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by Joe Cornely

Like most farmers, Ohio Farm Bureau president Terry McClure was happy this fall to hear about some record corn yields, $7 beans and $90 cattle. "The commodity charts could suggest that agriculture maybe has turned a part of a corner," he said. But McClure believes improved production and prices aren't enough to ensure the long-term success of Ohio farmers. Most important is whether Ohio's government creates a business climate that is supportive to farming and agribusiness. "That's what's going to make a difference whether farming carries on in the state," he said.

Business climate
OFBF's Executive Vice President Jack Fisher said Farm Bureau must convince government that agriculture is here to stay. "Farm Bureau's going to promote agriculture and agribusiness. It's a changing economy but one we intend to be a vital part of for years to come. We're proud we're the biggest industry in the state, and we’re not going to relinquish that position very easily."

Farm specific issues will remain a high priority according to McClure. But support for agriculture-related business also is needed. "One thing that sets Ohio apart is the processing industry we've managed to build here. We get more for the same bushel of corn than they do in Iowa or Nebraska because of our processors. Without a positive business climate here we will lose that processing industry."

Crop farmers process their products through Ohio's livestock and poultry farms. "The majority of our corn and beans goes through livestock, so we've put a lot of effort into keeping the livestock industry viable," Fisher said. He cited Farm Bureau's promotion of consistent, reasonable regulations as a way to keep livestock farming profitable, the environment clean and society happy.

Public relations
Retaining the public's good will is an increasing challenge according to McClure. "Our research shows people feel very good when they think about their vision of a farmer, but it’s really not what farming looks like today. It’s not a vision of commercially viable agriculture." He said Farm Bureau's role is to inform the public that while practices have changed, the people haven't. "We're watching how we treat the environment and our animals. We're raising the safest, most abundant food supply in the history of the world. We need to show them that it's because of the modern techniques we're using. If we don't, we'll lose that good will."

Member involvement
Affecting public opinion and influencing government are difficult tasks, but ones which Farm Bureau is uniquely capable of completing according to Fisher. He feels strongly that the grassroots nature of the organization positions it to understand challenges and respond to them. "Farm Bureau is about policy development and policy implementation; getting information from farmers about their needs and wants." He recognized that today's farm families have limited time to participate in organizations. "We have to find ways to capture their input with less time, make it as easy as possible, and continue to motivate people about the important work we do."

As a farmer, McClure understands the need to motivate members. "Right now we have a lot of members who wouldn't think of not being members, but they also wouldn't think about getting involved. How do we turn that around?" The Farm Bureau president feels many members "don't realize everything we're doing. We need to do a better job of showing people just how much is getting done. I think if members know what’s going on and what needs to be done, they’ll be more willing to share in the effort."

Political action
McClure said a changing political arena demands farmers change their approach to political action. "We know we're doing positive things, but we don't like to get up on a soapbox and talk about it." But he said the people and organizations that often oppose Farm Bureau policies are "fired up."

The anti-agriculture forces have so far been mostly unsuccessful with their political agenda, something Fisher linked to Farm Bureau's "credibility and recognition" by office holders at all levels. "People respect us for our process and our commitment to good government."

McClure said there are few organizations which have the "political might and skill" of Farm Bureau. Even so, he wants to see even greater political involvement by individual members. "We're going to have to become conservative activists if we're going to keep agriculture where it is in the state today."