County Policies

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County Policies Adopted September 15, 2011

LOCAL RESOLUTIONS

Appreciation
Monroe County is fortunate to have dedicated staff and members working in all different areas throughout the year.

Our thanks to President, Don Sahloff, who has been an outstanding leader of our organization. Our county board and we, as members, are more involved in ag-related issues because of his leadership. Monroe County Farm Bureau continues to be one of the top counties in Michigan and we have many members involved in the leadership of several Ag organizations locally and nationally.

Mary Janssens, Chairperson of the Promotion and Education Committee, is busy throughout the year taking the knowledge of agriculture to our schools and urban friends. The public has a better understanding where their food comes from and just how important American farmers are.

Our Farm Bureau food building located at the Monroe County Fairgrounds continues to make improvements and is very successful due to our manager, Mary Webb, and her many workers. What a great job! Thank you, Mary. Community Action Groups and other Farm Bureau members volunteer their time during fair week at the food building and also do many other projects during the year. Thank you!

Our Membership Committee, headed by Don Sahloff and Jan VanBuskirk, signed 23 new Regular members this year during the Membership Drive. Thanks to everyone who helped us even though we did not reach our goal.

Our Policy Development Committee, headed by Elgin Darling and Mary Lou Smith, have spent many hours of research and meetings to write resolutions which we will turn into policies at this annual meeting. This is what makes our grassroots organization successful and effective.

After more than 28 years of service to Monroe County Farm Bureau, Dale Mason retired in May from the position of Assistant Manager. We wish to express our appreciation to Dale for the many years of dedicated service and wish her well in her retirement.

Anna Sahloff, County Administrative Manager, along with her new assistant, Donna Dyda, spend many hours servicing the Farm Bureau members in Monroe County. All of the insurance agents have also worked hard to service all members. We are grateful for the time and effort they all give to our organization. ADOPTED

Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (M.A.E.A.P.)
Michigan agriculture is the state's second largest industry.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development agriculture is one of the few growing segments of the Michigan economy with a 2009 total market value of agriculture production of $5,753,219,000 and a 71 billion dollar total impact to this state.

Livestock is a vital part of this industry. Livestock consumes the crops we grow and their by-products. The agricultural industry is all inter-related. Success of one segment helps the rest of the industry.

M.A.E.A.P. is a voluntary program which is available for farmsteads, livestock, greenhouse and cropping system verification. The records of the operation and production methods are reviewed. Standards are set by universities, NRCS, USDA and industry experts.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment attempts to over-regulate Michigan agriculture, large or small, without expertise or experience within this industry. This has left the future of this industry with great uncertainty.

Therefore, be it resolved: We thank the Michigan legislature and our Governor for passage of the legislation on the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program and its objectives. We know that M.A.E.A.P. will give even greater protection for the Michigan environment as we implement protective practices on our farms. ADOPTED

Monroe County Road Commission
Monroe County Farm Bureau and its members have become increasingly disappointed in the management of the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC). The MCRC is in place to maintain public roadways including, but not limited to gravel roads, paved roads and concrete roads by means including, topdressing gravel, tar and chip sealing, patching potholes caused by various drivers, sealing cracks, replacing road sections too far damaged to repair by other methods listed above, mowing roadsides, maintaining and cleaning road ditches, maintaining road shoulders, as well as the oversight of various other jobs including inspecting bridges, traffic lights and signs. Monroe County Farm Bureau does not however believe it is the responsibility of the MCRC to rebuild existing or build new roads, bridges and overpasses. We also believe that the management of the MCRC is far too top heavy and that there should be layoffs or reappointments to those in management positions. We also feel that it is unnecessary for supervisors to drive home MCRC trucks that appear are being used for personal use instead of strictly MCRC business use. We are also very disappointed in the way the management of MCRC and its board of commissioners has handled property use and transactions over the past several years; most notable is Road Commission Dr. off Ida West Road that leads to nowhere.

Therefore, be it resolved: Monroe County Road Commission needs to do a serious evaluation of how our tax dollars are being spent and start making some tough decisions that will help in solving the top heavy management issues at hand. They must also realize that outside contractors should be used to build or rebuild roads and bridges. We also feel that the bidding should not be restricted to a union contractor. ADOPTED

Monroe County Farm Bureau Educator of the Year
Monroe County Farm Bureau commends Shirley Cox, our nominee for the 2011 Educator of the Year Award and her fellow teachers who promote agriculture, both in the classroom and with hands-on projects. The knowledge they instill in their students is valuable, lifelong information. ADOPTED

Free Trade Agreement
Be it resolved, we request Congressman John Dingell Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Carl Levin to support the Free Trade Agreement with Korea, Panama, and Columbia. ADOPTED

Slow Moving Vehicle Signs
Slow Moving Vehicle signs are being used for driveway and mailbox markers. Let's use Slow Moving Vehicle signs for what they were designed for. They were designed for warning people of a SLOW moving piece of equipment. Such misuse could cause people to not heed the sign when used properly - WARN people of Slow Moving Equipment. Farmers need to replace worn-out Slow Moving Vehicle emblems.

Be it resolved: Monroe County Farm Bureau communication committee and P & E Committee make strong efforts in 2012 to inform the public of the proper use of the SMV signs. That these two committees develop a "post card" that local FB members could use to place in the hands of "neighbors" who use the signs for other purposes such as driveway markers. ADOPTED

LOCAL REAFFIRMATIONS

Recycling
The Monroe County Health Department provides Monroe County residents with a comprehensive recycling and pollution prevention program. Programs are offered to assist in the disposal of household waste such as plastic, tin and aluminum cans, newspapers, batteries, tires, Christmas trees, inkjet cartridges, mercury, pesticides and other hazardous waste including electronics and unwanted medications.

Collection of newspapers is available at various sites in Monroe County.

Monroe County Solid Waste Coordinator, Jamie Dean, under the direction of the Monroe County Health Department, put together pamphlets, mailed regularly to assist us concerning disposing of many products that can be recycled.

We appreciate Jamie Dean's efforts to have a tire collection day for passenger car tires that will be an annual event and may in the future include truck and farm implement tires.

Resolved: We encourage families and friends to participate in these programs. ADOPTED

4-H
The Monroe County Fair is the showcase of exhibits being shown by the outstanding youth in our county.

Ribbons show success and become "lifelong treasures" as indicated by adults who have shown and received ribbons in their own youth.

Due to budget cuts from the state of Michigan and then "trickling down" to the Monroe County Fair Association, ribbons for youth projects were eliminated.

At this time, Monroe County 4-H Council and other folks are trying to raise funds.

Monroe County Farm Bureau and Monroe County 4-H would like to see the tradition of giving ribbons to the youth continue.

Therefore, be it resolved that Monroe County Farm Bureau and the 4-H Council plan together toward obtaining funds for recognition ribbons for all 4-H youth showing at the Monroe County Fair. ADOPTED


	About Us :: Board of Directors :: Newsletter :: Annual Meeting :: Office Info :: Contact Us :: How Do I Join? You need to have the Adobe Flash Player installed to see this calendar. Events Programs Photo Gallery Proposed Policy County Policies Member Benefits County Bylaws Monroe County Insurance Agents Scholarships / YPCS Members' Farm Blogs County Policies Adopted September 15, 2011 LOCAL RESOLUTIONS Appreciation Monroe County is fortunate to have dedicated staff and members working in all different areas throughout the year. Our thanks to President, Don Sahloff, who has been an outstanding leader of our organization. Our county board and we, as members, are more involved in ag-related issues because of his leadership. Monroe County Farm Bureau continues to be one of the top counties in Michigan and we have many members involved in the leadership of several Ag organizations locally and nationally. Mary Janssens, Chairperson of the Promotion and Education Committee, is busy throughout the year taking the knowledge of agriculture to our schools and urban friends. The public has a better understanding where their food comes from and just how important American farmers are. Our Farm Bureau food building located at the Monroe County Fairgrounds continues to make improvements and is very successful due to our manager, Mary Webb, and her many workers. What a great job! Thank you, Mary. Community Action Groups and other Farm Bureau members volunteer their time during fair week at the food building and also do many other projects during the year. Thank you! Our Membership Committee, headed by Don Sahloff and Jan VanBuskirk, signed 23 new Regular members this year during the Membership Drive. Thanks to everyone who helped us even though we did not reach our goal. Our Policy Development Committee, headed by Elgin Darling and Mary Lou Smith, have spent many hours of research and meetings to write resolutions which we will turn into policies at this annual meeting. This is what makes our grassroots organization successful and effective. After more than 28 years of service to Monroe County Farm Bureau, Dale Mason retired in May from the position of Assistant Manager. We wish to express our appreciation to Dale for the many years of dedicated service and wish her well in her retirement. Anna Sahloff, County Administrative Manager, along with her new assistant, Donna Dyda, spend many hours servicing the Farm Bureau members in Monroe County. All of the insurance agents have also worked hard to service all members. We are grateful for the time and effort they all give to our organization. ADOPTED Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (M.A.E.A.P.) Michigan agriculture is the state's second largest industry. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development agriculture is one of the few growing segments of the Michigan economy with a 2009 total market value of agriculture production of $5,753,219,000 and a 71 billion dollar total impact to this state. Livestock is a vital part of this industry. Livestock consumes the crops we grow and their by-products. The agricultural industry is all inter-related. Success of one segment helps the rest of the industry. M.A.E.A.P. is a voluntary program which is available for farmsteads, livestock, greenhouse and cropping system verification. The records of the operation and production methods are reviewed. Standards are set by universities, NRCS, USDA and industry experts. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment attempts to over-regulate Michigan agriculture, large or small, without expertise or experience within this industry. This has left the future of this industry with great uncertainty. Therefore, be it resolved: We thank the Michigan legislature and our Governor for passage of the legislation on the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program and its objectives. We know that M.A.E.A.P. will give even greater protection for the Michigan environment as we implement protective practices on our farms. ADOPTED Monroe County Road Commission Monroe County Farm Bureau and its members have become increasingly disappointed in the management of the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC). The MCRC is in place to maintain public roadways including, but not limited to gravel roads, paved roads and concrete roads by means including, topdressing gravel, tar and chip sealing, patching potholes caused by various drivers, sealing cracks, replacing road sections too far damaged to repair by other methods listed above, mowing roadsides, maintaining and cleaning road ditches, maintaining road shoulders, as well as the oversight of various other jobs including inspecting bridges, traffic lights and signs. Monroe County Farm Bureau does not however believe it is the responsibility of the MCRC to rebuild existing or build new roads, bridges and overpasses. We also believe that the management of the MCRC is far too top heavy and that there should be layoffs or reappointments to those in management positions. We also feel that it is unnecessary for supervisors to drive home MCRC trucks that appear are being used for personal use instead of strictly MCRC business use. We are also very disappointed in the way the management of MCRC and its board of commissioners has handled property use and transactions over the past several years; most notable is Road Commission Dr. off Ida West Road that leads to nowhere. Therefore, be it resolved: Monroe County Road Commission needs to do a serious evaluation of how our tax dollars are being spent and start making some tough decisions that will help in solving the top heavy management issues at hand. They must also realize that outside contractors should be used to build or rebuild roads and bridges. We also feel that the bidding should not be restricted to a union contractor. ADOPTED Monroe County Farm Bureau Educator of the Year Monroe County Farm Bureau commends Shirley Cox, our nominee for the 2011 Educator of the Year Award and her fellow teachers who promote agriculture, both in the classroom and with hands-on projects. The knowledge they instill in their students is valuable, lifelong information. ADOPTED Free Trade Agreement Be it resolved, we request Congressman John Dingell Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Carl Levin to support the Free Trade Agreement with Korea, Panama, and Columbia. ADOPTED Slow Moving Vehicle Signs Slow Moving Vehicle signs are being used for driveway and mailbox markers. Let's use Slow Moving Vehicle signs for what they were designed for. They were designed for warning people of a SLOW moving piece of equipment. Such misuse could cause people to not heed the sign when used properly - WARN people of Slow Moving Equipment. Farmers need to replace worn-out Slow Moving Vehicle emblems. Be it resolved: Monroe County Farm Bureau communication committee and P & E Committee make strong efforts in 2012 to inform the public of the proper use of the SMV signs. That these two committees develop a "post card" that local FB members could use to place in the hands of "neighbors" who use the signs for other purposes such as driveway markers. ADOPTED LOCAL REAFFIRMATIONS Recycling The Monroe County Health Department provides Monroe County residents with a comprehensive recycling and pollution prevention program. Programs are offered to assist in the disposal of household waste such as plastic, tin and aluminum cans, newspapers, batteries, tires, Christmas trees, inkjet cartridges, mercury, pesticides and other hazardous waste including electronics and unwanted medications. Collection of newspapers is available at various sites in Monroe County. Monroe County Solid Waste Coordinator, Jamie Dean, under the direction of the Monroe County Health Department, put together pamphlets, mailed regularly to assist us concerning disposing of many products that can be recycled. We appreciate Jamie Dean's efforts to have a tire collection day for passenger car tires that will be an annual event and may in the future include truck and farm implement tires. Resolved: We encourage families and friends to participate in these programs. ADOPTED 4-H The Monroe County Fair is the showcase of exhibits being shown by the outstanding youth in our county. Ribbons show success and become "lifelong treasures" as indicated by adults who have shown and received ribbons in their own youth. Due to budget cuts from the state of Michigan and then "trickling down" to the Monroe County Fair Association, ribbons for youth projects were eliminated. At this time, Monroe County 4-H Council and other folks are trying to raise funds. Monroe County Farm Bureau and Monroe County 4-H would like to see the tradition of giving ribbons to the youth continue. Therefore, be it resolved that Monroe County Farm Bureau and the 4-H Council plan together toward obtaining funds for recognition ribbons for all 4-H youth showing at the Monroe County Fair. ADOPTED Copyrights, Disclosures & Disclaimers