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OFBF listens to farmers’ concerns at Farm Science Review

By Seth Teter

Whether it was input costs, eminent domain or the proposed animal identification system, farmers came to the Farm Science Review with issues on their minds. The event gave producers a chance to share their concerns with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation staff members who were on hand throughout the three-day show.

When asked about the top issue impacting their operations, numerous farmers named the high cost of fertilizer coupled with low grain prices. Chris Henney, OFBF director of policy development, said higher fertilizer costs, which have resulted from skyrocketing natural gas prices, are forcing producers to reexamine some agricultural practices.

"It makes it very difficult for them to farm the way they have always farmed," he said.

On top of that, Mark Nicol, who farms in Union County, said he, like many farmers, is faced with rising land prices.

"If you don't have someone to cash rent from, it's kind of hard to farm, especially being my age," said Nicol, who is 36. He said land in his area sells as high as $8,000 per acre, but he fears it could reach $20,000 per acre as a result of urban sprawl from Columbus. Nicol was also worried that the estate tax, also known as the death tax, will impact him some day.

Overcoming high land prices is the biggest challenge for Carl Purdin of Adams County who hopes to be able to start his own farm. "You can't afford a farm for one thing," said Carl's father Randy Purdin, worried about farmland being developed.

The proposed animal identification system, which has been raising questions from farmers across the country, also came up during the event. Kyle Wilson, who hopes to start a small-scale poultry operation in Fayette County, said he feels the program would negatively impact small farmers. Wilson, who spoke at length with OFBF Senior Director of Policy Research and Development David White, said he doesn't think the system is necessary for farmers who sell direct to consumers.

Wilson added that farmers should be allowed to voluntarily test their animals for conditions such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy to separate their product from the competition.

White said Wilson's comments were similar to those brought up by some farmers at a series of animal identification meetings OFBF has held across the state to identify concerns and clear up misconceptions about the program. He said OFBF supports a mandatory animal identification system only if it meets specific requirements that address cost, liability and confidentiality issues.

Larry Gearhardt, OFBF senior director of local affairs, had a long discussion with a Darke County farmer over the suitability of manure from large-scale livestock operations as a crop fertilizer. While the two amicably exchanged opposing viewpoints, both agreed that livestock is needed in Ohio and that continued research will greatly improve manure management.

While not every farmer who shared his concerns was a Farm Bureau member, OFBF was willing to listen.

However, Gearhardt noted it's ultimately the members who set the policy of the organization.

"Farm Bureau serves as a lightening rod for people to voice their concerns," he said. "However, we have to have member support to get our goals accomplished."

Cutline: Pearl Drumm (center), a Union County Farm Bureau member, discusses drainage issues with Larry Gearhardt (left), OFBF senior director of local affairs.