SMETHPORT — The Farm Bureau could be one of agriculture’s best kept secrets.
Chris Hoffman, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau vice-president, who spoke Tuesday at the McKean-Potter Farm Bureau’s Spring Banquet at the East Smethport United Christian Church, encouraged the approximately 35 people in attendance to inform the public about the organization, which represents the interests of farmers, loggers and tree farmers, in addition to rural communities, and lobbies for agribusiness at the state and national levels.
“We have a job to do, and that is to inform the public about the Farm Bureau,” Hoffman said. “Do our friends and neighbors know what we do? Does the public know that due in large part to our support, loggers will be free from sales and use taxes beginning July 1? We have to get our message out through conversations, social media and the print media. It’s also a great way to increase membership.”
Noting that the Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization whereby local leaders can formulate and implement policies, which can ultimately advance to the state and national levels, Hoffman said, “Without our grass roots, we’re only a board. This organization starts here. You make it happen. It’s a necessity to continue farming.”
Hoffman then used an imaginary example to illustrate how Farm Bureau members benefit from paying their annual dues of $75. Placing that amount of cash on the head table, Hoffman asked, “How far will this go? For instance, consider the time you spend on learning about new laws and regulations — whether good or bad — that affect your livelihood.”
If farmers must travel to Harrisburg to oppose a Department of Environmental Protection regulation, that requires travel and lodging expenses, said Hoffman. “After that meeting, you might have to visit Secretary of Agriculture Russ Redding.”
Meetings with the Environmental Protection Agency concerning a mud puddle on farmer’s property could require more travel and lodging expenses, according to Hoffman.
“At what point does that $75 disappear?” he asked.
Instead of farmers spending their time and money to fight for their causes, Hoffman said, “The Farm Bureau is on the job for all. Moreover, the state attorney general fights for farmers. Farmers need time to farm.”
McKean-Potter Farm Bureau President Gary Isadore introduced Justin Clapper, the new Region 7 Organization director who is a liaison between the local and state organizations in McKean, Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Centre and Sullivan counties. He provided an update on the two types of memberships: regular for people actively involved in farming and voting rights on policies; and associate members who have no voting rights, but have an interest in agriculture or are engaged in agriculture on a part-time basis and are eligible for benefits.
“Thirteen more members or renewals are needed to meet the goal by June,” he said.
Other member benefits, Clapper said, are a ten percent savings on the newspaper, Lancaster Farming, plus car rentals, insurance. “Additional incentives and discounts are in the works,” he added.
Isadore mentioned that for several years The AG Lab, a mobile display highlighting agriculture in Pennsylvania, has visited the McKean County Fair and is scheduled again this year in August.
In his report, director Tom Edgreen spoke briefly about the Farm Bureau’s influence on agriculture policy, saying, “When this topic is discussed, people ask, ‘Where does the Farm Bureau stand?’”
Edgreen also was critical of some governmental regulations affecting farmers, saying, “A lot of the state’s regulatory agencies are out of control. Many regulations are written by people with no experience in farming.”
John Painter, District 5 director, reported that DEP is now conducting inspections of farms in each county.
Isadore announced that he will not seek another term as president of the local organization. His wife, Laura Isadore, the McKean County Prothonotary, has decided to step down after her current term as treasurer.
McKean County Sheriff Dan Woods was among the guests at the dinner meeting. He briefly described the duties of his office.
