KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1 88/28/08/28/08 1:11:051:11:05 PMPM ELLIOTT COUNTY Date: September 23, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. LAWRENCE COUNTY COUNTY Place: Sandy Hook Elementary School Date: October 21, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Front Porch Restaurant FAYETTE COUNTY ANNUAL Date: October 2, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. LOGAN COUNTY MEETINGS Place: Extension Office Date: September 20, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Logan County HS Cafeteria FRANKLIN COUNTY ADAIR COUNTY BOYD COUNTY Date: October 7, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. MARION COUNTY Date: September 16, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Date: October 20, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Extension Office Date: October 13, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Place: Canmer Dining Hall, Place: Extension Office Place: Lebanon Masonic Hall Lindsey Wilson College GALLATIN COUNTY BULLITT COUNTY Date: October 6, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. McCRACKEN COUNTY ANDERSON COUNTY Date: September 20, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Extension Office Date: September 20, 2008 • 5:00 p.m. Date: October 13, 2008 • 5:30 p.m. Place: Extension Office Place: Knights of Columbus Hall Place: Alton Ruritan Club GARRARD COUNTY CALDWELL COUNTY Date: September 25, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. McCREARY COUNTY BATH COUNTY Date: September 27, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Forks Dix River Baptist Life Center Date: September 18, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Date: September 19, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: UK Research Center Place: Old Country Café Place: Ag Marketing Center GRANT COUNTY CAMPBELL COUNTY Date: September 20, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. METCALFE COUNTY BELL COUNTY Date: September 13, 2008 • 5:00 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Office Date: October 16, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Date: September 25, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Alexandria Community Center Place: Extension Office Place: Farm Bureau Office GREENUP COUNTY CARROLL COUNTY Date: November 3, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. MONROE COUNTY BRACKEN COUNTY Date: October 13, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Building Date: September 27, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Date: October 14, 2008 • 7:30 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Office Place: High School Cafeteria. Place: Watson Community Building JACKSON COUNTY CLAY COUNTY Date: September 15, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. MONTGOMERY COUNTY BREATHITT COUNTY Date: October 9, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Jackson Energy Farm Date: October 2, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Date: October 3, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Office Place: High School Cafeteria. Place: LBJ Elementary School KENTON COUNTY CLINTON COUNTY Date: September 16, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. MORGAN COUNTY BOURBON COUNTY Date: September 11, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: St. Cecilia Church Date: September 30, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Date: October 16, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Fairgrounds Place: Extension Building Place: American Legion Park KNOX COUNTY Date: September 19, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. NELSON COUNTY Place: Barbourville City Park Date: October 14, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Place: Civic Center

OWEN COUNTY Date: October 6, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Extension Office

PENDLETON COUNTY Date: September 20, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Office

PULASKI COUNTY Date: October 9, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Southwestern High School

ROBERTSON COUNTY Date: September 20, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Deming High School

ROCKCASTLE COUNTY Date: September 19, 2008 • 6:00 p.m. Place: Roundstone Elementary School

ROWAN COUNTY Date: October 7, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Farm Bureau Office

SCOTT COUNTY Date: September 23, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Extension Office

SHELBY COUNTY Date: October 2, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. Place: Extension Office

SPENCER COUNTY Date: September 29, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Place: Extension Office

WOODFORD COUNTY Date: October 4, 2008 • 6:30 p.m. 2 SEPTEMBER | FARM BUREAU NEWS Place: 1st Christian Church Life Center

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 2 88/28/08/28/08 1:11:161:11:16 PMPM Kentucky Farm Bureau NEWS is published monthly by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation and mailed to all regular members. Bulk postage rate is paid at Lebanon Junction, KY. Changes in address and/or your comments should be mailed to:

Kentucky Farm Bureau Communications Division PO Box 20700 Louisville, Kentucky, 40250

Kentucky Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization ollowing the collapse of the World Trade Organization’s Doha of farm families and their allies dedicated to serving as Round of trade negotiations, a common soundbite echoes around the voice of agriculture by identifying problems, developing solutions and taking actions which will Fthe globe: No deal is better than a bad deal. While disappointing improve net farm income, achieve better economic to those of us who sincerely sought comprehensive and meaningful trade opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all. reform, the positions of numerous countries had degraded to the point where walking away was much wiser than conceding to their protectionist KFB OFFICERS Marshall Coyle President sentiments. Mark Haney 1st Vice President While much has been written about the reluctance of the John Hendricks 2nd Vice President to modify our farm program, AFBF has a long history of supporting open- David S. Beck Executive VP ing markets – including our own. We have strongly backed the administra- KFB DIRECTORS tion in these negotiations and regularly expressed a willingness to lower our Tripp Furches Murray farm program supports commensurate with increased market access reform Randall Heath Hickory by other nations. Steve Bolinger Pembroke Kelly Thurman Livermore Over the last several years, these WTO talks have become more about Eddie Melton Sebree protectionism than about opening markets and freeing up trade. J. Fritz Giesecke Horse Cave Larry Thomas Elizabethtown From the outset, developing countries were allowed to reduce their tar- Patrick Henderson Irvington iffs by substantially smaller percentages than developed economies. Yet Jay Coleman Cave City Russell Poore Russellville numerous studies by the International Monetary Fund and others show that Paul Hornback Shelbyville countries that liberalize trade have a higher level of economic growth than Scott Travis Cox’s Creek those that remain closed. Terry Rowlett Campbellsburg David Chappell Owenton These talks started out based on the premise that underdeveloped Kim McCoy Burkesville countries would be allowed to protect a limited number of their products Mark Haney Nancy Danny Wilkinson Columbia from tariff reductions. World Bank studies indicated that allowing more Terry Gilbert Danville than four percent of tariff lines to be exempt from cuts would wipe out David L. Campbell Stanford Alex Barnett Cynthiana three-quarters of the gains from trade. By the end of the day, negotiations John C. Hendricks Winchester had authorized developing countries’ tariff line allowances to be 12 percent, Marshall Coyle Owingsville David McGlone Grayson virtually gutting any significant trade improvement. It was painfully evident Charlie Benge London that the prize of meaningful trade reform had vanished. Bige Hensley Manchester Frieda Heath Hickory So where can we go from here? Simply picking up where the talks left Ryan Bivens Hodgenville off is a recipe for failure. The next time we take up these conversations all Terry Patterson Elizabethtown Jerry Little Danville parties need to start with the fundamental premise that the goal of negotia- Scott Smith Lexington tors is to increase opportunities for trade – not protectionism. Debbie Anderson Shelbyville Sam Moore Morgantown

Bob Stallman KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS PRESIDENT Editor Roger Nesbitt AFBF Production Asst. Melissa LaRoche Graphic Designer Donia Simmons Pioneer Publishing Lexington, KY

“The Voice of Kentucky Agriculture” ON THE COVER: A FARM SCENE IN LINCOLN COUNTY, www.kyfb.com PHOTO BY L. JOE CAIN 3

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 3 88/28/08/28/08 1:11:181:11:18 PMPM KFB Day at the Fair

arm Bureau Day at the Kentucky State Fair packed ‘em in again,n, with a sellouts crowdcrowd off more than 1,600 at the 45th annual Country Ham Breakfast andd a near sellousellout at tthehe “picnic,” which this year was moved to air-conditioned comfortt in a huhugegge rooroomm ooff F the South Wing. The breakfast maintained its tradition as a “hot” political eventventv wiwithth many candidates on hand, along with dozens of state legislators and state officials.cials.ci BBututt aass always, the show-topper was the grand champion country ham. For the fourthh ttimeimeim inn five years, Broadbent’s B&B Foods of Cadiz had the prize pork, which weighedhed 18.32 pounds. The winning bidder at $200,000 was Republic Bank and Trust Company of Louisville. This marked the third time in the past five years that Republic Bank bought the ham. The $200,000 tied for the fourth-highest pricee ever. Other bidders were T.W. Lewis Foundation, Brown-Forman Corporation, Stockyards Bank, Proof on Main and PNC bank. Miss Kentucky 2008 -- Emily Cox of Campbellsville -- raced back and forth among the tables of bid-d- ders to display the prized pork, which was on a silver platter and adorned withh the blue ribbon. Featured speakers included , U.S. Senators Mitchh McConnell and and Agriculture Commissioner . Beshear heartened the crowd of Farm Bureau members when he voiced con- tinuing support for the 50 percent share of tobacco settlement funds for agri- cultural development and praised KFB “for bringing all of agriculture togeth- er.” Said McConnell: “This Farm Bureau is truly outstanding.” The Senate Minority leader then complimented the organization for the ongoing success ofof the annual breakfast. “It’s a good opportunity to remind people from the city where their food comes from,” he said. Bunning said he hoped Kentucky farmers were pleased with the new farmm bibilllll that he and McConnell supported. “By passing this bill we are ensuring that U.S. agriculture will continue too be competitive in world markets,” Bunning said. The lunch crowd was treated to performances by the three finalists for the Gospelospel QuarQuartettet championship. The winner was Calvary Heirs of Lincoln County. Runner-up was HHisis Own ooff Madison County. Third place went to Rejoice of Bullitt County. Lincoln County got the “top county” award for sending the most people the most total milesmiles.s. KFB Insurance Company was among a group that purchased the grand championmpion steer at thee 4-H and FFA Sale of Champions. Earlier, in the South Wing, an exhibit by Oldham County was judged best in the Pride of the CountiesC dis- playplay ssponsoredpoonsored bbyy KFB Insurance. About 60 exhexhibiexhibitstss ffromrom cocountiesunties aand/ornd/or communitiesmmunitiesunities ththrothroughoutrougghohout utt tthehe sstatetate werewere iinvolvednvn olved in tthehe PPrideriidde ooff ththee CoCountiesuntiess ssection.ectiiono . ABOVEABOABOOVE RIGHT: MISSM KENTUCKY EMILYEMILYY COX DIS-DIS- PLAYEDPLAPLP AYEDYEED THE BLUE RIBBON HAM FORFOOR THE SESELSSELLOUTLLOULOOUT CROWD TO SEE.

BEBBELOW:ELELOWOW:O REPUBLIC BANKK CHCHACCHAIRMANAIRMIRI AN BERNARD TRTRATTRAGERAGERG SIGNALS THETHHE WWINWINNINGNNNING $200,00000 BIBIDBBID.D.

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 4 88/28/08/28/08 1:11:191:11:19 PMPM TOP: A LARGE GROUP WHICH INCLUDED GOVERNOR STEVE BESHEAR, AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER RICHIE FARMER, MISS KENTUCKY EMILY COX, KFB’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND A CONTINGENT FROM WINNING BIDDER REPUBLIC BANK POSED WITH THE CHAMPION HAM FROM BROADBENT’S B&B FOODS.

KFB PRESIDENT MARSHALL COYLE PRESENTED THE AWARD FOR BEST EXHIBIT AT THE PRIDE OF THE BOTTOM: CALVARY HEIRS OF LINCOLN COUNTY COUNTIES SECTION TO KIM BUCKLER, TOURISM DIRECTOR FOR OLDHAM COUNTY. FROM LEFT ARE RECEIVED THE TOP GOSPEL QUARTET AWARD STEVE MCCORMICK, VP OF OPERATIONS FOR KFB INSURANCE; KFB DIRECTOR DAVID CHAPPELL; FROM KFB PRESIDENT MARSHALL COYLE AND KFB INSURANCE EXECUTIVE VP ROGER SIMPSON; OLDHAM COUNTY JUDGE-EXECUTIVE DUANE ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE VP RICK MURNER; DEPUTY JUDGE-EXECUTIVE PAULA GISH; CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DIRECTOR GINGER WHOBREY. CHAPMAN AND PVA RON WINTERS.

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS | SEPTEMBER 5

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 5 88/28/08/28/08 1:11:401:11:40 PMPM McConnell and Lunsford meet with kfb directors Cutline: Senator Mitch McConnell and challenger answered questions from KFB directors, with President Marshall Coyle (middle) presiding.

Headline:

McConnell and Lunsford meet with KFB directors

FB played host to the first that wants to K official issues forum see the laws between U.S. Senate candi- enforced.” dates Mitch McConnell and Bruce Both can- Lunsford as they met with the board of didates agreed directors last month at the state office. on the capital The candidates took turns responding gains tax. to questions from the KFB leaders on Lunsford such key policy issues as energy, taxes, called it “one immigration reform, economic develop- of the most ment and environmental protection. unfair taxes.” McConnell quickly dis- TOP: SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL AND CHAL- missed Lunsford’s view, accusing him LENGER BRUCE LUNSFORD ANSWERED QUES- And there was plenty of sparring mixed TIONS FROM KFB DIRECTORS, WITH PRESIDENT in. of belonging to a party that supports MARSHALL COYLE (MIDDLE) PRESIDING. The energy problem received much “taxation, regulation and litigation.” of the attention, but immigration and In between questions, the two took INSET: FB EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT DAVID S. farm labor was also a hot topic. Senator the opportunity to highlight their expe- BECK FLIPPED A COIN TO DECIDE THE SPEAKING rience with agriculture. Lunsford noted ORDER FOR THE MEETING INVOLVING SENATE McConnell said he supports a biometric CANDIDATES MITCH MCCONNELL (LEFT) AND tamperproof ID for foreign workers. his childhood growing up on a farm. BRUCE LUNSFORD. KFB SECOND VICE “You either have the ID and you can “My experience is probably as diversi- PRESIDENT JOHN HENDRICKS LOOKS ON. work, or you don’t have it and you fied as anybody who has run for this can’t,” he said. office over the years,” he said. everything related to agriculture all the Lunsford, the Democrat challenger, McConnell responded by saying time,” said McConnell, pointing to his also supported setting more guidelines being raised on a farm is “irrelevant,” 24 years in office. for foreign labor, but said implementa- adding that Lunsford “would have a In his closing statement, Lunsford tion of the law is just as important. “It’s miniscule amount of influence” as a contended that McConnell had failed to not just about having laws. It’s about new senator. use his leadership position to solve having an administration and a Senate “I’m in the middle of virtually problems facing Kentuckians.

6 SEPTEMBER | KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 6 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:131:12:13 PMPM MARKETS TOUR IS peachy KEEN

busload of Kentuckians Hendricks, who is chairman of the use in our businesses.” visited some innovative roadside markets advisory committee, Hendricks has a small roadside farm markets in said the tours “provide a good opportu- market in Clark County. Tennessee, Georgia, South nity for market operators to share infor- First Vice President Mark Haney, Carolina and North mation and ideas. There’s always some- who has an orchard in Pulaski County, CarolinaA during KFB’s Roadside Farm thing we can take home with us and also participated. Market Summer Tour. The annual event is part of KFB’s Certified Roadside Farm Markets program. At the request of past participants, this year’s tour was expanded to three nights and four days of activities. Departing from Somerset, the voyage featured stops in southern Tennessee, at three of the markets in Georgia Farm Bureau’s certified program plus two of those in ’s program. Another highlight was the acclaimed Western North Carolina Farmers Market in Asheville operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. All told there were nine stops and much to see on the whirlwind tour – nurseries, gardens, orchards, general roadside operations, food service and so on. The list of products marketed at those businesses would fill this page. And the Kentuckians learned about a broad range of marketing and promo- tional techniques – all designed to bring consumers to the farm. Janet Dennison, who along with her husband, David, operates Mammoth Cave Transplants in Brownsville, described the event as “very useful.” “I’ve been on three of these tours and I don’t think there’s been a single tour that we didn’t pick up some good ideas,” she said. “I was impressed with the diversity and the professionalism of the operators we met. Some were third and fourth generations, which is differ- TOP: JAEMOR FARM MARKET ent from many in Kentucky, where we NEAR ALTO, GEORGIA WAS ONE find a lot of first generation and young- OF THE STOPS. er people. BOTTOM: THE GROUP POSED “We saw some very special family PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. connections and some things that really were impressive.” “600 acres of Mrs. Dennison said her most vivid memory would be of Cooley’s Peach peaches and 75 acres Farm and Stawberry Hill USA, in Chesnee, South Carolina. of strawberries – “600 acres of peaches and 75 acres that’s an enormous of strawberries – that’s an enormous family operation,” she said. family operation.” KFB Second Vice President John — Janet Dennison

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS | SEPTEMBER 7

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 7 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:231:12:23 PMPM FARM PRODUCTION NEWS FOCUS ON FARM SAFETY

BY LINDSEY COBLENTZ to begin working with KDA 18 years a helmet and other protective gear. ational Farm Safety and ago. “I thought we could take what the Another major concern is grain Health Week, set for firefighters were doing and show it to systems safety. KDA has partnered N September 21-27, hopes to the public and maybe prevent a few with the Kentucky Fire Commission remind everyone that farming is one of accidents.” and Fire Rescue Training to educate the the most hazardous jobs in the U.S. Dealing with farm hazards became public about farm safety, especially According to the National Safety an everyday job for Dobson, but it hit grain systems safety. Together they use Council, over 700 farmers die in work- close to home about six months after he a mobile grain safety training unit to related accidents each year, while began his work at KDA. His father was teach the general public about the haz- another 120,000 agriculture workers are hard at work on the farm when the ards in and around grain systems, as left disabled by farm-related injuries. wind blew his jacket sleeve into a well as provide training to emergency Farm safety is a year-round busi- Power TakeOff (PTO). The safety responders to conduct grain-related res- ness for Dale Dobson, safety adminis- shield on the machine was missing, and cues. trator for the Kentucky Department of Dobson’s father lost Agriculture (KDA). Dobson said being his arm. Dobson said a fire fighter and rescuer inspired him the event was a trag- edy, but “that gave Good for hiding as well as seeking. us the gasoline to really make us move.” Farm safety at KDA has been booming ever since. In 1994, the first statewide farm res- cue and safety sym- posium was held, and KDA created its The new limited-edition Gator™ XUV Camo 4x4 official farm safety If it wasn’t already the toughest 4WD • Limited-edition camo pattern program in 1998. utility vehicle in the forest, the new • True four-wheel drive Today, the program XUV now comes with a REALTREE® • Diesel or gasoline engine camo pattern, so you can go just about continues to hold THE KDA’S GRAIN SAFETY UNIT IS IN HIGH DEMAND. anywhere without being seen. safety seminars at vari- JohnDeere.com ous locations through- out the state. The mobile unit is taken to a vari- VISIT YOUR DEALER TODAY FOR A TEST DRIVE. Dobson said the program seems to ety of locations, including schools and BOWLING GREEN HOPKINSVILLE be having a positive effect on Kentucky community events. Jimmy VanCleve, Hartland Equipment Roeder Implement Co., Inc. 270-781-4747 800-844-3994 farms. There were 23 agriculture-relat- Area 3 coordinator for State Fire and hartlandequipment.com roederimpl.com ed injuries in Kentucky during 2004, Rescue Training, uses the unit to dem- GLASGOW LA GRANGE less than half of the 50 farm-related onstrate how quickly someone can Hartland Equipment Shelby Supply Company, Inc. injuries reported in 1995. become entrapped in flowing grain. 270-651-8900 502-222-6006 hartlandequipment.com shelbysupply.com There is still room for improve- VanCleve said it can take less than eight seconds for grain to engulf some- GREENUP LOUISVILLE ment, however, Dobson said. A grow- Carmichael Equipment, Inc. Hartland Equipment ing concern is ATV safety. Since 1982, one trapped in grain, and once someone 606-833-1408 502-239-8484 careq.com hartlandequipment.com 362 ATV deaths have been reported is trapped, it is very difficult to get the SOMERSET throughout the state. Dobson said much person out. It can take 80 to 90 pounds Hartland Equipment of the vehicle’s danger is due to its of force to rescue a two-pound object 606-561-5326 hartlandequipment.com large size, but preventing injuries and trapped in grain, he said. “This is not a Shown with optional camo canopy. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping even death can be as simple as wearing place to play. It’s dangerous.” deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company. B91BUVI3004-00252727

8 SEPTEMBER | KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 8 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:331:12:33 PMPM FARM PRODUCTION NEWS INPUT COSTS KEEP ON CLIMBING

BY CAROL L. SPENCE The livestock industry is feeling lots preferring yearling calves that can UK COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE pressure from both sides. Diammonium be finished in a shorter period of time. phosphate (DAP), a nitrogen fertilizer The end result is lower revenue for the or participating farmers in the commonly used on pastures, is now sit- cow-calf producer. UK College of Agriculture’s ting at $1,000 per ton. Hay production Horticulture crops are high input Kentucky Farm Business costs are climbing along with fuel prices. crops, but they are also high value FManagement Program, farm In Kentucky, a cow-calf operator typical- crops. Due to their fertilizer require- costs rose 41 percent from 2005 to ly can spend $200 per cow on forage pro- ments, grain crops are much more ener- 2007. From 2006 to 2007, fertilizer duction alone, including hay production gy intensive on a per acre basis and a costs rose 25 percent; seed went up 25 and pasture maintenance. Feed costs per unit cost basis than horticultural percent, and crop insurance had a 55 reflect the trend in soaring grain prices. crops. And because there’s a relatively percent increase. Typical cow-calf operators will sell lower value per unit sold per acre as The big concerns of many grain the bulk of their calves soon after compared to vegetables and fruits, the farmers are that input costs are going to weaning. But feedlots are now dealing proportional energy costs to the value of go sky high and commodity prices will with the high price of commodity feed. the product is higher for grain crops start trending downward. As a result, demand for smaller calves than for produce. On the other hand, the “Prices are cyclical. They always has substantially decreased, with feed- absolute cost for produce is higher. have been,” said Chad Lee, an associate professor of Agronomy at the . “And when these commodity prices come back OOutsideutside WoodburningWoodburning HHeatereater down, then we’re going to see some real challenges. For the next six to seven months, these farmers should be in good shape if they get a good crop Features... and have a contract. But you start look- ing at a longer term, and there is reason 10-year warranty Low Maintenance to be concerned.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s August report predicts No smoke, ash or wood trash in your home this year’s corn crop will be 12.3 bil- lion bushels, the second largest corn Connects to existing systems UL Listed crop in history. Commodity prices have already settled back. Everything indicates inputs prices Standard with bronze pump, combustion will continue to climb. Seed companies Blower and grates are hinting that they’re going to raise the price of corn seed next year by $30 to $50 a bag. That would translate to Up about $10 to $20 more per acre. Lee FFeded pills? said farmers are anticipating the price wwiitthh hh ghiiailgh hheea t ngting bbi ls? of fertilizer will be about $400 an acre next year, and the price of all inputs will be close to $550 per acre. “If corn sells for $5 a bushel, a WWee HHaveave tthehe farmer would need a yield of at least SSolution!olution! 110 bushels per acre to break even on inputs alone. That doesn’t cover land, 1-800-542-7395 salaries or machinery costs,” he said. www.hardyheater.com

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 9 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:381:12:38 PMPM Advisory Committee Meetings

here’s much to cele- brate these days for the dark tobacco industry. Domestic consumptionT of smokeless tobacco products is rising by a robust seven per- cent annually. Export markets are promising. Demand exceeds supply, which is translating into some strong prices for Kentucky’s estimated 1,000 producers of dark fired and dark air- cured leaf. That scenario prompted KFB’s Tobacco Advisory Committee to make a rare journey into dark tobacco coun- try, conducting its annual meeting last month at the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company’s leaf processing plant in Hopkinsville. Following a three-hour meeting, the group visited a large-scale dark-fired farm in neighboring Trigg County, observing a quality crop and some modern curing barns. THE GROUP CHECKED OUT THE DARK-FIRED CROP AT L&H FARM IN TRIGG COUNTY OPERATED BY When it came to discussions on BOB LAWRENCE AND MIKE HYDE. policy, however, the focus shifted to burley tobacco and a proposed checkoff for promoting exports, state excise taxes on tobacco products and a Congressional bill that would authorize Food and Drug Administration regula- tion of tobacco products. The state excise tax drew a lengthy discussion. After KFB President Marshall Coyle and Public Affairs Director Laura Knoth told the group that a tax hike was likely within the next year or two, the committee recom- mended policy language stating that KFB “encourages legislators to oppose any regulation or tax that puts Kentucky’s tobacco industry at a com- petitive disadvantage with other states.” The goal is to ensure that the price of tobacco products in Kentucky con- tinues to fall well below bordering states, thereby protecting manufacturers and retailers. Out-of-state residents account for an estimated 30 percent of cigarette purchases in the state. (Kentucky’s 30-cent per pack tax helps CHECKING THE DARK-FIRED LEAF WERE (FROM LEFT) KFB EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT DAVID S. keep retail prices lower than those in BECK, PRESIDENT MARSHALL COYLE AND DIRECTOR SCOTT TRAVIS. surrounding states, where the average is 69 cents) mote exports of burley and flue-cured Coyle explained. Coyle and Burley Co-op President tobacco. A special committee was pre- KFB National Affairs Director L. Roger Quarles briefed the committee paring to decide on whether to move Joe Cain gave a briefing on a House- on the status of a checkoff program to forward and ask the USDA to conduct passed bill on FDA regulation. He support an organization that would pro- a producer referendum on the issue, Continued on page 11 10 SEPTEMBER | KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1010 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:391:12:39 PMPM Health Care Committee will explore all options FB is reaching out to key by underscoring members’ concerns. board of directors for both Calloway components of the health “When I go out to these county County FB and Murray-Calloway care industry to pursue meetings the first thing they ask about County Hospital, suggested working Klower health insurance is what are we doing about health partnerships with groups like the costs for its members. care,” he said. “When we look at Kentucky Hospital Association and The organization’s “health care what’s happening with our health costs, Kentucky Medical Association. issues task force” wants representatives it’s become a humongous burden to our “Wherever we can have influence, we from health insurance companies, doc- members. We need to look hard at what need to,” she said. tors and hospital groups to provide we can do.” Mrs. Furches, whose husband, input that will help it formulate legisla- KFB policy calls for health care Tripp, serves on the KFB Board of tive proposals that would reduce costs insurance reforms which stabilize the Directors, concurred with Coyle’s and increase consumer choices. The market, encourage competition and assessment of the concerns about health task force has invited such specialists increase consumer choices. The organi- insurance costs. to its September meeting to discuss zation supports state and federal laws “If there’s any one thing we can do KFB’s concerns and potential solutions. that allow individuals to benefit from in our member services, it’s lowering The group also wants to include a con- Association Health Plans. these costs,” she said. “No doubt it’s ference on health care issues at KFB’s Executive Vice President David S. the single most important thing we annual meeting in December. Beck said KFB “is very sensitive to this could do.” In recent years the high cost of issue” and noted that “the subject KFB offers members a variety of health insurance has become a critical comes up with every meeting we have health insurance plans with Anthem issue for KFB members. Delegates to with our members of Congress.” Blue Cross/Blue Shield. About 21,600 KFB’s 2007 annual meeting approved a The task force reviewed a list of member families are enrolled. resolution calling for a special commit- health care reform bills that have come Hendricks, a Clark County farmer, tee to explore health care reforms. In before the state legislature in the past said another task force goal should be response, KFB President Marshall five years. Only a couple managed to to identify the price structure of the Coyle appointed an 11-person panel pass; two of which provided some various levels of health insurance plans chaired by Second Vice President John assistance for farmers and other small offered in Kentucky. “We need to find Hendricks. businesses. out what is reasonable,” he said. Coyle began last month’s meeting Sharon Furches, a member of the

Continued from page 10 “We just hope the success we’re enjoy- Management (an arm of the Burley assured the group that there was no lan- ing now will continue.” Co-op), explained that the guage in the bill that could directly KFB Director David Chappell of office, which assumed oversight for impact on-farm tobacco production. Owen County is chairman of the tobac- joint contract applications for Kentucky, Coyle said Farm Bureau has been co advisory committee. was interpreting the regulations differ- inactive with the bill because “there’s ently than the previous office in Atlanta, nothing to hang our hat on – either for Farm Labor Committee: KFB making it difficult to obtain approval for it or against it.” Director Paul Hornback of Shelby groups of farmers to share work crews. The meeting kicked off with a pre- County is chairman of this committee, He said his organization has 42 joint sentation from Plant Manager Danny which met at the state office in contracts in force and several applica- Kingins, who was quick to mention he’s Louisville. The committee made one tions in limbo. also a grower. “There’s a lot of excite- minor policy recommendation after Jeff Gatewood, an ag labor special- ment in the dark industry,” he said receiving briefings on farm labor issues ist with the Kentucky Office of before noting the strong domestic from several industry and government Employment and Training, concurred growth and export potential. He said officials. with the problem, saying “They Kentucky will have a good quality crop Besides comprehensive reform of (Chicago) are not used to Kentucky’s of about 55 to 60 million pounds of federal immigration policy, this group is situation; we’ve got some hills to dark fired and about 20 million pounds concerned about how the Labor climb.” of air-cured. UST purchases all of its Department’s processing center in Other topics discussed included tobacco in the U.S., with from 80 to 90 Chicago is handling contracts for joint federal minimum wage and H-2A hous- percent coming from within an 80-mile farm labor employment. Rick ing requirements and proposed immi- radius of the processing plant, he added. Alexander, the executive director of the gration reform legislation in Congress. “The future is bright,” Kingins said. Lexington-based Ag Work Force KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS | SEPTEMBER 11

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1111 88/28/08/28/08 1:12:551:12:55 PMPM COMPILED BY ED MCQUEEN, DIRECTOR OF MARKET INFORMATION

“COOL” STARTS SEPTEMBER 30 2007 INPUT COSTS UP U.S. level totaled $125.1 billion and accounted for 48 percent of total farm Country of origin labeling (COOL) U.S. farm production expenditures production expenditures in 2007. They becomes mandatory for certain retailers totaled $260 billion in 2007, up 9.3 were feed, farm services, livestock and on September 30. Restaurants and food percent from the revised 2006 total. poultry purchases, and labor. service operators are not affected. The largest percentage contributors to The difference in total expenditures Originally included in the 2002 Farm the increase were fertilizer, lime, and between crop and livestock farms has Bill, COOL’s full implementation was soil conditioners, up 26 percent; feed, narrowed over the past few years. In delayed until modifications were made up 21 percent; fuels, up 14 percent; 2007, crop farms were at $131.4 billion in the 2008 Farm Bill. Additional cov- agricultural chemicals, up 11 percent; and livestock farms at $128.6 billion. ered commodities, including chicken, and tractors and self propelled equip- The largest expenditures for crop farms were added to fresh beef, pork, fish, ment, up 11 percent. were farm services at $19.2 billion and lamb, peanuts, shellfish, fruits and veg- The four largest expenditures at the labor at $16.9 billion. etables. Also the type of information required for compliance was changed and the number of labels increased. Processed food items, as defined by COOL, sold at retail are not covered. In order for retailers to meet COOL requirements, some food suppliers (packers) will be responsible for identi- fying the countries of origin. The suppli- ers will in turn require documentation from producers to prove from which country the livestock or produce came. While each market will determine the type of documentation producers must provide, the law says producer affidavits are sufficient to declare coun- try of origin, provided that it is made by someone with “firsthand knowl- edge” and identifies “the animals unique to the transaction.” Producers will use records maintained in the course of normal business and must keep them for at least one year. USDA-AMS will engage in an industry outreach and education program through March 2009. More information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/cool.

FEEDLOT REPLACEMENTS RUN SHORT

The last USDA Cattle on Feed report again showed that feeder cattle are being held on grass longer to avoid the high cost of feedlot feeding. Placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.66 million, two percent above 2007 but 15 percent below 2006. This is the second lowest placements estimate for the month of July since the series began in 1996. Cattle on feed for slaughter market in the U.S. totaled 9.87 million head on August 1. The inventory was four percent below August 1, 2007 and nine percent below August 1, 2006. Marketings of fed cattle in July totaled 2.04 million, two percent above 2007 and five percent above 2006. 12

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1212 88/28/08/28/08 1:13:021:13:02 PMPM “One” d✪ne well . . . . Caldwell County’s fi rst-ever “appreciation” event is well received

CALDWELL COUNTY FB PRESIDENT STEPHEN COX AND HIS WIFE, JAN, CHECK OUT THE AIR-EVAC HELICOPTER.

aldwell StationSSt WAVJ-104.9 brought County FB iititsts van to provide music. went to greatt The event was held at the lengths to agencyaag office just north of the make its first-- townttoo square. Plenty of publicity ever Cmember appreciation eventntt ono a local radio station and in a special occasion. Yes, there thetthh weekly newspaper paid off was the standard cookout withh ---- people started arriving 30 hot dogs and hamburgers, fes-- minutesm before the 11 a.m. start. tive decorations, music and HundredsHHu dropped by during some give-aways. But there thetthh three-hour celebration. also was some eye-catching Agency Manager Kim evidence as to why membershiphip WhiteW and his employees wore CALDWELL COUNTY’S EVENT WAS WELL PLANNED AND is a bargain -- businesses in thehe ATTRACTED A GOOD CROWD. company-goldcco T-shirts printed member services program werere withw “Kentucky Farm Bureau in full display with various team”tte on the front and “Telling exhibits, including several GMM EvEveryone About Member vehicles and an Air-Evac helicopter that aren’t aware of all the member servic- Services” on the back. was brought over from Hopkinsville. es; when they find out, then they use Caldwell County FB President (Caldwell County members get a dis- them,” she said. Stephen Cox and his wife, Jan, also counted rate for use of the copter in Other member services that had sported those shirts as they greeted medical emergencies) displays included Case IH (a tractor), guests. Afterward, Cox said a few new Candy Adams, a CSR for Kim Sherwin-Williams paint, Pro Security members were signed up. White’s agency in Princeton, explained Systems and two auto glass companies. “This is a great idea to promote why they went the extra mile to The local GM dealer, Trice Williams, Farm Bureau,” he said. impress members. had several vehicles on the lot with an Caldwell County has 2,200 mem- “We’ve found that most people offer of Farm Bureau discounts. Radio bers.

KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS | SEPTEMBER 13

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1313 88/28/08/28/08 1:13:071:13:07 PMPM Governor's Enviro Conference set for October 6-7

“Go for the green” is the theme of supply issues, sustainable building the 32nd Governor’s Conference on the design, litter abatement, and more. Environment to be held October 6-7 at Conference registration and payment the Lexington Convention Center. can be completed online at http://www. “This year’s conference will focus on dep.ky.gov/govconference/. Online regis- ways to help Kentucky prosper in an tration ends September 29. environmentally sound manner. The conference features an exhibit Farmland values are at Kentucky’s industries, non-profit organi- hall for vendors wishing to display envi- all-time highs zations, community leaders, policymak- ronmental-related products and services. ers, government officials, and concerned Vendors may also register and pay online. USDA’s National Agricultural citizens will discuss ways to implement For additional conference informa- Statistics Service (NASS) reports that green practices into our communities, tion contact Natalie Jensen, Kentucky both cropland and pasture values for businesses, industries, schools, and Department for Environmental 2008 are at record highs. NASS said farm homes,” said Energy and Environment Protection, at 502-564-2150, extension real estate values, a measurement of the Cabinet Secretary Len Peters. 111. You may also log on to www.dep.ky. value of all land and buildings on farms, Conference sessions will include top- gov for a conference agenda and scholar- averaged $2,350 per acre on January 1, ics on recycling, storm water and water ship information. up 8.8 percent from 2007. The $2,350 per acre figure is a record high and $190 more than last year. Dairy quality awards announced Commercial and residential develop- ment has slowed in many regions, but The Kevin Coulter family of received a monetary award and a farm- farm real estate values continue to Washington County won the 2008 gate sign. Other finalists were James increase. Strong commodity prices, farm Kentucky Dairy Quality Award and Roell of Fleming County and Milton and programs, outside investments, favorable Eddie Gibson of Boone County is the Jason Jones of Taylor County. interest rates and tax incentives continue Kentucky Dairy Production Award win- Eddie Gibson took top prize in the to drive farm real estate values, according ner. KFB is a co-sponsor of the produc- Kentucky Dairy Production Award – All to NASS. Livestock prices, recreational tion award. Herds competition with a rolling herd use and urban development are the main The Coulter and Gibson farms were average (the average weight of milk a influences on increased pasture land val- among those honored during the annual herd produces in one year) of more than ues. Dairy Recognition Dinner held at the 26,000 pounds. He also won the The boom reflects high commodity State Fair. Proficient Dairy Producer Award, which prices that may push net farm income to The Kentucky Dairy Quality Award considers many factors as recorded by $92.3 billion this year from $88.7 billion is judged on industry quality standards the Dairy Herd Improvement last year, according to USDA. and farm inspections. The Coulter farm Association. AFBF chief economist Bob Young says the slumping broader economy may constrain farmers who worry that com- KFB directors named to state boards modity prices are in a bubble similar to what housing and technology have gone Governor Steve Beshear appointed Easement Corporation. He will serve a through in the past decade. KFB Directors Danny Wilkinson of two-year term. Reappointed to the PACE Adair County and Bige Hensley of Clay board was Frances Brown, a director of County to state advisory committees. Logan County FB; and Elizabeth Lloyd USDA ups direct loan limit Wilkinson was named for a four-year “Libby” Jones of Woodford County, term on the Animal Control Board and wife of former Governor Brereton Jones USDA has increased the limit for Hensley was put on the board for the and a past member of KFB’s equine direct farm ownership and operating loans Purchase of Agricultural Conservation advisory committee. to $300,000, up from $200,000. The high- er limit is expected to help farmers whose credit requirements previously could not Bullitt County to have safety field day be met due to the loan limit. Additionally, some existing borrowers who have Bullitt County FB and the county Department of Agriculture’s Farm and reached the $200,000 limit are eligible to extension service are teaming up to con- Home Safety program specialists will con- obtain additional funds. duct a farm and home safety field day on duct an ATV safety course for ages 9-18. The Farm Service Agency services September 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the To register your child for the ATV safety the loans and provides borrowers with extension office at 384 Halls Lane in course or for more information on the supervision and business planning. Farm Shepherdsville. Besides more than a dozen event, call the county extension office at ownership, operating, emergency and exhibits and demonstrations, the Kentucky (502) 543-2257. youth loans are main types of assistance available under the direct program. 14 SEPTEMBER | KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU NEWS

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1414 88/28/08/28/08 1:13:231:13:23 PMPM ALEXANDRIA HARLAN Jeff Wyler Buick Pontiac Creech Chevrolet Buick Harvest a $750* offer today. GMC Pontiac, Inc. 859-635-9200 606-573-3530 wyleralexandria.com 866-573-3530

BARDSTOWN HENDERSON Wilson Bros. Henderson Chevrolet Buick 502-348-3964 Pontiac GMC wilsonbrotherschevrolet.com 800-578-8467 hendersonchevrolet.com BRANDENBURG Tony Brown Chevrolet, Inc. 888-920-2141 LEXINGTON tonybrownchevrolet.com Glenn Auto Mall 800-880-5020 glennautomall.com CLARKSVILLE, IN Coyle Chevrolet Superstore 866-303-6080 LIBERTY coylechevroletsuperstore.com Bob Allen Chevrolet-Buick 800-249-3149 boballenmotormall.com CLARKSVILLE, TN James Corlew Chevrolet- Cadillac LOUISVILLE 800-847-0768 Springhurst Chevrolet jamescorlew.com | 2008 CHEVY SILVERADO 800-798-3412 springhurstchevrolet.com GREENVILLE Mansfi eld Buick Pontiac Farm Bureau members in Kentucky can get a $750 private offer* toward the purchase or lease of any new Cadillac GMC MOUNT STERLING GM E85 FlexFuel vehicle. You can also get a $500 private offer* toward the purchase or lease of most new 800-338-3832 Dutch’s Chevrolet GM vehicles. This private offer can be redeemed by providing your authorization number to your GM dealer. mansfi eldgm.com 859-498-0424 For authorization number and offer details, visit gmfleet.com/kyfb. To find an E85 ethanol station near . dutchsauto.com you visit gm.com/E85. HARDINSBURG Dan Powers Chevrolet Buick *You must be a member of Kentucky Farm Bureau for at least six months prior to date of delivery to be eligible for this private offer. $500 Pontiac GMC or $750 private offer valid toward the purchase or lease of eligible new 2007, 2008 and 2009 model year GM passenger car and light duty truck models. Customers must take delivery by January 2, 2009. Not compatible with other private offers. Not valid with prior purchases. 270-756-5212 Compatible with many current incentives. Incentives are subject to change. Excludes Cadillac CTS-V, XLR-V and STS-V; Chevrolet Corvette Z06; HUMMER H1; hybrid vehicles and medium-duty trucks. See dealer for complete details.© 2008 GM Corp. danpowersgmcenter.com

CHEVROLET BUICK PONTIAC GMC SATURN HUMMER SAAB CADILLAC

Your Farm. Your farm is more than just your livelihood— Your Life. it’s your way of life. Your Adviser. Turn to a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) when you need a professional committed to putting your interests first.

Certified Crop Advisers meet examination, education, experience, and ethical standards that assure their competency as your partner in achieving the most from your farm.

Look for the CCA mark of excellence.

Certified Crop Adviser Visit www.certifiedcropadviser.org/farmers/

Kentucky Certified Crop Adviser Program 512 Capital Avenue - Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (502) 226-1122 phone - (502) 875-1595 fax www.kycca.org

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1515 88/28/08/28/08 1:13:231:13:23 PMPM Carriers with cheaper unlimited calling $3995Per month*

For cheaper unlimited calling to anyone in the U.S., switch to Bluegrass Cellular. You’ll pay less and you’ll get better performance, because we’ve invested more in our Central Kentucky network than any other carrier.

1-800-928-CELL • www.bluegrasscellular.com

*Restrictions apply. ©2008 Bluegrass Cellular, Inc. All rights reserved.

KKFBFB SSeptembereptember 08.indd08.indd 1616 88/28/08/28/08 1:13:241:13:24 PMPM