MFBF New Office Headquarters Address

Mike Rowe: Farmers Need to be Their Own Advocates

ATLANTA, January 11, 2011-Farmers became a big part of “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe” when Rowe took offense at the saying, “work smarter, not harder.” 

“What a silly way to separate knowledge from skill,” Rowe told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting Monday. Rowe decided to celebrate people who work both smart and hard and knew farmers and ranchers do both.  “It seems like every time I go to a farm, there’s some type of issue,” he said, recounting what happened after three farm episodes aired. 

On his series “Dirty Jobs,” that airs on the Discovery Channel, Rowe helped a hog farmer with an operation near Las Vegas gather leftover food from casinos, which the farmer cooked in his Rube Goldberg invention and then fed to the hogs. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to him, concerned that the warm food was harming the animals. The Environmental Protection Agency feared gas escaping from a hose under a truck hood might be toxic when in fact it was steam.

Rowe visited a laying hen operation in Buckeye, Ariz., which he said enabled him to give an honest, fair look at caged egg production. Because “we deal with feces from every species,” Rowe used a bobcat to clean up chicken manure that accumulated below the cages. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said his skill with the bobcat-or lack thereof-had come perilously close to endangering the health of the workers at the farm.

Before a visit to a Craig, Colo., sheep ranch to assist with castrating lambs; Rowe asked the humane society about the preferred method for the procedure and was told how to use a rubber band to accomplish the task. However, he learned that the lambs recovered quickly after the ranchers’ method of clipping and extracting the genitals but would be in pain for up to two days if rubber bands were used. “I saw with my own eyes that it was a kinder, gentler way to do it for the lamb,” he said of the rancher’s procedure.

That got Rowe to thinking: if these experts and agencies were wrong about what they saw on “Dirty Jobs,” what else were they wrong about?

American farmers are surrounded by angry activist groups, each with its own agenda, he said. “Our country is asking you to do more with less every single year and I see a lot of other agendas pushing at you. The rest of the country needs to understand what you guys do on a day-to-day basis. We are not sufficiently astounded that you guys feed [the world] every day.”

Rather than a spokesman, agriculture needs lots of advocates, Rowe said. These advocates can each use their talents to tell their story. He cited Troy Hadrick, a Farm Bureau member in South Dakota whose YouTube video attracted the interest of a furniture company owner who now sponsors a Nascar entry that promotes agriculture during races.

Rowe himself has produced two “brown before green” specials that showcase farmers’ work to care for the earth. “You find a farmer and scrape off the dirt and you’ll find one of the greenest people on the planet,” he said. Saying he was flattered at having been asked to be a spokesman for agriculture, he told Farm Bureau members, “I do believe in my heart of hearts that you are your own best spokesmen.”

Farm Family Continues YF&R Scholarship Program

To further strengthen and support the future of Northeast agriculture, the Farm Family group of insurance companies is pleased to continue presenting Farm Family Young Farmers
(YF & R) Scholarships. Throughout 2011, Farm Family will offer ten $250 scholarships to individual members of six of our endorsing Farm Bureau states’ Young Farmers Program to encourage their attendance at a leadership development conference.

Farm Family recognizes the important role these young leaders play not only in the future success of Farm Bureau, but also in the future success of Northeast agriculture. Farm Family wants to support the next generation of farming and
present them with opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

The scholarship monies can be applied toward conference registration fees, hotel accommodations, and/or travel-related expenses directly related to an individual YF & R member participating in an approved leadership
development conference or activity.

YF & R members must be nominated by a member of their state’s Young Farmer
Committee. The scholarships will be administered on a reimbursement basis. After receiving verification that the YF & R member attended the event, a check will be sent to the state Farm Bureau for disbursement to the individual.

Please contact John Conners, Mass Farm Bureau for additional information.

2010 Gregory Finn Scholarship Winner

MFBF is pleased to announce that the 2010 winner of the Gregory Finn Scholarship is Ariel Garland of Northfield, MA.  Ariel is the daughter of Farm Bureau member, Susan Garland.  Starting at the tender age of eight, Ariel has been actively involved in 4-H, showing dairy cattle.  She knew early on that she wanted to work in the dairy industry. 

Ariel graduated from the State University of New York at Cobleskill with an Associate degree in Dairy Production Management.  While at Cobleskill, her Judging Team was invited to participate in an international competition.  She competed in England, France, Germany, Luxemborg and Scotland, where her team placed 1st.  A summer internship at Alta Genetics has sparked her interest in reproduction and genetics. 

Ariel is currently continuing her education at Cornell University, pursuing a major in Animal Science.

Residence Built on 61-A Land Ruled Exempt From Penalty

By James Crowley, ESQ, Mass Dept. of Revenue Bureau of Municipal Finance Law

In a decision that surprised some local officials and differed with written opinions from this Department, the Appeals Court ruled that taxpayers were not liable for penalty taxes when they built a personal residence on land classified as farmland under M.G.L. Ch. 61A. The case is Adams v. Assessors of Westport, 76 Mass. App. 180 (2010).

Milton and Marilyn Adams purchased 13.41 acres of land in the Town of Westport in June 2005. Seeking to have the land classified as agricultural land which would result in reduced taxes, they filed a timely Ch. 61A application with the Westport assessors in October 2005 for fiscal year 2007. The taxpayers did not complete the entire application. The taxpayers wrote “13.41” on the line of the application indicating “total acres” but did not enter anything on the line “acres to be classified.” Yet, on page two of the application the taxpayers wrote that all 13.41 acres of land were presently being used to cultivate alfalfa. The assessors approved the application and in a notice sent to the taxpayers dated December 14, 2005 the assessors wrote that their application for Ch. 61A status had been approved for all 13.41 acres for fiscal year 2007. The entire parcel was classified and taxed as agricultural land for FY2007.

In December 2006, the taxpayers applied for a building permit to construct a personal residence on a 1.4 acre portion of the 13.41 acre parcel. The Westport building inspector issued the permit in January 2007. Once the assessors learned of the proposed dwelling, they assessed a conveyance tax in May 2007 for $61,709. The penalty tax was computed under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 12 by applying a 9% tax rate (where the farmland was sold or converted within the second year of ownership) to a $685,590 land value, i.e., $61,703 plus a $6 certificate fee under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 19 for a total of $61,709. It was not clear from the record whether the conveyance tax was assessed only on that portion of the land on which the use has changed.

Believing a tax as harsh as this should not have been imposed, the taxpayers filed an abatement application which the assessors denied. The owners then paid the tax with interest and filed an appeal with the Appellate Tax Board (ATB). Under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 19 timely payment is not a prerequisite for appeal of the conveyance tax to the ATB.

The ATB could have ruled that the taxpayers in their initial application to the assessors never intended to have all their land classified under M.G.L. Ch. 61A and thereby would have avoided the conveyance tax issue. Instead, the ATB held that construction of a residence for the owners themselves did not constitute a change in use under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 12. The ATB relied on its own earlier decision of Ross v. Assessors of Ipswich, (ATB docket #F239496, November 21, 2000). In Ross, the ATB held that roll-back taxes could not be assessed where farmland was conveyed to the owner’s son for the construction of a house for the son and daughter-in-law. For these reasons, the Westport conveyance tax was void and the ATB abated all the penalty taxes.

The Westport assessors promptly appealed to the Appeals Court. The assessors contended that where the 1.4 acre portion was classified land, the construction of a house on the land would constitute a conversion in use and would trigger the assessment of a roll-back or conveyance tax since the land would no longer be actively devoted to farming. The assessors agreed that the town could not acquire the land under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 14 which provides a right of first refusal when classified farmland is sold for, or converted to a residential, commercial or industrial use. Sec. 14 expressly provides that a sale or conversion to a residential use for the owners themselves or certain family members is not a conversion, “for purposes of this section.” The assessors argued, however, that this exemption from the right of first refusal exemption did not apply to conveyance taxes assessed under Sec. 12. In fact, M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 16 by its terms would seem to require the imposition of penalty taxes since the land was no longer actively devoted to agricultural use.

The Appeals Court disagreed. The Court reviewed the legislative history and the purpose for which M.G.L. Ch. 61A was enacted, namely, to reverse the trend of the decreasing number of farms in the Commonwealth. According to the Court, the Legislature recognized that real estate taxes were significantly contributing to the demise of farms. At the same time, the Legislature realized that speculators and developers might acquire farmland and pay taxes at a reduced rate of taxation with hopes of developing the land at some point in the future. The Court believed this concern about development prompted the Legislature to enact roll-back tax, conveyance tax and right of first refusal provisions.

In the Court’s view, the conveyance tax provisions of M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 12 applied only to commercial or residential subdivision development. According to the Court, it was the intent of the Legislature to promote family farming and for this reason the construction of a house for the owners themselves would not trigger the assessment of conveyance taxes under M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 12. The Court admitted that the Legislature in enacting M.G.L. Ch. 61A Sec. 12 did not expressly exempt family members from the conveyance tax as it did in M.G.L. Ch. 61A sec. 14 with regard to the first refusal option. Nevertheless, the Appeals Court agreed with the ATB’s statutory interpretation that building a personal residence would not constitute a change in use. Consequently, the entire conveyance tax was abated.

When the assessors learned of this decision, they sought to appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court. Further review was denied. 456 Mass. 1106 (2010).

2011 MA Farm Bureau Legislative Priorities

By Brad Mitchell, Director of Government Relations

New Legislative Session Begins – Farm Bureau Offers a Number of New Bills

January marked the beginning of a new legislative session at the State House.   This means that the whole legislative process begins anew, with each bill starting at step 1.  Legislative sessions last for two years.

Farm Bureau has offered several bills for consideration:

·         An Act relative to the distribution of raw milk is being sponsored by Representative Gobi. This would allow farmers to deliver raw milk to consumers off the farm. They could either do this themselves, or through a contractor.  DAR would provide regulatory oversight on transportation, storage, etc.  Representative Anne Gobi is sponsoring this bill.

An Act to Promote Farm Viability - HD 1955 – Representative Kulik

·         Creates a system by which municipal Board of Health regulations, which have an impact on agriculture, are submitted for review and approval to an Agricultural Review Board which includes experts in the fields of health and agriculture.

·         The agricultural community has identified inappropriate BOH regulations as a major impediment to the growth and sustainability of agriculture in the Commonwealth.

·         This bill does not pre-empt BOHs. It helps to ensure that municipal health regulations governing agriculture are written with a sound understanding of agriculture. This is simply good governance.

 Bill to create a state meat inspection program at the Department of Agricultural Resources (no formal bill title or docket number yet- in review by House counsel) – Representative Kulik

·         There is huge demand for local meat and there is sufficient production capacity on MA farms to meet this demand.  However there are only 2 USDA inspected red meat processing facilities in MA (both in northern MA). There are no USDA inspected poultry processing facilities in MA.

·         Regulatory uncertainty and quagmire is a major barrier to creating new meat processing facilities.

·         Would combine state and federal oversight of slaughter, cutting and packing within DAR.

·         USDA would pick up half the cost of the new program.

·         Maine, Vermont and Connecticut have passed similar legislation. Maine, which is furthest along in their program, doubled the number of slaughter and processing facilities within the first few years of the program.  

An act to promote economic stimulus in natural resource based small businesses – HD02321 -Representative Dykema

·         Expands an existing 3% tax credit for incorporated agriculture and fishing operations to those which are not incorporated.

·         The vast majority of MA farms and many small fishing operations are not incorporated.

·         This modest tax break could provide significant stimulus and tax revenue in rural communities which are currently suffering more than urban areas in the down economy. A new barn means work for carpenters and electricians and sales for lumberyards, etc.

·         Farms will never pickup and move overseas! This is a sound investment for the Commonwealth and helps to build infrastructure for the local food system and food security.

 An act to strengthen and expand the Board of Agriculture – Representative Hogan

·         The Board of Agriculture provides oversight and guidance to the Department of Agricultural Resources. The current Board is too small to represent the increasing diversity of Massachusetts agriculture.

·         The bill would expand the Board of Agriculture from 7 to 13 members in order to better represent the diversity of Massachusetts Agriculture.

·         It would also set term limits to ensure fresh membership and perspectives.

 An act relative to the distribution of raw milk – HD 02523 – Representative Gobi

·         Farmers may currently only sell raw milk from the farm.

·         The bill would allow them to deliver milk to customers, either themselves or through a contractor.

·         This would expand the ability of dairy farmers to sell directly to the consumer – often a key in Massachusetts where land, labor and regulatory costs are among the highest in the nation.

·         The Farmer would maintain a contractual relationship with the end consumer.

·         All existing labeling and notifications would remain in place.

·         DAR would have authority to regulate storage, transportation, etc.

 An Act to promote the care and well-being of livestock – SD 309 – Senator Brewer

·         Creates a Livestock Care and Standards Board which consists of farmers, humane groups, veterinarians and other interested parties.

·         DAR, with 2/3 concurrence of the board may promulgate guidance and/or regulations governing the keeping and care of livestock.

·         As MA farmers deal more directly with consumers, they want to be able to point to a local system by which humane issues are addressed in an open public forum.

·         Washington-based special interest groups are active in MA trying to push their agenda through legislation and PR. The Livestock Care and Standards Board would help ensure decisions impacting local agriculture are also made locally!

 An Act to promote environmentally sound transportation of agricultural products - SD294 – Senator Brewer

·         Current law prohibits trucks and trailers with farm plates from carrying in excess of 60,000 lbs (including the weight of the trailer), even if the vehicle is rated to carry more than this.

·         This limit results in increased use of fossil fuels and related emissions, as well as increased labor costs and wear on equipment.

·         The bill would allow vehicles with farm plates to carry up to their rated capacity. Bridge and local road weight limits would remain in effect.

 Note that as of publication of this bulletin, there may be bills that have been filed that we would support that we are not aware of yet.  For an updated bulletin, please contact Brad Mitchell at 508.481.4766.

ESE Announces Construction Equine Arena

Wayne McCary, president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition, announced Thurs., Jan, 6, 2011, that the organization will embark on a $2.2 million construction project to build a new, covered warm-up arena attached to C-Barn, the main horse barn utilized by the ESE Horse Show held during The Big E as well as a number of year-round equine events.

Exposition officials vowed to continue their commitment to agriculture and the Horse Show by further developing infrastructure to maintain ESE’s position as New England’s most sought-after equine destination.

The Exposition is also home to 12 year-round horse shows as well as a major equine-related trade show, Equine Affaire®, held each November.

The new arena will match the height of the existing building and the 66’ x 170’ clear span outdoor roof will be bordered by a 4’ brick perimeter wall with pre-cast concrete upright posts. The exterior of the structure will mirror the north wall of the existing barn and its walls will consist of a permeable vinyl designed to protect riders and horses from the elements while providing air circulation and ventilation. Each end of the covered arena will feature 20’ ornamental iron sliding gates. 

Riders will be cooled by 16’ low speed, high volume fans. New lighting will be installed and the riding arena will have spray irrigation and underground drainage.

An existing angled doorway will be enlarged to 12’ x 14’ so riders may enter and exit the ring on horseback and the immediate exterior area will also be covered. A canopy connector from the east entrance of C-Barn to the west entrance of the Coliseum will also be erected.

The project is the result of an extensive study of ESE facilities, conducted in 2010 to assess the needs of existing tenants and look toward future year-round growth. The research included a major engineering study of the Coliseum by Populous of Knoxville, Tenn., and a marketing analysis by AECOM of Washington, DC. The studies assessed the demand for our facilities, the present status and future needs of the current infrastructure.

The Exposition will assume financial responsibility of the project and will receive no funding from the state of Massachusetts. In addition, its 2011 capital budget of more than $1.1 million will include the installation of a new roof and other major improvements to the Coliseum. F-Barn, an auxiliary barn with 100 horse stalls located in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, will also receive a new, upgraded metal roof.

Eastern States Exposition Horse Show dates are: Sept. 14-18 - Hunters & Jumpers, Hunt Seat Equitation, USHJA Zone 1 Finals; Sept. 22-25 - Saddlebreds, Hackneys and Morgans; and Sept. 29-Oct. 2 - ESE Draft Horse Show and $30,000 Showdown.

The Big E takes place Sept. 16 - Oct. 2, 2011 in West Springfield, Mass. 

From the Executive Director
By Douglas P. Gillespie, Executive Director, MFBF

As we sit back and watch winter blasting through outdoors, Massachusetts Farm Bureau members can have great pride in the efforts taken to strengthen policies that benefit our members.  This is what Farm Bureau is all about, but often we hear that our success is limited at the federal level.  That has NOT been the case lately!

In December, delegates to the MFBF Annual Meeting in Springfield approved policy resolutions on a host of subjects.  I want to discuss two of note.  The first one relates to federal dairy policy.  The MFBF Dairy Committee and particular dairy farmers put forth a resolution, which was passed by the delegates, asking AFBF to adopt a dairy policy that recognized the need for milk supply management in the United States.  It also put Massachusetts on record in opposition to using revenue insurance as a tool in stabilizing dairy farm income.  Frankly, the latter was doomed to fail at the federal level, as nearly every dairy group has recognized that such insurance will ultimately be a portion of future federal dairy programs.  However, supply management has always been opposed by American Farm Bureau Federation, because it is counter to free market principles.  The AFBF position has now changed.  Delegates gathered in Atlanta at the AFBF Annual Meeting and voted to consider a voluntary supply management program as part of the dairy package!  This is a huge accomplishment for the Northeast, and other areas with small farms attempting to compete with the mega-dairies in the West. 

The second achievement for MFBF at the federal level is in the new federal Food Safety Law recently signed by President Obama, giving the FDA sweeping new authority to combat food contamination.  AFBF’s existing policy was that food safety is size-neutral, and that a “one size fits all” approach to farm regulation was the best policy.  I believe they took this position because of the public’s sensitivity towards small farms, with the hopes of limiting such regulation.  But the bill that passed the House a year ago was VERY restrictive, and would have been a huge burden for small farms and direct marketing farms.  MFBF and New Hampshire Farm Bureau joined forces with other farm organizations nationwide to promote an amendment by Senator Jon Tester of Montana to apply food safety regulations appropriate to the farm size and risk involved.  This amendment was included in the Senate bill, and became law.  In January, at the urging of MFBF, the AFBF voting delegates changed the AFBF policy to consider farm size and risk in future food safety actions.

I tip my hat to the members who brought these issues forward for debate, and to MFBF President Rich Bonanno, who argued effectively in Washington and Atlanta on behalf of our members.  The Farm Bureau system of grassroots policy development is one that works, and is the envy of many other large
organizations.

MFBF voting delegates also voted to establish a Livestock Advisory Committee to provide input relative to expected animal care and welfare issues, BMPs, and other matters in Massachusetts.  If this is something you’d like to help with, contact your County Farm Bureau President, as each county has at least one seat on the committee.

Yet another issue we are constantly facing is the keeping of livestock and poultry in residential settings. 
Certainly there are protections for commercial farms on at least 5-acre parcels, but smaller operations are often challenged, mostly by local Boards of Health.  We often wind up with regulations that are bizarre; requiring the removal of roosters’ vocal chords, or requiring the restraint of honeybees to your own property! Farm Bureau, together with UMass Extension and the MA Department of Agricultural Resources are organizing workshops to educate these “backyard farmers”, municipal agricultural commissions, and other local officials.  We hope to recruit some new members through this effort, but also to resolve future conflicts before they occur.

Later this spring most county Farm Bureaus will host legislative breakfasts or other forums to meet their legislators.  Be sure to participate in your county.  These events are hugely important to educating legislators on your issues.  Also plan to attend “Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State House” on April 7th. Watch for details.

Best wishes to all during this brutal winter! Think green!

 The Cape and Islands Farm Bureau is proud to offer our scholarship and toolship again this year.

In an effort to conserve our resources we have made it easy for you to access our applications.  Go to the Cape and Islands Farm Bureau web site www.capecodfarms.com and click on the scholarship/toolship link and you will have what you need to apply.

We have made one change: the deadline date has been extended to Feb. 15, 2011.  If you have any questions please contact Ed Osmun 508-362-8370.

Bristol County recognize their long time members

Have you been a member of Bristol County Farm Bureau for fifty years or more?  Do you know someone you’re pretty sure has been?  Your county would like to recognize you!  Please send the name and address to: David Brownell, President, Bristol County Farm Bureau, 482-A Smith Neck Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748 (djbrownell@earthlink.net)  Thanks for your cooperation.

FARMS ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER RELIEF

Providing welcome news to Massachusetts farmers and cranberry growers who suffered crop losses, the federal government has approved the state’s request for disaster relief in connection with agricultural production losses tied to hot and dry weather last summer and fall.  Farms in the “primary” disaster areas of Barnstable and Bristol counties are eligible for loans and other formers of assistance from the U.S. Farm Services Agency, state officials announced Tuesday.  Farms in “contiguous” disaster areas - Dukes, Norfolk and Plymouth counties - are eligible for loan assistance.  U.S. Agriculture Commissioner Thomas Vilsack granted the state’s request for relief, according to Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan Jr.    According to Sullivan’s office, 2010 was the third warmest summer on record with 25 days of temperatures of 90 degrees or above, up from the normal 11.

2010 Horse Farm of Distinction Winners

Berskshire County:

Sommer Hill Farm, Adams, Donald Sommer

Undermountain Farm, Lenox, Tjasa Sprague

Bristol County:

Chipaway Stables, Acushnet, David Costa

Johnson & Wales Equine Center, Rehoboth, Beth Beukema

Cape Cod & Islands:

Highlander Farm, Hatchville, Megan Hawkes-Romiza

Holly Hill Farm, Marston Mills, Nancy Venezia

Pond View Farm, West Tisbury, Sarah Doyle

Sea Horse Farm, Harwich, Bud & Marcia Nugent

Smithfield Farm, East Falmouth, Janice Foster

Woodbe Farm, Vineyard Haven, Tracey Amaral Olsen

Essex County:

Essex Agricultural & Technical High School, Essex, Cliff Taylor

High Tail Acres, LLC, Newbury, Dawn DelTorchio

The Barnyard Maples, Byfield, Gale Meserve

Hampden County:

Sylvercryst Farm, Southwick, Paul & Ann Marie Gregoire

Hampshire County:

Twin Orchard Farm, Southampton, Charlie Kaniecki

Middlesex County:

Andimar Farm, Billerica, Laurie Marchant

Harmony Horse Stables, Littleton, Kathryn Rideout

Larkspur Farms, Littleton, Gerald Cupp

Pompositticut Farm, Hudson, Jackie Kane

Sterling Riding Stable, Pepperell, Dawn Frazer

The Ponderaia, North Reading, Laine Raia

Plymouth County:

Briggs Stable, Hanover, John Dougherty

Creek Crossing Farm, LLC, Hingham, Alyssa Frifone

Levaland Farm, Middleboro, Jennifer Goddard

Whit Acres Farm, Norwell, Kristen Whittaker

Worcester County:

Cobb Hill Stable, Athol, Stephanie & William Wheeler

Deer Run Farm, Sutton, Robert Goodman

Summergate Farm, Bolton, Sue Storbeck

Walking High Farm, Douglas, Becky Kalagher

Winterberry Farm, Dudley, James & Sandra Kunkel

Snow Plow Contractors Workshop

Snow Plow Contractors Workshop was held January 19 at the Holiday Inn & Suites just above the Farm Bureau Headquarters in Marlborough.  People from Colrain to Rehoboth and Topsfield to Southborough traversed the snow and ice to attend.  Hosted by Farm Family Insurance, it was free and included a great meal. The attendees learned about a recent change to state law and how to protect themselves from “slip and fall” litigation on a “natural accumulation” of snow and ice. 

As the economy sinks, litigation rises.  The workshop covered the events leading up to the change in law, how to read and write contracts, whether to have a contract at all, how to keep a trail of documentation, and specific words and situations to look out for.  Attendees left considering their personal exposure – especially if they were on “both sides of the bulls-eye”. 

Mass Wool Pool Planned

A Wool Pool is being organized to provide local sheep producers with a way to market their wool. Those with small flocks of sheep who have no outlet to sell their wool (most buyers won’t purchase small quantities) can take advantage of this opportunity.

It is scheduled to be held on July 2, 2011 at the Cummington Fairgrounds. Consignors are asked to bring their wool at pre-arranged delivery times to avoid long waits. 

Volunteers will also be needed for handling the wool. Interested parties should contact Aaron Loux at 413-230-8607.  Please call a month ahead for price estimates.

Vilsack: Innovation Drives the Farmer and Farm Policy

ATLANTA, January 10, 2011-Whatever the desired end result-biofuels diversification, improved crop insurance or a farm bill that meets rural America’s needs without breaking the bank-innovation is where it starts, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told farmers and ranchers at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting.

“We need an economy that creates and innovates,” Vilsack said. “We know it can work because it’s worked in agriculture.”

Last year’s potential record farm income is primarily due to farmers’ productivity and heart, according to Vilsack, but the trade surplus agriculture posted-the only trade surplus among the many sectors of the U.S. economy-helped too.

Vilsack said administration officials are working to ensure more trade opportunities by resolving ongoing trade disputes, tapping into emerging markets and building relationships in fragile, fledgling markets, like Afghanistan.  “We’re hopeful Congress will act on the Korea Free Trade Agreement, which will provide momentum for other agreements,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2012 farm bill, Vilsack cautioned that lawmakers will have to be creative with limited resources, but the safety net critical to so many producers will be preserved.

In the works at USDA are expanded opportunities for biofuels, Vilsack said. He plans to soon announce new facilities in rural communities throughout the country. These new facilities, which draw on a number of untapped resources like various types of waste, will be located outside of the midwestern biofuels belt and are expected to create as many as 1 million jobs and add $1 billion to the economy.

Ensuring fair and open markets for producers, providing additional conservation opportunities, enhancing research and critically looking at our regulatory process are also at the top of the department’s list, and all will require an innovative approach.

Vilsack emphasized his appreciation for all that growers contribute beyond food. Just as farmers and ranchers have grown from their troubles, the rest of the country has something to learn from rural America, where, for every $1 in debt, there are $11 in assets.

He noted that Americans spend a much smaller portion of their paychecks on food than almost anyone else in the world.

“I’d like to ask people what they do with that extra 10 percent or 15 percent in their pocket,” he said. “And when was the last time you thanked a farmer?”

Membership

Full Time Students between the ages of 16-25 can join Farm Bureau for $25 and benefit from the professional affiliation and personal auto insurance savings from their Farm Family Agent.  Find out more by contacting the Farm Bureau office.

Forestry Joint Membership:  For the first time ever and for one time only –

Agriculturally producing members of the MA Wood Producers Association and the MA Forestry Landowners Association may join the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation as a Regular ($180, voting) member this January for a dual membership in their organization.  The member must not have ever held a Massachusetts Farm Bureau membership in order to qualify.  The membership year will be January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 and the member will have access to all Farm Bureau membership benefits during this eighteen month trial
membership.  Join us!

Membership Awards

The highest compliment we can receive from a member is to recommend a family member, friend, or acquaintance to our federation.  This demonstrates confidence in our ability to protect the rights, encourage the growth, and be of service to our members in the best interest of agriculture.  Your referrals help us achieve this goal. 

Massachusetts Winter Microloan Deadline Jan 28, 2011

The Carrot Project is pleased to announce that the Strolling of the Heifers Microloan Fund for New England Farmers and the MassDevelopment/Strolling of the Heifers Small Farm Loan Program serving residents of Massachusetts will be accepting prequalified applications for our Winter deadline through January 28, 2011 for loans of $15,000 or less.  There is an additional deadline in March of 2011.    

For more information, please go to www.thecarrotproject.org/farm_financing or contact Dorothy Suput at 617-666-9637 or at dsuput@thecarrotproject.org.

President’s Corner

By A. Richard Bonanno, Ph.D., MFBF President

It has been a busy month since my last column but it has been a productive one as well.  Doug Gillespie has already commented on AFBF policy and I am pleased that we were able to help change both Dairy and Food Safety policy to our benefit.

The AFBF meetings are usually in a warm location but sometimes we get the unexpected.  The ice storm in Atlanta was one to remember.  With only about 150 plows in the entire state, no salt, and many days of sub-freezing temperatures, the entire city shut down. The most amusing scene that I saw involved the Zamboni from the Atlanta Thrashers hockey arena.  They had fitted it with a v-plow, it was on the street by the hotel, and it became hung up on a speed bump. We all managed to work through the inconveniences, though and virtually all the speakers were able to travel to Atlanta in time.

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack commented on the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill and the fiscal challenges that will come with that legislation.  Locally, we are hopeful that the specialty crops language from the 2007 Farm Bill will continue to be included.  We will also work to add the new AFBF Policy regarding Dairy and Supply Management.  Secretary Vilsack had many kind words for America’s farmers.  A short press release regarding his remarks is included in this newsletter.

Dirty Job’s host Mike Rowe was the featured speaker at the meeting.    It is always interesting to see what an outsider thinks about the way we farm.  Mike had produced many shows that highlight farmers and his respect for us was very evident.  He is very concerned about how we are sometimes treated by the public, environmental groups, and government agencies.  I have also included a short press release from AFBF on his presentation.  My favorite Mike Rowe quote:  “You find a farmer and scrape off the dirt and you’ll find one of the greenest people on the planet.” What a perceptive guy!!!  Check out the press release.

Issues between EPA and the Ag community have become more intense.  AFBF recently filed a lawsuit against EPA over their proposed plan to further clean the Chesapeake Bay.  The EPA action regarding the Bay is a precursor to regulate many other watersheds in the U.S.  The major AFBF concerns are states rights, a flawed prediction model, and very limited public participation in the process.  The Dairy industry in many areas, including Amish country, will be especially hard hit by EPA’s Chesapeake Bay plan.

On a final note, DAR, UMass Extension, the New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association, and the Massachusetts Fruit Growers unveiled the Commonwealth Quality (CQ) Program in Sturbridge, MA on January 7, 2011.  Several dozen growers have already signed up.  A roll out for lobster and wood products is expected very soon.  MFBF worked with DAR and UMass Extension to create Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for several crops.  These BMP’s provide the core standards for the CQ Program.

I always appreciate your comments and concerns.  Let me know what you think at rich@mfbf.net

Dr. Rich Bonanno, President

Massachusetts Farm Bureau

Let’s Play: New and Improved Ag Online Game Launched

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture launched its new and enhanced version of “MyAmericanFarm.org,” a free online interactive gaming platform, that focuses on third- through fifth-grade students. The new version offers more agriculture-related games and activities for kids coupled with additional educator resources. 

“My American Farm” was developed to engage millions of youth, teachers and parents through unique educational experiences, educator resources and fun family activities in an online environment.

“One of the main things we tried to do was not only provide these games, but also provide resources and ways to search the site so educators can find information easily by subject matter and agricultural themes and topics,” said Curtis Miller, director of education for the foundation. “We also have fun family activities for when kids come home from school and they have that time on the computer.”

The foundation has expanded the original five games in “MyAmericanFarm.org” to 12 and added in-the-classroom fieldtrip videos, e-comics, interactive quizzes and many other fun features. Some of the games include: “Ag Across America,” “Keys to Stewardship,” “Harvest This!” and “Farmers’ Market Challenge.”

Also new to the website is the feature “Passport to Sustainability,” a passport for students to download on their first visit to the site with printable rewards at the completion of each game. When they collect all 12 rewards they have a full passport.

“We realized we could do more to keep kids playing and learning,” said Miller. “The passport entices them to go through all of the games.”

Some of the fun family activities include step-by-step instructions on how to build a rain gauge and car trip bingo, which encourages kids to look for agricultural structures and animals during those long car rides.

All of the games and activities are subject-matter focused and agriculturally themed so that students learn through math, science, social studies, language arts and health. They learn about such topics as careers in agriculture and how farmers feed the world, care for their animals and take care of the environment. The games also appeal to a variety of different learning styles.

“Our overall goal for the game is to teach agricultural subject matter through entertainment,” said Miller. “We are reaching out to young people to teach them the connection between where their food is grown and where it is eaten in a platform they are interested in and can relate to.”

According to Miller, the new enhanced version of “My American Farm” would not be possible without sponsorship from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, which pledged $500,000 over three years to support the project. 

“Pioneer is proud to be the title sponsor of this innovative agriculture literacy effort,” said Steve Brody, director of government, community and industrial relations for Pioneer.

The free games, activities and educator resources are available to everyone at www.myamericanfarm.org.

2011 County Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast Dates

Bristol:  February 25, The Jockey Club, 115 State Highway, Raynham, RSVP Margaret Lopes, 508-822-6635

Hampshire/Hampden/Franklin/Berkshire: Friday, March 11, 10:30 am brunch at the Bluebonnet Diner, 324 King Street, Northampton, MA.  RSVP to Barbara Mitchell 413-253-5532

Essex: March 24, 8 am – 10 am, at Coolidge Hall, Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston Street, Topsfield MA  01983.  RSVP to Ann at the Topsfield Fair Office 978-887-5000 or email: ann@topsfieldfair.org

Norfolk: March 18 - Norfolk, 7:00 am, IHOP, 1378 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood Route 1, RSVP Rudy Medeiros, 781-344-4096

Middlesex:  March 31st at 8:00am – Colonial Inn, Concord, MA. Interested persons can contact Anne Stone at 978-443-5798

Plymouth:  April 1, 7-9, BRs Monponsett Inn, 550 Monponsett St., Halifax, RSVP Lisa Blair 508-866-9150

Worcester:  March 4, 7:30 AM, Post Office Pub, North Grafton, Rte. 144, RSVP Jon Nourse 508-366-9891

Harvest New England Ag Marketing Conference and Trade Show

Agricultural producers from across the New England will convene in scenic Sturbridge, Massachusetts, March 1-3, 2011, for Harvest New England Association’s third biennial marketing conference and trade show.  The theme of the 2011 event is The Expanding New England Farm Enterprise:  Reaping More from What We Sow. This unique conference targets New England farmers interested in learning new marketing techniques and fine-tuning existing business strategies.  Over 25 educational sessions will cover a wide range of topics including social media use, funding opportunities, customer relations, value-added products, agri-tourism, and much more. 

Pre-conference workshops on March 1st will include a USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training and ideas for effective farmers’ market management. Retail marketing expert John Stanley will deliver the keynote address on March 2.  Mr. Stanley will explain concepts of profitable merchandising and display, and will provide practical tips for increasing sales.  On March 3, Vermont farmer Ben Hewitt, author of the The Town that Food Saved, will discuss the incredible potential that farms and producers have to revitalize their communities and keep money circulating locally.

A trade show of nearly 100 vendors will run March 2-3, and will provide information on the latest products and services for the agricultural community.  Attendees will have ample opportunity to visit the trade between conference sessions.

The event will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center.  Over 800 attendees attended the second conference in February 2009, and even more are expected to turn out in 2011.  For a complete schedule or to register, visit www.harvestnewengland.org. Register by February 14th and save money!

The conference and trade show are sponsored by Harvest New England and all six New England State Departments of Agriculture in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Institute, the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System, the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets, the Rhode Island Center for Agricultural Promotion and Education, and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension System.

Harvest New England is pleased to offer scholarships to qualified farmers from New England to attend the conference. Scholarships will cover the cost of conference registration for up to two attendees from the same family or farm.  The deadline for applications has been extended to January 19th.  The application and additional information can be found on the conference website.

The Harvest New England Association, Inc., is a non-profit 501 (c)(5) corporation.  Created in 1992 by the six New England state departments of agriculture to support the sale of New England grown produce through supermarket channels, the association’s programming now promotes all New England food and agricultural products and provides educational resources to New England agricultural producers.

LGM Dairy Gross Margin Program Improved to Help Dairy Producers

Agency has implemented significant improvements to its LGM Dairy Gross Margin (DGM) program that is offered to help insure profitability for dairy operations.  The changes were considered and approved by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors (Board) and then implemented on December 17, 2010.

“In recent years, dairy farmers across the nation faced a crisis and thousands considered bankruptcy,” said RMA Administrator William J. Murphy. “These improvements, including a premium subsidy, are substantial and will be of great benefit to American dairy farmers. I applaud the Board’s decision to approve these changes, which will make DGM even more helpful in managing dairy risk.”

The DGM program insures the spread between milk income and feed costs, or “gross margin.”  The program covers the difference between the expected gross margin (insurance guarantee) and the actual gross margin for the producer’s selected months, based on a targeted amount of milk.  Futures prices from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) are used to determine the values of Class III milk, corn, and soybean meal.  Futures prices result in uniform commodity prices for all producers. 

The program improvements are designed to make the program even easier and more affordable to use and include 1) moving the premium due date from the beginning of the insurance period to the end and 2) Federally subsidizing program premiums.  Other improvements include options for higher deductibles and increased maximum feed load amounts/values to allow for forage and feed for young and dry cattle.

The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence conducted a 10-year historical retroactive application of the improved DGM Program.  The study determined that producer benefit returns from 1.50 to 3.84 per dollar of producer premium cost could have been realized by participating producers (per cwt of milk enrolled and depending on their program enrollment patterns).  The premium subsidy, which varies from 18% to 50%, was an important factor in these results.

DGM policies are sold on the last business Friday of each month.  The sales period ends at 9:00 pm EST the following day.  There is a maximum producer enrollment limit of 240,000 cwt of milk per year. 

The DGM program provides dairy producers a monthly enrollment opportunity to develop and implement a financial safety-net for their business plan for the year ahead, with protection the last 10 months of each 12 month enrollment
period.  The program provides protection against feed price volatility increases without corresponding milk price increases.  Finally, DGM can provide loan security that may be important in loan acquisition and renewal.

For more information about the LGM-Dairy insurance plan, producers should visit the RMA Web site at http://www.rma.usda.gov.  Federal crop insurance program policies are sold and delivered through private crop insurance companies.  A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers or on the RMA website at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.  Dairy producers are also encouraged to call Custom Ag Solutions at 877-227-8094 to discuss how the LGM-Dairy program can work in their individual operations.  Custom Ag Solutions works with RMA and the MFBF to educate Massachusetts producers about Federal Crop Insurance Programs.

Life Insurance You Do it for Love

From Farm Family Insurance Company

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and you may be thinking about what you can do to say “I love you” to the special people in your life.

Here’s an idea. If you’re still feeling the pinch of the economic crisis, and who isn’t, why not dispense with the traditional Valentine’s Day rituals and try something totally different? Consider updating your life insurance needs this Valentine’s Day.

Don’t see the connection between Valentine’s Day and life insurance? Think about it. The main reason you buy life insurance is because you love people and want to protect them financially. And during these uncertain times, we’re all seeking ways to maintain basic financial security for our loved ones. Having adequate life insurance coverage is a vital part of a sound financial security program.

Life insurance offers your loved one the security of knowing that even if the worst were to happen, there would not have to be a drastic change in their home life. Bills would get paid. Your home would stay in the family. And long-range financial plans, like education and retirement, would remain on track.

To begin, check out the LIFE Foundation’s Web site (www.lifehappens.org). It offers a wealth of information and tools about life insurance. You should know the right questions to ask. The very first question to ask is “how much do I need?” If you die prematurely, you want to know that your loved ones will have enough money to continue living the kind of life you hoped they’d have. Once you know how much life insurance you need, then you’re ready to ask “what kind?” Look at the various types of policies available to you (e.g., term insurance, permanent insurance or perhaps a combination of the two).

Most important, seek professional advice from a qualified insurance professional. Your Farm Family agent can help you accurately assess your insurance needs and help you determine what type of life insurance best meets your needs. You can find one in your area at www.farmfamily.com or calling (800) THE-FARM.

With life insurance, you can continue to show your love, even after you’re gone.

Massachusetts Ag Day at the State House

Save the Date! Thursday, April 7, 2011

From the Berkshires to the Cape, to the farmers’ markets in Boston, each year this exciting event draws hundreds of farmers, agriculture officials, legislators, and industry leaders from across the Commonwealth. Participants gather at the State House to acknowledge not only the positive impact and economic growth of agriculture in Massachusetts but also to discuss issues and legislation affecting their farms and communities.

The event includes a speaking program, ‘Agriculture Day’ awards, informational exhibits and a reception featuring Massachusetts’ farm and specialty food products. Please join MDAR and many others from the agricultural community in recognizing the contributions of Massachusetts’ farmers; learn more about the department’s current and new programs and its efforts to maintain the long-term viability of Massachusetts’ agriculture; and celebrate Massachusetts agricultural products which benefit all Massachusetts residents.

For more information, contact the MA Agricultural Promotional Board at agpromoboard@mfbf.net

Classifieds

Member to Member Marketplace

Island Alpaca Company, www.islandalpaca.com, 10% discount to MA Farm Bureau Members off current retail prices for alpaca goods in the farm store (except spinning equipment).  Martha’s Vineyard, 508-693-5554.

Roberts Brothers Lumber, 1450 Spruce Corner Road, Ashfield MA 01330, 10% savings on current Lumber Price Sheet, excluding delivery, planning and any other services.

Dowse Orchards, 98 North Main Street, Sherborn, MA  01770, 10% savings on farm produce.  508-653-2639, www.dowseorchards.com.

Twin City Eye Care, 867 Merriam Ave., Leominster, MA  01453, 978-537-6045, www.twincityeyecare.com. 20% discount on lenses and frames..

Member Benefits:

Budget Truck Rentals – Moving household contents or moving product to that Farmers’ Market, MFBF members get a 15% discount on Budget Truck Rentals by using MFBF account number 56000133689.  Visit www.budgettruck.com/mafbf or call 1-800-566-8422.  (Insert Ad).

 Prescription Rx – This benefit helps reduce prescription drug costs.  MFBF members save an average of 30% (some as high as 75%) on prescriptions.  The card is like a coupon that you use over and over again at over 75,000 national and regional pharmacies.  The cards will be sent with your Farm Bureau membership renewal invoice or call the office to request one now.  If your CVS pharmacist or clerk does not recognize the Rx card, have them enter COBRA CODE 25875 for the CVS pharmacy terminal system. 

Dodge – it is a great time to purchase a new Dodge vehicle.  Remember our $500 rebate after you make your “best deal!”

Grainger sales – 10% discount and free shipping on internet orders, www.grainger.com. Nationally, AFBF members spent almost $14 million and saved more than $1,376,000. Top selling products:  HVACR, material handling, safety, motors and electrical components.