November/December 2008 Volume 35, Issue 5 < President’s report < Texas couple honored the oice < 2009 officers elected

We can do it together! < V Committee reports < Affiliate, industry news Convention programs address StART panel addresses domestic issues international and domestic issues Topics of taxes, immigration, border security, Convention programs provided Agri- climate change and property rights were Women with outstanding lifelong addressed by a panel of four experts. learning opportunities. Drawing upon Taxes continue to gain headlines their research, personal and professional daily as our country faces economic experiences, convention speakers addressed challenges. Tom Wright, representing timely issues of international cooperation, Americans for Fair Taxation described global climate change, property rights, the FAIRTAX proposal that has been taxes and immigration. drawing interest from citizens nationwide. A panel of rural women from Canada, Wright explained that the FAIRTAX is Mexico, and the U.S. keynoted the a nonpartisan proposal that replaces all second annual International Summit. federal income and payroll taxes with a Brenda Lammens and Susan Fitzgerald, progressive tax on consumption (national farm women from Ontario, Canada, and retail sales tax). It includes cash “prebate” Ana Bella Blankenship, a rancher from that ensures no American pays federal Tampico, Mexico, Cheryl Day, Illinois, and taxes on their spending for essential goods Diana Westmoreland-Pedrozo, California, Susan Fitzgerald (L) and Brenda and services up to the poverty level. If addressed issues affecting agriculture in Lammens (R), Ontario, Canada, on the enacted, the 16th amendment would be their countries. Panelists were highly panel at the international summit. repealed and federal income taxes would informed and presented honest and  Feeding our populations and building be no more. It is projected to raise the straightforward responses from their own our agriculture economies are same amount of revenues as the current experiences. dependent upon free trade, monitored system with much lower marginal rates. Questions addressed were: but not closed borders, common Biosecurity, immigration, and drug standards for product safety, inspection Trade—Who and what is the main trafficking all play a part in the concerns market for products? How do you assure and labeling. of U.S. citizens for border security. Mario product quality? Are products inspected?  Farm size in both Canada and the U.S. Villarreal, Assistant Chief, McAllen, TX How often? is increasing while farm population Sector of the Border patrol described what NAFTA—Does it work? What are the is declining. Agricultural labor is a is happening on the U.S./Mexico border. impacts? problem in all countries. He praised border patrol staff that carry out their duties 24/7 in a dangerous and Border Security/Labor/Immigration—  NAFTA impacts prices, allows for free challenging work environment. Patrol Are these concerns? movement, and common rules and staff relies on both physical barriers and regulations can create stability. One Rural Viability—What is happening to high tech tools in their work to keep the of the biggest concerns is inequity of the rural culture? Socioeconomic issues? border secure. Environment—What are the concerns? government subsidies. Dan Byfield, president of American Land What are the “hot topics”?  Border security can mean different Foundation, demonstrated proof that things depending where you live and Some key “take home messages” from the the government is going forward with the day-to-day impact on your own panel and follow-up discussion were: the Trans-Texas Corridor superhighway, enterprise. Canada especially needs which will eventually connect Canada, the  U.S., Canadian, and Mexican more workers in all ag sectors. agriculture is very interdependent. United States and Mexico as the NAFTA Thousands of agriculture products  Many Mexican citizens are seeking job Superhighway. According to Byfield, while either raw or processed move across opportunities in the U.S. and Canada. the idea may be good in theory to move our borders daily. Convention continued to page 5 Panel continued to page 6 Page 2 American Agri-Women earlier this year, the opposite is true for Executive Committee 8 GMA’s members. A box of Wheaties President Marcie Williams President’s Report and a loaf of bread are still as expensive 11404 Appleton Road as when price hikes took hold because Croton, OH 43013 AAW Phone: 740-893-2624 food companies are pocketing the profit Home Phone: 740-893-4300 instead of passing their savings along to Fax: 740-893-4003 Marcie Williams grocery shoppers. [email protected] AAW President There has been one bright light coming 1st Vice Chris Wilson from this. Wanda Kinney sent me a flyer President 2103 Zeandale Road Resolutions Manhattan, KS 66502 from the Thriftway Super Markets in Phone: 785-539-7899 her area of Kansas. They have 47 stores Holiday greetings to everyone! What [email protected] in the area. Inside the front cover was a an exciting and educational annual Vice Pres. Arlene Kovash red circle with the words “If you ate a meeting we all had in San Antonio. The Commun. 11425 Pedee Creek Road meal today, Thank a farmer.” Wanda says. Monmouth, OR 97361 Texas ladies did an outstanding job and “It’s not Broadway but our foot is finally Phone: 503-838-3512 deserve our warmest appreciation. The in one door at least.” She wrote a letter communications@ quality of speakers was superb with americanagriwomen.org to the advertising director thanking many new businesses attending the trade him and said she would appreciate this Vice Pres. Pamela Sweeten show and their organizers wanting to continuing, as well as putting a logo and Education 9486 Tegnew Road join AAW. The Champagne Cowboys Hilmar, CA 95324 ad on the store grocery bags. We can and live auction were bright spots in Phone: 209-606-1418 only hope but as Wanda said, “We’re in [email protected] the Saturday evening banquet. Those the door.” Thanks, Wanda, for sharing cowboys sure know how to make the Secretary Cheryl E. Day that with us. champagne flow! With the vocal efforts 3509 County Line Road Thanksgiving was a wonderful time to Cerro Gordo, IL 61818 of Merlynn Verstuyft’s auctioneering, Phone: 217-763-9907 AAW made some added money from share with your friends the source of the Fax: 217-763-6010 some really outstanding items. I’m food for their meal. Did you? AFBF’s [email protected] not too sure but I think some were 23rd annual informal price survey of Treasurer Carolyn Kleiber even purchased by phone bidding. classic items found on the Thanksgiving PO Box 111 My hat’s off to Merlynn but I have to Day dinner table indicated the average Hillsboro, KS 67063 recommend she keep her day job. cost of this year’s feast for 10 was $44.61, Phone: 620-947-3094 a $2.35 price increase from last year’s Fax: 620-947-2476 It was wonderful to see Texas Agri- [email protected] average of $42.26. With all the hoop-la Women president Shirley Wilde and of food versus fuel, high commodity Past President Yvonne Erickson husband Lawrence make the Saturday 34115 County Hwy 74 prices and even higher fuel prices evening dinner. Lawrence had been Battle Lake, MN 56515 we only had an increase of $2.35. We hospitalized earlier in the week, just Phone: 218-495-2867 are American farmers and ranchers, Fax: 218-495-2659 when Shirley was getting started with providers of the safest, most abundant pastpresident@ preparations for the meeting. The week and most economical food supply in the americanagriwomen.org must have been long for both of them AAW Web Site: www.americanagriwomen.org world. Stand proud! but Lawrence is a trooper and they both AAW Email: [email protected] enjoyed the post tour on Sunday. Our Christmas blessings to every one of you The Voice is published in February, April, June, evening meal at Barbara and Jimmy this holiday season. A star shines over a August, October, and December by American Steidinger’s ranch was a glowing success nativity scene at my home and Christ Agri-Women as a service to members. Deadline complete with deer in the fields and a will be on my Christmas cards. I hope is the 15th of the month before each issue is your holiday season means as much to published. Articles and suggestions are always spectacular Texan sunset. Thank you so welcomed by: much ladies for a glorious time in Texas. you as mine does to me. Glad tidings to you all and I’ll see you next year. Editor Juanita Reed-Boniface I saw that Sen. Chuck Grassley (R- 2462 Lake George Drive NW IA) recently penned a letter to the Marcie Cedar, MM 55011 Grocery Manufacturers of America Phone: 763-753-4636 [email protected] (GMA) demanding one of two things: cheaper food on the shelves or an —or— apology for unfairly blaming ethanol Vice Pres. Arlene Kovash and grain producers for higher retail Commun. (contact info listed above) [email protected] food prices. Unfortunately I don’t look for that to happen soon. We are Please send address changes to: Carolyn Kleiber, Membership Chair all aware that while our markets have (contact info listed above) fallen dramatically from what they were [email protected] <<

2007 Leaven Award presented By Arlene Kovash Four outstanding American Agri-Women involved with agriculture throughout (AAW) members received AAW’s highest her entire life, starting with supportive honor, the LEAVEN Award. LEAVEN parents who taught her how to work and is an acronym for “Loyalty, Enthusiasm, live on a farm. She started as a ten-year Anticipatory, Valiant, Effectiveness, and member of 4-H, an active member of Nurturing,” and these four women have FFA, winning the State FFA Degree, and these attributes. also a founding member of the Collegiate They are Heather Hampton-Knodle, a FFA while in college. She has a degree in member of Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) Agriculture Journalism and a minor in from Fillmore, Illinois; Jean Meyer, a Russian studies, and her employment has member of North Dakota Agri-Women always been associated with agriculture. (NDAW) from York, North Dakota; Heather has served IAW as secretary Leaven Award winners (L-R) Heather Barb Overlie, a member of Minnesota and president, and is now Consumer Hampton-Knodle, Illinois, Jean Meyer, Agri-Women (MAW) from Lake Crystal, Education chair for AAW. She belongs North Dakota, and Barb Overlie, Minnesota; and Pat Roberts, an Oregon to the Illinois Pork Producers and Farm Minnesota. Not pictured is Pat Roberts, Women for Agriculture (OWA) member Bureau, started the Montgomery County Oregon. from Shedd, Oregon. Economic Development Council, writes and is an extremely effective leader and Heather Hampton-Knodle has been testimony for state and nation hearings, advocate for agriculture. She married her farmer husband in 1996 and they have then became a lobbyist for agriculture three young sons. Texas couple honored with the Texas Farm Bureau and later Jean Meyer learned about North Dakota with Veritas Award with the Farm Credit Bank of Texas, Agri-Women in 1986 and promptly where the American Land Foundation became an active member. She has served By Arlene Kovash was founded in 1994. With over 20 years as NDAW president, vice-president, and experience fighting for property rights in secretary, as well as well as multiple terms the Texas and New Mexico legislatures, as NDAW Lake Region chapter president court houses, and our nation’s capitol, and secretary. She is also very involved Byfield has challenged the Endangered in North Dakota Pork Producers, North Species Act all the way to the U.S. Dakota Angus Association, and Farmers Supreme Court. Union activities. Margaret Byfield is executive director of Jean is an excellent role model for women Stewards of the Range. She is the daughter of all ages. She has received the first of Wayne and Jean Hage and became Durum Triangle Farm Woman of the Year involved in the property rights movement in 1990, was selected as the Red River after her parents filed Hage v. United Valley Farm Woman of the Year, and was AAW President Marcie Williams (L) States in the Federal Court of Claims—a first runner-up as the 1994 Country congratulated Dan and Margaret seventeen-year-long court battle which Woman sponsored by Farm and Ranch Byfield, 2008 Veritas Award winners. has resulted in the most significant Fifth Guide. Jean and her husband of 52 years, Amendment victory for property owners Bernard, work on their small family American Agri-Women (AAW) presented in the past decade. She launched the farm, raising grains, livestock, and a swine their highest honor, the Veritas Award, to first office of Stewards of the Range farrowing operation. Texas couple Dan and Margaret Byfield. out of her home in Idaho in 1992, and The Veritas Award is given to individuals Barb Overlie has been a loyal and recently moved the headquarters to Texas. who have been public witness to the active member of both Minnesota and The organization now has over 5000 “pursuit of truth” in accordance with American Agri-Women at all levels. She active members and 15,000 supporters the principles expressed in the AAW has served as president, 1st vice-president nationwide. She has been involved in statement of philosophy. Of specific and treasurer of MAW and has chaired many grassroots efforts to stop national interest are personalities of importance to many committees over the years. She is anti-property rights proposals, and more agriculture, or responsible media coverage currently serving as AAW Energy Chair. recently has helped develop the local of agricultural issues and events. strategies program with her husband, Dan, Barb is known for her enthusiasm and Dan Byfield is president of American and the president of Stewards, Fred Kelly energy and is up for anything. She Land Foundation. Byfield became Grant, that teaches the “coordination” has helped plan national conventions, involved in property rights issues after strategy to local leaders, giving them the state meetings, legislative forums and graduating from law school and taking a tools to protect their property and way of Minnesota’s Leadership Conference. In position at the Texas capitol in 1987. He life at the local level. . Leaven Award continued to page 5 Page 4 November/December 2008 <<< serving Officers elected for 2009 Reed-Boniface named clients in the editor of The Voice agriculture industry. American Agri-Women (AAW) welcomes They are Juanita Reed-Boniface of Oak Grove, active Minnesota, as editor of their national volunteers in newsletter, The Voice of American Agri- a number of Women. agricultural Juanita is a member of AAW and recently organizations, became more involved in the national fairs and events. organization. “After being a member in Pictured (L-R) are Yvonne Erickson, Juanita is a beef producer, a partner Minnesota for several years, this position MN past president; Carolyn Kleiber, in Boeckenhauer Cattle at Ainsworth, will provide me an opportunity to work KS, treasurer; Arlene Kovash, OR, vice Nebraska; a family owned and operated in a new role with the organization,” she president, communications; Marcie enterprise for four generations. said. Williams, OH, president; Chris Wilson, A Nebraska ranch/farm girl, University Juanita has received many honors over KS, vice president, vital issues; Cheryl of Nebraska graduate, Juanita has lived in the years, including National 4-H Hall of Day, IL, secretary; Pamela Sweeten, CA, Minnesota since 1962 where she served Fame Laureate, Minnesota Cattlewoman vice president, education. on the University of Minnesota 4-H of the Year, and Minnesota Agri-Women’s faculty as an extension specialist. Juanita Outstanding Agricultural Mentor Award American Agri-Women (AAW) elected has had extensive training and experience among other state and national 4-H Pamela Sweeten of Hilmar, California, as in journalism, news and curriculum awards. She and Dick were inducted into vice president of education and Cheryl writing during her years as an extension the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame in Day of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, as secretary educator. She has been coordinator and 2004, the first couple to be honored in at their annual meeting in San Antonio in newsletter writer for the Minnesota the service category. November. Foundation for Responsible Animal Juanita replaces Arlene Kovash, an Oregon Sweeten is a field buyer for private Care, and feature writer for Minnesota Women for Agriculture member who has marketing organizations, primarily and American National Cattlewomen’s edited and published The Voice for thirteen almonds. She is president of the Stanis newsletters. years. Arlene is now vice president of County Chapter of California Women Her husband Dick worked for North communications for American Agri- for Agriculture and has served on several Central Wool Marketing Cooperative as Women and will be advising Juanita in committees through the years. She is also field service, public relations director and her new role. . chair of the Specialty Crops Committee editor of the company paper. Currently Editor’s Note: A BIG Agri-Women THANK for AAW. She is also active in Farm Bureau they work together in their educational YOU to Arlene for her years of service! and the Hilmar Covenant Church. consulting business, JRB Associates, Inc. Day is a third generation agriculture producer from Central Illinois. She along American-Agri Women look forward to with her husband Mike and two children Sierra and Chayton raise corn, soybeans, working with Obama administration and registered Angus Cattle on their American Agri-Women congratulated As the transition takes shape, AAW directors farm. She earned her Bachelor of Science Barack Obama on winning the 2008 and members will begin working within degree in Ag-Business from Illinois State presidential election. This historic election the Obama administration on issues critical University in 1995. will bring new faces and ideas in a dramatic to our industry’s future and viability. Even at an early age agriculture has been transition that will present changes in The agriculture industry is a vital part of a primary focus for Day. She specializes in policies and priorities. American Agri- the overall economy and President-elect agriculture water issues and orchestrates Women is looking forward to being a Obama has made it clear that the economic campaigns for various organizations. In part of a process that sifts through and challenges that America is facing are his top addition to her agriculture enterprise, Day eliminates the chaff and sustains the critical priority. The changes AAW seeks to include freelances as an agricultural communicator components of federal programs, agency are a new approach to international trade and currently is employed as the Executive appointments and conservation decisions. and more competitive domestic markets Director for the Illinois Association of AAW members are eager to work with the with an emphasis on supporting products Drainage Districts. Cheryl is also involved new administration on critical food safety and goods produced in the U.S. in several other organizations. including and national security issues and pledge to AAW will do what we can to support Illinois Agri-Women, Illinois Angus work diligently to help move this country programs that will benefit both farmers and Association, American Angus Association, and the US agricultural industry forward. consumers. . Officers continued to page 5 <<

Leaven continued from page 3 addition to her work in AAW and MAW, she is on the American Soybean Board, educating children and adults about the importance and uses of soybeans in their diets. She has also spearheaded international efforts to increase soybean product use in other countries. In addition to working extensively in mentoring younger members, Barb has also served as a church youth leader for Pictured at the convention (L-R) are Cheryl Day, Illinois, Diana Westmoreland- years, taking them all over the country and Pedrozo, California, and Ana Belle Blankenship Tampico, Mexico. to different parts of the world on mission population were common themes trips. Convention continued from page 1  Rural vitality is largely dependent on expressed by the panelists. Pat Roberts is a charter member of the rural/urban interface. “Where are  Environment-Water or lack of is Oregon Women for Agriculture and served we going to plant people and where currently the biggest issue. The impact as OWA treasurer for six years, updating are we going to plant food?” is a of the Clean Water Act in the U.S., and making significant changes to the question in many areas. competing areas of water use and financial records so that members could easily understand them. She is a hands on  Urban density, the high price of land, phosphorus use were cited as common concerns. member who has initiated many valuable increased regulation, negative attitudes programs such as the Crop ID Sign about children going into agriculture, In summary, the countries of the North project to educate people on the highways shortage of medical services, school America need to “stick together” and about what is growing in the fields, and financing and an aging farm continue to address these vital issues. . establishing a scholarship endowment fund in her county which today has over $45,000. She helped organize a recent trip to India for OWA members and was the Time to make plans for Mid-Year event guest speaker at the last county Women for Illinois Agri-Women are excited to be  Complimentary airport shuttle Agriculture annual meeting to tell about it. your host for Mid-Year. The event will  Complimentary shuttle within a five be held April 3-5, 2009 at the Doubletree Pat has always been aware of the need mile radius including the very short Westport Hotel, 900 Westport Plaza St. to educate the public about agriculture. jaunt 2 blocks to Westport Plaza Louis, MO, www.doubletree.com She has hosted teachers for Oregon’s  Complimentary parking supporting Summer Ag Institute and has hosted ten Make your hotel reservation by March large vehicles International Foreign Youth Education 5, 2009. Call the Doubletree Westport students and adults from all over the world  Wireless Internet is available for small Hotel at 1-314-434-0100 and ask for the interested in learning about agriculture, fee but free in public areas; Business American Agri-Women Block. as well as regularly volunteering in the Center is available  Room Rates $89.00 flat rate for Oregon Wheat Booth at the Oregon State one King or two Queen beds, coffee  Westport Plaza, just next door, includes Fair. 15 restaurants, specialty shops, comedy makers, refrigerators, hair dryers, and Pat is involved with her community in club, and dance clubs irons other ways, also. She has served as the A personalized web page with complete choir director, pianist, and treasurer at her hotel and shuttle information will be Officers continued from page 4 church, and shares her cooking ability for established by the Doubletree. Look different activities throughout the year. and Macon County 4-H leader. Day is for the link in the AAW President’s Her apple pie sold for more than $200 the current president of Illinois Agri- E-Newsletter and AAW website. at a recent Agriculture In The Classroom Women and Water Resource Chair of the AAW members, who are driving to St. auction. American Agri Women. Louis and passing through Illinois, are Pat and her husband Norman Coon President, Marcie Williams of Croton, welcome to join IAW carpools to St. were very involved with their farm, OH; Vice President of Vital Issues, Chris Louis. If you would like to join us, please seven grandchildren, travel, community Wilson of Manhattan, KS; Vice President contact Cheryl Day at 217-763-9907 or activities, and church. Sadly, after 49 years of Communications, Arlene Kovash of [email protected] in advance so we can of marriage Norman was killed in a car Monmouth, OR; and Treasurer, Carolyn make the proper arrangements. . accident. In 2007 she married Jim Roberts Klieber of Hillsboro, KS; will be serving and is still actively involved in agriculture for another year. . and her community. . Page 6 November/December 2008 <<< 2008 Convention Notes8

Oregon Agri-Women gave a rousing, but gracious invitation to the 2009 annual convention which will be November 11-14, in Salem, OR.

Panel continued from page 1 Thank you to our Todd Staples, Texas Commissioner goods and services in a consolidated and of Agriculture pictured with Marcie efficient manner, there are many “red flag” corporate sponsors! Williams was another convention guest. Todd stressed the importance issues-dealing with water, private property Platinum Donors ($25,000 or more) acquisition and use and government of agriculture and youth to our nation. CCI Marketing control. “Too few people know the value Syngenta of agriculture in today’s economy. Dr. Robert Balling, Jr climatologist Agriculture is life, and it does not stop and professor in the Department of Gold Donors ($5,000-$24,000) at the rural boundaries of America,” he Geography at Arizona State University Association Resources and said. “The real strength of America is addressed “A Climate of Doubt About Communications people. America’s promise needs to be Global Warming.” In his PowerPoint Nationwide Agribusiness fulfilled by each generation. Kids need presentation, Dr. Balling pointed out New Holland to get the message, YOU CAN!” that many messages in the media and in political arenas have created skepticism Monsanto about our climate. Long-term climate Silver Donors ($1,000-$4,999) change is driven by many forces some that are unknown. Records show that we AAW Resource Center do have cycles of climate; for example, American Council of Life Insurers in the 1930’s, the persistent tendency American Petroleum Institute toward warm weather raised the question Bayer Crop Science of climate change. In contrast, the cooler Carnival Cruiseline weather patterns in 1975 raised the Council for Biotechnology Info opposite question. According to Balling, “the latest statistics on global climate Crop Life America change show that the world has only Deere & Company warmed one degree over the last century.” Farm Credit In his closing remarks, he urged us to be J.R. Simplot Company informed and replace skepticism with Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative common sense. The Farm Credit Council Eds note: AAW leadership is to be commended The Fertilizer Institute for addressing these critical StART issues and President Marcie Williams conducts helping members gain information and scientific Bronze Donors ($500-$999) business meeting. research that will help each of us to become a American for Secure Retirement more critical thinker and informed decision- Association of Equipment Manufacturers maker. . <<investment in qualifying disasters that have hit the U.S. this year. become the age industry’s program for the property hits $800,000. Both new and The “Farm Bill” passed this year training and development of leaders from used property qualifies for the expensing with a variety of tax provisions. An organizations that advocate for the interests election. important one for those with CRP of U.S. production agriculture. Syngenta contracts clarifies the treatment of CRP currently partners with nine associations The bonus first year depreciation is also back for another round. This is similar payments for self-employment purposes. to conduct Leadership At Its Best training Beginning in 2008, if you are drawing initiatives. to the bonus first-year depreciation deduction following 9/11. You may social security benefits and also have a This program is designed as an opportunity take an immediate deduction of 50% of CRP contract, the CRP payments are for association leaders, especially those the adjusted basis of qualified property not subject to self-employment tax. new to leadership roles, to enhance skills purchased and placed in service after If you are not drawing social security necessary for establishing an organization December 31, 2007, and before January benefits, even if you do not participate vision, energizing members and representing 1, 2009. For most taxpayers this would in taking care of your CRP ground, you the organization to the public. Program be the 2008 tax year. will still pay self-employment tax on it. participants receive specialized training in the Another provision increases the amount following areas: Most property qualifies if it is eligible for the modified accelerated cost a farmer can elect for optimal self-  The organization’s mission and priorities recovery system, or MACRS, with a employment tax, allowing an operating  Effective association leadership depreciation period of 20 years or less. farmer with sufficient gross income,  Business etiquette for leaders From a farm or ranch standpoint, that even those whose net income may be negative, to pay into social security for  Interpersonal communication styles takes in machinery and equipment, disability, old age and survivor benefits.  Energized public speaking grain bins, machine sheds, and other MACRS property with no more than a In addition to the “bailout” or financial  Communicating through news media 20-year depreciation period. The bonus rescue provisions in the bill that sped American Agri-Women has been a long- depreciation is available only for new through Congress in early October, time partner in this program. Members are “original use” property. that legislation included a variety of encouraged to apply for this opportunity The Housing Act provides a refundable “extenders” for tax provisions due to Watch for further details from President credit of up to $7500 for first time expire, a package of energy benefits Marcie Williams or send inquiries to home buyers (defined as one who has and another one-year “patch” for the president@americanagriwomen. . alternative minimum tax. . Annual Business Meeting  Received credentials report: 176  Approved 2009 proposed budget  Accepted report for logo design; attendees, 116 voting members  Elected resource center directors committee authorized to determine  Acknowledged new members in Peggy Clark, Ohio copyrighting and other legalities of new California, Oregon, Minnesota, Texas, Rosemary Eckardt, Wisconsin design North Dakota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Trenna Grabowski, Illinois  Accepted 2008-2010 Policy and Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Montana,  Elected nominating committee Procedure Manual Michigan, Oklahoma, and Florida Sue McCrum, Maine  Approved bylaw revisions in Article IV  Heard report from Resource Center Carol Chandler, California Officers and Elections, Section 2 . President; 90 scholarships totaling Vicki Coughlin, Wisconsin $39,000 have been given since 1993 Merlynn Verstuyft, Texas Page 8 November/December 2008 <<< Affiliate News8 We are Angus — the American Angus Auxiliary Plan to make the auxiliary stronger, young men and five young women at increase membership the 2009 National Junior Angus Show. Six regional directors were elected at First place recipients will receive $1,700, the past annual meeting to assist with second place $1,600, third place $1,500, growing and developing the auxiliary. fourth place $1,400 and fifth place $1,300. The regional directors will work to Information regarding the auxiliary update the auxiliary’s membership list, scholarships can be found on the auxiliary assist with beginning new state auxiliaries, website at www.angusauxiliary.com. and work with existing state auxiliaries Scholarship funds for our Angus juniors By Michelle Rieff, President to assist them in recruiting and retaining are provided by through funds raised Bentonville, Arkansas members. If you are interested in learning by many Angus supporters. One such “Service is the rent we pay to be living. more about the auxiliary, please contact a supporter is Sheri Spader of Missouri It is the very purpose of life and not just regional director, a national officer or visit who provided the auxiliary with the something you do in your spare time.” the website for information. We welcome “Gift of the Horse,” Blue, a registered Marion Edelman on board our new six regional directors! Quarter horse. The horse was presented Their contact information can be found to the auxiliary by the Spader family in What exactly does the American on the American Angus Auxiliary website celebration of the life of past American Angus Auxiliary do? at www.angusauxiliary.com. Angus Association Executive Vice When I think of the American Angus Meet the regional directors and the President Richard L. “Dick” Spader. The Auxiliary the word service comes to states they represent: proceeds from the sale of the horse will be mind. It is the mission of the auxiliary to donated to the American Angus Auxiliary offer individuals interested in the welfare Region 1 scholarship fund to ensure future of the Angus breed the opportunity to Mary K. Vejraska, Washington scholarships for Angus youth. (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, work together to provide educational, The American Angus Auxiliary will offer promotional and social programs and Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona Hawaii, Alaska) Blue at the Phil Trowbridge Family and activities. The auxiliary’s primary purpose Friends Invitational Sale at the Brown is to recognize Angus youth for their Region 2 Palace Hotel in Denver at 7:00 p.m. accomplishments, support the American Annie Landry Viator, Texas on Wednesday, January 14, during the Angus Association, and to promote Angus (Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma) National Western Stock Show. beef. The auxiliary sponsors scholarships Region 3 to ten Angus youth graduating from Angus Sale Barn Lynne Hinrichsen, Kansas high school, sponsors the Janet Castle (Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Proceeds from our Angus Sale Barn are Crystal Awards, Silver Pitcher Awards, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska) used to finance the auxiliary’s educational NJAS Showmanship contest awards, programs and awards. The Angus Sale Richard L. Spader Extemporaneous Region 4 Barn can be found in Louisville during Speaking Award (Senior Division), Miss Martha Holshouser, North Carolina the North American International American Angus, the Certified Angus (Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Livestock Exposition at the Angus Beef Cook-Off, The Black Kettle Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, headquarters hotel and also in the trade Award, Pat Grote Extemporaneous South Carolina, Georgia, Florida) show at the National Junior Angus Show. Speaking Award (Intermediate Division), Region 5 You can always shop online at the Angus Achievement Awards, and the Pat Grote Leslie Mindemann, Wisconsin Sale Barn. Simply go to the website! Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Please join us Conference (LEAD Conference) Ohio, Kentucky) Scholarship. If you are not currently a member of the Region 6 American Angus Auxiliary, we invite you Strong base of volunteers Cortney Hill-Dukehart, Maryland to join us to help promote Angus youth Auxiliary programs are successful because (Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, and Angus cattle. Now is the time to join of the strong base of volunteers that Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, the American Angus Auxiliary! Annual give generously of their time and talents Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, dues are $10 and lifetime dues are $100. to promote Angus and Angus youth. Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Membership forms are available from These women are the foundation of the Virginia, District of Columbia) membership chairperson, Pam Patterson auxiliary. We thank them and their other Scholarship Funds & Fundraisers at 123 Patterson Ranch Road, Columbus, committee members for their service. MT 59019 and forms are also on our Members provide the volunteer hours to The auxiliary scholarship program benefits make it happen. outstanding Angus youth. Scholarships totaling $15,000 will be awarded to five Am. Angus Aux. continued to page 12 <<export levels of grain, dollar is for the off-farm costs of food such woes of the past couple of months, the meat, and other food products. Even though as labor, marketing, processing, wholesaling, “food vs. fuel” debate was one of the hot the commodity prices had risen dramatically, distribution, and retailing. Based on a 2007 political issues heading into the 2008 the “net cost” of the food imports from the study, rising oil prices had more than twice election. In recent weeks, those issues U.S. was much less due to the weaker value the impact on retail food prices, compared have again surfaced at the national level. of the dollar. Some countries, such as China, to a comparable increase in corn prices. Some major organizations, members of the Russia, and Argentina, placed restrictions In 2008, worldwide ethanol production is national news media, and a few members of on grain exports leaving their countries, expected to be approximately 16.2 billion Congress have blamed the rapid expansion which actually made available world grain gallons, which is equivalent to 1 million of ethanol production in the United States supplies even tighter. The two commodities barrels per day of oil production. About as the primary cause of significant increases most affected by the export restrictions half of the world ethanol production, or in food costs, food shortages in third world were wheat and rice, which are the two approximately 8 billion gallons will be countries, and many other problems around most common grains used for direct food produced in the U.S., who along with Brazil the world. These claims were based on the production and consumption in much of the account for most of the global ethanol fact that the price of corn doubled in two world. production. Some estimates have indicated years to $6.00-$7.00 per bushel in July, and There are also some “bigger picture” trends that gasoline prices in the U.S. would that there could be potential shortages of that are contributing to the current rising currently be 20-25 percent higher without corn. Some were calling for the U.S. to relax food costs and demand for grain worldwide. ethanol production. One overlooked factor standards for utilization of renewable fuels, For years, we have talked about the rapidly in ethanol production is that the ethanol and to eliminate all federal government developing economies in China, India, only utilizes only a small portion of the corn support for the ethanol industry in the U.S. and other countries. As we saw during kernel. Every bushel of corn, weighing 56 None of these measures were implemented. the Olympics this past summer, China has pounds, produces approximately 18 pounds The price of corn is now under $3.25 per experienced tremendous economic growth of dried distillers grains (DDG’s), which are bushel, and there appears to be more than an in recent years, as have India, and other a high quality livestock feed with three times adequate supply of corn for usage in 2009 Asian countries. As economic conditions the protein value of regular corn. These and beyond. improve in these countries, middle class DDG’s are being fed to livestock in the U.S., Much of the “food vs. fuel” emphasis was residents tend to increase their demand for as well as being exported to other countries. based on limited assumptions and analysis, protein in their diets, from red meat and Bottom Line rather than on facts. Actually, there were a other agricultural products. This increases lot of factors that lead to the rapid rise in U.S. exports of meat products, oilseeds, and The rapid increase in ethanol production food costs in the U.S. and around the world, feed grains such as corn to feed livestock in in the U.S. in recent years has certainly as well as a set of factors that led to the other countries. Even though world corn increased domestic demand for corn, and rapid rise in commodity prices for corn and prices were relatively high in late 2007 and helped strengthen corn commodity prices, other grains. In 2007, there was actually a for most of 2008, U.S. corn exports for and has probably had a minor effect on “perfect storm” for rapid rise in food prices. 2007-2008 are estimated at approximately worldwide food prices. However, there are Russia, the Ukraine, Northern Europe, 2.5 billion bushels, which is the highest ever, major worldwide economic and political Argentina, Australia, and other parts of the and occurred at the same time the ethanol forces, which along with high global oil world experienced reduced crop production industry was growing rapidly in the U.S. prices, that have been the primary factors in 2007, due to drought, early frost, and driving higher worldwide food costs. In As residents of China, India and other recent months, we have seen both grain other crop problems. This was the second countries have upgraded their lifestyles, year in a row of drought and reduced crop prices and oil prices drop dramatically, which those countries have also rapidly increased has seemed to ease the concerns somewhat. yields in many of these countries. The U.S. their consumption of gas and oil, with had greatly reduced wheat acres in 2007, However, we are still in a troubled world demand growing at about 1 million barrels economy, with very volatile prices for grain, and had reduced wheat yields in much of per day. Worldwide oil production is the country. There was a reduction in total oil, and other commodities, which could expected to reach about 87 million barrels again cause food prices to rise in 2009 and global grain and oilseed production in 2006, per day in 2008. The rapid increase in and again in 2007. This was only the third beyond. As a result, we may continue to see worldwide oil demand, steady oil supplies, more inflation in worldwide food costs, and time in past 37 years that global production and the world economic climate lead to has dropped two consecutive years. some difficulty for low income countries to the very high oil prices earlier in 2008. purchase needed food resources. Even with At the same time that the world grain The resulting high prices for gas, diesel, and moderate increases in food costs in the U.S., supply was dwindling, there were changing other petroleum products greatly increased the average U.S. consumer only spends about monetary and political situations around the cost to produce food, process food, and 10 percent of their income on food, which the world that were influencing food costs. transport food products. Only about 20 cents is among the lowest for any country in the The “weakened” value of the U.S. dollar of every consumer dollar spent on food in world. . compared with many other currencies in the U.S. goes to the producer for the raw the world in 2007 allowed foreign countries food product. The other 80 cents of the food American Agri-Women First-Class MAIL 2462 Lake George Drive NW AUTO Cedar, MN 55011 U.S. Postage Paid TOPEKA, KS Permit No. 9

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Am. Angus Aux. Letters to the Editor8 continued from page 8 website at www.angusauxiliary.com. Take To AAW Members, Thank you this opportunity to get involved and to Thank you, thank you, one and all, for We wish to thank you and the American make a difference. my wonderful birthday celebration at the Agri-Women for choosing us as recipients The New Year Washington, D.C. fly-in in June. of the 2008 Veritas Award. It was totally For 2009, enthusiasm and excitement is The photos, memory book, food and unexpected, but greatly appreciated. For all around the American Angus Auxiliary fellowship could not be surpassed. You are over 20 years, we have been involved in with our six new regional directors, the like family to me and I felt your “family agriculture, fighting for private property, Gift of the Horse, the anticipation of love.” the underpinning of our entire society and members and new opportunities. Happy economic well-being. The fight has been New Year! Auxiliary members are ready, The memory book contains your written difficult but rewarding. record and furnishes hours of enjoyment willing and able to serve the Angus breed for me. The American Agri-Women is an for the New Year! . organization we have called upon for years The crystal clock is ticking away the time and every time, your organization has risen until my 91st birthday, which I hope to to the occasion helping defend private spend with you. property that protects the agricultural base From this teacher, you deserve an A+. of our nation. For that, we are eternally grateful. It has been our experience that Jean Ibendahl when something needs to get done, call Editor’s note: Jean is the founder of Agriculture American Agri-Women. You simply have in the Classroom, a charter American Agri- the most active, persuasive, and tenacious Women member, and one of the region’s organization when it comes to defending foremost 4-H advocates. She was honored on our rural way of life. We look forward to her 90th birthday with a reception held inside working with American Agri-Women in the House Agriculture Committee room in June. the future and sincerely thank you again for the prestigious Veritas award. When Dear AAW members, reading who has come before us, we are Thank you so much for the honor truly humbled by your of receiving the Leaven Award at the choice and hope we can Donna Ulseth and Julie Tesch, Minnesota, kept sales moving convention. It truly means very much to continue to live up to at the annual photo contest card sale. Winners of the photo me. My job has always been working for the standard bestowed contest were: Angie Sutton, Kansas Agri-Women, Heather agriculture. upon us by your Hampton-Knodle, Illinois Agri-Women, Carol Marx, Oregon organization. Women in Agriculture, Doris Mold, Minnesota Agri-Women, Again, thanks much, Dan & Margaret and Susan Dodsworth, Illinois Agri-Women. Proceeds from Jean Meyer Byfield the card sales help support the Resource Center.