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In the past two months, hundreds of advisory councils met to discuss the policy development process and propose suggestions for policy implementation at the county, state and national levels. Suggestions covered a wide range of topics. These recommendations are a valuable resource for Farm Bureau leaders in developing the official positions of the organization. Councils also met to discuss current wildlife management practices in the state and shared their comments on what can be done to reduce crop and property damage. Many councils reported an increase in crop and livestock damage from various types of wildlife. The following are some remarks the councils shared:

Policy development
Highland County Agricolae Council: We support legislation that prohibits eminent domain for private enterprise at the county, state and national levels. We support legislation that keeps the present fence laws with the township trustee in charge.

Wayne County Meadowlarks and Crows: We encourage Farm Bureau to work with Soil and Water Conservation to study and determine the best way to correct conditions of our streams and ditches. They are filled with logs and debris and need widened and cleaned. We urge continued support by Farm Bureau to review and update eminent domain issues for protection of our property owners. We urge Farm Bureau to target TABOR (Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights) initiatives through public outreach and education efforts and to study TEL (Tax and Expenditure Limitation) proposals before voting.

Franklin County Southeastern Early Risers: Contracts for local governments can not be awarded to any individual, company or corporation that is delinquent on paying taxes. Proof of paid up taxes must be submitted with bid.

Erie County Turnpike Neighbors: Remove the Canadian geese from the endangered species list. We need to put a refund on cans and bottles to cut down on litter. It should be stipulated that farmers cannot be sued for nuisance odors, especially when the farmers were there first. We support usage and production of biodiesel and encourage reduction in taxes on ethanol and biodiesel fuels for both producers and users.

Miami County Young Farmers Council: Countywide property restrictions on lot size. Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) restrictions lifted to 35 mph. Enforce proper use of SMV sign. Educate on benefits of organic/non-organic practices.

Wildlife management
Muskingum County Ridge Runners: Every member has had deer damage, some have reported damage but nothing was done. There has also been raccoon, turkey and coyote damage. Make hunters take two does before they can get a buck. Don’t charge so much for a doe license. Charge once for a license. When coyote damage is reported, it isn’t always followed up in a timely manner. Take black vultures off the endangered species list.

Stark County The Who’s Council: Longer seasons and higher bag limits. Increase on pelt prices. Reinstate bounty for certain animals.

Ross County Study Group #4: Longer season for geese and deer. Allow killing more doe and bucks. Keep anytime killing of black vultures plus coyotes. Wild turkey are becoming a problem and probably need a longer hunting season for them.

Seneca County 5:00 Farmers Council: Increase bag limits. Allow easier access to nuisance permit kills. Make two nonconsecutive weeks of deer gun season. Wildlife biologists need to take into account the agricultural impact.

Medina County Buckeye Up & Coming Council: Take away protection of Canadian geese. Place bounties on coyotes. Extend the season on deer and wild turkey. Place deer warning sensors on main highways (as in Indiana).

If you would like to form a new advisory council or join an existing council, please contact Marc Armstrong, OFBF director of constituent action, 614-246-8247, marmstrong@ofbf.org