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around ifb
Spring Conference
Photos by Kathleen M. Dutro
‘Engagement’ can take many forms —By Julie Volbers-Klarich Administrative/Finance Team Counties across the state are engaging in numerous activities. As of the end of March, more than 1,900 activities have taken place across the state. We are appreciative of the volunteer efforts and the many successes of your engagement. Here are some ideas for continued engagement:
Indiana Farm Bureau Spring Conference, held March 8 and 9 in Indianapolis, was an opportunity for Farm Bureau members from around the state to gather for education, self-improvement and fun. A total of 425 attended. Among the activities were silent and live auctions, which raised nearly $8,000 for IFB’s Ag Education & Promotional Development Grant program. Here, members of the IFB Women’s Leadership Committee prepare to bring auction items on stage. From left are IFB program assistant Tina Nunez; Aleta Crowe, District 7 woman leader; Janelle Burnworth, District 2 woman leader; Donna Handley, District 8 woman leader; LouAnn Zimmerman, District 2 woman leader; and Judy Coon, District 5 woman leader
Beginning April 1, county Farm Bureaus can initiate additional contacts to achieve renewal member retention. A contribution can be made by your county Farm Bureau to the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation. It’s also a great time of year for your Young Farmer committee to begin to make a plan on developing a relationship with a non-ag group.
A FOODIE EVENT FOR THE AT-HOME CHEF
IFB 2nd Vice President Isabella Chism (left) gives the LIP award to Martha Bergman of Franklin County. LIP stands for Leadership Incentive Program, which promotes and rewards county woman leaders for participating in leadership activities. Bergman was recognized for earning the most points in the program.
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center Tuesday, May 7 - 5-8:30 p.m. www.bitly.com/ZestnZing
The first Zest ‘n Zing was held last year in Indiana in February as part of the American Farm Bureau’s celebration of Food Check-Out Week. This year, it’s an Indiana Farm Bureau project and has been moved to May. It’s aimed at consumers in the Indianapolis area who are interested in food and the farmers who grow it.
Fresh ideas and tips for Ag in the Classroom volunteers was the topic of this panel. From left are volunteers Aleta Crowe and Suzanne Halcomb with Julie Taylor, IFB’s education coordinator.
New waterway bill addresses critical needs —From the AFBF Public Relations Team
A new feature at this year’s spring conference was a service called “Tech Questions Answered.” Attendees could stop by and get assistance from staff members and volunteers on a variety of tech topics including Twitter, Facebook, websites, blogs – anything on which that they needed help. Here, Marybeth Feutz, District 9 woman leader and experienced blogger, gives Carolyn Hegel, former IFB 2nd vice president, some tips on blogging.
www.thehoosierfarmer.com
The recently introduced Waterways are Vital for the Economy, Energy, Efficiency and Environment Act of 2013 (WAVE 4) will address the critical needs of the inland waterways system, create American jobs, foster growth in U.S. exports and continue to encourage the economic benefits that the nation’s waterways generate, according to Farm Bureau. “Construction, dredging and repairs to our locks and dams will help ensure the reliability of the most affordable, energy-efficient and en-
vironmentally sustainable mode of transporting agricultural products,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. Forty-one states, including all states east of the Mississippi River and 16 state capitols, are served by commercially navigable waterways. Further, more than 60 percent of America’s grain exports and many other important commodities such as fuel, coal and agricultural inputs also move through the U.S. inland waterway system. Reps. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., and Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.) are original sponsors of the bill.
April 8, 2013