‘It Takes Two’ to win new Good Neighbor award
compiled by Susie Taylor Since the creation of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) newest department in agricultural ecology, the organization has placed a special emphasis on working with rural neighbors to ease tensions and educate nonfarm residents about agricultural practices. That special attention now has led to the development of a "Good Neighbor Award," presented by OFBF and the Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) to recognize rural, nonfarm Ohioans and livestock farmers for the work they’ve done to create better relations between farm and nonfarm neighbors. The award also will serve to increase awareness about how rural neighbors and residents can adopt and follow suggested practices in a positive manner that benefit their communities and neighborhoods. "Being a good neighbor means being responsible, courteous and respectful of others," said David White, OFBF director of commodity relations and OLC executive director. "Being respectful of private property and of the need for farmers to safeguard their businesses will help preserve the rural landscape that everyone enjoys." He added: "Both farmers and nonfarmers should take the initiative to get to know their neighbors. Knowing your neighbors and letting them get to know you will speed-up the new relationships you will be building. This is a win/win situation for all rural residents – farmers and nonfarmers." The award will feature local, regional and state levels of recognition. Local recipients will be selected, announced and recognized by county Farm Bureaus during National Farm City Week in November. Those county winners will advance to regional competition, where OFBF will select winners in each category. Regional recipients will advance to state competition, with statewide winners in each category being honored at the OLC’s 2005 annual meeting and industry symposium, which will be held March 29 at Der Dutchman Restaurant and Banquet Center in Plain City. To qualify, the nonfarmer candidate must live in an unincorporated area of the county and abide by the Code of Practices for rural residents as spelled out in OLC’s "It Takes Two to be a Good Neighbor" pamphlet. The farmer candidate must be a livestock (dairy, beef, sheep, swine or poultry) producer and abide by the Code of Practices for farmers as described by the guidelines. The lists are included in a sidebar accompanying this article and are posted on the OLC’s Web site at www.ohiolivestock.org For an award application or more information about the program, contact your county Farm Bureau office, the Ohio Livestock Coalition at 614.246.8288 or OFBF’s Agricultural Ecology Department at 614.246.8262. Follow these Codes of Practices to be a good neighbor • Keep your pets and other domestic animals restricted to your property. The open land may be a temptation to let your animals run loose, which may cause crop damage and put livestock under stress. • Keep your trash in a covered, enclosed receptacle. Refuse that blows onto an active farm can cause serious threats to crops, livestock and farm machinery and equipment. • If you have a question about a farming or agricultural practice, talk to a farmer. As you discuss your needs with them, you will gain an understanding of the agriculture business. The goal is to find satisfying resolutions to any issues that may arise. • Don’t assume that farmland is open and available for your off-road vehicle or even for walking, any more than your own backyard is open for others to access without permission. Livestock Farmers • Take the time to explain what you do and why you do it. For example, spreading manure on cropland recycles nutrients and puts the manure to productive use. Find out what your neighbor does for a profession as well. • Explain why, at planting and harvest times, farmers must work late into the night and on weekends. If neighbors know there are environmental benefits to applying manure and performing tillage when soil and planting windows are optimal, they may be more understanding. • Take opportunities to educate. Consider hosting an open house or picnic. Invite the neighbors to see a newborn animal. Explore if there is a way you can help the neighbors’ children with class projects. • Be helpful. For example, when it snows, dig out your neighbors if you have a snowplow. • Share with neighbors that animals require attention and care 24 hours a day, regardless of holidays and weekends. | |