Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau Board Meeting

June 29, 2009

The board meeting was called to order by President Kevin Underwood at 6:40.  The Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The check register was reviewed and Kenny Miller noted that it only showed check numbers with no amounts.  Gary Brownlee said that he will speak to Lisa concerning it.

There is a correction to the minutes from the June 1 meeting.  The “Year of the Tomato” should be the slogan for the Indiana State Fair, not the Farm Bureau.  Kathleen Miller approved the minutes as amended with a second from Kenny Miller.

The only correspondence that was received was a thank-you regarding the Washington D.C. trip.

Gary Brownlee gave the Farm Bureau insurance report.  He is working with Mary Anne Workman on the 10 year members.  He is also needing additional workers for the county fair for Monday and Tuesday.

Bryan Metzger gave a Purdue Extension report.  There are approximately 1900 members in 4-H this year.  He also thanked Farm Bureau for agreeing to sponsor 4-H members to the Citizenship Washington Focus trip this year.  James Evans and Acaime Catron will be in Washington from July 3-10.  Our county fair which will be July 18-25 is all set to go.  Some judging will take place prior to the official start.  Set-up day is Tuesday July 13 at 8:00 a.m.  Volunteers are needed.  Fairgrounds facility preparation is on schedule.  Fair dates for 2010 will be July 17-24.  Also Purdue Extension is working with Purdue Hospitality and Tourism Research Center on a study to recommend future fairground facilities improvements, expansions, and marketing efforts.  The study should be concluded in six months.

Mary Anne gave her Women’s Leaders report.  She mentioned that she attended a summer council session on June 10.   There were several sessions including how to give speeches, public perception of animal agriculture, how farm program money is spent and strengthening rural relations.  The District III meeting on the Madame Carroll was a success.  Everyone enjoyed themselves.  The Ace Ambassador program this year is going to be in Oregon.  Districts 3 & 7 will have the opportunity to go this year.  The Flower Show will be July 22-23.  Entries will be accepted from 8-11 a.m. on Wednesday with judging at 11:00.  Exhibits must be removed between 2-4:00 on Thursday.  Mary Anne also stated that Dale Workman was selected to be on the United Soybean Board.

Kevin stated that the Young Farmers will be involved in the Feed the Pig challenge which starts now through November 1.  The goal is to raise $1000 per county to support local food banks.

Lloyd Leamon stated that there was no commodity report.

Larry Underwood reported on the State Legislature.  He was assured that the budget would be passed on June 30.  Larry also mentioned the Nitty Gritty planning workshop.  He was asking for Farm Bureau to sponsor someone to attend the meeting.  It was suggested to ask the new members on the Area Plan Commission, David Byers and Roland Winger to attend.  The cost is $80 per person each for up to 3 to attend.  You can send a fourth with that person being free.  Motion was made by Kenny Miller and seconded by Larry Underwood.   Those attending the workshop should report back to the board.

David Korty who is Membership chairman said that we need 5 more voting members. Our county is at 92.16% and the top second in the state.

Mary Anne Workman presented the board with the Russell Baker Top Volunteer Award for soliciting voting members.

Betsy Underwood reported on the Little Farmers.  She said that she has the 3 judges slated for the parade and they are:  Janet Kemper, Tom Murtaugh, Mayor John Dennis from West Lafayette.  Junior Leaders will help in the ring that evening.

Public Relations report was given by Nancy Verhey.  A sheet was passed around for set-up and tear-down of the booth which will be in the same place as always.   

Janice Deno gave the District Report and said that she would like to see us meet one evening in August at The Trails with the County Council, County Commissioners, State Representatives and the School Superintendent.  The next District meeting will be on August 31.  At this time no place has been selected.

The meeting was adjourned by President Underwood at 7:30 with refreshments being served by Fairfield Township.

Respectfully submitted,
Lloyd Leamon        
 Secretary – Treasurer 

Members present:  Kevin Underwood, Larry Underwood, Betsy Underwood, Kenneth Miller, David Korty, Nancy Verhey, Kathleen Miller, Lloyd Leamon, Sue Leamon, Mary Anne Workman, and Annette Korty.

Guests:  Mrs. Underwood, Janice Deno, Gary Brownlee, and Bryan Metzger