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Councils ‘Speak Out’ on water quality, term limits

More than 8,000 Farm Bureau members meet regularly to respond to discussion topics Ohio Farm Bureau presents to them. The members meet in advisory councils, and the discussion is facilitated through the "Speak Out" guide.

Director of Advisory Councils Chip Nelson said monthly topics are suggested by advisory councils, OFBF staff members or in response to timely events. When councils submit their responses, they are read, tabulated and then returned to the county office. "Any concerns or questions are given to the appropriate person, and they are asked to correspond with the council," Nelson said.

The tabulations are shared with the OFBF board of trustees and with councils, so they can see how they compare with other councils.

"Each month, we receive minutes from at least 40 percent of councils," Nelson said. "We are able to touch base with our members on a monthly basis and each time, we can count on an excellent response."

Following is a tabulation of the responses to the August guide, "Water Quality: Cool, Clear, Water."

  1. How many members of your council have farmland that comes within 100 feet of a creek, river or lake?
  • 67 percent
  1. What current agricultural practice do members of your council use to ensure water quality? (top 3 responses)
  • Use of filter strips, buffer strips and riparian buffers
  • Proper handling of manure
  • Proper handling of chemicals/fertilizer
  1. How many members of your council have farmland that is within a stormwater control area?
  • 12 percent
  1. From your everyday observation, which of the following would your council say is the leading source of nonpoint pollution in your area?
  • Agriculture: 38 percent
  • Hydromodification: 14 percent
  • Mining: 6 percent
  • Urban Runoff: 42 percent

Following is the tabulation of the responses is to the September guide, "Term limits, are they working?"

  1. How many members of your council agree with the concept of term limits for state legislators, and how may disagree with this concept?
  • Agree = 75 percent
  • Disagree = 17 percent
  • Undecided = 8 percent
  1. What would your council say is the biggest advantage to term limits? (top three answers)
  • Make it easier to remove inefficient politicians from office.
  • Allow for new ideas
  • Gets new people involved
  1. What would your council say are the biggest disadvantages to term limits? (top three answers)
  • Loss of competent/good leaders
  • Long learning period, limits time to accomplish agenda
  • Loss of experience.
  1. Have members of your council held or currently hold a political office? If so, what offices are represented?
  • Township trustees = 30 percent of councils
  • Township clerks = 15 percent of councils
  • School board members = 14 percent of councils

The November "Speak Out" will focus on farmers feeding the hungry in Ohio. If you would like to participate in an advisory council, contact your county office.

 
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