy. He was also frustrated that his time spent with paying patients was more limited because he was also trying to see more patients per day to help with the loss of income. Another doctor, who retired just a few years ago, told me that he actually made more profit when he began practicing by charging $5.00 per visit (which included any prescriptions) than he did in his later years of practice. Note: Health care costs force most farmers to have at least one spouse work off of the farm to secure health insurance for their family. 6
Stacy
family farm since 1899
Bill and Janet Stacy
Goodrich Road., Oak Grove
Marietta, Ohio 45750
www.stacyfarm.com
Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Divison
Roy W. Singleton Director/General Manager
roysingleton@ffbf.org 352-636-6161
7705 US Highway 441 Leesburg, FL. 34788
These advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture however they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please partonize these sponsors. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you wish to contribute: (You have two options) 1.General Donation (Make checks payable to: Ralph D. Coffman – The Agricultural View 2.Placing an ad in two issues for $15.00 (*See details below) The ads will be 1” by 2” (basic label size). Clearly print the ad content (written only) and your name, phone number, address and return it to me. The ad will be an insert page with the following statement: The following advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture however they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please patronize these sponsors. Ralph Coffman coffman_ralph@yahoo.com Thanks for your support, 566 Elk Run Road Beverly, Ohio 45715 Ralph ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Washington County Farm Business Planning & Analysis Program History – Doug Mercer The Washington County Career Center Farm Business Planning & Analysis Program (FBPA) had its beginning in the fall of 1971. High school Vo. Ag. Teachers: Ralph Sawyer (Marietta), Ed Barnett (Waterford), Bobby Anderson (Frontier), Bill Tackett and Dean McCoy (Warren), Gary Moore (Fort Frye) and Hugh Coffman (Warren H.S. Assistant Superintendent) met with State Supervisor of Vocational Agricultural Welch Barnett from the Ohio Department of Education. They thought such a program would complement their already successful adult farmer program classes, including the 100 Bushel Corn Club, and be quite useful to the farmers of the county. I was hired as the full time FBPA teacher to begin on July 1, 1972. It was decided that the program would be funded through the Wolf Creek School District with my office at Waterford H.S. and I would be under the supervision of Superintendent Harry Cooper. Any cost in addition to that funded by the State Department was to be split by the five school districts. The program operated under this arrangement until July 1, 1974 when the Washington County Career Center took over the program. Superintendent Harry Cooper and David Barrett the Director at the Career Center agreed that the program should continue to be housed at Waterford H.S. but funded by the Career Center. The arrangement continued for 19 years until August 1991 when my office as was moved to the Career Center Campus in the old Washington State Community College building. The FBPA program had an enrollment of 40 farms during its first year of operation. Securing enrollment was a joint effort by the county Vo. Ag. teachers and myself as they contributed a great deal to the early success of the program. The Ag. teachers were able to give me immediate credibility with their farmers. Current members that were in the first class of 40 farms are Charles and Mary Campbell, Dan Zimmer, Joan Zimmer, Paul and Mary Zimmer. During the past 37 years the program has provided instruction for well over 200 farms in Washington County. On-farm instruction occurred throughout the year with classes being held in the winter months. Some of the major topics included principles of record keeping, depreciation, farm income tax laws, estate planning, using credit effectively, working with computers including filling out the computer analysis and then properly interpreting the printed analysis. The analysis was the final product of the record keeping showing the strengths and weaknesses of the farm business including a detailed costs analysis in the farm’s various enterprises. The first farm records analysis were completed in the winter of 1974 by using the records from the previous year. All 40 farms submitted their records for evaluation. These early analysis were mailed to The Ohio State University and generally took 3 weeks to get the results back. This all changed in the 1986 record year when OSU discontinued their program and I was faced with 48 analysis to conduct and no available program. I spent many weekends and evenings at home developing an analysis program of my own using the spread sheet Lotus 123. We still use this program today. We could now enter the records on site in the computer and print it out the same day greatly improving efficiency. I also developed a data analysis chart summary ranking farmers from lowest to highest in numerous efficiency categories. My system secured the privacy of farmers as only they would know their individual numbers in each column. This summary is not only diagnostic but also appeals to the competitive nature of Americans enticing a greater desire to improve efficiency. The analysis is used as a reference statewide. In 1977 the first FBPA banquet was held at the Career Center with Farm Credit as the sponsor which continues today. Initially, and for many years the sponsorship was under the direction of Ken Schilling and more recently it continues under the direction of Steve Reed and Melinda Roberts becoming Partners in Education with the FBPA program. This support and dedication to the program has been, and is, essential to the program’s success. In 1999 I retired from teaching FBPA full time with Marty Clark replacing me as the full-time instructor and I continued to work part time. Marty has done a great job during these past ten years including excellent work in refining and promoting the computerized record keeping system. All of our FBPA clients are on the computerized system as compared to approximately 50% of farmers nationwide. In 2007 the FBPA Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance and encourage support for the program. In February of the same year the FBPA Advisory Committee and 62 of our clients were instrumental in presenting to the Career Center’s Board of Education the importance of the continuation of a full-time FBPA program in Washington County. The FBPA program is unique and even though it has been recognized as the top FBPA program in Ohio it will only survive with the continued support of the agricultural community in Washington County - Doug. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From the View: Gross Farm Income for the 39 FBPA farms submitting an analysis in 2008 was over 14 million dollars. We wish to thank Doug for his years of exemplary service and a special thank you to wife Nancy and children Tom and Jan for their sacrifices (of Doug’s time) to allow him to help so many farmers. Good luck in retirement Doug & Nancy . Doug’s awards will be listed in October Issue #5.
Issue #5 – October Issue #6 - December I will then assess the View’s future – Ralph
family farm since 1899
Bill and Janet Stacy
Goodrich Road., Oak Grove
Marietta, Ohio 45750
www.stacyfarm.com
Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Divison
Roy W. Singleton Director/General Manager
roysingleton@ffbf.org 352-636-6161
7705 US Highway 441 Leesburg, FL. 34788
These advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture however they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please partonize these sponsors. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you wish to contribute: (You have two options) 1.General Donation (Make checks payable to: Ralph D. Coffman – The Agricultural View 2.Placing an ad in two issues for $15.00 (*See details below) The ads will be 1” by 2” (basic label size). Clearly print the ad content (written only) and your name, phone number, address and return it to me. The ad will be an insert page with the following statement: The following advertisers support The Agricultural View and the promotion of agriculture however they may not necessarily agree with every point of view within the newsletter. Please patronize these sponsors. Ralph Coffman coffman_ralph@yahoo.com Thanks for your support, 566 Elk Run Road Beverly, Ohio 45715 Ralph ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Washington County Farm Business Planning & Analysis Program History – Doug Mercer The Washington County Career Center Farm Business Planning & Analysis Program (FBPA) had its beginning in the fall of 1971. High school Vo. Ag. Teachers: Ralph Sawyer (Marietta), Ed Barnett (Waterford), Bobby Anderson (Frontier), Bill Tackett and Dean McCoy (Warren), Gary Moore (Fort Frye) and Hugh Coffman (Warren H.S. Assistant Superintendent) met with State Supervisor of Vocational Agricultural Welch Barnett from the Ohio Department of Education. They thought such a program would complement their already successful adult farmer program classes, including the 100 Bushel Corn Club, and be quite useful to the farmers of the county. I was hired as the full time FBPA teacher to begin on July 1, 1972. It was decided that the program would be funded through the Wolf Creek School District with my office at Waterford H.S. and I would be under the supervision of Superintendent Harry Cooper. Any cost in addition to that funded by the State Department was to be split by the five school districts. The program operated under this arrangement until July 1, 1974 when the Washington County Career Center took over the program. Superintendent Harry Cooper and David Barrett the Director at the Career Center agreed that the program should continue to be housed at Waterford H.S. but funded by the Career Center. The arrangement continued for 19 years until August 1991 when my office as was moved to the Career Center Campus in the old Washington State Community College building. The FBPA program had an enrollment of 40 farms during its first year of operation. Securing enrollment was a joint effort by the county Vo. Ag. teachers and myself as they contributed a great deal to the early success of the program. The Ag. teachers were able to give me immediate credibility with their farmers. Current members that were in the first class of 40 farms are Charles and Mary Campbell, Dan Zimmer, Joan Zimmer, Paul and Mary Zimmer. During the past 37 years the program has provided instruction for well over 200 farms in Washington County. On-farm instruction occurred throughout the year with classes being held in the winter months. Some of the major topics included principles of record keeping, depreciation, farm income tax laws, estate planning, using credit effectively, working with computers including filling out the computer analysis and then properly interpreting the printed analysis. The analysis was the final product of the record keeping showing the strengths and weaknesses of the farm business including a detailed costs analysis in the farm’s various enterprises. The first farm records analysis were completed in the winter of 1974 by using the records from the previous year. All 40 farms submitted their records for evaluation. These early analysis were mailed to The Ohio State University and generally took 3 weeks to get the results back. This all changed in the 1986 record year when OSU discontinued their program and I was faced with 48 analysis to conduct and no available program. I spent many weekends and evenings at home developing an analysis program of my own using the spread sheet Lotus 123. We still use this program today. We could now enter the records on site in the computer and print it out the same day greatly improving efficiency. I also developed a data analysis chart summary ranking farmers from lowest to highest in numerous efficiency categories. My system secured the privacy of farmers as only they would know their individual numbers in each column. This summary is not only diagnostic but also appeals to the competitive nature of Americans enticing a greater desire to improve efficiency. The analysis is used as a reference statewide. In 1977 the first FBPA banquet was held at the Career Center with Farm Credit as the sponsor which continues today. Initially, and for many years the sponsorship was under the direction of Ken Schilling and more recently it continues under the direction of Steve Reed and Melinda Roberts becoming Partners in Education with the FBPA program. This support and dedication to the program has been, and is, essential to the program’s success. In 1999 I retired from teaching FBPA full time with Marty Clark replacing me as the full-time instructor and I continued to work part time. Marty has done a great job during these past ten years including excellent work in refining and promoting the computerized record keeping system. All of our FBPA clients are on the computerized system as compared to approximately 50% of farmers nationwide. In 2007 the FBPA Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance and encourage support for the program. In February of the same year the FBPA Advisory Committee and 62 of our clients were instrumental in presenting to the Career Center’s Board of Education the importance of the continuation of a full-time FBPA program in Washington County. The FBPA program is unique and even though it has been recognized as the top FBPA program in Ohio it will only survive with the continued support of the agricultural community in Washington County - Doug. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------From the View: Gross Farm Income for the 39 FBPA farms submitting an analysis in 2008 was over 14 million dollars. We wish to thank Doug for his years of exemplary service and a special thank you to wife Nancy and children Tom and Jan for their sacrifices (of Doug’s time) to allow him to help so many farmers. Good luck in retirement Doug & Nancy . Doug’s awards will be listed in October Issue #5.
Issue #5 – October Issue #6 - December I will then assess the View’s future – Ralph
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