Spring 2020 has certainly been a wild ride; Covid 19, the shutdown of our country, snow in May and now scorching temperatures. However, through it all, Farm Bureau (national, state and local) has been hard at work:
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) went into effect July 1st and brings optimism to the country’s farmers and ranchers, thanks to the hard work of American Farm Bureau. Under USMCA, Canada will increase quotas on U.S. dairy products, benefiting American dairy farmers by $242 million. Canada will treat wheat imports the same as domestic wheat for grading purposes. Mexico has agreed that all grading standards for Ag products will be non-discriminatory. This agreement also enhances science-based trading standards among the three nations.
Governor DeWine established H2Ohio, a collaborative approach to the issues facing Ohio’s water, to ensure safe and clean water for all Ohioans. It is a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving water quality over the long term, focusing specifically on reducing phosphorus, creating wetlands, addressing failing septic systems and preventing lead contamination. Last month, Dr. Larry Antosch, Ohio Farm Bureau Senior Director of Policy Development and Environmental Policy, was appointed to the Great Lakes Advisory Board. “Having an agricultural representative on this advisory board is a huge opportunity for not only Ohio Farm Bureau, but for Ohio agriculture and essentially for agriculture all across the Great Lakes region”, said Antosch.
Summit County Farm Bureau continues to work for the local membership and needs your help to identify issues facing members and the agriculture community. It doesn’t matter if you are an active farmer or not, your opinion does matter – you can give your organization input by completing this survey. I am urging you as a member of this organization to take an active part in developing policy which our organization follows and supports in its dealings. These policies will help guide the legislative direction we believe will keep agriculture strong when we work with our Senators and Representatives to support the farmers, food processors, and distributors willing to devote time and talents to providing safe, local food and fiber.
Farm Bureau is a grass roots organization. If you are wondering how you can support agriculture in Summit County – BUY LOCAL! You can do something as simple as make copies of our Farmers’ Market Directory, email, share and encourage your friends and family to shop our local farm markets.
Farm Bureau lost a couple of our greatest advocates unexpectedly, last month. Gale Betterly, former Summit County Farm Bureau President and Ohio Farm Bureau State Representative, AND Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President of Public Policy. These two great women worked tiressly to support agriculture and will be greatly missed not only by their friends and family but by the Ag community at large!
And finally, the Summit County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to keep our Antiques Museum closed during the fair, this year, out of concern for the health and welfare of our volunteers. This decision doesn’t mean we are not continuing our support of the Summit County Fair. We have continued our financial support in the junior fair board program and the fair schedule of events and map. We will support the 4-H Livestock Auction with the purchase of animals for donation to local charities, as we have done in the past, and of course we wish all 4-H exhibitors a successful fair. Basically, we will be at the fair in spirit, we just won’t be there “in person”.
Many feel they have been alienated from friends, family, church, social groups or community, but don’t forget, you can stay connected to your local Farm Bureau by visiting our website at www.summitcountyfarmbureau.org.
Wishing you a productive summer free of breakdowns!
Timothy E. Walsh, P.E.
Summit County Farm Bureau President