Proposed Policy

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State Resolutions

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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

Proposal A

We want to be ahead of the game in Lansing.  If there is a possible change we need to be prepared so our lobbyist can help protect the Farmers in Michigan.

We feel if they do away with proposal A or change it we need to make sure that the new assessed values and the SEV value be what the taxable value is now.  On some properties these values are close but then there is some farm land that is way out of line.

When assessors had to raise the agricultural values for their townships they raised it very high.  They felt farmers would not complain as the taxable value only went up with the rate of inflation.  We need to be prepared for this.

Be it resolved:  If Proposal A changes or is done away with that the new assessed value and SEV be what the taxable value is today.  ADOPTED

Feral Swine

With the recent discovery of pseudorabies in a feral hog, we request that Senator Randy Richardville support and pass Senate Bills 307-310.

These bills which passed the house (HB 4503-4506) would begin to strongly regulate the swine game farms and hunt clubs in Michigan.  ADOPTED

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is critical to growing an economy.  Road, drainage, communications, electric, and energy are all part of this infrastructure.

Be it resolved:  We recommend county drain commissioners examine water shed for maintenance due to the excessive amount of dead ash trees, due to Emerald Ash Borer, which are lodged in the ditches, creeks, and streams of Monroe County and Michigan.

We also support the construction of an international crossing near Detroit.  Agriculture produce moving back and forth stimulates both Michigan and Canada's economies.

The growing demand for food requires agriculture to have good drainage and good roads.  ADOPTED

The Grain Dealers Act - Farm Producer Fund

The Farm Producer Fund, a farmer funded insurance pool, which was created by legislation to protect farmers from grain dealer bankruptcies.  Currently the fund has a 5 million dollar cap.

To date, there have been 5 failures with over $900,000 dollars paid out to producers.

Therefore be it resolved:  We recommend the Farm Producer Fund cap be raised to 8 million dollars because of higher commodity prices.

We would also recommend the administrative cost to run the fund be paid out of the fund with a cap of no more than 300,000 dollars.

We would recommend a representative from the newly formed wheat check off committee be placed on the Farm Producer Fund Board.  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 driven on public roadways.  Farmers need to replace worn-out Slow Moving Vehicle emblems.

Be it resolved: Michigan Farm Bureau lobbyists work with legislators to write a bill, and achieve passage into law, making it illegal to use SMV signs for any purpose other than the original intent of identification of machinery moving slowly on public highways.  ADOPTED

P.A. 51

Public Act 51 classifies roads and how funds shall be disbursed to fund road repair and maintenance.  This law is seriously outdated and needs an overhaul.  Michigan roads and bridges are in need of major repairs or replacement and it needs to be done soon to help restore our ailing economy.

Therefore, be it resolved: Governor Rick Snyder and the current State legislature need to examine and create a new and up-to-date method of funding road and bridge repairs and maintenance and come up with a new law to replace P.A. 51.  ADOPTED

Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), Ag Bio-Research (ABR)

MSU

The shift by MSU from a "land grant mission" to a "world grant mission" view is of concern to MFB. This change in view will ultimately result in the alienation of industry partners such as the Michigan Soybean Association and the Michigan Corn Growers Association etc.

Therefore, be it resolved:

• MSU should re-evaluate its mission view and make changes that are supportive of agriculture.

• MSU needs to evaluate and make changes to the ratio of Administration and faculty to field staff as a primary cost cutting measure.

MSUE

The recent decision by MSUE to eliminate field crop and vegetable agent positions in Southern Michigan has left the industry without personal connection to university research and diagnostic service and industry support. The needs for expertise in production agriculture are real.

Therefore, be it resolved:

MSU Extension should:

• Restore the eliminated positions of Field crop and vegetable agents and maintain production agriculture as its primary focus.

• Utilize individuals with at least 10 years of experience and a bachelor's degree in lieu of a master's degree as a cost cutting measure.

• Evaluate its role to Michigan agriculture and prioritize its ability to have a meaningful impact on the agricultural economy of the state.

• Re-examine its budget cuts and how the various areas of the agricultural economy are affected.

• Be transparent in and throughout the budgetary process by including industry partners such as MFB and various commodity groups.

• Present a comprehensive plan for performing effective outreach and the delivery of intellectual information to its constituent groups by no later than December 15th, 2011.

We do not support:

• The "self funding" mechanism to retain extension agent positions. It is not the responsibility of the agent to secure funding for his position within MSUE. It is the university's responsibility to obtain the proper funding for these positions. (I.e.: industry partners and/or commodity groups.) We are very concerned about the precedent that "self funding" may set and the effect it could have on less financially able communities.

Ag Bio-Research (ABR):

The governor's recent cost cutting measures have resulted in the ABR being merged with MSUE with an unclear mission statement as to the research being conducted.

Therefore, be it resolved:

• ABR's sole purpose should be in conducting research that is pertinent to production agriculture in Michigan.

• ABR secure proper funding levels for research and the dissemination of the research information to producers.  ADOPTED

Education

Whereas: The new Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) requires all students to take advanced classes.  These required credits are intended to ensure skills and knowledge for 21st century jobs.  A well rounded education containing basic core curriculum, including college-prep or vocational/technical courses should be an attainable and achievable goal for all students.

Therefore, be it resolved: A uniform requirement for credits should be established for the State of Michigan in lieu of local districts setting the requirements for graduation.  Vocational instruction should be included as a core curriculum credit and proficiency testing of vocational skills should be developed.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Overhead Utility Lines

Overhead utility lines, including cable television over fields and field driveways, can cause problems for large farm equipment.  These service providers should work together to provide a minimum height of 15 feet above ground level to protect their lines, farmers and farm equipment.

Therefore, we urge Michigan Farm Bureau to continue working with MPSC and utility companies to insure that overhead cables are at a safe height.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - State Police Motor Carriers

Due to the growing number of farm trucks on public highways and the weight restrictions placed on these vehicles, Michigan State Police have made them a target because of their inability to have a certified weight before entering public highways.

Overweight vehicles on public highways are a concern for everyone whether they are commercial or agricultural trucks; however, in most cases, commercial trucks are weighed before they enter the public highways unlike most agricultural trucks.  Therefore, this difference makes farm trucks more susceptible to being overweight, although often times they do not overload intentionally.  When trucks are stopped for a weight check, they are typically both weighed and inspected, a process that has been known to take four hours or more.

Due to the fact that farm trucks are not weighed before entering public highways, they should be allowed some tolerance on axle overweights since that is often times the reason they are ticketed.

Therefore, be it resolved, we urge our state legislators to enact law to allow for a 20% tolerance over the legal weight limit on axles provided the vehicle is at or below its legal gross weight.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Michigan Ag Council

Farmers are held in high regard by the general public.  So says a study by a public relations firm hired by the Michigan Ag Council, a group of farm organizations and businesses organized to promote agriculture.  They have partnered together to produce promotional materials to tell the farmer's story.  County Farm Bureaus can make use of these materials to run locally in their county, but most radio and television stations serve many counties and states and the advertising is expensive.

The efforts of the Michigan Ag Council are needed because, if farmers do nothing, other groups will define who we are and what we do.  Some animal rights and environmental groups are engaging in a disinformation campaign.  This information often gets printed or broadcast by the media with very little scrutiny of factual accuracy.  They are attempting to redefine what a family is and distorting the good environmental record of farmers.

Therefore, we would like to see the efforts of the Michigan Ag Council expanded and encourage Michigan Farm Bureau to partner with American Farm Bureau Federation and other state Farm Bureaus, organizations and agricultural businesses on a regional level to fund a Great Lakes or Midwest Ag Council.  This would eliminate duplication of efforts by individual states and pool resources to hire a public relations firm to produce top quality television and radio ads to give the public an accurate portrayal of agriculture.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Humane Society of The United States

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is an organization that has no connection to the Humane Society that operates our local shelters.  The HSUS uses this name to give the illusion of being part of local Humane Societies, as only one-half of 1% goes to dogs and cats.  The HSUS is a powerful organization with millions of donated dollars which are being used to try to change animal agriculture in America.  One of the goals of HSUS is to eliminate animals for human consumption.  They have succeeded in passing legislation in several states that has dramatically impacted animal agriculture by reducing profitability and raising food costs.

Therefore, we urge Michigan Farm Bureau to continue their efforts to defeat HSUS in its attempt to change or eliminate animal agriculture in Michigan which would also have an adverse effect on many other types of farming that are connected to animal agriculture.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Electric Cars/Road Funding

As the current administration continues its push for increased production and usage of electric cars in Michigan, it has not addressed the issue of who pays for the roads used by the electric cars.

Electric cars do not use gasoline and hence do not pay the road tax that is added to each gallon of gasoline used on public roads.  We fear that owners of electric cars will continue using the roads, like bicyclists, and not be subject to any responsibility for road upkeep, or worse, a surcharge will be added to everyone's electric bills with the surcharge being diverted to the highway fund.

RESOLUTION:  Electric car owners should be required to install a separate meter with that meter's usage taxed for the highway fund at a rate consistent with fuel taxes paid by other vehicles.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Term Limits

We support the term limits as specified in our State Policy Book, Policy #63 Elections.  We ask that Farm Bureau work more aggressively to initiate a petition drive to accomplish this change.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Animal Care

Livestock production and the way farm animals are raised have changed significantly in the last 20 years.  No one has greater concern for the care and welfare of farm animals than the farmers who raise them.  We support the utilization of the Care of Farm Animals Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMP) as the standard for animal welfare in

Michigan.  We encourage producers to educate and have guidelines for employees on proper animal care.

A form titled "Employee Code of Animal and Environmental Care" has been created to protect farmers.  This form should be made available on Michigan Farm Bureau's website and farmers should be encouraged to use it on the farm.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Michigan Department of Agriculture

The Michigan Department of Agriculture protects everyone, everyday in food safety, grocery store inspections, Right-To-Farm, weights and measures and more.  It helps us as farmers to protect the environment, land and water.  The state of Michigan is certainly experiencing some serious fiscal problems.  There is no doubt about this fact.  One of the ways our legislators are attempting to deal with part of this shortage in funds is to combine and/or eliminate departments of state government.  One of the departments that has taken serious cuts in recent years is the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA).  Again this year MDA is being considered for more cuts and/or inclusion with other departments.  One might think since most citizens in Michigan are not directly involved in agriculture they may not see this as an important department to continue to fund and maintain.  However, in a March, 2009, survey of Michigan residents (State of the State Survey-SOSS-51), the Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) included several questions about agriculture.  One such question focused on the degree to which respondents thought the agricultural industry and farmland were important to the state's economic recovery.  Approximately 74.2% of survey respondents believed that the agricultural industry and farmland are "very important" and 22.8% believed they are "somewhat important" to the state's economic recovery, which totals 97%.  This combined value is greater than the values for all other sectors also asked about in the survey, namely renewable energy, the automobile industry, parks and trails, and tourism.

MDA programs and services cost Michigan taxpayers just 2 cents a day.  If we continue to reduce staff at MDA and/or combine this department with other parts of our state government, just who will be there to protect us as producers or citizens as consumers?  MDA's budget has been reduced by more than 50% over the last ten years.  If other departments in Michigan's government would have taken similar cuts we would not have a fiscal crisis.

Therefore, be it resolved that:

• The MDA should continue as a stand-alone department of state government.

• We strongly support the continued commission form of oversight of this department.

• We request an increase in funding for MDA back to 2008 levels.

• We support that forestry be moved to MDA from Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality (MDNRE).  Forestry is a crop, just a slow growing one.

• The Captive Cervid program be moved back to MDA from MDNRE.

• The complete jurisdiction of the TB program be entirely under MDA for Captive Cervid and domestic livestock when TB disease issues arise.  ADOPTED

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National Resolutions

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Estate Taxes

The current federal Estate Tax law with an exemption of $5M per spouse ($10M per couple) and stepped up basis portability will expire at the end of 2013.

Therefore: We strongly urge AFBF to push for a permanent extension of the current $5M exemption or a total repeal of the federal Estate Tax law.  ADOPTED

Lake Erie Algae

Monroe County is located on the west end of Lake Erie.  The quality of the lake water is very important to all Americans.  Therefore let it be resolved that all farmers use every available means to control nutrient runoff, IE no-till, minimum-till wherever feasible.  ADOPTED

Soy Milk

There are nearly 600,000 soybean growers in the U.S. raising a crop that is one of the most versatile in the world.  One of the uses of soybeans is a white milk-like liquid extracted from the whole bean which has been scientifically proven to be the best nutritional alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.  To label soy milk as a drink or juice could be confusing to those who rely on soy milk for their health.  Soybean growers are not trying to replace cow's milk, only offer an alternative that is naturally milk-like in its consistency and appearance.

Therefore, we strongly urge the removal of the line which was added as an amendment in the AFBF "Labeling" resolution "We support the campaign to change the labeling for soy "milk" to a more appropriate name, such as soy drink or soy juice." We feel that this new labeling recommendation is unfair to soybean growers as it would put soy milk in the category with citrus juices or energy drinks.  ADOPTED

Re-instatement of the Farmer Idea Exchange (FIE) Program

During 2011 the American Farm Bureau did some reorganization of the various programs that members would have available to participate in.  In the process of that reorganization the decision was made to kill (eliminate) the Farmer Idea Exchange (FIE) program in favor of expansion of the CAE activity.  While the CAE is an excellent program that many counties participate in, such expansion of one good program should not have to cause the elimination of another valuable member program.

Elimination of the FIE by the American Farm Bureau has removed nearly all opportunity for those members over age 35 (cut-off age for FB young farmer programs) to have an avenue to participate in a program & be eligible to win any individual award at the national level within Farm Bureau.

The FIE program (up until its elimination in 2011) was touted, promoted and publicized by the American Farm Bureau as a contest that:  "is designed to surface inventions, equipment modifications, marketing techniques… and farming practices" In order to provide this opportunity for FB members to continue to, "share their innovative ideas and help other farmers/ranchers...cut costs, improve efficiency & increase net income", the Farmer Idea Exchange contest needs to be re-instated by AFBF beginning at the 2013 AFBF Annual Meeting.

Therefore be it Resolved: We demand that the AFBF board of directors appoint an AFBF staff person to re-instate and actively promote the FIE contest beginning with winners to be named and exhibiting in the showcase at the 2013 AFBF annual meeting.  ADOPTED

Michigan Conservation Districts

We support Michigan Farm Bureau:

• Informing members about the opportunity, use and reversion of federal farm bill funds (EQUIP, cost-share, ect.).

• Informing members of cooperative efforts between NRCS, MDARD, and conservation Districts and the amount of federal farm bill conservation money coming to producers and landowners of Michigan from this cooperation.

• Working with Districts to develop materials to educate members about agricultural stewardship and support efforts to make the public aware of the benefits of an investment in good stewardship.

• Working with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and local Conservation Districts to ensure landowners' conservation needs are met now and in the future.  These groups working together should review the current structure and delivery system, as well as determine what resources and appropriate authorities are needed for Conservation Districts.

We support Conservation Districts:

• Focusing on conservation for agriculture.

• Evaluating and adopting relevant successful programs from other conservation districts and

States (e.g., water quality assistance and ditch maintenance).  Programming could vary from county to county, based on the direction of the district boards and the needs of agriculture.

• Simplifying Farm Bill programming for farmers as NRCS programming is paper-driven and difficult to manage.

• Providing multi-disciplinary cross-training for all Conservative District Employees.

• Being the primary agency to initiate watershed management programming and technical assistance.  ADOPTED

Renewable Fuels

The last 100 years or so have been known as the age of oil. Oil and everything made from oil has defined our way of life. Fuels and lubricants are often pictured when talking about oil. But there are also medicines, cosmetics, personal care items, packaging, anything plastic, and multitudes of other things that contain oil byproducts. Over time we have come to realize that we are too dependent on oil and that it is a finite resource.

About 40 years ago researchers began to do serious research to find alternative resources to use in place of oil. Much of this research was funded by farmers through the money they paid into check-off funds when they sold their grain. At that time we had surpluses of grain and were looking for alternative markets. In recent years many natural ingredients have been found in our corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and other crops that can be used in place of oil. Even clothing, carpet, and plastics can be manufactured using renewable ingredients from our crops. Brazil has shown us that 100% of our motor fuels can be made from non-oil sources. We will probably never entirely replace the use of oil. More and more substitutes for oil are being developed every day.

It is time for our country to encourage the development and use of products and fuels made from renewable sources. Therefore, we urge:

• The retention of the Renewable Fuels Standard

• A more comprehensive definition of what biomass is and isn't

• The retention of the Biomass Crop Assistance Program

• The establishment of national quality standards for biodiesel, renewable fuels, and related products and the enforcement of such standards

• Research into better performing engines of all sizes and types that run on renewable fuels, especially small engines and marine engines

• The public be given choices as to the blend percentage of fuel they wish to put into their vehicle's tank

• The transition of the Volumetric Renewable Fuels Excise Tax Credits from the blending point to a program that builds biofuel infrastructure such as blender pumps and pipelines.  ADOPTED

2012 Farm Bill

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (commonly known as the "Farm Bill") provides valuable income and conservation practices support to agricultural producers.  The current "Farm Bill" is authorized until 2012 when new legislation will replace it.  It is in the farmer's best interest to review what parts of the "Farm Bill" have worked and where improvements can be made.  The current "Farm Bill" has become a complex and difficult program for many farmers to understand and utilize.  Agricultural producers need to become involved in creating the next "Farm Bill".

Therefore, we resolve:  The following program areas need to be changed or improved in any future "Farm Bill" legislation.

1) Simplify language and clarify terminology used on USDA/FSA forms to increase both producer and landowner's understanding of what they are signing.

2) We support the current USDA/FSA program eligibility limits for payments.  We oppose lowering of the current income limits to remain eligible to participate in USDA/FSA programs.  The current maximum payment limits should not be lowered.

3) To make the ACRE program more acceptable and beneficial to farmers, the following changes should be made:

A) Replace the State benchmark yield with a county-level benchmark yield.  This will avoid high yields in one part of the state to abort possible ACRE payments to producers in areas of the state with weather-related low yields.

B) Lower the ACRE floor price support.

C) Eliminate the reduced price level (loan rate) for grain harvested from farms enrolled in the ACRE program.

D) Eliminate the Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) program and use those dollars to strengthen the risk management value of the ACRE program.

4) As the Crop Insurance (Risk Management Agency) and FSA programs become more intertwined and dependent on identical data to be used, any future "Farm Bill" should make improvements to both programs.  Improvements such as:

A) To encourage more producers of grain, fruits and vegetables to purchase crop insurance.  We encourage the 2012 Farm Bill to continue the current support levels of the Crop Insurance Program.

B) To allow enough time for Crop Insurance providers to use and accurately report planted acres, the crop insurance reporting deadline should be extended until August 15 of the crop year.

C) Require USDA to "harmonize" between FSA, RMA and Crop Insurance providers, methods to use similar property description (i.e. Crop Insurance Units vs. FSA Farm Serial Numbers).  To develop a common method to establish crop yields for the various programs and to use a standardized "grain shrink factor" in computing "dry grain" bushels.

5) We would strongly encourage a limit to the communication between IRS and FSA using our tax returns.  We strongly request the elimination of means testing.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Conservation Districts

Be it Resolved:  Michigan's conservation delivery system, including NRCS, MDAE and Districts, is not functioning for farmers and needs to be changed.  We recommend Michigan Farm Bureau inform members that federal funds (EQIP, cost-share, etc.) are reverting back to the federal government from Farm Bill programs because conservation districts are not being effectively utilized, in part, due to the decline of farmer involvement.  The focus of the Conservation Districts should be, or at least include, agriculture.  We encourage Conservation Districts use their annual meetings as an opportunity to promote conservation programming in agriculture.

Dedicated funds derived from agricultural sources should focus on providing cost-share to producers to implementing conservation practices.  We urge Michigan Farm Bureau to work with the MDA and the local Conservation Districts to see that all producers in the state have equal access to the producer-funded Groundwater Stewardship Program.  Legislature should initiate the redirection of non-regulatory responsibilities and accompanying funding to the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) for distribution to the Conservation Districts.

We encourage the Conservation Districts to take full advantage of Farm Bill programs, federal watershed initiative programs and other grant opportunities to provide services and programs for farmers in addition to dedicated funds.  Where co-location is possible, the NRCS should continue to allow Conservation Districts to co-locate at no charge.  Where NRCS does not have resources available, the Conservation should look to leverage NRCS funding with state and local funding to increase the farm bill money coming to Michigan agricultural producers.  We urge Michigan Farm Bureau to keep its members informed of the cooperative efforts between NRCS, MDA and the Conservation Districts and the amount of federal farm bill conservation money coming to the producers and landowners of Michigan from this cooperation.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Electric Cars/Electric Supply

As the current administration continues to push for increased production and usage of electric cars, it is also restricting or not approving the construction of new coal and nuclear generating facilities.  We fully expect the administration to require the government -controlled auto companies to manufacture the vehicles in increasing numbers, and then since consumer demand for them is lacking, it will require state and local governments to purchase the electric cars in order to receive government matching money for other projects.

Unfortunately, the electric infrastructure and generating capacity to charge the vehicles does not exist.  This will further compromise the electric grid that is already operating at capacity.  Electric cars will likely be charged in the evening hours at the same time that electrical usage peaks on farms and in homes, likely bringing down the power grid when farmers require a dependable supply of power.

Resolution:  We believe that government should ensure that any government requirements established for electric car production and usage be matched by concurrent approval for the construction of reliable electric generation facilities as well as upgrades for the electric grid to deliver the power.  Additionally, we opposed any government incentives for individuals purchasing electric cars since those incentives will be paid for by the taxpayers.  ADOPTED

Reaffirmation - Sustainability

Sustainability has become an important component of American agriculture.  Farmers realize it is necessary to respect and protect the environment.

There are government agencies working to increase the cost of our inputs that are determined to be unsustainable and sustainability criteria will determine whether and where we can sell our commodities.

Therefore, we strongly urge AFBF to continue its efforts to make sustainability criteria fair, equitable and profitable for all U. S. farmers now and for future generations.  ADOPTED