TIPPECANOE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD MEETING

 January 24, 2006

 

Kevin Underwood, County President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. asking all to stand for the Pledge To The American Flag and The Lord's Prayer.

Larry Underwood made a motion asking the November board minutes be approved, Kenneth Miller seconded the motion and it passed. After checking the November and December check register, Helen Nesbitt asked they both be accepted, Lloyd Leamon 2nd and that motion carried.

Dale Workman, 1 SI Vice President, read a thank you note from the family of Carolyn Burkle. The District III Farm Bureau has set up a scholarship in memory of Carolyn, our county has contributed toward it.

Janice WilsQn, District III staff person, was recently married and Jeanise Buck made a motion we get a $100. gift certificate from Target as a wedding gift, Sue Leamon seconded and the motion passed.

EXTENSION - Byron Metzger reported 4-H enrollment is due to the office by February 1st. The 4-H Expo, held each February at the fairgrounds, was a big big success. Ag Days, for all the county 4th graders, is set for March 21 and 22nd. The County Fair dates are July 22 to the 29th.

Byron told us storms of this past summer damaged several trees and messed up the two small cattle barns and wash racks. A committee has been meeting and they agreed now is the time to consider building one new bigger cattle barn and wash racks. The plans call for wider driveways in a 100 foot by 120 foot barn, in the same area, costing between $70,000 and $90,000.

The County Budget has no extra funds so they are looking for private donations for funding. After much discussion, Jason Buck made a motion Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau donate up to $25,000. toward this cattle barn matching the amounts the Pork Producers and Cattleman's groups expect to donate. Lloyd Leamon 2nd the motion and it easily passed.

 

WOMEN - Nancy Verhey, acting Woman Leader, reminded us that Food Checkout week is January 29th to February 4th. That celebrates the number of days, from the first of the year, it takes the average family to pay for their supply of food for one year. She asked for help putting information in at least one grocery store.

Spring Conference, in Indianapolis, starts at 10:30 a.m., Friday March 10lh and is over around 11 :45 on Saturday the 11 tho Tickets for the meals need to be order by February 17th. State Woman Committee chair, Carol Hegel, announced she will not seek another term at the State Convention in December and will be retiring to do other things. Carol will be missed.

SAFETY - Lloyd told of remembering when his mother told him to bundle up during cold weather and be sure to put your hat and gloves on. It seems after all these years that advice is still at the top of the list for keeping well during the winter.

 COMMODITY - Lloyd plans a committee meeting soon to plan for Ag Days. He said the Purdue Fish Fry is February 11th.

ENVIRONMENT - George Lumley asked all to be very careful when transporting fuels and chemicals in a truck or trailer. Be sure they are tied down and secure before moving trom one field to the next.

 STATE LEGISLATURE - Larry said the legislators have a full plate this short session, starting January 4th and ending on March 14th. House Bill 1378 would establish a mandatory com check­off in Indiana. Senate Bill 234 would provide a more rigorous rule making standard for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to follow in cases where the agency wanted to adopt a rule more stringent than the federal standard. You may email your legislator at http://www.in.gov.

 MEMBERSHIP - Dale reported the state membership at 287,394 members. He said he would like for each board member to sign up one new Farm Bureau member. Kathleen asked if each township may have a copy of their township's membership.

 POLICY DEVELOPMENT - Roger Verhey asked that all new policy or resolutions be to him or in the office by February 21 so the committee may go over them and have them ready to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, February 28.

 PUBLIC RELATIONS - Roger said the county Soil and Water Conservation Annual Meeting is February 3. For more information or to make lunch reservations call 474-9992, ext. 3. A No-till Workshop will be at the Fairgrounds on February 9th, for more information and to make reservations call 474-9992,ext. 110 and ask for Linda.

Reports from those attending the American Farm Bureau Convention, in Nashville, Tenn., told us of an interesting and informative meeting. Those attending were Kevin and Sherry Underwood, Dale and Mary Ann Workman, Jason and Jeanise Buck, and Alan and Janet Kemper.

The County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is to be at the Extension Office on February 28th at 6:30 p.m. Nancy made a motion we charge $5.00 for the meal tickets, George seconded and it passed. Post cards are being sent to all voting members and reservations need to be to Lisa Taylor, 474-6466, by February 15th. It is important to make reservations so there will be enough food and space for all those wanting to attend. Sue volunteered to do the decorations and door prizes. The set-up committee will meet at the office at I :30 p.m. that day and they are Kevin, Lloyd, George and Roger.

The Board nominated delegates to the State Delegate session, in August, and the State Convention, in December. Those nominated were; Kevin, Dale, Roger, Jason, Ben DeFreese, Larry, Josh Cox and George. From those nominated, the voting members will select four delegates and four alternates at the Annual Meeting. 

BUDGET - During a committee meeting last week the budget was gone over and needed changes suggested. Eleanor noted those changes and Kenneth Miller moved the budget be accepted as presented. Gene Nesbitt seconded and the budget passed.

After a full business meeting Jerry Arvin made a motion to adjourn and Nancy seconded. Sue and Lloyd Leamon, Union Township, served refreshments.

Submitted by Eleanor Laffoon-Altepeter, Secretary/Treasurer