| FARM NEWS | |
| Broward County Farm Bureau's Newsletter | February 2004 |
Aloha to the National Convention 2004
Broward Farm Bureau Receives Special Recognition
Aloha means both hello and goodby in Hawaii. In mid-January, Broward County Farm Bureau directors attended the American Farm Bureau Federation's 85th annual meeting and convention. This year the federation continued its "Celebration of Agriculture" with a focus on Farm Bureau programs. Seminars, well-known speakers and a native Hawaiian welcome ceremony were highlights of the confab held at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu Jan. 10-14.
Retired Gen. Tommy Franks was the keynote speaker. He was a guy-next-door type of speaker: no frills, straight talk, patriotism and humor. The more than 8,000 attendees gave him a standing ovation! Franks was the general who led Desert Storm, and he emphasized the role of the American soldier internationally.
The welcome ceremony was uniquely Hawaiian. The American and Hawaiian flags were bourne in by militia in 100-year-old Queen's Guard uniforms. These were a reminder of the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, who left office in 1893, just a little more than 100 years ago. (Hawaii became a state in 1959.) Representing their proud heritage were young men and women in colorful regalia who welcomed the Farm Bureau delegates with native songs and dances. They were followed by a speech from Gov. Linda Lingle of Hawaii.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, addressed the gathering by video conference. Although she had to change her original plans which were to attend in person, she spoke at length on the role of the American farmer and her commitment to their issues. She was followed by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton at the podium in Honolulu. Norton emphasized a new approach to land management for federal lands and water rights.
Broward County received special recognition at the County Presidents' Luncheon by Bob Stallman, President of American Farm Bureau Federation. He praised the county as being the first in the nation to qualify for the American Farm Bureau Foundation's Leadership Award in 2003 and again in 2004. This support of the Farm Bureau Foundation gives aid to research and education programs. Only five other counties in the nation achieved this status in 2003.
Other highlights of the convention were the Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Discussion Meet finals, Pres. Stallman's address, state Awards of Excellence, the exhibit hall and county idea showcase, the Farm Bureau Women's caucuses, YF&R Sweet 16 Discussion Meet, Distinguished Service Awards and a variety of seminars. The seminars included such topics as: "Biodiesel: Everything You Need to Know About Using Soy Biodiesel on Your Farm and Ranch," "Collaborative Leadership," "Making an Impact," "The Risks for Agriculture in the Race for Water," "Sowing the Seeds for Profits Right on the Farm," " What Does EPA Expect from the Livestock Industry to Keep our Country's Water Clean?" and "Where's the Beef, Pork Lamb and Poultry? Trends and Perspective from the Retail Giant, Safeway!"
The 86th AFBF Annual Convention is scheduled for Jan. 2005 in Charlotte, NC. Subsequent meetings will be in Nashville in 2006 and in New Orleans in 2007.
Judy Paul, a member of the Broward County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, is running for re-election to the Davie Town Council. As a Farm Bureau (F.B.) board member and former Broward County educator, Judy serves as chair of the county's F.B. Education Committee which works to bring a better awareness of the role of agriculture in the daily lives of Broward's school children. She has spearheaded Ag in the Classroom programs for local teachers and attended area and state meetings on behalf of Broward County Farm Bureau. She also heads the Women's Committee for the county. She has been a strong supporter of agriculture in legislative matters countywide as well as an effective voice for agriculture with the state legislature.
Broward County Farm Bureau President Fred Segal said, "Judy Paul is a valuable member of our Board of Directors. She is that rare combination of a true leader and a team player. We are fortunate to have her on our board."
Farm Bureau Day Set For Tallahassee
Farm Bureau Days in Tallahassee represent an opportunity to meet and speak with state legislators on farm and ranch issues. They are to be held this year on March 22-24. As in the past, legislators will receive printed invitations to a sponsored cocktail and hors d'ourvres reception on March 23 at the Tallahassee Civic Center in the early evening. At the reception, counties from around the state display their products and provide spokespersons to voice concerns as well as to thank helpful members of the Florida House and Senate for past support. Historically, the turnout of legislators and their aides (often the key persons in the office) has been gratifying.
Interested members are urged to travel to Tallahassee the night before the reception, March 22, for a dinner and legislative briefing. This ensures that all Florida Farm Bureau member representatives are cognizant of the current issues and able to speak to the persons on the particular committees of interest. Those who wish to attend as part of the Broward delegation are invited to call the Broward County Farm Bureau office for more details at 954-972-2525 and speak to the county president, Fred Segal, or the county federation secretary, Carole Williams.
Broward County Farm Bureau had four delegates to the Florida Farm Bureau State Womens' Conference early February in St. Augustine. The annual meeting is held as a networking event for women representing the interests of county Farm Bureaus to share ideas and make contacts for future cooperation. It was held again this year at the historic Casa Monica Hotel in downtown St. Augustine just steps from the oldest part of the oldest city in the United States. The event was under the able direction of Ginny Paarlberg, State Womens' Committee Chair from Madison County, who operates a grain and feed business throughout the state.
Among the highlights of the meeting were workshops, skits, the annual kidney fund awards, a silent auction, a festive dinner and a fascinating presentation of rare antique gowns. Keynote speaker Margee Wolff journeyed to Florida from national headquarters in Washington, D.C. As Senior Director of Leadership Development for American Farm Bureau Federation, she spoke on "Making the Most of Every Opportunity." Later in the meeting she did double duty as a workshop presenter on the topic "Leadership - The Art of Possibility." Another workshop, "Changing Agriculture's Future Through Ag in the Classroom," was presented by state Farm Bureau staff members Lisa Gaskalla and Sarah Joe Cannon. "Flexing our Political Muscle" was presented in a novel skit format by Ray Hodge, Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) National Affairs Coordinator. The General Session was led by Lee Ann Fisch, FFBF Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs, on the topic "Legislative Briefing." She profiled members of the Florida Congressional delegation. The conference ended with a presentation entitled "Truly Making a Difference" by musician and comedian Justin Fennell.
Prior to the start of the conference, early arrivals were treated to informative carriage tours of the historic city or guided shopping trips. Those representing Broward County were Sue Hurley, Cindy Griffin, Carole Williams and Kathleen Dempsey. The specific date for next year's conference has not been set.
Broward County Farm Bureau (BCFB) members have facilitated the start of a horse breeding program for county 4-H members. A standardbred mare retired from harness racing has been donated to the Broward County 4-H Foundation through the efforts of BCFB members.
The mare, Victoria's Darling, was donated by Anthony Amante and Christine Garrity of Delray Beach, FL, They also donated a breeding to their stallion Scoot Outa Reach and have said they will donate a breeding for the next season.
BCFB Board members Julie Aitken and Jason Curtis are donating space for Victoria's Darling at their horse farm, Oakridge, in Davie. BCFB has coordinated the donation of veterinary services by Dr. Mark Phillips of Coconut Creek and blacksmith Phil Cable of Pompano Beach. In addition, the Amateur Driving Club at Pompano Harness Track has donated some funds for the initial feed bills. At this time, the 4-H members are seeking donations of hay and feed for their ongoing project.
They will care for the mare and later her foal. When the foal is a yearling, it will be sold at the standardbred sales, and the mare bred again to produce another foal. In this way the program will begin to pay for itself.
Anyone wishing to donate for hay and feed may contact the Broward County Farm Bureau Margate office and speak to President Fred Segal at 954-972-2525.
Service-to-member benefits -- an increasing value~~~~~~~~
Accidental Death Coverage Free accidental death coverage on named member starts at $1000 the first year and automatically increases $100 per year with a maximum of $3000. Membership must be paid by renewal date to qualify. Death caused by a licensed motor vehicle or military action is excluded.
Alamo Rent-A-Car 15 % off daily and 5 % off weekly rates in the U.S. and 10 percent off both daily and weekly rates in Europe. Call 1-800-354-2322 and request rate plan BY381470.
Anheuser-Busch Theme Parks Pick up your club card at your county Farm Bureau for discounts on Busch Gardens, Sea World and Adventure Island, in-park purchased merchandise, shows and tours.
Carquest Present your Farm Bureau membership card at any Carquest store in Florida to receive the preferred customer card. For additional information contact Carquest's Phillip Snyder at 352-372-8581.
Child Safety Seats Approved Cosco safety child car seat for $25. (One third retail price).
Choice Hotels Through Significant Organization Savings (SOS) Program members receive 20 % off published rates at thousands of Choice hotels nationwide, including Sleep, Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Mainstay Suites, Econolodge and Rodeway Inns.
Hertz Car Rental Contact your local office for your Hertz Car Rental coupon
Vision Select Plan Optical benefit plan including Laser vision correction. Coverage for the entire family. Unlimited savings. Buy one pair get one free. Plus additional features.
Dodge Rebate Dodge Truck Division of Chrysler Corp. & dealers give Farm Bureau members up to a $500 rebate toward the purchase of certain Dodge pickups and vans. Rebate is taken off purchase price.
Farm Bureau Bank Mortgages, credit cards, vehicle loans, etc. Brochures at your local office or call 1-800-492-FARM or visit www.farmbureaubank.com
Florida Agricultural Marketing High quality juice, fruit, vegetables, nuts and meat products produced by Farm Bureau members in Florida and other states. Contact your local Farm Bureau office or visit the "Voice of Agriculture" website at http:..www.ffbic.com
Insurance Protection For financial security and peace of mind:
Life Auto Annuities Long term care
Property /Casualty Income Replacement BCross/BShield
Cancer expense Hospital confinement Estate Planning
Long Distance Calling Save with Farm Bureau Connection on long distance calls-24 hours a day, seven days a week. 5.9 cents minute out-of-state calls, 9.9 cents within state, billed in six second increments. Calling Card fee is 13.9 cents per minute with no surcharge. A PERSONAL "800" number which rings on your phone is 9.9 cents minute. You get it all for a low $1.50 monthly access fee! Contact your county Farm Bureau for an application.
Monthly Member Publication Members receive FloridAgriculture magazine which contains information about agriculture and the people who make it a dynamic industry.
Notary Service Free notary service available at many county Farm Bureaus.
"No Trespassing" Signs Reward for information leading to the prosecution of persons responsible for theft from, or vandalism to, property of a Farm Bureau member. "No Trespassing" signs can be purchased through your county Farm Bureau office.
Prescription Service Several prescription discount plans are available. Contact the county Farm Bureau Office for details.
Tire Kingdom Discount on tires and service. Pick up your card at the county Farm Bureau office.
Universal Studios Fan Club 10% discount at Universal Studios. Advance online purchase http://universalstudios.com/fanclub, click, Orlando, Buy Tickets, then enter our code number, 0015.
Farm Bureau provides all these benefits plus:
*A strong legislative voice in Tallahassee and Washington
*A strong county-wide organization to address local issues
Benefits outlined are subject to change without notice.
Be Part of Broward Days!
On March 29-31 Broward leaders from all types of interests will travel to Tallahassee to lobby their state legislators. Broward County Farm Bureau is traditionally well represented among this group. The purpose of the trip is to bring attention to the special needs of the county while the legislators are in session. A luncheon is planned on the courtyard of the state capitol to fete the state officials, and this year it will be a joint Broward and Miami-Dade County effort.
It is hoped that the concerns of Broward County Farm Bureau members will be voiced by those representing it. Interested members should call the county office for more details and to notify the local organization if they plan to attend. Please ask for President Fred Segal or Federation Secretary Carole Williams at 954-972-2525.
May 8-12 is the date for this year's lobbying effort in Washington, D.C. for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Representatives from all county Farm Bureaus in the state are urged to attend. This is a chance for farm members to confer with the professionals from both the state and national organization and meet with national lawmakers on issues of current concern. Traveling as a group gets the attention of legislators, and the Farm Bureau professionals coach members how to best state their case on a one-to-one basis.
Meetings are held with the Farm Bureau members prior to meeting face-to-face with members of Congress and their aides so that we are brought up to date on bills under consideration. Well informed staff members are available to answer questions and make suggestions if asked. This trip has been a strong effort in past years. Broward County encourages members with an interest in attending to speak to Broward County Farm Bureau (BCFB) President Fred Segal or BCFB Federation Secretary Carole Williams in the Margate office at 954-972-2525.