Dairy Futures: Robotics Pages 4, 5
INFB at the Indiana State Fair Page 3
A Publication for Voting Members of Indiana Farm Bureau
INSIDE: News in Brief................ 2 Around INFB................ 3 Communication............ 6 Rules & Regulations...... 7 Around Indiana............ 8
JULY 11, 2016 Issue No. 82
August recess gives voters extra opportunities to reach out to Congress Congress’ August recess is an important opportunity for Farm Bureau, said Kyle Cline, INFB national government relations policy advisor. Although talking to your congressman or congresswoman while Congress is in session is an important way to communicate about issues that are important to you, to Farm Bureau and to agriculture, Cline noted that talking to members while they’re back home in their districts is just as important. “The congressional August recess period is a great opportunity for constituents to visit with their members and remind them of our priority issues and needs in agriculture,” Cline said. “It is also the perfect time to build relationships with members of congress that may pay off in the future and make the difference on how they vote on
a key piece of legislation.” Indiana Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation is asking members to focus on three primary issues when talking to lawmakers and their staff during the recess: Trade, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (or TPP) agreement. Tax reform, including the tax reform “blueprint” recently introduced by House Republicans. Regulatory reform, including more congressional oversight of agencies and reductions in regulatory actions that exceed intent and authority of federal law. “All three issues will be priorities during recess that members should talk about. But TPP is our highest priority right now,” Cline said. “That’s because Farm Bureau is hoping for a vote on the agreement during the lameduck session that happens right after the election.” Although the break that
INFB sponsoring LG debate at the State Fair —By Jay A. Wood Public Relations Team Indiana Farm Bureau members are always encouraged to be civically active and politically engaged by meeting with public officials and staying informed on the issues. This year, members have an unusual opportunity: watching candidates for Indiana lieutenant governor debate at the Indiana State Fair. Indiana Farm Bureau P.O. Box 1290 Indianapolis, IN 46206
The debate will be hosted by AgrIInstitute and moderated by Inside Indiana Business’ Gerry Dick. Indiana Farm Bureau is one of the debate sponsors. Indiana’s lieutenant governor serves as secretary of agriculture and president of the Senate. The LG also oversees: • The Office of Community & Rural Affairs. • The Office of Small Business & Entrepreneurship. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Berne, IN Permit NO. 43
Congress takes this time of year is always referred to as the “August recess,” this year’s recess actually begins July 16 due to party conventions and also to give members of Congress some opportunities to campaign
during this election year. This will give constituents some extra opportunities to meet with their senators and representatives face to face that are normally not available in non-election years, Cline noted.
A more comprehensive guide to Farm Bureau’s priority issues for the 2016 August recess will be inserted in the Aug. 1 issue of The Hoosier Farmer. Additional information will also be available on the INFB website.
The Fair Train, courtesy of the Indiana State Fair.
—By Kathleen M. Dutro Public Relations Team
This year’s Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers summer social will be held Aug. 13 at Forest Park in Noblesville from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will be full fun with horseshoe and corn-hole tournaments, mini golf, carousel rides, playgrounds and volleyball courts available. A free lunch buffet starts at noon, and there will also be prize drawings and state fair tickets for those attending. In addition, there will be a limited number of roundtrip tickets for the Fair Train, which provides an unforgettable journey from Noblesville to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on a piece of Hoosier transportation history. Registration for the event opened July 1 at www.infb.org/summersocial. You must register to attend and receive Indiana State Fair tickets. Call 317-692-7846 or email odt@infb.org for more.
• The Office of Tourism Development. • The Office of Energy & Defense Development. • The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority. Confirmed participants are incumbent Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and state Rep. Christina Hale. An invitation has also been sent to Karl Tatgenhorst, the Libertarian nominee. Holcomb, the Republican nominee, is a graduate of Hanover College and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Prior to becoming lieutenant governor, he worked for U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, former U.S. Rep. John Hostettler and
former Gov. Mitch Daniels. Under Daniels, Holcomb served as deputy chief of staff and managed the 2008 re-election campaign. He also served as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party from 2011-2013. Hale, the Democrat nominee, is a graduate of Purdue University and a former executive of Kiwanis International. Elected to the Indiana House in 2012, she represents House District 87, which covers a large portion of Washington Township on Indianapolis’ northside. Hale
serves on committees that oversee insurance; utilities, energy and telecommunications; and commerce, small business and economic development. As the state’s premier general farm organization, Indiana Farm Bureau has significant interaction with the lieutenant governor in the areas of agriculture and rural affairs. Members are strongly encouraged to attend the debate to learn more about the candidates for this important office.
WHEN: August 9, 2016, at 2 p.m. WHERE: Farm Bureau Building Cafeteria, Indiana State Fairgrounds