Menu

". . . as important as this meeting is, for the next few minutes, I’d like you to think beyond this convention.

"Beyond tomorrow when you return home to your farms and families. I’d like you to think about agriculture in Ohio… 10, 20 or 30 years down the road. And I’d like you to think about this:

"Each of you in this room right now has the opportunity, and the obligation to make sure that in 10, 20 or 30 years we still have agriculture in Ohio. I know it seems unthinkable: an Ohio without agriculture. But as we sit here today, the cards are stacked against us.

"Economists say that in 2007, just three years away, the United States will have it’s first ever agricultural trade deficit… we will import more farm goods than we export. In Washington, farm support payments are on shaky ground. At Ohio State University, there is the real possibility that the Extension service may be separated from the College of Agriculture. Developers want your crop ground for shopping malls and housing tracts. PETA, The Environmental Working Group and hundreds of other fanatical activist groups are in the schools, on the television and going door to door with the message that farmers are killing people and the planet. Livestock producers are getting sued just for thinking about putting up barns.

"And we have a state government that is unwilling to recognize that burdensome taxes, unnecessary regulations and frivolous lawsuits are eroding the financial viability of both farmers and the agricultural businesses to which we are linked.

"So, when you add all this together, perhaps the possibility that agriculture could disappear from Ohio isn’t all that outrageous.

"Now that I’ve ruined your day – let me tell you the rest of what I believe.

"I came across a quote from a gentleman named Alan Kay. He’s the electronics whiz who came up with the concept of laptop computers. Kay said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to invent it.’ And that’s why I am not predicting doom and gloom for Ohio agriculture. Because through Farm Bureau, we can invent the future.

"That process is about to get started.

"You heard earlier today from President McClure about Farm Bureau’s project to develop a road map for Ohio agriculture. Just as we completed the strategic planning process for Farm Bureau, we’ll take the lead in strategic planning for Ohio agriculture.

"Our work will result in a plan that assures prosperous farms, jobs in the agribusiness sector, and positive contributions to the environment and to society. I’d encourage you to closely follow our actions in the coming year.

"Through Buckeye Farm News, meetings and every way possible, we’ll keep you informed and seek your input on Ohio’s agricultural road map. I can promise you one thing – that map will not include a dead end. Because I believe each of you in this room will accept the opportunity and the obligation to fight for agriculture’s future in this state. It will be a tough fight. But as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ Farm Bureau gives you that power. And your character will shine through."