Proposed Policy

Local Resolutions

Michigan Farm Bureau Website

In this day and age a presence in the cyber world is mandatory for successful businesses and organizations. Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) has recognized this and maintains a web site with basic information for members and potential members of Michigan Farm Bureau.

However, after surveying a variety of other state Farm Bureau websites and other agricultural organization websites we think MFB can and should have a much better and more useful site.

MFB, is a leader and innovator among other state farm bureaus in many areas. For example: the Michigan Farm News is one of the best written and produced agricultural publications in not just the state, but the nation. In comparison our website is out-of-date, out-of-style and not very user friendly.

Consideration needs to be given to having a website separate from Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance. (Link to it, don't share the page). We also need to look at whether we want to use our website to just promote MFB or if we want to promote Michigan agriculture and provide links to the many other agricultural organizations in the state.

Therefore we resolve:

That the president of Michigan Farm Bureau appoint a committee to survey other agricultural and Farm Bureau websites and look into ways to make our website more up-to-date, informative and user friendly. The addition of blogs, polls and surveys should all be considered in addition to possible support of the web site by agricultural business sponsors.

Funding Support of the New Montcalm County 4-H Fairgrounds

The Montcalm County 4-H Fair Association Board of directors recently announced their goal of hosting the 2011 fair at the new fairgrounds on Peck Road, north of Greenville. A fundraising campaign is underway with an official kick-off dinner set for November 1, 2009.

The Montcalm County 4-H Fair association has partnered with the Greenville Area Foundation to accept building fund donations and keep records of planned gifts.

The goal of hosting the 2011 fair on the new grounds is an ambitious one, but also, a necessary one. The fair has more than outgrown the current fairgrounds. Without the generous cooperation of the Greenville American Legion Post, the fair would have virtually no onsite parking. All of the horse stalls and barns are full and every year several 4-H families are disappointed when they fail to obtain one of the 100 campsites at the fair grounds.

New fair grounds would give more youth the opportunity to experience animal agriculture projects and give other livestock, horse and commodity groups a place to meet, host events, and share ideas throughout the year.

Therefore we resolve:

To support the Montcalm County 4-H Fair Association in its pursuit of funds to develop the new fair grounds. We also urge individuals, groups and businesses to strongly consider financial gifts to the Montcalm County 4-H Fair Association to help in the construction of the new grounds.

State Resolutions

Retain, Preserve, and Grow Michigan's Food Industry

Michigan is facing an economic crisis brought on by many factors, not the least of which is the reliance on the auto industry and related manufacturing for jobs. Through all of the turmoil and job loss the past few years, one industry in Michigan has continued a slow, but steady growth pattern. The industry experiencing growth in Michigan is of course, the GROWING industry.

The production of food, fuel, and fiber has seen steady growth in Michigan for the past several years. Michigan farmers can't pick-up their land and move it the same way other companies have moved out of Michigan and the U.S… But, many feel tempted to take their resources and talents and leave the state because of the burdensome regulations and taxes the state has either already put in place or proposing to put in place. The governor's office and the agencies controlled by appointments from the governor's office both seem to be working to shut down much of the agriculture production in the state, instead of grabbing onto and boosting this one economic bright spot.

It is time Michigan Lawmakers and especially the executive branch of Michigan's government recognize the importance of agriculture and locally grown food. Instead of a trip out of the Country to try and coax a new factory to Michigan, maybe the governor and legislators should take a trip out to the country and recognize the jobs being created and retained in the growing agricultural industry.

We recommend the governor appoint a special panel to research what regulatory and law changes would help remove barriers inhibiting growth of agricultural industries. This panel should look at the possibility of providing some of the same incentives offered to out-of-state and out-of country businesses to come to Michigan. We also recommend at least half of the members serving on this panel be actively involved in the agricultural industry.

Funding of County Fairs in Michigan

Michigan County and State Fairs have traditionally received funding from the state. A few years ago matching funds for equipment rentals, repairs and maintenance were cut from the budget. This year all support for premiums paid to exhibitors was cut from the state budget.

County fairs are an important part of rural Michigan and a tradition worth keeping alive.

We urge lawmakers to reconsider the budget cuts to Michigan Fairs and restore funding to both premiums and matching funds.

Michigan's Conservation Districts

Michigan's Conservation Districts (MCD) has a valued history in assisting landowners with their conservation needs. However, Michigan's current economic situation is making it difficult for MCD's to continue providing their services to landowners due to declining state and local financial support. In addition, many recent NRCS programs are available based on natural community boundaries (watersheds) replacing political boundaries (counties).

Therefore we recommend:

Michigan Farm Bureau fosters a closer working relationship with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and local Conservation Districts to ensure landowners conservation needs are met now and into 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 to provide services fulfilling state and federal environmental mandates.

Forest Land Classification

Recently many farmers with wood lots or forested property have had the tax classification of the forest land changed from agricultural to rural residential.

Currently Michigan tax code allows forested properties to be eligible for the agriculture classification if the forest is being used to produce products such as Maple Syrup, walnuts, and Christmas Trees.

Therefore we resolve:

That forested land used predominately for timber production as reflected in the owner's forest management plan should also be classified as "101 Agricultural Land".

Year around running of raccoon dogs

Almost all farmers are familiar with the damage raccoons do to growing crops and also stored crops, including contaminating livestock feed with their feces. Raccoon also carry many diseases that transfer to domestic animals such as rabies, distemper and parasites. Raccoons are also hard on other wildlife, eating eggs of game birds and killing small animals and fowl. In most of the states surrounding Michigan, Coon Dog owners and handlers are allowed to run Coon Dogs year around to help control the population of raccoons. Michigan enforces a break in the Coon Dog running during the spring and early summer months.

Therefore we resolve:

Michigan Landowners is allowed to request coon hunters to run their dogs year around in order to discourage damage by these nuisance raccoons.

National Resolutions

Trade Prosecutor

The United States Trade Office spends considerable time and resources hammering out details of trade pacts that will allow U.S. companies and business such as agriculture access to new markets. Unfortunately, many of these trade pacts fail to result in free or fair trade when countries involved in the pacts put up non-tariff trade barriers, such as inspection and quarantine concerns.

There is also an ongoing problem with outright theft of intellectual property and patented products by countries that want to have or do have trade pacts with the U.S.

One way these artificial trade barriers and thefts could be dealt with is to prosecute the offenders through provisions set up by the World Trade Organization.

Therefore we resolve:

The United States Trade Office's duties are expanded and a new arm of the agency be created. Specifically, we need a United States Trade Prosecutor to help insure that when we enter into a free trade agreement it stays a free and fair trade agreement.

"Legal standing" for animals?

What constitutes proper care for animals has come under much debate lately, mostly by forces outside the agriculture industry. Those inside the animal agriculture industry know of the years of experience and research that has went into the generally accepted management practices (GAAMPs) used in the industry. We expect that farmers can and should follow these generally accepted management practices for the care of the animals under their control.

Unfortunately there are those who believe the GAAMPs don't go far enough in protecting animals. These animal liberation groups led by the Humane Society of America believe the best way to change these practices and cripple the animal industry is by gaining rights for animals, either through government regulations, law changes or court rulings that would grant "legal standing" to animals. Animals with "legal standing" could then institute (with the assistance of human lawyers) class action lawsuits mandating their care and feeding. The damage to animal agriculture, animal research, zoos and hunting is mind boggling to consider if animals were to receive "legal standing".

Therefore we resolve:

To vigorously oppose any proposed bill that could potentially create laws or regulations that would convey "legal standing" to any animal, not just farm animals.

We also resolve to provide support to defendants of lawsuits seeking to confer "legal standing" to animals.