Van Buren
county newsletter
County 80
A Publication of the Van Buren County Farm Bureau
October 20, 2014
President’s Column
BY TOD KUBISZAK
VAN BUREN
COUNTY FB
PRESIDENT
Opportunity.
We all have it,
from the day we
are born, to our
last breath. Each
day we awaken to
an “opportunity
clock”, not an
alarm
clock.
Successful people
answer this bell
each day; average people answer the challenge
every so often. And sadly, there are those
who never awaken to the opportunity that is
theirs here in America. We all have a choice
as to which category we will fit in to. How we
operate within these categories will define our
place in our lives.
Agriculture is not known as a glamour
profession in today’s world, although we as
farmers may feel otherwise. Every day it seems
that agriculture becomes more and more
scrutinized, from the seeds that we plant to the
animals under our care, someone has something
to say about how we should be doing it. And,
as we all know there are many agencies, both
Federal and private that are more than willing
to help us along.
We in the Agricultural profession have all the
opportunity in the world to inform the public on
what we do and why. If we don’t do, no one else
will. We need to be answering the “opportunity
bell “everyday and not miss a chance to educate
individuals, groups, and organizations on the
merits of American Agriculture. By 2065 there
will be almost 9 billion hungry mouths to feed
Brookside Farms honored as Ag
Promoter of the Yearsuccessful people that both promote
Brookside Farms was honored as the
Van Buren County Farm Bureau’s 2014
Agricultural Promoter of the Year at the Oct.
13 county annual meeting. Brookside Farms
was recognized for their contributions toward
helping educate the non-farming public by
telling the story of agriculture.
The Agricultural Promoter of the Year
Award is designed to recognize outstanding
and
educate throughout the agricultural and public
communities, with efforts evenly disbursed
between child and adult education.
Brookside Farms draws attention to
agriculture; it emphasizes the need for highly
efficient farm leaders to satisfy the basic needs
of all people.
Butler awarded Ag Educator of the Year
Michele Butler of Lawrence a second grade
teacher at Paw Paw is the Van Buren County
Farm Bureau’s K-12 Educator of the Year for
2014.
Butler is honored for her excellence in
education and efforts to teach agriculture in the
classroom. She was recognized at the county
annual meeting Oct. 13 and was presented
with a certificate to mark the occasion.
Butler teaches students about where their
food comes from, and about current issues
affecting the agriculture industry, through a
variety of means, including Ag in the classroom.
The Educator of the Year award recognizes
teachers who exceed normal curriculum
guidelines to educate young people about the
reality of agriculture.
“With children today farther and farther
removed from life on the farm, the role of ag
educators only gets more and more important,”
says Tonia Ritter, manager of MFB’s Promotion
and Education Department. “Sometimes these
teachers are the only source of information
children have about the importance of farming.
This award is just one small way we can thank
them, and recognize the vital work they do for
our industry.”
in the world. I can guarantee you that it will
not be the many “lettered” organizations that
will be feeding the world when the time comes.
No, it will be the American Farmer, growing
crops in the rich dark soils of the American
Heartland, crops being picked by the hands of
our labor, or harvested by machines designed
and built by our ancestors. Farming may not be
the most glamorous job in the world, but it sure
is the most rewarding.
Opportunity still exists in America. We just
have to answer the bell.
Mission
Statement
The purpose of the Van Buren
County Farm Bureau is to be an
effective advocate for farmers, and,
through its policies and programs,
to promote agriculture and improve
the economic and social welfare of
member families.
Visit us online
http://vanburen.michfb.com
Or find us on your smart
phone. Scan this code to visit
our Web site for up to date
information.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Tod Kubiszak, Vice President Kenneth McLeese, Third Member Andrew Heinitz; BOARD
MEMBERS: Charles Hood, Coleman Hunt, William Lawson, Ty Spicher, Anne Webster; YOUNG FARMER CHAIR: Emily Webster;
P&E CHAIR: Kristin Kubiszak; COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: Karen Kubiszak, 38880 W Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI
49079-9313, (269) 657-3293.
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October 20, 2014
Goshert honored as Ag Communicator of the Year
Jerry Goshert was honored as the Van Buren
County Farm Bureau’s 2014 Agricultural
Communicator of the Year at the Oct. 13
county annual meeting. He was recognized
for his contributions toward helping educate
the non-farming public by telling the story of
agriculture.
Goshert writes about Van Buren County
agriculture for Farmers, based in Indiana.
The Agricultural Communicator of the Year
Award honors members of the print and/or
broadcast media whose work helps increase
awareness of agricultural issues.
Goshert’s work this year has addressed a
number of topics impacting local farmers,
including Labor Shortage Hurting Michigan
Fruit Growers, he listened as local fruit farmers
shared their experiences and stories to US Rep
Fred Upton on March 20 at Leduc Blueberry
Farm in Paw Paw.
“Normally agriculture doesn’t get much
media attention unless something goes wrong or
food becomes more expensive,” said MFB Local
Media Specialist Nikki Baker, who administers
the award. “It’s important to recognize the
efforts of local reporters, photographers, editors
and broadcasters who give farming its due.
They’re a vital link between agriculture and the
non-farming public.”
Another spotlight for Mr. Goshert is his
articles on “A Person You Should Know”.
One article stands out on our own Sarah Pion
from Cass County, Article from August 2013.
He covers notable achievements, leadership
philosophy, how Sarah gives back, words to live
by and much, much more.
Mr. Goshert was also there to report coverage
on FFA Students during Ag Awareness Days for
the fourth year. He made sure the photos from
our Ag Awareness Days made the front page of
The Farmer’s Exchange.
This year the state-level Agricultural
Communicator awards went to Jeff Hogan of
the Lapeer County Press.
Forestieri awarded Ecology Champion Award
Van Buren County Farm Bureau’s own
Colleen Forestieri receives this year’s Ecology
Champion Award. Not only did Forestieri
receive our local award but she is named the
State award winner and received an Apple
iPad!
This award is sponsored by the Michigan
Farm
Bureau
Agricultural
Ecology
Department. The award is given to an individual
who helps farmers protect the environment by
addressing environmental risks on their farms.
Scoring is based on experience, how the
individual shows dedication to farmers and goes
“above and beyond” to do their job successfully,
how the individual connects farmers with the
right answers, creates opportunities to gain
access to resources, people, cost-share dollars,
educational session, individual advocates
for implementation of more environmental
stewardship in our county, and leadership
experience.
Stop by and congratulate her on receiving
this GREAT award!
Van Buren FB recognizes outstanding
Young Farmers
The Van Buren County Farm Bureau
honored several Young Farmers at the 2014
annual meeting, Oct. 13.
Emily Webster was named Outstanding
Young Agricultural Leader; Kristin Kubiszak
and Ty Spicher were named this year’s
Outstanding Young Farm Employee(s). Abby
Nesbitt was honored with this year’s Excellence
in Agriculture Award. Nesbitt is a finalist and
will compete at the state level.
“These Young Farmers are the future of the
industry, and the future of our organization,”
said Tod Kubiszak, president of the Van Buren
County Farm Bureau. “It is important that we
encourage their efforts and their leadership.”
Candidates were judged on their knowledge
of current ag-related issues, progress and
achievements in the individual’s farming
enterprise, and a written application.
Local winners will vie against their peers
from across the state for one of four finalist
positions. Finalists will compete at Michigan
Farm Bureau’s 2014 Annual Meeting, Dec. 2-4,
where the winners will be announced.
Farms earns MAEAP verification
After months of hard work, the farms of
Van Buren Farm Bureau member’s earned
verification in the Michigan Agriculture
Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
on July 1.
• Carol Baber Farm
• Spicebrush Creek Farms, Rick Jelsomeno
• Stokes Blueberry Farm, Megan Stokes
• Jubilee Blueberry Farms, Russell Sullins
Representing a coalition of general farm and
commodity groups, state and federal agencies
and conservation organizations, MAEAP is
a voluntary (not regulatory) program that
helps producers protect natural resources by
implementing environmentally sound practices
to minimize on-the-farm pollution risks.
For more information about MAEAP, visit
www.maeap.org or contact Emily Reinart,
Michigan Farm Bureau’s agricultural ecology
specialist, at 517-679-5337.
Leaders Conference
February 20-22, 2015
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Acme, Michigan
with speaker
Steve Gilliland
Master Story Teller & Comedian
Registration Deadline: January 23, 2015
3
October 20, 2014
Briefly…
FFA officers tour Michigan Ag-Venture Tent visited
at the Van Buren County
Agribusinesses
Officers participating in the tour made a Fair
stop at the Van Buren County office for a
quick lunch and gained knowledge of Farm
Bureau. “This tour was vital to diversifying
our knowledge of the agriculture industry,”
said State president Alexandria Schut of the
Caledonia FFA Chapter. “Across the board,
regarding livestock and crops, our state FFA
officer team learned hard work, passion and
common sense are the tools for success.”
Summer Legislative
Dinner
The summer legislative dinner was held Aug.
18 at Dickerson’s Greenhouse in Gobles. The
dinner was well attended with over 50 Van
Buren County Farm Bureau members attended
this year event. Updates were presented by
local commissioners and state representatives
allowing time for questions. If you were unable
to attend, you missed a fantastic Porterhouse
steak dinner!
Alaga Farms Hosts
Legislative Meeting
Mike Alaga hosted a morning meeting with
our legislators. The meeting was well attended
with a large portion of the Grape Industry
growers in attendance.
This year the Ag-Venture Tent was a little
soggy from the rains in July but it didn’t stop
visitors from stopping in and learning about
Agriculture. More than 600 children went
through our exhibit this year. Thank you to all
our volunteers that made this a successful year.
Van Buren County
Scholarship Award
Winners
This year, Van Buren County Farm Bureau
awarded two $500 college scholarships to
Elizabeth Ritchie of Decatur and Emily
Webster of Paw Paw.
Ritchie graduated from Decatur High School
and is currently attending Grand Valley State
University. She is seeking a degree in Doctorate
of Veterinary Medicine.
Webster is a graduate of Mattawan High
School and is attending Michigan State
University (Go GREEN). She is seeking a
degree in animal science and agribusiness
management preparing for a career in public
relations or sales and marketing within the
agriculture industry.
Congratulations to our two outstanding
Scholarship award winners.
Vote for Clinton County farmer!
Finalist in national ‘Face of
Farming’ search
Cast your vote Oct. 24-Nov. 2 for Clinton
County dairy farmer Carla Wardin, one of eight
finalists in a nationwide search for the next
‘Face of Farming and Ranching,’
a contest sponsored by the U.S.
Farmers & Ranchers Alliance
(USFRA). The winner will
take a national stage of media
interviews, public appearances
and other special events to share
with consumers how food is
grown and raised.
Voting can be done at
USFRA’s Facebook Page or
www.fooddialogues.com/Faces.
Both sites feature profiles of all
eight finalists, including videos
highlighting their farm operations. The public is
encouraged to vote for whomever they feel best
represents the farmers and ranchers nationwide
who work every day to feed the world.
Wardin lives and farms near St. Johns
alongside her husband Kris and their three
young boys. The family’s
Evergreen Dairy, Inc. has a
milking herd of 300 cows that
graze irrigated pasture; they raise
most of the herd’s feed on 750
acres of cropland.
A
passionate,
seasoned
‘agvocate,’ Wardin is an
accomplished
master
of
harnessing the power of social
media to spread her agricultural
gospel. Her popular Truth or
Dairy blog offers a down-toearth perspective on routine life
on the farm—a perspective she
also shares with the Michigan Ag Council.
Support ‘Friends
of Agriculture’
Nov. 4!
Show your support of AgriPac-endorsed
candidates at the general election, Nov. 4.
Here’s a list of the “Friends of Agriculture”
in your county:
Governor
• Rick Snyder (R)
Lieutenant Governor
• Brian Calley (R)
Attorney General
• Bill Schuette (R)
Secretary of State
• Ruth Johnson (R)
MI Supreme Court
• Justice Brian Zahra
• Justice David Viviano
• Judge James Robert Redford
MSU Board of Trustees
• Faylene Owen (D)
• Melanie Foster (R)
Board of Regents- U of M
• Rob Steele (R)
U.S. Senate
• Terri Lynn Land (R)
State House
• 66- Aric Nesbitt (R)
State Senate
26- Tonya Schuitmaker (R)
U.S. House
• 6- Fred Upton (R)
Farmers and ranchers from across the nation
applied for the honor; the other finalists are
Erin Brenneman of Iowa, Jay Hill of New
Mexico, Carrie Mess of Wisconsin, Thomas
Titus of Illinois, Jessica Potter of Colorado, and
Texans Darrell Glaser and Brian Jones.
The winner will be announced Nov. 12 at
the National Association of Farm Broadcasting
Convention in Kansas City.
USFRA consists of more than 80 farmer-led
organizations and industry partners from across
agriculture, all working to reach consumers
curious about modern food production. The
organization is committed to continuously
improving and supporting farmers’ efforts
to increase confidence and trust in American
agriculture.
Visit www.fooddialogues.com/Faces for
more information, and follow the conversation
online at @USFRA #FoodD.
4
It’s not too late to help elect
Friends of Agriculture!
Don’t miss the Lansing
Legislative Seminar!
The general election is less than a month
away and Farm Bureau-endorsed Friends
of Agriculture are in the home stretch of
campaign season. The race isn’t over for
candidates until the polls close on Nov. 4
and that means there is still plenty of time
for Farm Bureau members to help Friends
of Agriculture experience success.
Here are five easy ways you can help:
1. Promote Friends of Agriculture via
social media
2. Volunteer for a candidate’s campaign
by walking in parades, going door-todoor, participating in phone banks
and helping to register people to vote
3. Put yard signs up on your farm and in
prominent, high traffic areas
Join us Feb. 25 for the annual Lansing Legislative
Seminar—your opportunity for face-to-face
discussion with Michigan legislative and regulatory
leaders. Farm Bureau staff will provide information
and examples to help you give elected officials an
accurate picture of how Farm Bureau policy reflects
issues facing agriculture today.
Many issues being considered by the Michigan
Legislature directly and/or indirectly impact
Michigan agriculture. Members should be prepared
to continue communicating Farm Bureau policy
with their elected officials and nurturing those
relationships. Don’t miss this exciting event!
Attendees will enjoy a luncheon and legislative
reception with issue briefings and award presentations.
For more information, contact your county Farm
Bureau or visit www.michfb.com/mi/lls for program
details. Registration deadline is Jan. 30!
4. Invite Friends of Agriculture to
county Farm Bureau events
5. VOTE! Exercising your right to vote
is the easiest way to do your part to
ensure ag-friendly candidates get
elected
Visit MFB’s endorsements page, www.
michfb.com/mi/endorsements, for a list
of candidates designated as Friends of
Agriculture by the Michigan Farm Bureau
AgriPac Committee.
Homeowner tips for Fall
FROM FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
As fall kicks off, it’s important to prepare your
home for the season—and weather—ahead.
Preventative maintenance now will save money
on expensive emergency repairs and wasted
energy costs and enhance your home’s value and
appeal. When the chilly weather approaches,
you and your home will be ready.
Interior Maintenance
• Check for drafts around windows and
doors. Replace seals and repair caulking
as necessary. Hire an HVAC professional
to inspect your furnace for leaks, check
efficiency and air safety by testing for
carbon monoxide. Stock up on extra air
filters and change them often.
• Winterize air conditioners. If your home
has central air, cover the outdoor unit
for winter. Otherwise, remove or cover
window units to prevent air leaks.
• Buy a programmable thermostat. Lower
temperatures at night and when you’re
gone can result in substantial cost savings.
• Test home safety devices. Replace smoke
detector and carbon monoxide device
batteries and verify they work properly.
• Clean humidifiers; replace old filters and
clean inside compartments.
Exterior Maintenance
• Perform a visual inspection of your roof
or, if you’re able and can do so safely,
climb up for a better view. Look for
missing, damaged or loose shingles.
Remove debris from a flat roof.
• Check the chimney and fireplace.
Have your wood-burning fireplace
professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Stock up dry firewood and store covered
away from the home for safety reasons.
• Inspect siding for cracks or holes. Repair
them yourself or hire a professional.
• Clean the gutters yourself or hire a
professional. Remove leaves, nests and
debris from gutters and check for leaks.
• Check water drainage. Downspouts
should be clear of obstructions and guide
water away from foundations, walkways
and driveways.
• Reinforce windows and doors. Remove
screens and install storm windows/doors.
• Drain garden hoses and disconnect from
outside spigots. Shut off exterior faucets
and store hoses in a dry place so residual
A Publication of the Van Buren County Farm Bureau
water won’t freeze.
• Service sprinklers and irrigation system.
Have irrigation systems drained and have
a professional perform any necessary
repairs and mark sprinkler heads near
snow removal areas.
• Inspect trees for limbs that may break or
are too close to power lines or the roof.
• Trim landscaping. Cut back bushes,
shrubs and flowers for Michigan climates.
• Bring in flowerpots. If you keep plants or
flowers in pots year-round, bring them
inside. If you replace plants annually,
empty, clean and dry pots for next spring.
• Plant bulbs. If you plant bulbs for spring,
now’s the time to get them in the ground.
• Rake and remove leaves from the yard for
compost or bag for community pick up.
Check local requirements and pick up
schedules.
• Applying fall lawn fertilizer will help
prevent winter damage and spring weeds.
Ask a local garden center or check online
for fertilizer type and when to apply.
• Clean and store seasonal outdoor
furniture in a dry place over winter.
Remove and clean cushions.
• Close the pool. If you have a pool,
schedule a service to close it for the
season or buy supplies and do it yourself.
Find more tips for fall on the Michigan Farm
Bureau website, www.michfb.com.