Nebraska Farm Bureau News - January 2012 by Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

Nebraska

VOL. 30 ISSUE 1

JANUARY 18, 2012

Farm Bureau News

Familiar Faces in New Places Lead Nebraska Farm Bureau page 12

Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau President

Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President

Delegates Approve Flexible, Fiscally Sound Farm Policy

Nebraska Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Issues For the 2012 Legislature

page 3

page 16

Protect Your Farm and Ranch; Join the 21st Century Club

Get Involved â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sign Up for The 2012 Legislative Conference

page 7

page 22

JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

The President’s Message

contents In Every Issue 4 Member Benefits 5 What’s Cooking? 12 Cover Story 23 Want Ads

By Steve Nelson, President Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation®

Pride and Honor Serving NEFB

F On the Cover Steve Nelson and Mark McHargue were recently elected as the new president and first vice president and are providing Nebraska Farm Bureau with new leadership. Photos By Melissa Slagle

IT’S YOUR SHOT!

2012 Photo Contest Nebraska Farm Bureau is looking for your best photos. Find out what changes we’ve made to this year’s contest. page 6

AFBF Convention See what Nebraska FB members did at the 2012 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. page 13

Meat Prices Consumers should expect little relief in the price of a T-bone steak as cattle producers continue to decrease their herds because of soaring feed prices and a weak economy. page 19

THE ABC’S OF CAMPAIGNING

Campaign School Learn how to be a candidate in today’s political arena. page 21

or the last dozen years or so, January for me These last few weeks have been an interesting has meant attending the American Farm Bureau time, as I’ve become acclimated to being in Lincoln convention. These meetings always make me a lot more often and learning how Farm Bureau better informed and leave me inspired. It’s a special functions day to day. All of our staff members have thrill to stand with thousands of Farm Bureau mem- been generous in bringing me up to speed with bers from all over the country and affirm our beliefs what I need to know. We have great people on our through the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled staff who work hard to serve our members. I espeBanner and prayer. cially want to compliment Chief Administrator Rob The 2012 convention earlier this month in Hawaii Robertson and the future focus he brings to Farm was my first serving as Bureau’s daily operayour Nebraska Farm tions – Farm Bureau is Bureau president. fortunate to have him State presidents have on our team. a special privilege at NEW the national convenEXPERIENCES tion: they get to carry Each day seems to their state’s flag in the bring a new experiParade of Flags that ence. A few days ago, helps open the conGov. Heineman pervention. sonally returned my I can remember phone call. I think that watching former speaks to the reputapresidents Bryce Neition our organization dig and Keith Olsen During the opening ceremonies of the American Farm Bureau Convention has built over a long carrying the Nebraska Jan. 8, state Farm Bureau presidents parade down the aisle with their state period of time, which flags. Steve Nelson (right), Nebraska Farm Bureau president, walks with Bill has been earned by a flag at AFBF annual Bruins, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. meetings and I never lot of people. Though imagined myself doing it was me on the that until recently, when I became a candidate and phone, the governor was talking to Farm Bureau. was elected as state president. I am grateful for the good wishes and support I A FEELING THAT’S HARD TO DESCRIBE have received from Farm Bureau members since Bryce and Keith said it’s hard to describe the being elected. And I thank you again for the confifeeling of carrying the flag and I agree. It’s a mixdence you’ve placed in me. ture of excitement; pride in our state and pride in our Farm Bureau members; appreciation for being elected president by my peers; awe at being one of the 51 flag bearers at the meeting of the world’s most significant farm organization; and a sense of great honor in representing our state. And a deep knowledge that that honor belongs to all of you.

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 1 January 18, 2012 USPS 375-780 ISSN 0745-6522

Official publication of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation

402/421-4400 www.nefb.org Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Mission is Strong Agriculture ...... Strong Nebraska. Yearly subscription: 50 cents of membership dues. Associate Member, Nebraska Press Association

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor/Advertising/Writer: Tina Henderson tinah@nefb.org or ext. 4446 Writer: Cheryl Stubbendieck cheryls@nefb.org or ext. 4405 Graphic Designer/County News/ Month in Pictures: Tara Grell tarag@nefb.org or ext. 4494 Want Ads and County Annual Meeting Notices: Natalie Friesen natalief@nefb.org or ext. 4485

NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION Steve Nelson, president (Axtell) Mark McHargue, first vice president (Central City) Rob Robertson, chief administrator/ secretary-treasurer (Lincoln)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sherry Vinton, second vice president (Whitman) Nathan Bartels (Elk Creek) Don Benner (Central City) Andy DeVries (Ogallala) Del Ficke (Pleasant Dale) Jason Kvols (Laurel) John C. Martin (Pleasanton) Scott Moore (Bartley) Kevin Peterson (Osceola) Tanya Storer (Whitman) Shelly Thompson (Whitney) NEBRASKA FARM BUREAU NEWS is published monthly, except July, by Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, 5225 South 16th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Nebraska Farm Bureau News Attn: Tina Henderson P.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

AFBF Delegates Approve Flexible, Fiscally Sound Farm Policy Honolulu — National farm policy should be rewritten this year to establish a program that protects farmers from catastrophic revenue losses by using a flexible combination of fiscally responsible tools, voting delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting said Jan. 11. In approving the organization’s farm policy for 2012, the farmers and ranchers endorsed a multi-pronged policy proposal, including a provision for catastrophic revenue loss protection that works with a flexible range of crop insurance products, as well as amending the current farm bill’s marketing loan provisions to better reflect market values. The policy calls for a farm bill that “provides strong and effective safety net and risk management programs that do not guarantee a profit and minimizes the potential for farm programs affecting production decisions.” “Our delegates approved a program to help farmers manage the many different types and levels of risk they face today, in particular catastrophic revenue losses that can threaten the viability of a farm or ranch,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said Jan. 11. “That is consistent with what we believe is the core mission of the federal farm program.” Stallman was re-elected as AFBF president for a seventh two-year term. He is a cattle and rice producer from Columbus, Texas. In addition, Barry Bushue was re-elected to a third two-year term as AFBF vice president. Bushue produces berries and nursery plants in Boring, Ore., and also serves as Oregon Farm Bureau president. The delegates defeated a proposal to retain the current farm bill’s direct payments. In addition, by almost a two-to-one margin, the delegates defeated an amendment that would have allowed a patchwork of support through multiple programs for different commodities and regions. “Delegate action against the patchwork approach recognized that it is impossible to ensure equity between diverse programs for various commodities,” Stallman said. “Without that assurance, one program would inevitably provide more government protection than the next program and we would inadvertently be encouraging producers to take their signals from

In the culmination of Farm Bureau’s grassroots process for developing its policy positions, the American Farm Bureau House of Delegates met Jan. 10 at the national convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s delegates and their colleagues from other states gathered to make policy to guide the organization. Pictured from left are Board Member John Martin, First Vice President Mark McHargue, President Steve Nelson and Board Member Scott Moore.

“

government programs rather than the encouraged to make individual management decisions to purchase crop insurance marketplace. “Our delegates approved a policy that coverage that suits their farms and individual is flexible enough to work within the fund- levels of risk. Another positive aspect of the Farm Buing constraints we, as a nation, are facing, reau farm poland the fiscal icy proposal is challenges we that it can be have a duty applies to speto address,” cialty crops. Stallman said. “Our new “Our delfarm policy egates recposition also ognize we includes the need to move possibility of beyond the providing a policies of the farm bill risk past and to management move toward program for programs to producers help producof fruits and ers deal with — BOB STALLMAN, vegetables,” risk.” American Farm Bureau Federation president Stallman said. One of the “This is just big advantages of the new AFBF farm policy position is that one positive aspect of the proposal that we it offers a much simpler approach to farm believe not only will broaden its utility to all program design than other farm policy pro- farmers but will also appeal to an American public that is more interested in the wholeposals, according to Stallman. The AFBF farm policy also encourages someness, safety and variety of our domesfarmers to manage their farms using avail- tic food supply.” In a related discussion on dairy policy, able risk management tools. According to Stallman, farmers should be allowed and delegates voted to move away from the

Our delegates approved a policy that is flexible enough to work within the funding constraints we, as a nation, are facing, and the fiscal challenges we have a duty to address.

current dairy price support and Milk Income Loss Contract programs and toward a program that bases risk protection on milk prices minus feed costs. This takes production costs into consideration, as well as recognizes the dairy industry’s regional differences, according to Stallman. On renewable fuels, the delegates reaffirmed support for the federal Renewable Fuels Standard by defeating an amendment to strike that support. “The RFS remains critical to the viability of ethanol as an alternative to imported petroleum fuel,” explained Stallman, “and the delegates felt that continuing to support production and use of domestic renewable fuels was a national security issue.” The delegates opposed the Labor Department’s proposed expansion of the list of jobs deemed too hazardous for minors. “The proposal has raised serious concerns in farm country about our ability to teach our children how to farm and instill a good work ethic,” Stallman said. “There is a great deal of concern about federal regulatory overreach, but few issues have piqued farm families more than this. It goes to the very heart of how agriculture works, with farmers and ranchers, who were taught by their parents how to do farm work safely and responsibly, training the next generation to follow in their footsteps.” The delegates also supported a moratorium on new regulations on small businesses and agriculture. At the AFBF annual meeting, 369 voting delegates representing every state and agricultural commodity deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the annual meeting will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization in its legislative and regulatory efforts throughout 2012. FARM BUREAU ELECTS GRASSROOTS LEADERS In addition to voting for president and vice president, the delegates elected three state Farm Bureau presidents to the AFBF board of directors: Kevin Paap of Minnesota and Craig Hill of Iowa to one-year terms for the Midwestern region and James “Hank” Combs of Nevada to a two-year term for the Western region.

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JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

MEMBER BENEFITS

Be Fiscally Fit for the New Year with FBFS West Des Moines, Iowa — There’s nothing like the start of a new year to bring focus to what’s important. In fact, many lists of top New Year’s resolutions include commitments to improving financial fitness. When it comes to the basics of providing for your family, a new year is the ideal time to make sure your insurance, investments and financial strategies are in step with your current needs. In other words, are you and your family “fiscally fit” to begin 2012? Your answers to these seven simple questions can help you determine where you stand when it comes to fiscal fitness as another year begins. 1. What life events and family changes will the new year bring? Getting married, expecting a child, moving out on your own or transitioning into retirement can bring great excitement, but also new responsibilities, including financial obligations. The new year is an ideal time to update coverage and beneficiary information on your existing insurance policies, or to get started with your first policy. It’s also a perfect time to update your strategies for the future. Meeting with your insurance agent for a general review can help you be certain your year will go smoothly. 2. How well is your home protected, and have you updated coverage as you’ve updated your home? Residential upgrades to your home could have an impact on your homeowners cov-

erage, and it’s important your property is fully protected. According to research by Harvard University, homeowner improvement spending is on the rise, with a 3.5 percent pace of growth in spending expected between 2010 and 2015. In any situation, homeowners insurance or renters coverage can protect your assets in case of unexpected loss, and provide coverage for personal property and liability for any lawsuit or claim brought against you. 3. Is your money working hard enough to help you meet your goals? With financial strategies in place, your money can work harder to help you meet long-term financial goals, such as education funding and fulfilling your dreams after you retire. Reaching these goals calls for using financial strategies to accumulate funds, then strategically receiving income or taking withdrawals at a pace that helps you meet your objectives. Start the new year by finding a resource you can trust to help you determine what is appropriate for you as you consider education and retirement funding, and estate strategies. 4. Can improving your health create cost savings for you? Like many of us, you may have made a New Year’s resolution to improve your physical health, such as eating more healthfully or stopping smoking. If so, you might be able to enjoy benefits beyond feeling and looking better. Some life insurance policies

offer premium discounts if you meet certain requirements, including acceptable blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You also may qualify for lower premiums if you have not used tobacco products in the past 12 months. 5. Is your car covered properly? As part of your financial strategy for the new year, make sure the basics of your personal vehicle coverage are still meeting your needs: liability, physical damage, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and medical or no-fault coverage (depending on your state laws). Plus, keeping your car in good health can help ensure you don’t incur an unnecessary hit to your wallet in 2012. Don’t forget to check your car’s battery, belts, hoses and antifreeze levels, and make sure you have an emergency kit in the trunk before your next trip. 6. Are all your financial documents current and accessible to your loved ones or business partners? As you make adjustments to your financial strategy, it’s important to keep legal, financial and insurance documents up-to-date, and in a safe location known to family members or business partners. Other helpful documents include a home inventory and a summary of personal information and final wishes. Make a resolution to update this information at the start of every year, but don’t hesitate to stay fiscally fit by making changes any time you make financial adjustments.

7. Are you living within your means and according to a budget? If you’ve ever made a resolution to stay on a budget, you’re not alone. Your current financial situation comes down to how you manage your income and expenses – your budget. Analyzing your budget gives you a comprehensive picture of where you are financially and can help you identify areas that can be adjusted. Living according to a set budget can help you create an emergency fund. If an emergency would occur – say your car dies, you’re injured and unable to work, your basement floods, etc. – you could more easily handle resulting expenses. For additional tips to help you start the new year financially healthy and strong, visit Farm Bureau Financial Services on Facebook or Twitter (use #FBFS31Tips). Every day during January, you’ll find a new Facebook post and tweet — each highlighting a different idea about simple steps that can help protect your financial future. ABOUT FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES Through an exclusive, multi-state agent force, the companies affiliated with the Farm Bureau Financial Services brand underwrite, market and distribute a broad range of insurance and financial services products to individuals and businesses. Learn more about us by visiting Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

WHAT’S COOKING? If you want to submit your own recipes, and photos if you have them, send them via email to tarag@nefb.org.

February Celebrations: Valentine’s Day & Great American Pies Month Orange Coconut Meringue Pie Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two

Ingredients 1/4 cup butter 1 tablespoon flour 1/3 cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk 2 tablespoons sugar Directions 1. Heat oven to 450º F. Butter two 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups and dust the insides with flour. 2. Place the butter and chocolate in a glass bowl and microwave on high in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. 3. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg, egg yolk and sugar in a medium bowl until thick and lighter in color, about 1 minute. 4. Add the chocolate mixture and flour and beat until fully smooth. 5. Divide the batter between the prepared ramekins. Bake until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly, 8-10 minutes. 6. Let stand for 15 seconds. Run a knife around edge then invert each cake onto a plate. 7. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve with fresh mint or berries, if desired. Serve immediately. Yield: 2 servings (this is a high calorie dessert) Make-ahead tip: Refrigerate the batter in the ramekins for up to 1 day. Before baking, bring to room temperature.

Ingredients 1 cup sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups water 3/4 cup orange juice 3 egg yolks, beaten 3/4 cup flaked coconut 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked Meringue Ingredients 3 egg whites 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 6 tablespoons sugar Directions 1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water and orange juice until smooth. 2. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. 3. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. 4. Stir in the coconut, butter and orange peel. Gently stir in lemon juice. 5. Pour into baked pastry shell. 6. In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. 7. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. 8. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. (You might want to sprinkle some coconut over the meringue before baking. This will let your pie eaters know that the pie contains coconut.) 9. Bake at 350º F for 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. 10. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 8 servings

Lemon Pudding Cake Cups for Two

Ingredients 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Zest from 1/2 lemon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup 2 percent milk 1 egg yolk, beaten 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 egg white Directions 1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except the egg white. 2. In another small bowl, beat egg white until stiff peaks form. 3. Gently fold lemon mixture into the beaten egg white. 4. Divide liquid between two ungreased 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups. Place in a shallow baking dish; add 1 inch of hot water to dish. 5. Bake, uncovered, at 350º F for 35-40 minutes. 6. Allow to cool in water bath for 10 minutes before carefully removing cups to a wire rack. 7. Serve warm or refrigerate. Yield: 2 servings

Patti’s Settlement Sawdust Pie Ingredients 1 unbaked pie shell 7 egg whites (not beaten) 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut 1 cup sugar Whipped topping 1 banana Directions 1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. 2. Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell. 3. Bake at 325º F for 35-45 minutes. 4. Serve with whipped topping and sliced bananas. Yield: 8 servings

UPCOMING MONTHS Below are themes for the coming months! Submit your recipe to: tarag@nefb.org February – St. Patrick’s Day and National Peanut Month March – Farm Raised Foods and National Pecan Month April – National Beef Month and National Salsa Month

Chocolate Molten Cakes for Two recipe from Woman’s Day Magazine. Orange Coconut Meringue Pie recipe from Country Living Magazine. Patti’s Settlement Sawdust Pie recipe from a vacation spot called Patti’s Settlement in Kentucky. Lemon Pudding Cake Cups for Two recipe from Lois Linke, wife of Karl Linke, Nebraska Farm Bureau district director of member services for the southeast. All photos from Linke.

JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

IT’S YOUR SHOT! 2012 Nebraska Farm Bureau Photo Contest ®

PURPOSE: The purpose of this contest is to provide an opportunity for Nebraska Farm Bureau members to showcase their photography skills.

Jessica Taylo r, McPherson County

CATEGORIES: ADULT

(18 and over):

photographs that highlight someone’s work day in Nebraska

Nebraska’s Natural Beauty photographs of nature, animals, agriculture settings and landscapes in Nebraska

(chosen using 1st place winners of each category and decided by judges at NEFB State Office)

People photographs of kids or adults in Nebraska

any photo combined into a single competition

PRIZES: ADULT: 1st Place in each category – $150 2nd Place in each category – $100 3rd Place in each category – $50 Grand Prize: digital camera, bag and SD card

All in a Day’s Work

YOUTH (17 and under):

e County

r, Nanc

the Ann Ro

Kathy Moh

r, Sheridan

County

YOUTH: one winner will receive a digital camera All winning photos will be announced in the September 2012 newspaper, posted on the Nebraska Farm Bureau website and Facebook page.

Entry Deadline: Friday, July 13, 2012 For official rules, entry form and photo release forms visit www.nefb.org and click on the Photo Contest link.

Contact:

Tara Grell, NEFB graphic designer

Email:

tarag@nefb.org

Phone:

800/742-4016 ext. 4494 or 402/421-4494

Contest is open to any amateur photographer (one who receives no income from photography) who is a Nebraska Farm Bureau member or a dependent of a Nebraska Farm Bureau member. NEFB Staff, State Board Members, Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, Ag Promotion Committee, State Legislative Policy Committee and Credentials Committee Members are not eligible, but their spouses and/or dependents are eligible. There is no age restriction for entrants.

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

21st Century Fund Protects Your Farming and Ranching Operation It’s a new year and with continued threats against animal agriculture, please do your part to protect your industry: contribute to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 21st Century Fund, Rob Robertson, NEFB chief administrator and secretary treasurer, said. Jan. 12. “Nebraska Farm Bureau continues to keep you informed about key issues that threaten your farms and ranches. Your support of our 21st Century fund will make a huge difference in fighting animal rights groups that threaten how you produce food,” he said. What is the 21st Century Fund? The 21st Century Fund was established as a way for you to help actively and aggressively protect Nebraska agriculture from extreme anti-agriculture interests that want to put farmers and ranchers out of business! Your voluntary contributions above and beyond the normal $100 Century Club dues level will go into this new fund to help defend your interests and those of future generations. Why contribute to the 21st Century Fund? Well-funded animal rights groups (such as HSUS) and other radical activist organizations are attacking your farm and ranch practices and trying to tarnish agriculture’s public image. Misinformation is spreading and these attacks can’t go unchallenged! It’s essential that we work together to fight back – but those efforts take additional financial resources.

Where will your 21st Century Fund contributions go? • Toward NEFB public relations efforts to produce brochures, posters, videos, media advertisements and other efforts to enhance consumer awareness of how food is produced. • Toward farm tours for elected officials, media and other opinion leaders. • Toward advocacy, lobbying and outreach work to protect the rights of farmers and ranchers to raise crops and livestock. • Toward NEFB’s support for coalition activities such as the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (A-FAN) and We Support Agriculture (WSA). “Agriculture is our profession and its destiny is in our hands,” said Kevin Peterson, third generation Nebraska farmer near Osceloa. “Our success or failure will be determined by the level of our commitment. The 21st Century Fund will help future generations stay on the farm or ranch and secure our right to produce food.”

“Your contribution to the 21st Century fund helps Nebraska Farm Bureau be the trusted voice for Nebraska farm and ranch families,” he stressed. The coming year will be full of threats to you and your operation. Please consider making a contribution to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 21st Century Fund. Please take action now to help ensure that your farm gets passed on to the next generation.

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Make check payable to: Nebraska Farm Bureau Mail form and check to: Nebraska Farm Bureau Attn: Member Services P.O. Box 80299 Lincoln, NE 68501

800-742-4016 • www.nefb.org Contributions or gifts to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s 21st Century Fund are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

2012 Farm Bureau’s

Top 5 Ag Stories

Looking ahead to 2012, Nebraska Farm Bureau made some predictions about the Top 5 Ag Stories of the New Year, Steve Nelson, NEFB president, said Jan. 3. “The issues are broad and consist of the farm bill, tax issues, profitability, the elections and continuing attacks on agriculture,” Nelson said.

FARM BILL The work done for the deficit reduction effort (in 2011) makes it clear that the next farm bill will put greater emphasis on assisting farmers when they’re faced with major losses. “Our members don’t want the government to guarantee a profit, but they do want to maintain a strong crop insurance program,” Nelson said. TAXES “Several major tax provisions expire in 2012, including the rules for federal estate taxes, capital gains, depreciation and the current federal taxes rates. How these are handled will have a tremendous impact on farmers’ and ranchers’ day-to-day operations and estate planning,” he said. Market prices for farm commodities will likely decline after 2011’s record highs and net farm income is expected to be down. Rising costs for crop inputs and impacts from the financial world, such as the MF Global situation and Greece’s instability will be felt on the farm. “Achieving profitability will be much more difficult in 2012 than in 2011,” Nelson said. 2012 ELECTIONS The presidential election will likely determine whether expansion of government regulations for agriculture continues, Nelson said. At the state level, legislative redistricting following the 2010 Census means the legislature will be more urban than ever.

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Predictions for Top 5 Agricultural News Stories of 2012: The Farm Bill Taxes Profitability 2012 Elections Continuing Attacks on Agriculture “As an organization, we’ll continue to support candidates who understand agriculture and its needs and work with all state senators to support legislation that supports agriculture, Nebraska’s economic driver,” he said. ATTACKS ON AGRICULTURE There will be continuing attacks on how farmers and ranchers produce the food we eat and how they need to better connect with consumers. “Agriculture, how our food is grown, and food safety will continue to hold the national spotlight. We as farmers and ranchers need to do even more to connect directly with consumers and answer their questions about how food is produced – rather than just tell them what we think they want to know,” Nelson said.

Climate Change Not Likely To Harm Agriculture Honolulu — Record yields for staple crops in the United States and globally in recent years seem to contradict fears that agriculture will be negatively affected by increasing climate temperatures, according to James Taylor, senior fellow for the Heartland Institute and managing editor of Environment and Climate News. Taylor spoke at an issues conference at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting on Jan. 9. Beyond debating the issue of whether

global climate change is actually taking place and who is to blame, Taylor addressed the issue of any potential impacts on agriculture and what effect any legislation or regulation could have. “Since 2007 we’ve seen record yields in production per acre in edible beans, cotton, alfalfa, sweet potatoes, canola, corn, hops, rice, wheat and more,” said Taylor. “This is a long-term trend, and it applies globally, too, as global grain harvests have nearly tripled since 1961. Climate is not the only factor, but even

national Journal of Climatology, Taylor explained that increases in precipitation would occur more frequently during the hotter and drier seasons of the year – rather than during the spring – thus avoiding the time of year more prone to flooding. While potential increases in temperature were not believed to be detrimental to crops, Taylor suggested that the greater threat to agriculture could come in the form of federal or state regulations regarding livestock production.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

Vinton and Temme Appointed to Serve on Cattlemen’s Beef Board

Nebraska was recognized for excellence in membership achievement and for implementing outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau members in 2011. NEFB President Steve Nelson (right), is congratulated by AFBF President Bob Stallman at the AFBF Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 8.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Recognized for Excellence Honolulu — State Farm Bureaus, including Nebraska, were recognized for excellence in membership achievement and for implementing outstanding programs serving Farm Bureau members in 2011. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman presented the awards during AFBF’s 93rd Annual Meeting Jan. 8. Stallman announced winners of the Pinnacle Award, for overall outstanding program achievement combined with membership growth. The Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Tennessee and Virginia Farm Bureaus received Pinnacle Awards. The Awards for Excellence and the President’s Awards were presented in five program areas:

• Agriculture Education and Promotion • Leadership Development • Member Services • Policy Implementation • Public Relations and Information Nebraska Farm Bureau was honored for Agriculture Education and Promotion; Leadership Development; Policy Implementation; and Public Relations and Information. Thirty-eight states received honors in one or more categories. A total of 26 President’s Awards also were presented. These are the “best of the best” awards presented for excellence in each of the five program areas to states by membership category size.

Washington, D.C. — Agriculture Sec- $1 per head on all cattle sold in the Unitretary Thomas J. Vilsack has announced 29 ed States and the equivalent on imported appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Pro- cattle, beef and beef products. In addition, motion and Research Board. All appointees the board contracts with established nawill serve three-year terms. tional, non-profit, industry-gov“These appointees represent a erned organizations to implement cross section of the beef industry programs of promotion, research, and I am confident that beef proconsumer information, industry ducers and importers of cattle, information, foreign marketing and beef and beef products will be producer communications. well served by them,” Vilsack said The 103-member board is auDec. 28. thorized by the Beef Promotion Sherry Vinton, NEFB at-large and Research Act of 1985. The Sherry board member from Arthur CounSecretary selects the appointees Vinton ty, and Douglas Temme, a memnominated by beef, veal, dairy and ber of Wayne County Farm Bureau, were importer certified organizations. appointed to the board from Nebraska. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service The board oversees the collection of monitors operation of the board.

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JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Foundation for Agriculture Presents Awards; Nebraska FB Recognized Honolulu — Six state Farm Bureaus, including Nebraska Farm Bureau, were recognized for outstanding financial support of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture at a foundation breakfast here on Jan. 9, during the American Farm Bureau’s 2012 Annual Meeting. State Farm Bureaus receiving the Scholar Award are Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska and South Dakota. The Scholar Award is given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations within their membership groups. The Scholar Award is a “traveling” award. Delaware Farm Bureau also received the Award of Excellence. To qualify for this award, a state Farm Bureau and all of the

County Farm Bureaus within the state must donate to the foundation. APEX AWARD In addition, 38 state Farm Bureaus received Apex Awards, including Nebraska. The Apex Award is presented to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total investment in the foundation by 10 percent or more over the previous year. “Like the apex of a plant, it is the generous contributions from individuals and families that nourish the foundation and fuel its mission of increasing agricultural literacy,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. OTHER HONORS FOR NEBRASKA Nebraska Farm Bureau also received the

State Leader Award, for having every state board member contribute $50 or more to the foundation. NEFB’s Ag Promotion Committee received the Challenge Award, which recognizes committees whose members contribute $25 or more. During the event, Stallman challenged Farm Bureau members to make 2012 a record year for donations to the foundation. “The donations from dedicated members like you help the foundation provide programs, curriculums and projects to achieve our mission of building awareness, understanding and a positive perception of agriculture through education,” Stallman said.

Nebraska Farm Bureau received several awards from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture on Jan. 9. Mark McHargue (left), Nebraska Farm Bureau first vice president, received the awards from AFBF President Bob Stallman.

My American Farm Offers Resources for Sharing Agriculture’s Story Honolulu — The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is seeking Farm Bureau members who are willing to share their stories with the American public, Foundation Director Dan Durheim said Jan. 8 at the AFBF Annual Meeting. “We need farmers and ranchers of all types, all ages, all sizes to share their personal stories of agriculture with the consumers we serve,” he said. To support members in sharing their story, the foundation featured new resources related to the “My American Farm” project at the annual meeting. My American Farm was developed to engage millions of young people, teachers

and parents through unique educational experiences, educator resources, and fun family activities online. My American Farm would not be possible without sponsorship from the title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, which pledged more than $535,000 over three years to the project, Durheim said. “Modern agriculture allows farmers and ranchers to grow more food using fewer resources and offers Americans an array of food choices,” said Steve Brody, director of Global Biotechnology Affairs and Industry Relations for Pioneer. “We are proud to support innovative programs like My American Farm because

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we believe resources like this can help farmers engage in conversations locally to share this important message with consumers and most importantly with our youth, who represent our nation’s future decision -makers,” Brody said. As interaction with My American Farm grows, its curators recognize that it has the potential to be so much more. “My American Farm is more than the games and resources, it’s a fun and engaging way to share positive messages about agriculture with the public,” said Curtis Miller, director of education for the AFB Founda-

tion. During the last year, the foundation has expanded the resource. My American Farm now offers 15 interactive and educational games. New educator resources, such as videos, e-comics, lessons and family activities, expand the site’s reach to include students and parents. In addition, an interactive toolkit was added to offer educators and volunteers a one-stop resource to get the most out of My American Farm. The free games, activities and educator resources for My American Farm are available to everyone at www.myamericanfarm.org.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

Internship Program Named for Longtime Farm Bureau President Keith Olsen A new award program in the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources will enable a student interested in agricultural policy to intern in Washington, D.C. The first recipient will be selected this month. The Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship Award was established in November by the Nebraska Farm Bureau to honor Olsenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service to Nebraska, agriculture and Farm Bureau. Olsen, of Grant, Neb., retired as Farm Bureau president Dec. 6. He previously served as vice president and had been a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Board of Directors for nearly 20 years. The award program established with the NU Foundation will provide $3,000 to $4,000 annually for a CASNR student to work as an intern in a Nebraska congressional office or for a congressional committee or approved agricultural organization. The amount of the award depends on the length of the internship. Most

internships in Washington, D.C., are not paid positions, so the Olsen award will support the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living expenses in one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most expensive cities. The student may enroll for academic credit for the internship. PREPARATION AND EXPERIENCE COMBINE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Internships are the convergence of academic preparation and practical experience that clarify and often define the career paths of our students,â&#x20AC;? CASNR Dean Steve Waller said Dec. 1, in expressing appreciation for the new program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students who are fortunate to receive a Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Internship have the added prestige of the Olsen name, as well as the responsibility to continue the legacy of public service that defined Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career.â&#x20AC;? The internship award will enable a junior or senior student to gain experience in Washington and better understand agricultural policy

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ranch, in business, or in public policy. I know being in Washington and seeing how policy is made, how ideas develop into legislation and how interests come together to achieve their goals, will be invaluable to the students who receive this award.â&#x20AC;? If you would like to give a donation to the Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Award Fund please make checks payable to: University of Nebraska Foundation; 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68508. In Memo section of the check please write Keith R. Olsen Agricultural Policy Award Fund Fund ID: 01122530. Applications for the internship award were due Dec. 20; the 2012 recipient will be announced on Jan. 31. More information is available from Brad Lubben at 402/4722235 or blubben2@unl.edu

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Familiar Faces Lead Nebraska Farm Bureau Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau President New Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson can point to the exact spot in his father’s field where he decided he wanted to be a farmer. “Like a lot of farm kids, I had the opportunity to operate equipment at a fairly young age and I thought for a while that I wanted to be a mechanic. But I was combining wheat when I was 10 or 12 and I remember looking back and seeing the wheat coming into the bin and I thought, ‘I want to be a farmer.’ From then on that’s all I really had on my mind.” Nelson was elected president of Nebraska Farm Bureau on Dec. 6 at Farm Bureau’s state convention in Kearney, about a halfhour drive from the Hildreth-Axtell area where he grew up and his family still farms. He is the fifth generation of his family to farm in Kearney County. His parents, Dennis and Shirley Ann, raised dryland and irrigated corn, wheat and grain sorghum. They also had a small cow/ calf herd. “I remember feeding cows when I was small and my dad always had hogs. I don’t ever remember not helping on the farm,” he said Dec. 20. HIGH SCHOOL: FROM FOOTBALL TO FARMING Nelson graduated from Hildreth High School in 1973 in a class of 18. He played football and was in the marching band and on the debate team. He also farmed a couple of 80-acre fields while going to school. Grain prices were unusually high in the early ’70s and his high school farming paid for his college education. Nelson completed a two-year program in agriculture at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1975. He had a good experience at the university, he said, both because of what he learned and the contacts he made. College was “one of those steps in saying I want to do other things for agriculture in addition to farming and it’s part of what led me to being involved in Farm Bureau.” COLLEGE GRADUATION GIFT: 10 SOWS When he got home from college, his father gave him 10 sows. He rented farm ground from a neighbor, Glenn Bruce, who also sold Steve his machinery. He continued

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New Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson farms with his son Scott near Axtell. Nelson has been a Farm Bureau member for 35 years. The family raises corn, soybeans and seed corn. to rent more ground and expand his hog operation until he reached a point where he needed new hog facilities if he wanted to build the hog business further. He chose the farming side though he continued to finish hogs for some time. Today the farm produces corn, seed corn and soybeans, all of it irrigated. THE NELSON FAMILY In 1978, Steve married Elma Rohrich. She had grown up on a farm near Pleasanton, just an hour from Axtell, but the couple met as young adults. Elma is a Licensed Practical Nurse and has worked for Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney for more than 20 years in various positions. The Nelsons’ son, Scott, does much of the farming and day-to-day management now. He is marrying Amy Asbjourson of Lincoln this month. “Having a son farming has made it possible for me to serve as Farm Bureau president and I am very thankful for that,” Nelson emphasizes. The Nelsons’ daughter, Stacy, works for National Research Corporation in Lincoln, helping hospitals improve patient care. Their younger daughter, Sarah, passed

away unexpectedly in 2006 following surgery. She was 21 and had recently worked as an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Sarah had completed degree work in English and history at Midland University in Fremont and was awarded her degree posthumously. FARM BUREAU INVOLVEMENT When Nelson returned from college, his father’s good friend, Calvin Soderquist, told him he needed to be a Farm Bureau member. “He explained what Farm Bureau is, that it’s an important organization and I should be involved in it.” He joined in the summer and in the fall he won election to the Kearney County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He has since served in every county office except women’s chairman. He had what he calls “some success as membership chairman,” recruiting more than 20 members in one drive: “I hit on every neighbor I had and most said yes.” As county president, he had been a delegate to the Nebraska Farm Bureau convention and was encouraged to serve on the Policy Development Committee, predecessor to today’s State Legislative Policy Commit-

tee. “It’s a great experience. You learn more about agricultural issues than you can learn in any other way.” He continued to serve on the committee until he was elected to the NEFB board of directors in 1997, representing District 5. He was elected as Nebraska Farm Bureau’s first vice president in 2002 and served in that position until December. As first vice president, he also chaired the State Legislative Policy Committee. LOOKING FORWARD Nelson has high expectations for how Farm Bureau can grow as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2017. “If we look at all we do and how well we do it – policy development and implementation and all kinds of others programs we have – I have to ask myself, ‘If we had more people involved, more members, how much stronger could we be?’ “When we look at having adequate resources to implement the policies we’ve developed and to protect and defend farmers and ranchers against groups like HSUS or PETA, the best answer in my mind is to grow membership. “If farmers and ranchers see the process, how we develop policy, the successes we’ve had in implementing policy, then they want to be members.” Nelson encourages veteran Farm Bureau members to take on a mentoring role. “I think about the people who encouraged me to be more involved. We need to do more of that. It will help us build stronger, more effective County Farm Bureaus.” As an organization, Farm Bureau needs to spend as much time listening as it does speaking, he said, and “we need to put ourselves in places where we can do that. When we meet with organizations and officials, we need to ask ‘What do we need to understand about you and your issues?’” Nelson said he is well aware that changes don’t happen just because a new president wants them to. “I’m committed to leading Nebraska Farm Bureau forward and I need our members’ input and their involvement. “Being elected president of the state’s largest farm organization is a great honor and an exciting opportunity. I need your involvement and I will continue to ask for your prayers.”

Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau First Vice President Q. Tell us about your family and the farm. A. My wife Judi and I have four children. Charis is a seventh grader at Central City School; Rachel, a sophomore at Nebraska Christian School; Jordan, who is married to Janae; and our oldest son Andrew, who is married to Emily. We grow irrigated corn and popcorn and raise hogs on our farrowto-finish operation near Central City. I am a fourth generation farmer and farm land in the Platte River Valley. I have a strong passion for agriculture and adjust how I farm to use the latest technologies. Those new methods help me to better protect my land so I can pass it on to my children, the fifth generation. Newer technologies help me produce more with less: less land, less water, less chemical. Q. What kinds of new technologies are you looking at for your farm? A. I am looking at building a biodigester. A biodigester or biogas system is a manuremanagement solution that traps methane as it is produced, which can then be used as a heat source or used as electricity. The rest of the manure will be used as an odor-free organic fertilizer for our crops. This concept will allow me to recycle manure and control odor on our hog farm. This system will help reduce those methane emissions and make us a greener farm.

Photo By Melissa Slagle

Mark McHargue raises hogs and row crops on 550 acres near Central City. He has been a Farm Bureau member for 25 years. Q. How did you get started in Farm Bureau? A. I was asked to serve on the Merrick County Farm Bureau board. I remember asking my Dad about Farm Bureau and he said it is a great organization and would be a good place for me to get involved. I thought it would be interesting to explore more about politics and I really enjoyed participat-

ing in leadership development. Once I got into Farm Bureau I was hooked, so I’m proud to say I’ve been involved with Nebraska Farm Bureau for the past 25 years. But it is also exciting to watch my children get more involved in this organization. My son Andrew is in this year’s Leadership Academy class so I am happy to pass that torch. Farm Bureau has a great

leadership development program and I look forward to watching my children grow in Farm Bureau. Q. As First Vice President, what are your goals? A. I am excited about being chairman of the Nebraska Farm Bureau PAC. The PAC is a way for Nebraska Farm Bureau members to contribute money to elect candidates who understand how important agriculture is to our state – especially since we have more and more people who are removed from the farm or ranch. We need to educate candidates about how laws and government regulations affect our farms and ranches. It will also be great to work on policy development. I will be looking for ways to be more efficient in that process. Nebraska Farm Bureau carries a lot of influence because of our grassroots policy development process. It is a process in which Nebraska Farm Bureau farmers and ranchers come up with an idea at their County Farm Bureau meetings and carry that idea to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting where more than 200 delegates (farmers and ranchers) discuss and vote on these issues. Then they become part of Farm Bureau policy. I will do my best to enhance Nebraska Farm Bureau’s policy development process and elevate our PAC involvement.

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

American Farm Bureau Federation® Annual Meeting Jan. 7-11, 2012 • Honolulu, Hawaii • Photos by Tina Henderson

Brian and Hilary Maricle of Boone County Farm Bureau were among the Top 10 finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. It’s the first time a Nebraska member or couple reached the Top 10 since 2003.

Nick and Kati Ladenburger take in the festivities at the opening ceremony of the 93rd AFBF Annual Meeting on Jan. 8. The Ladenburgers were Nebraska’s 2011 YF&R Achievement Award winners. They competed in the national Achievement Award contest.

Nine-month-old Aubrey Peterson was a bit tired at the 6:30 a.m. American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s Flapjack Fundraiser on Jan. 9, so she took a long snooze on Dad Kevin Peterson’s shoulder.

Farm Bureau members from across the country drew laughter and inspiration from columnist and comedian Dave Barry and his presentation at the 93rd Annual AFBF Convention Jan. 9.

Tim Hruby of Dawes County Farm Bureau did a great job of representing Nebraska in the 2012 Discussion Meet in Honolulu during the AFBF Convention. Here he gives his opening statement during the second round of the competition on Jan. 8.

Membership incentive trip winners Randy and Lisa Griess of Clay County Farm Bureau attended the AFBF trade show and checked out a new Case IH Tractor on Jan. 9. NEFB Board member Sherry Vinton and her husband Chris of Arthur County Farm Bureau and Leslie Martin of Buffalo County Farm Bureau were among more than 100 Nebraska Farm Bureau members who attended the AFBF Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. Here they are having fun on a Catamaran Cruise on Jan. 10.

Photo Courtesy of Becky Graham

Dallas Graham of Cedar County Farm Bureau toured Pearl Harbor in Honolulu on Jan. 10. He is reading the names of those who lost their lives on the USS Arizona, one of the ships that sank with most of its crew. Part of the ship’s shell can be seen under the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Happy retirement to Keith and Doris Olsen of Perkins County Farm Bureau! The recently retired Nebraska Farm Bureau president took a closer look at a 2012 Chevy Camaro convertible at the AFBF Trade Show in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blog: Farmer/Rancher Stories and More

Pioneer Hi-Bred, represented by Kerry Hoffschneider (left), donated funds to Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agriculture in the Classroom program so Deanna Karmazin (right), AITC coordinator, could purchase a Samsung Galaxy tablet computer for the program. The tablet will be used to deliver agriculture awareness programs via technology to elementary classrooms across the state. Nebraska Farm Bureau supports and manages the Agriculture in the Classroom program. Hoffschneider and Karmazin are pictured on Dec. 20 in Lincoln.

Want to learn more about the Nebraska farmers and ranchers who grow food for you and your family? Check out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nebraska Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blogâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s its name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at http://nefb.wordpress.com/ The blog combines profiles of farm and ranch families, opinion pieces, Wordless Wednesday photos and recipes to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture. Melissa Slagle is NEFBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal blogger. She, her husband and son live near Brock in southeast Nebraska. Slagle also consults for the Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beef Board and the AgWired blog. Slagle profiles a Nebraska Farm Bureau farm or ranch family each Thursday, with audio comments about the farm or ranch or ag issues from the interviewees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy writing stories for the blog because it gives me the chance to learn more about the diversity of agriculture in Nebraska. I grew up around and am most familiar with corn, soybeans and beef, but along the way have learned about sunflowers, sugar beets and hog production,â&#x20AC;? Slagle said Jan. 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a pleasure to listen to someone tell me about how and why they got involved in agriculture. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The farming community is what I would call extended family and by reading the

stories, people can know that they are surrounded by farmers and ranchers in the state who truly care about the land, about our families and about the food that we eat. Farmers are the most hard-working, dedicated people I know.â&#x20AC;? The blog includes occasional opinion pieces and a photo that tells a story or asks a question on Wednesday. Slagle is always looking for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wordless Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;? photos, recipes, suggestions for who to profile, and questions readers would like to have answered. They can be submitted through the blogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment feature. Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee has volunteered to answer readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions, Slagle said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to emphasize that all questions are welcome, however simple or obvious they might seem. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wondering about something, other people are, too, and we welcome the chance to respond and explain.â&#x20AC;? Slagle said she hopes readers learn ONE thing from the blog that they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new recipe or a Farm Bureau program or a policy or getting to know a neighbor, I hope that they feel more connected to the community around them.â&#x20AC;?

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

103rd Nebraska Legislature FARM BUREAU’S TOP ISSUES The 2012 session of the Nebraska Legislature is the short, 60-day session of the two-year legislative cycle. State lawmakers had introduced 291 legislative bills and one constitutional amendment through Jan. 12; Jan. 19 was the last day for bill introductions. Hearings on legislative bills began Jan. 17. Following are the key issues Nebraska Farm Bureau will be involved with during the 2012 legislature. CHECKOFFS

 Farm Bureau will support efforts to reform state commodity checkoff programs to assure adequate program funding with producer support, and to assure dollars go towards education, research and promotion. BUDGET/TAXES

 Farm Bureau will work to maintain budget lids and property tax levy limits on local governments and seek means to mitigate the growing burden of property taxes on farmers and ranchers.  Farm Bureau will seek to protect existing tax relief efforts, such as the property tax credit program, and support efforts for additional relief such as repealing the county inheritance tax.  Farm Bureau will seek reforms to assure the equitable valuation of agricultural land.  Farm Bureau will support tax changes to enhance the competiveness of Nebraska farms and ranches and businesses. TRANSPORTATION

 Farm Bureau will work to assure state law reflects the needs of modern agriculture when

Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Legislative Team is ready for action this year on state and national issues. From left are Jordan Dux, national affairs coordinator; Jay Rempe, vice president of governmental relations; Steve Nelson, NEFB president; Jessica Kolterman, director of NFBF-PAC and state governmental relations; and Craig Head, state director of governmental relations and regulatory affairs.

2012 NEBRASKA UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE

establishing height, width and weight limits for farm equipment and vehicles used to transport agricultural commodities.

Capitol Mailing Address: Senator ___________ District # State Capitol PO Box 94604 Lincoln NE 68509-4604

NATURAL RESOURCES

 Farm Bureau supports legislation to reform the use of state monies for the acquisition of land or conservation easements. REGULATIONS

 Farm Bureau will support a regulatory climate that allows farmers and ranchers to operate in an efficient and productive manner and reduces regulatory burdens. LIVESTOCK

 Farm Bureau will seek to protect farmers’ and ranchers’ use of commonly accepted farming and animal care practices to operate their farms and ranches. AGRICULTURAL LITERACY

 Farm Bureau supports the creation of an Agricultural Literacy Task Force to evaluate whether current K-12 educational standards and curricula provide an understanding of agriculture and its contribution to the state’s overall well-being.

2012 Legislative Session* Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

January 1 8 15

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

DAY 4

DAY 5

DAY 6

HOLIDAY DAY 8

Mon

18 DAY 9

20 27

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

RECESS DAY 42 DAY 43

Mon

Sun

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

DAY 54 DAY 55 DAY 56 DAY 57 RECESS

RECESS DAY 50 DAY 51

RECESS DAY 58 DAY 59 DAY 60

DAY 44 DAY 45

DAY 46 DAY 47 DAY 48 DAY 49 RECESS

April

DAY 38 DAY 39 DAY 40 DAY 41 RECESS

DAY 34 DAY 35 DAY 36

Sat

HOLIDAY DAY 30 DAY 31 DAY 32 DAY 33

DAY 37 RECESS

Fri

DAY 26 DAY 27 DAY 28 DAY 29 RECESS

March 4

Thur

DAY 22 DAY 23 DAY 24 DAY 25 RECESS

DAY 10 DAY 11

DAY 7 RECESS

Tues

Wed

DAY 19 DAY 20 DAY 21

DAY 17 DAY 18

Sun

Tues

DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 DAY 15 DAY 16

Mon

Sun

February

DAY 52

DAY 53

Federal & State Holidays

Legislative Recess Days

January 1 – New Year’s Day January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 20 - President’s Day April 27 – Arbor Day

January 13 February 10, 17 March 2, 9, 12, 23, 26 April 6, 9

*The Speaker reserves the right to revise the session calendar.

Dist. Senator

Capitol Phone

City

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

471-2733 471-2613 471-2627 471-2621 471-2710 471-2714 471-2721 471-2722 471-2723 471-2718 471-2612 471-2623 471-2727 471-2730 471-2625 471-2728 471-2716 471-2618 471-2929 471-2622 471-2673 471-2715 471-2719 471-2756 471-2731 471-2610 471-2632 471-2633 471-2734 471-2620 471-2327 471-2711 471-2712 471-2630 471-2617 471-2642 471-2726 471-2732 471-2885 471-2801 471-2631 471-2729 471-2628 471-2805 471-2615 471-2720 471-2616 471-2802 471-2725

Elk Creek Plattsmouth Bellevue Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Omaha Papillion Fremont Bancroft Hoskins Omaha Norfolk Omaha Malcolm Columbus Schuyler York Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Lincoln Cortland Omaha Wilber Hastings Fullerton Grand Island Lexington Kearney Holdrege Omaha O’Neill Cedar Rapids North Platte Valentine Imperial Bellevue Lincoln Ogallala Scottsbluff Ellsworth

Heidemann, Lavon Lambert, R. Paul Price, Scott Pirsch, Pete Mello, Heath Nelson, John E. Nordquist, Jeremy J. Harr, Burke J. Howard, Gwen Krist, Bob Council, Brenda J. Lathrop, Steve Cook, Tanya Smith, Jim Janssen, Charlie Brasch, Lydia Bloomfield, Dave Lautenbaugh, Scott Flood, Mike Ashford, Brad Haar, Ken Schumacher, Paul Langemeier, Chris Adams, Greg L. Campbell, Kathy McGill, Amanda Coash, Colby Avery, Bill Fulton, Tony Wallman, Norm Pahls, Rich Karpisek, Russ Seiler, Les Dubas, Annette Gloor, Mike Wightman, John Hadley, Galen Carlson, Tom McCoy, Beau Larson, Tyson Sullivan, Kate Hansen, Tom Fischer, Deb Christensen, Mark R. Cornett, Abbie Conrad, Danielle Schilz, Ken Harms, John N. Louden, LeRoy J.

As of 1/13/11

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

Asian Markets Will Benefit Agriculture in 2012 Honolulu — As global demand for U.S. agricultural products continues to grow, American farmers can expect to see an increasing number of opportunities in China and other Asian markets in 2012, according to William Westman, vice president for International Trade at the Meat Institute, speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting on Jan. 9. “There are tremendous opportunities in China,” Westman said. “You have four times the population of the United States on two-thirds the size of the land and 225 cities anticipated to have populations of at least 1 million people by 2025. And just like us, they want what is best

for their families. They want safe food and, with their emerging middle class, they now want more proteins and higher quality food.” China also has more than $3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves and is starting to use it. The country’s agricultural production isn’t adequately keeping pace with its rapidly growing population, even in areas where farmers are producing multiple crops per year on intensively used land. WATER SHORTAGE HINDERS PROGRESS Westman explained that the Chinese government is trying to improve the nation’s agricultural infrastructure and pro-

ductivity by investing in new technologies, heavily subsidizing machinery and changing the efficiencies of the way farmers plant and harvest crops. However, water shortages in northern portions of the country hinder this progress and make the nation increasingly dependent on agricultural imports. “China is our largest market for ag exports in all commodities and our trade with the country is up more than 1,000 percent since 2002,” said Westman, “But this remains one of the world’s most challenging markets. Even as interest in U.S. commodity exports rises, the Chinese government is going to continue to invest primarily in pork and poultry.”

CONSUMER MARKET SHIFTING The consumer market in China is shifting, too. Consumers are not only concerned about the quality of the food they are buying, but are also increasingly demanding highquality presentations for that food. This becomes more apparent when factoring in the number of five-star hotels opening in China – and could become the missing piece needed for U.S. beef exports to succeed. “The demand for our beef is accelerating in north Asia, but we have to have patience,” said Westman. “Our U.S. products have a wonderful image in China. They want what we are producing, but, for now, pork and poultry still reign.”

Farmers Need To Fight Hyper Regulation with Involvement Honolulu — Farmers need to commit their time, energy, money and best thinking if they want to stop the proliferation of federal regulations that threaten their businesses, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce official said Jan. 9 at the American Farm Bureau Federation 93rd Annual Meeting. “This isn’t academic, folks,” said Reed Rubinstein, senior counsel for the Chamber of Commerce Jan. 9. “When the federal government exercises its authority, it can send you to jail. We are all one regulation away from being out of business.” Most of the “hyper regulation” currently affecting farmers stems from expansion of environmental law, he said, but new health

care regulations and financial reform will add to their regulatory burden in the next five to 10 years. Increasingly, the Environmental Protection Agency is emphasizing ecological sustainability of agriculture in its regulatory programs, based on what it says are public concerns, Rubinstein said. “Translation: ‘You need somebody to tell you how to run your business because you’re not doing it in the right way,” he said. “But who’s going to decide what ‘sustainable’ means?” EPA DISCUSSING ‘HOLISTIC’ APPROACH EPA also is having internal discussions about moving away from place-based reg-

ulations supported by science to a holistic approach, which includes concern for social issues in writing regulations, he said. Farmers need to get engaged in these issues, Rubinstein said, and comment on proposed regulations at every level of government. Hyper regulation is also a state and local issue, he emphasized. Farmers need to be willing to serve on federal and local advisory panels that draft and review regulations, and file lawsuits if necessary. “If you’re not in there punching, you don’t have a chance,” he said. TAKE PROACTIVE APPROACH In addition to responding, farmers and

ranchers need to be proactive in addressing issues, he said. “We all want clean water, clean air,” he said. “We need to ask, ‘how do we work together to achieve it’” in a way that doesn’t handicap farmers’ ability to grow food. Rubinstein also encouraged farmers and ranchers to support legislation that would regulate how EPA settles lawsuits filed against it. Often environmental groups sue the agency to advance their agenda and EPA settles the lawsuits in a manner that establishes the regulatory control the groups wanted. Farmers can find coalition partners in other groups that feel as strongly as they do about private property rights, he suggested.

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JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

AFBF President Outlines Agriculture’s Successes, Challenges Honolulu — America’s farmers and ranchers are more productive than ever and are providing a solid economic foundation for our nation, according to Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We are the 1 percent that is producing food and fiber for the other 99 percent,” Stallman declared in his annual address to the approximately 7,000 Farm Bureau members gathered for AFBF’s 93rd Annual Meeting on Jan. 8. Farm and ranch families are growing more food with fewer resources than ever before, Stallman said. “Over a 20-year period, corn yields are up 41 percent. Per bushel soil loss has fallen by 70 percent. Water use per bushel of corn is down 27 percent. All major crops show similar trends,” he said. RECORD-BREAKING EXPORTS He also extolled the record-breaking growth in U.S. agricultural exports over the past year. “We sold $42.5 billion more in agricul-

tural products than we imported in 2011,” he added. “That number will stay strong into this year and, I am convinced, into the foreseeable future.” American agriculture’s successes have come in the face of challenges, Stallman said, including droughts, doubts about the future of agricultural policy, floods, and a deluge of government regulatory actions, storms, and an often-tempestuous public conversation about the farmer’s role in feeding our nation. Stallman discussed Farm Bureau’s Systemic Risk Reduction Program proposal, which he said would help protect farmers from catastrophic losses while recognizing today’s budget realities. He called on Farm Bureau delegates, who debated farm policy and other issues on Jan. 10, to put the organization on a solid footing. COST OF FEDERAL REGULATION Stallman said the cost of federal regulations falls the hardest on small businesses

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

Tight Livestock Outlook Affects Meat Prices for Consumers Honolulu â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Consumers should expect little relief in the price of a T-bone steak as cattle producers continue to decrease their herds because of soaring feed prices and a weak economy, Dr. James Mintert, professor of Ag Economics and assistant director of Extension at Purdue University, said at the American Farm Bureau Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 93rd Annual Meeting Jan. 9. High demand for ethanol has forced the price of corn to nearly double in the past few years, driving livestock production costs up and putting cattle producers in the red. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve responded by raising fewer cattle, according to Mintert. FEWER POUNDS = HIGHER PRICES â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beef producers are recouping production costs by putting less meat on consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Little relief is expected in the price of a T-bone steak. plates,â&#x20AC;? Mintert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fewer pounds of meat mean higher prices throughout the system.â&#x20AC;? From 1925 to 1975, the beef industry was relatively healthy, Mintert explained, as

demand and production grew with the population and income growth. The span from 1975 to 2011 looks a lot different, as the number of cattle dropped from 132 million head to 90 million in 2011. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the picture of an industry shrinking because of a lack of profitability,â&#x20AC;? Mintert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an industry that has struggled to make money for a long time.â&#x20AC;? EXPORT MARKET IS VITAL A saving grace for the beef industry is the export market, which has rebounded from the lows in 2004 when a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was discovered in a U.S. cow. The United States is now a net beef exporter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That has really helped hold down the

number of pounds we put in front of consumers,â&#x20AC;? Mintert said. The pork industry, on the other hand, is much healthier, as production has increased 30 percent during the last 20 years in the United States and Canada. Pork producers face the same challenges as beef concerning feed costs, and like beef producers, are putting fewer pounds of pork on consumer plates. The difference is pork exports. Today, almost one pound of pork in four goes to the export market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Export growth has helped pork see steady increases over a long period of time,â&#x20AC;? Mintert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pork exports were up 15 percent this year over last year. They are up 54 percent compared to 2007.â&#x20AC;?

Sec. Vilsack Praises Agriculture, Farm Bureau Members Honolulu â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack delivered a clear message to farmers and ranchers attending the American Farm Bureau Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 93rd Annual Meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agriculture and rural America matter, and no group understands that better than the men and women who lead Farm Bureau,â&#x20AC;? Vilsack said Jan. 9. Vilsack also had high praise for agriculture as being responsible for one in every 12 jobs in America, and he focused on the need to address challenges facing the United States and the world. Last year, American agricultural exports amounted to $137.4 billion, which led to a $42 billion farm trade surplus, and direct support for more than 1 million American jobs, according to Vilsack. The secretary pledged to Farm Bureau members that USDA would continue to listen to their concerns and would work with other federal departments and agencies on regulatory issues with potential impacts on rural America, including dust and youth labor rules. USDA is working as agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner on a wide range of essential services across the board, Vilsack said, ranging from resource

conservation and agricultural financing to crop insurance and rural development. AG KEEPS THE NATION STRONG Vilsack praised agriculture for its role in keeping the nation strong, saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the unemployment rate is dropping more quickly in rural America than any other sector of our country.â&#x20AC;? To help keep agriculture robust, Vilsack outlined several essential points that he considers vital to the next farm bill, including: â&#x20AC;˘ Providing an adequate safety net when it is needed most, with a combination of provisions including crop insurance and some form of revenue protection program. â&#x20AC;˘ A continued focus on stewardship and conservation programs, with added flexibility and the ability to leverage federal funds to the fullest extent possible. â&#x20AC;˘ Provisions to continue promoting and expanding international trade for agriculture. â&#x20AC;˘ A well-funded research effort to continue a trend that saw agriculture rank second in productivity gains among all economic sectors since 1980. â&#x20AC;˘ Better support programs for beginning farmers, including programs to expand local

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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to farmers and ranchers at the American Farm Bureau Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 93rd annual meeting on Jan. 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agriculture and rural America matter, and no group understands that better than the men and women who lead Farm Bureau,â&#x20AC;? Vilsack said. and regional food systems. Vilsack said agriculture and rural America are only barely skimming the surface in making a positive impact on the nation. He called for a focus on bio-based economies for rural communities, which he said offered â&#x20AC;&#x153;unlimited potentialâ&#x20AC;? for rural America.

USDA WORKFORCE DECREASE While emphasizing USDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued commitment to Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmers and ranchers, Vilsack announced a reallocation of USDA facilities and resources in light of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget challenges. That includes a workforce decrease of more than 7,000 employees, streamlining of services and the consolidation and closing of 250 USDA offices across the country. Of those offices, 131 are Farm Service Agency offices, Vilsack said. Of those, 35 already had no staffing and the remainder had either one or two employees and all were within 20 miles of another FSA office capable of handling farmer and rancher clients. He expressed optimism that providing service online would become a more viable option and assured farmers and ranchers that USDA service would not be sacrificed. He closed by commending those who call rural America home. He cited the example of 50 percent of the U.S. military force hailing from rural America, while only 16 percent of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population lives in rural areas. He called rural America â&#x20AC;&#x153;an extraordinary placeâ&#x20AC;? to which the rest of the nation â&#x20AC;&#x153;owes a debt of gratitude.â&#x20AC;?

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JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Farmers Must Learn To Talk Consumers’ Language Honolulu — People are talking about food and farmers and ranchers need to take the lead in the conversation, Melissa Kinch and Keith Yazmir, members of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance’s communications team, told attendees at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting Jan. 8. Opening a dialogue with consumers is an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to restore and build on the public’s trust in how food is grown and raised. “You can’t build trust if you can’t have a conversation,” according to Kinch, senior vice president of Ketchum Communications. Kinch and Yazmir outlined four steps that will help farmers and ranchers move out of combat mode and have a constructive conversation about what they do and why they do it. The four steps are engage, acknowledge, share and earn trust, or E.A.S.E. ENGAGE WITH PEOPLE YOU MEET Farmers should start by engaging the people around them. Ask a fellow traveler at the airport, “Where are you headed?” Tread lightly, find common ground and steer the conversation toward food. Next, acknowledge peoples’ worries about the food they’re feeding their families, but don’t take on the persona of a professor whose task it is to educate. “A farmer’s and rancher’s job is to answer those legitimate questions with truthful, transparent answers,” Kinch explained. One of the best ways growers can do that

is by sharing what they do on their farms and ranches. Addressing consumers’ real concerns will go a long way in earning their trust. In talking about what they do, farmers and ranchers need to recognize that there is always room for improvement, stressed Yazmir, a partner at maslansky luntz + partners. Discussing the future creates a space of shared interest, he said. More than being willing to have a conversation, farmers need to be ready and able to use words consumers can embrace. The typical agriculture vocabulary is full of landmines, Yazmir and Kinch cautioned. FOCUS ON BENEFITS “We need to move away from the language of our industry and toward the language of the benefits of what we’re doing,” Yazmir said. For example, rather than using the term “GMOs,” talk about seeds that grow stronger, and are more resilient, and better tasting crops. USFRA is a newly created alliance of prominent farmer- and rancher-led organizations, including AFBF, and agricultural partners.

AFBF Honors Keith Olsen

Keith Olsen (left), who retired as Nebraska Farm Bureau president in December, was recognized Jan. 9 by AFBF President Bob Stallman for his service on the AFBF Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT TRAINING SEMINAR ABOUT THE SEMINAR. . . . . .

When: Feb. 23-24, 2012

Campaign Level - The seminar is structured and flexible enough to fit any level Purpose – To help candiates for public of campaign whether it is for local, state, office, whether veteran office holders or or federal public office. first-time participants, plan and execute About the Seminar - The Campaign Mansuccessful political campaigns. agement Training Seminar was developed by the American Farm Bureau Federation Target Audience - The seminar is de- with the input from political consultants signed for candidates for public office, and staff of both political parties. DVDs, their families, their campaign teams, and visual aids, a case study, and a computer other individuals who may be interested game have been developed to assist in in seeking elected public office at some the presentation of the seminar. This will future time. We encourage, where pos- enable participants to have meaningful, sible, the candidate, his or her family and hands-on experiences and to test techniques, tools and methods. team to attend and work together.

Where: NEFB State Office, 5225 S. 16th St., Lincoln, NE Cost: Candidate or Potential Candidate

$200

Family Member

$25

Other Campaign Members

$25

(When accompanied by Candidate) (Fee includes meals, breaks and materials)

Please contact us if you need lodging. Registration Deadline: Friday, Feb. 17, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau ®

For registration information, please contact Whittney Kelley at whittneyk@nefb.org or 402/421-4760.

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JANUARY 18, 2012

Nebraska Farm Bureau News

Legislative Conference Tentative Agenda – Feb. 9-10, 2012 Embassy Suites – 1040 P Street (Downtown Lincoln) Friday, Feb. 10

Thursday, Feb. 9 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

7 a.m. Embassy Suites Complimentary Cooked-to-Order Breakfast (on your own)

Registration

10:30-11:30 a.m. “There’s a Snake in My Bumper” Matt Rush, New Mexico Farm Bureau 11:45 a.m.-1:25 p.m. Luncheon Roberto Lenton New executive director of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute

7:30-8:15 a.m.

Matt Rush

8:30-9:00 a.m. Gov. Dave Heineman

1:30-2:15 p.m. Nebraska’s Economic Outlook Jason Henderson Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, vice president and Omaha branch executive

9:00-9:30 a.m.

2:15-3:00 p.m. Panel on Consumer Perceptions of Food Jason • Kelli Kennel, MS, RD, LMNT Henderson Hy-Vee Dietician • Marty Jarvis, Director of Marketing for B&R Stores • Judy a la carte 3:00-3:30 p.m. Break 3:30-4:00 p.m.

Legislative Update - National Issues Jordan Dux, NEFB Governmental Relations Dept.

4:00-5:00 p.m.

Legislative Update - State Issues Jay Rempe, Craig Head and Jessica Kolterman NEFB Governmental Relations Dept.

5:30-8:00 p.m.

Elected Officials Reception

Nebraska Farm Bureau ®

Registration

Speaker TBD

Gov. Dave Heineman

9:30-10:00 a.m. 2012 Farm Bill Dale Moore, American Farm Bureau Federation, Deputy Executive Director of Public Policy 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Speaker TBD

10:30-11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Republican Senate Forum Jon Bruning, Deb Fischer and Don Stenberg 12:00-1:30 p.m. Luncheon Susan Littlefield Three Eagles Communication

For registration information, please contact Whittney Kelley at whittneyk@nefb.org or 402/421-4760.

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Nebraska Farm Bureau News

JANUARY 18, 2012

WANT ADS

Free Want Ads for Farm Bureau Members Farm Bureau members may submit one free Want Ad per month. If there is more than one category mentioned with the Want Ad we will split it into multiple categories, but it must be a combined total of 30 words or less. Ads are used on a space-available basis, subject to approval. Ads exclude real property (permanent structures) such as homes, farms, ranches and businesses. Selling crops or herds of livestock also is excluded. Send typed or printed ads to Want Ads c/o Natalie Friesen, Nebraska Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 80299, Lincoln, NE 68501 or email natalief@nefb.org. You may also place your ad online using the following link: http://www.nefb.org/wantad.htm. If you would like to rerun your ad you must resubmit the ad. Previously submitted ads will not be kept on file. Deadline is the 1st of each month. (No issue in July.)

PETS FOR SALE: red Blue Heeler puppies, first shots and wormed, working parents on site. Call Kenesaw, 402/469-8715.

VEHICLES FOR SALE: 1997 Cadillac Seville SLS Classic, just over 42,000 miles, Michelin tires, heated front seat, leather, chrome wheels, must see, like new, listed over $45,000 new, must see; $10,000. Call Omaha, 402/333-8728.

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: 35-bushel Hastings Creek feeder, like new. Call Rockville, 308/372-3203, ask for Wendell.

WANTED: older full size conversion van, preferably diesel, cash. Call Grand Island, 308/384-7296. FOR SALE: 1998 GMC Sierra heavy half ton, 5.7L Vortec V-8, 4wd, 187,000 miles, runs great, good tires, Rhino lined, newly rebuilt transmission, extended cab, asking $4,000. Call Kearney, 308/440-3066.

FOR SALE: 1998 Chevrolet 1500 4x4, extended cab, 102,000 miles, new tires, new battery, no rust or dings, mechanically sound, must see to appreciate, $9,000. Call Petersburg, 402/386-5538.

FOR SALE: 1948 M Farmall, stored inside for the past 30 years, good tread but weather checked, asking $1,500. Call Holdrege, 308/995-4631 or 308/911-8011.

FOR SALE: GMC 2500HD 4x4, 118,000 miles, regular cab, long box, 6.0 liter V-8 engine, fifth wheel hitch, good work or school pickup. Call Daykin, 402/446-7253.

WANTED: 1997, ’98, early ’99 Chevy/GMC full sized ext cab, 4x4, with 3rd door, in nice condition. Call Sargent, 308/527-3555.

FOR SALE: 706 International diesel tractor, new tires, back tires good, loader and 3 point blade. Call Arnold, 308/8482933 or 308/530-7822.

FOR SALE: ’96 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 120,000 miles, clean, new tires, leather, power everything, beautiful red finish. Call Omaha, 402/496-4210.

FOR SALE: sprinkler package for irrigation pivot, neck, pipe and regulators, irrigation electric panel box, size 2 ½. Call Kearney, 308/627-5510 or 308/237-5602.

FOR SALE: 1971 Dodge 1 ton dually, 318, 4 spd, great box, new tires and battery, runs good, receiver hitch. Call Tecumseh, 402/852-2140 or 402/852-6479.

FOR SALE: side roll irrigation system, 2 ea. ¼ mile long, older systems, but new 6hp engines, $1,000 each. Call Ogallala, 308/289-2061 or email wdmcbri@charter.net.

FOR SALE: 2010 Cub Cadet, 54 inch, hydraulics, power steering, used once, $6,500 new, $5,000 to first offer. Call Omaha, 402/496-4210. WANTED: motor home in good condition. Call Grand Island, 308/384-7296. WANTED: a pair of 750/20 Implement tires. Call Palmer, 308/894-6654. FOR SALE: snow blower, Jacobsen 26”, two stage, 5hp, self propelled, great condition, $495 OBO. Call Omaha, 402/391-7601.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: electric motors, 2 HP, enclosed, steel T fence posts, 5 ½ and 6 ft., back step assist rails for Chevy pickup. Call Kearney, 308/627-5510 or 308/237-5602.

FOR SALE: new Invacare Pronto wheelchair, model #M91, power chair with sure step, inside/outside, range 19 ½ inches, Roho dry protation cushion. Call Lincoln, 402/4777019 or 402/314-6249.

FOR SALE: complete set of Norman Rockwell plates, Heritage series from Bradford Exchange, 32 plates with wall hangers for display, 50 pieces of carnival glass, marigold crackle. Call Omaha, 402/551-3319.

FOR SALE: John Deere lined coat with hood, black, worn once, $45 OBO. Call Walton, 402/483-6179.

WANTED: chest freezer, 1725 cubic ft,; clothes line posts; 5 drawer lateral file. Call Lincoln, 402/466-9099.

WANTED: Honda dirt bike in good condition; wrap around style grill guard to fit a 1997 Chevy full size. Call Sargent, 308/527-3555.

• Applebees •Cabelas to any of the listed locations for every •Bass Pro 55 gallons of Mobil Delvac 1300 15W/40 •BestBuy or Mobilﬂuid 424 purchased at any •VISA Card •Sapp Bros. Sapp Bros. Petroleum location.

Omaha 1-800-233-4059 Lincoln 1-888-727-7788 Falls City 1-402-245-2406 Filley 1-800-829-3439 Julesburg, Co 1-970-474-3582

Gift Card Requested: Attach the original receipt and send to: Sapp Bros. Petroleum Delvac Days Redemption Center P.O. Box 45305 Omaha, Neb. 68137 (Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery)

18 Locations serving the Midwest Crete 1-800-307-7244 West Point 1-800-838-1947 York 1-800-400-6917 Columbus 1-866-727-7645

Grand Island 1-800-233-5883 Clarks 1-800-962-6186 Ogallala 1-800-658-4212 North Platte 1-888-754-7801

www.sappbrospetro.com

FOR SALE: Toro 21” snow blower; Jaki commercial, single needle, lock stitch sewing machine. Call Fremont, 402/7219296. WANTED: snow blower for a 782 Cub Cadet. Call Firth, 402/791-5586.

Earn yourself a $25 gift card

(Redemption slip must be received by 4/15/12)

FOR SALE: 8’ slide-in camper. Call Aurora, 402/737-3322.

FOR SALE: heavy built 6 wheel, 4 yard Austin Western hydraulic dirt scraper, $1,995. Call Kearney, 308/234-4786.

Farm Aid Mixer Model 340 230 Bu. Mixing Capacity 6’ x 12’ - 340 Cubic Feet

Town, State, Zip

WANTED: to rent or buy a small 5th wheel camper for June/ July. Call Aurora, 402/737-3322.

FOR SALE: 1978 Chrysler LeBaron, hardtop, 318 engine, body needs work, $500. Call Lincoln, 402/475-3339.

2012 Delvac Days

•Diesel Fuels •Gasoline •Racing Gas •Engine/Hydraulic Oils •Additives/Chemicals •Antifreeze •Propane

FOR SALE: Ex-Cell 5000 watt portable generator, 10 hp Briggs and Stratton engine, used very little at house only, $350 cash. Call Tekamah, 402/374-2832, leave message.

Sidney 1-800-658-0511 Elgin 1-866-927-3775 Sioux City, Iowa 1-800-477-2549 Fullerton 1-308-536-2336 LeMars, Iowa 1-800-477-2549

Model 430 300 Bu. Mixing Capacity 6’ x 15’ - 424 Cubic Feet

NEW EQUIPMENT New MF 6475 Tractor MF 6475 Tractor **Rental Unit w/loaderSPECIAL PRICING** New MF 2680 Tractor • SF 1435-29 Sunﬂower Disk New MF 2856A Round Baler New Westendorf WL-10B 10ft. Dirt Scraper (2) Westendorf 500 Gravity Box Wagons New E-Z Trail 500C 500 bu. Gravity Wagon MF 3988 HiCap Bi-fold #16 Wheel Rake Denuser J20 Digger E-Z Trail HT 16 Hyd Auger for Gravity Wagon Westendorf 400 Gravity Wagon • (2) Feterl Auger 10-34 Top Aire 120’ Boom Sprayer - T-Tank, 1600 Gallon $59,500 Top Aire T-Tank 1600 Gal. Boom Sprayer, 90 ft. $42,800 USED EQUIPMENT 2005 MF 6465 Tractor 1998 MF 4270 Tractor w/Koyker Loader WP 8186 White Planter 16 Row MF GC2300 Compact Yard Tractor w/MF 2325 Mid Mt. Mower, MF 2360 Snow Blower 773 Bobcat Skid Steer MF 1135 Tractor • Case 2470 Tractor

Model 560 385 Bu. Mixing Capacity 560 Cubic Feet

MF 1105 Tractor w/Koyker K-5 Loader & Buckets MF 2705 Tractor • MF 1100 Tractor 1650 Oliver Tractor Case 1070 Tractor w/DuAI 3100 Loader (2) Farm Aid 560 Mixer Wagon Henke M160 Kwik-Mix Mixer Wagon Henke 2240 Kwik-Mix Mixer Wagon BJM Mixer Wagon • 750 Schwartz Mixer Wagon MF9435 SP Windrower w/MF 9145 Dual Cond. Header Hesston 1170 Mower Conditioner Perkins 354 Power Unit • Hesston 565A Round Baler Hesston 560 Round Baler • Case IH RS 561 Round Baler Hesston 856A Round Baler • NH 1475 Swing Tongue Case/IH SC416D Mower Conditioner Kosch Trailblazer D9 Sickle Mower Hesston 4720 Square Bale 3x3 w/Accumulator Stihl 011AVT Chainsaw • Hesston 7150 2 Row Silage Chopper MF 2381 Used 22’ Header • Used 16’ Bean Head Bush Hog 268R Rotary Cutter Bush Hog Post Hole Digger w/(2) 9” Bits Used Vassar Post Hole Digger w/4”, 9”, 12” Bits

HELP WANTED

LOOKING FOR A FULL-TIME SALESMAN Pay based on experience.

Butte Implement Co. P.O. Box 230 • Butte, NE 68722 402-775-2464 or 2401 email: butteimp@nntc.net

y m l l a C u a e r u B m r a F ! y a d o t t n age Are you fiscally fit for 2012? The start of a new year is the ideal time to make sure your insurance coverage and financial strategies are in step with your current needs. u

Have you updated your insurance coverage as you’ve updated your home?

Is your car covered properly?

What life events and family changes will your new year bring ... a wedding? a new baby? a retirement?

Now’s the time to contact your Farm Bureau agent to see how simple it can be to have the right coverage in place and prepare for your future.

Auto l Home l Life l Farm/Ranch l Crop l Business l College l Retirement Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company+*, Western Agricultural Insurance Company+*, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+*/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services © 2012 FBL Financial Group, Inc. M098-ML (1-12)