Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau Board Meeting

February 23, 2010

            President Kevin Underwood called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm in the Farm Bureau board room.  He then led the 17 officers and directors and 4 guests in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer.

            Kenneth Miller moved and David Korty seconded a motion to approve the January 25 board minutes.  The motion passed.

            Roger Verhey made a motion to approve the January check register.  Jason Buck seconded it and the motion passed.

            Pres. Underwood gave a report on behalf of CED Bryan Metsger.  He noted that the Community Gardens space will more than double in 2010 with expansion at the Extension office site plus two new sites to the south and west.  Also the Master Gardeners Expo will be Saturday April 24 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm in the fairgrounds west pavilion.  In addition, the Local Government series continues on Thursday May 20 at 2:00 pm at Purdue Extension with Hovde Award winner, Dr Larry DeBoer discussing the latest analysis of local and state government’s budget issues.

            Women’s Leader Mary Anne Workman reminded us that the admission to the Annual Meeting on March 1 is a nonperishable food item or a monetary donation to Food Finders Food Bank.  She also noted that the Spring Conference is March 12^th and 13^th and is in Indianapolis.

            Mary Anne mentioned that two $5,000 grocery gift cards will be given out in May by the Indiana “Farmers Feed Us” program. You must enter before April 11 by registering at www.FarmersFeedUS.org where eight Indiana farmers will showcase their operations, with the intent to educate people about farmers and what and how they raise their products.

            Craig Fuller reported for the Young Farmers.  They are playing basketball at the Shadeland Recreaction Center every other Thursday thru March.

            The safety report was given by George Lumley, who emphasized the importance of having at least two people anytime you are going in to a grain bin.  Flowing grain will trap a person to the point of suffocation in 3-4 seconds.  Also with the mold problems in much of our corn, it is always imperative to wear a dust mask or a respirator when you are in a bin.

            Jason Buck noted that vomitoxcin is a big problem in corn and you should sample corn in your bins to be sure what marketing channels are available before it is moved.

            Kevin, David and Annette reported on the trip to the Indiana Statehouse Tuesday, February 23.  Six of our members attended and met with Representative Klinker and Truitt and Senators Alting and Herschman.

            Legislative Committee State Chairman Larry Underwood spoke about the upcoming “Meet the Candidates” meeting.  He expects a large crowd because of the number of candidates and offices involved.  A tentative date is April 12 with Tom Turpin as MC.  Craig Fuller is recruiting a hospitality crew.

            After some discussion, Ben DeFreese moved that the board provide pizza and an additional $300 to the budget of the Young Farmers, if they can provide a minimum of 6 people to help with the “Meet the Candidates” meeting.  Craig Fuller seconded and the motion carried.

            Membership Chairman David Korty reported that he was working on developing an incentive to sign-up new members.

            Roger Verhey, Public Relations Chairman, passed around a Fair Booth sign-up sheet, and showed us some soybean brochures that he is getting for Ag Day and the fair.

            Lloyd Leamon presented the 2010 budget to the board.  The committee had added a line for a Public Relations person who would be responsible for TV, radio, and newspaper contacts.  Roger Verhey moved to add $600 to the budget for a PR person.  David Korty seconded and the motion passed.

            Jerry Arvin moved and Dale Workman seconded to approve the 2010 budget.  It carried.

            President Underwood said the 2010 State Delegate session is August 28, 2010.  Nominations for delegates were Mary Anne Workman Roger Verhey, Larry Underwood, Kevin Underwood, Lloyd Leamon, David Korty, Craig Fuller, Ben DeFreese.  Roger moved and Dale seconded that nominations be closed.  The motion passed.

            President Underwood queried the board about changing the bylaws to allow a different distribution of board representation by changing boundaries, and changing the definition of a quorum.  Much discussion followed.  Kenneth Miller moved and Jerry Arvin seconded a motion to reduce a quorum from 50% to 40%.  After more discussion Craig Fuller called for the question and the motion failed. 

            Janice Deno, SRM, mentioned the upcoming trip June 29-30 to Ohio to meet with producers who experienced HSUS.  She asked us to find producers in our county to take advantage of this opportunity.

            March hosts and safety program are Wea Township.

            The meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm.

            Members attending:  Dale Workman, Craig Fuller, Ben DeFreese, Kenneth Miller, David Korty, Roger Verhey, Kathleen Miller, Larry Underwood, Betsy Underwood, Jason Buck, Annette Korty, Janet Arvin, Jerry Arvin, Mary Anne Workman, Kevin Underwood, George Lumley, Lloyd Leamon

            Guests:  Janice Deno, SRM, Ruth Underwood, Levi Buck, Grace Buck