Spring 2022 Grassroots Advocate

Grassroots Advocate Spring 2022

President's Message and protecting water quality. On my farm, that Pennsylvania received in COVID relief. I was an early adopter of practices such as Farmers in the Bay watershed need commit- Rick Ebert no-till planting and cover cropping, and over ment from Pennsylvania if these goals are the years we’ve continued to expand efforts going to be met, and we hope the General PFB President on the farm to increase our stewardship and Assembly will commit to funding agricultural preserve our natural resources. The benefits conservation. As we prepare for spring planting season of these practices go beyond just my farm, on the farm, it’s hard to miss the renewal go- and the impact can be seen in my community, The strength of the ACAP program is that ing on all around us. I’ll often take a moment and in communities downstream. it engages farmers on the local level. The to appreciate nature in full bloom, as trees program will provide not just funding for and flowers begin to bud and wildlife begins That’s why Farm Bureau leads the conver- farmers, but opportunities to partner with to emerge. The natural resources we some- sation on conservation. We know the prac- conservation district staff to accomplish local- times take for granted are a blessing, and tices that Pennsylvania farmers are already ly-focused projects that will protect natural having the tools to properly manage them will implementing are having an effect and im- resources and improve water quality, benefit- allow us to do what we do best; provide food, proving water quality. The Bay Journal report- ing communities around the state. fiber and fuel to the people across the state ed early this year that Chesapeake Bay’s three and around the globe. largest rivers – which includes the Susquehan- The program leaves the decision-making na – have shown long-term improvements in process in the hands of county conservation As farmers, we take pride in our environ- both nitrogen and phosphorus levels. We met districts. It is important that local problems mental stewardship. If we want to pass our with officials at the Department of Environ- receive local expertise and solutions. Who passion for farming on to the next generation, mental Protection and the Environmental knows the issues of your community better we need to take the lead on improving soil Protection Agency early-on and we were in than the people who live, work, and farm health, preventing erosion and nutrient loss, the room trying to steer development of a there? That’s why I believe this program Watershed Implementation plan that could will work. This locally-focused approach will meet water quality goals but doesn’t place an ensure that the state’s investments will be undue burden on agriculture. effective and efficient. But farmers, despite what we’ve already Farmers want to do more to protect the accomplished, can’t do it alone. Many of the environment, but we operate on tight margins investments needed are difficult for farmers that recently have grown even tighter. We to afford, especially in this tough farm econo- encourage you to reach out to your state rep- my. That’s why we’ve worked with legislators, resentative and senator and encourage them like Senator Gene Yaw and Representative to support Senate Bill 832 or House Bill 1901, John Hershey, to develop and advocate for which would create ACAP. I would also en- a new Agricultural Conservation Assistance courage you to participate in our Action Alert, Program, or ACAP. which you can access at pfb.com/actnow. The investment in the environment is essential if Our big legislative priority this year is for we want to have a generation of farmers take lawmakers to create the ACAP program and our place in the future. All farmers want to fund it using a portion of the federal dollars leave their land better than they found it. Staff Contact Us Advertising Grassroots Advocate (ISSN: USPS# 970140) Issue: 1 is published 4 times per year Coordinator quarterly by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau 510 S. 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Due to Publisher [email protected] Kim Flegal recent changes to Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s membership structure, all voting mem- Justin Clapper 717-761-2740 [email protected] bers now receive two print publications. A total $6 portion of annual member dues Editor 717-731-3580 covers subscriptions to these publications, $3 for Positively Pennsylvania and $3 for Will Whisler PO Box 8736, Camp Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Grassroots Advocate (formerly Country Focus). Periodicals Graphic Designer Hill, PA 17001-8736 Postage Paid at Lancaster, PA and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address Holly Cohick changes to Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, 510 S. 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011. www.pfb.com Social 2

Indicates Farm Bureau at Work Contents 4 Shedding Light on Solar 6 Development 7 Greene County Calendar 8 Hosts PFB Date Event Location Contact 10 Blood Drives 17 May 21 State Legislative 24 Conference PA Primary Statewide For more info visit 28 17 Election www.pfb.com/candidates Rural Roads Safety Week Foundation Avian June Influenza 13 30th Golf Classic Hershey [email protected] Whole Milk Bill Country Club WLC/YAP Educator ’s Penn State [email protected] Committees 26 - 30 Ag Institute Zach Speer Ag Promotion July 724-856-5346 Committee 10 YAP State Picnic Knoebels 3

By Bill Zeiders SLhiegdhdt ionng In recent years, the expansion of utili- ty-scale solar power projects in Pennsylvania have been on the rise. Many farmers and landowners around the state are being approached by companies offering long-term leases to potentially build solar panels for power generation. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has partnered with Penn State and others to host webinars on the subject, and to help farmers navigate what can be a confusing landscape as these projects begin to take shape. But what does the future of solar look like in the state, and what do you need to know about the ongo- ing solar power expansion? First, a reminder that if you are ap- proached by a company or are considering signing a lease for solar development on your land, you should seek the advice of an experienced lawyer. Make sure you know ex- actly what you are getting into before signing anything. How much land could be There are around 450 proposed solar Where will these projects be built? converted to solar? projects currently in the PJM Interconnec- tions queue, but even though the trend of Due to cost and ease of development, The current situation in Pennsylvania is building solar projects is on the rise, the most solar companies are looking for open one of speculation and expansion. According solar industry says that 10% to 20% of pro- land for their projects. to Tom Murphy, Director of Marcellus Center posed projects will actually be built. of Outreach and Research for Penn State Ex- “Recent statistics show that a little over tension, the current prediction is that more (PJM Interconnection LLC – is a region- 80% of the projects right now are being built than 80,000 acres of land will be converted al transmission organization (RTO) that or planned on open land,” Murphy said. to solar by 2030. Murphy believes that the coordinates the movement of wholesale number of acres converted could be much electricity in all or parts of 13 states and The logic behind this trend is self-evident; larger. But, he says, 80,000 acres isn’t all that DC, headquartered in Valley Forge.) it costs less to develop land that doesn’t much when compared to other land uses need to be cleared, like timberland would, such as golf courses. or have potential legal or permitting hurdles such as brownfield sites. 4

SDoelvaerlopment For more information: Farm Focus Podcast on Solar Leasing: https://pfb.com/farm-focus-solar-ener- gy-and-leasing-agreements/ PFB & Penn State Webinar on So- lar: https://vimeo.com/manage/vid- eos/547525531/435101b927 other counties and the state itself is planning to source roughly 50% of their power needs from solar. Those plans and proposals are generating a lot of leasing. A potential stumbling block is the lack of preparedness of municipalities. According to Murphy, 87% of the 2,500 municipalities in Pennsylvania do not have ordinances that deal with solar development, and of the 13% that do, some don’t address utility scale solar. Another factor in choosing land for solar outcompete other energy companies.” “Most developers, when they are consid- development is proximity to “takeaway infra- ering a site to develop for solar, would like structure,” as in substations and high-voltage Murphy said that in the future, new infra- to have a site in a footprint, municipal and powerlines. Companies are looking for land structure could be built, but right now the county, that has ordinances that they can near substations that are already built. These leasing is happening within the established understand that would speak to solar,” Mur- sites would be easily connected to transmis- infrastructure. phy said. “The reason for that is they don’t sion lines to take power to the downstream want to invest in the acquiring the acreage user. Are we ready for solar? and putting all that in place and then finding out the township and or county is putting “They want to be within one to three There are other big companies and uni- ordinances in place that would be hostile to miles of the substations,” Murphy said. “If versities driving the expansion for solar ener- solar.” you draw circles around the substations, gy, including Penn State, which now derives those are the acres they’re interested in. 25% of its electricity needs from solar. That He said that his team has seen munic- There’s a mad dash out there to lock up the project specifically required 500 acres of land ipal ordinances that range from hostile acreage that’s in [those circles] to outbid or in Franklin County. Murphy says that other towards solar development to encouraging, companies are planning on similar projects in to everything in between. But most don’t have ordinances in place, which leaves them unprepared. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau also does not have much policy that addresses the devel- opment of utility solar projects. With recent trends toward renewable energy options and companies moving quickly to establish leases in anticipation of new projects, it will be ben- eficial for organizations and municipalities to prepare and plan for the future. 5

Seeing Red Greene County Gives Back With was excited to get to work, with lofty goals in mentioned the importance of giving blood. Blood Drives mind. “I get to work with good people who By William Whisler “I believe that we should be able to get up want to do good things like donating blood,” to 50 people signed up (for one event),” Scull Bagovich said. “We’re at the Greene County The Greene County Farm Bureau had said. “That’s been my goal since we started. Fairgrounds and my friend George heads up been actively looking to give back in recent We just want to get the word out about the this event. It’s important because we always months when Greene County Farm Bureau event and would like to see more events like need blood. Our blood supplies are always president Harley Gapen had an idea. this to allow farm bureau to give back to the low, especially now because of COVID and community.” other things. It’s a good community activity. Gapen went to Greene County members with the idea of organizing a series of farm The blood drives, which take place rough- “When you donate one unit, it’s separat- bureau sponsored blood drives to give back ly every two months on the first Saturday ed into three components: platelets, plasma to the community with the nation actively of the month at the Greene County Fair- and red blood cells,” she added. “Each one of facing a blood shortage crisis. grounds, have been consistent in numbers those components can go to three different since they started as far as donations. Over people for different purposes. One selfless In was then that Gapen came to active the course of the six events, more than 100 activity of donating blood can save up to member George Scull with the idea, looking different people have donated blood. The three lives.” to see it come to fruition. April 2 event had around 25 donors itself as the numbers are starting to grow. Scull believes that its important for Farm “We try as a Farm Bureau to reach out to Bureau to stay visible and provide for the the community and do things in the commu- The Greene County Farm Bureau is part- local community and would like to see other nity and it was brought up by our president nering with Vitalant Pittsburgh. Vitalant is a counties host similar events. that he thought this would be a good com- nonprofit company that collects blood from munity event and he delegated it to George donors across the nation and provides them “It’s very important because it gives the Scull who is our go-getter in the Farm Bu- to local hospitals. By working with Vitalant community awareness of what an organiza- reau, and he set it all up,” said Lew Crouse, a Pittsburgh, the blood donated at the events tion like Farm Bureau can do,” Scull said. “We member of the Greene County Farm Bureau. stays local, according to Vitalant Account need to interact with the entire community, “I have been donating blood. I have like 110 Manager Sydnee Bagovich. including the government people and the pints I have given. I believe it is a good civic other volunteer organizations throughout duty to do.” Bagovich is grateful to see the organiza- the community to make a better community.” tion give back to the local community and Scull gladly accepted the challenge and Crouse shared that sentiment. “We’re just trying to show everyone in the community that Farm Bureau is here and involved in the community and that we will do anything in our power to help the com- munity to better itself,” he said. 6

PFB members participate in Annual State Legislative Conference at the Capitol Hundreds of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) members traveled to the Capitol on Wednesday, March 30, to meet with their legislators about issues concerning agriculture as part of PFB’s State Legislative Conference. The event featured legislative visits throughout the morning and concluded with a luncheon where several legislators, secretary of agriculture Russell Reading, and PFB leadership spoke on behalf of building relationships and the importance of supporting the agriculture industry. The conference was held in person for the first time since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A photo gallery of some action shots from this year’s conference are available online at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Flickr page. 7

PFB Hosts State Rural Roads Safety Week Event in Blair County Pennsylvania farmers are returning to their fields for spring planting, which means that drivers should be alert for large farm equipment on rural roadways. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and our partners in state government, are encourag- ing motorists to be cautious as part of Rural Roads Safety Week, April 18-23. Each year, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania State Police to spread the message of staying safe on rural roads during the height of the spring planting season. “Farmers make the safety of other motor- alert, be patient and share the road safely. Executive Tom Prestash. “Especially on rural ists a top priority when we must move equip- And don’t forget to thank a farmer for get- roads in the spring and summer months ment on the roadway and we ask that drivers ting that food to your table.” when farm vehicles are most common. Safe help keep us safe as well,” said Pennsylvania driving is everyone’s responsibility. Please Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert. “We don’t According to preliminary PennDOT data, slow down, avoid distractions and remain want to cause an inconvenience to anyone there were 80 crashes involving farm equip- alert while driving. Never drive impaired, and and will often pull over to allow others to ment on Pennsylvania roads in 2021, result- always buckle up!” pass when it’s safe to do so. We just ask ing in two fatalities and six suspected serious that drivers remain patient when following injuries. In total, there were 26,784 crashes “Pennsylvania has over 52,000 farms farm equipment and keep a safe distance. By on rural Pennsylvania roads last year, result- and 7.3 million acres of farmland adjacent slowing down and using caution and com- ing in 476 fatalities, further underscoring the to many rural roads throughout the state. monsense, drivers can avoid costly crashes need for safety on rural roads. During springtime, drivers should expect to and save lives.” encounter all types of farm machinery trav- “PennDOT urges motorists to use caution eling on these roads,” said Colonel Robert “Rural roads are crucial for transporting on all roadways,” said PennDOT District 9 farm goods to market and equipment from field to field,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “We all need to get somewhere. But remember, farmers need the road to get food to our tables. Be 8

Speakers who participated in the Rural Roads Safety Week press conference included: Front row: Adam Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police, PFB members and Blair County farmers, Linda and Gerald Smith and PFB President Rick Ebert. Back row: Tom Prestash District 9 Executive for PennDOT, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Regional Director Mark Critz. Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania blem (an orange triangle with red outline) on equipment and never pass in a no-passing State Police. “I encourage all drivers to focus the back of their equipment. zone or within 100 feet of any intersection, on what is head of and around you on the railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated roadway and know what to do if you do en- If drivers see the Slow-Moving Vehicle structure or tunnel. counter farm machinery during your travels. emblem, it is a sign to slow down immedi- Please don’t drive impaired or distracted, ately. It takes only five seconds to close a PFB, along with representatives from slow down, and remember to buckle up.” gap the length of a football field if a vehicle PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police, and is driving 55 miles per hour and a tractor is Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Farm equipment can legally be operated moving at 15 miles per hour. Drivers should held a demonstration and event promoting on roadways, including at night, but farmers be alert that farm equipment may be turning Rural Roads Safety Week at Gerald and Linda are required to follow certain safety guide- at an unexpected place, such as into a field, Smith’s Farm near Martinsburg, Blair County, lines depending on the size of equipment and may be making a wide left turn if it pulls on Monday, April 18. County Farm Bureaus moved. All farm equipment that travels to the right. Always be sure the oncoming across Pennsylvania also hold local events in at speeds less than 25 miles per hour is lane is clear and visible before passing large their communities promoting safe driving on required to have a Slow-Moving Vehicle em- rural roads. 9

Educator’s Ag Institute PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation Returning for 2022 Sets Date for Annual Golf Outing Following two virtual years, the Pennsyl- The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation will be hosting vania Friends of Agriculture Foundation’s its annual Richard Prether Golf Classic on Monday, June 13, at the Educator’s Ag Institute is returning to Centre Hershey Country Club West Course at 12:30 p.m. County June 26-30. Since 1993, this fundraising event has generated more than The Educator’s Ag Institute provides edu- $1 million in total contributions to the Pennsylvania Friends of cational tours to Penn State University’s main Agriculture Foundation, which is a charitable organization supported campus and local family-run farms where by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. The foundation funds a variety of attendees will learn from farmers, professors projects, including six Mobile Agriculture Education Science Labs, and agricultural leaders. and the week-long Educator’s Ag Institute, which includes seminars, farm tours and educational materials for teachers, who work with The experience also includes hands-on students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. classroom session topics, including plant and animal production, agricultural research, For more information or to register, visit, pfbfriends.com/golf. Pennsylvania state education standards, his- tory and current and future farming trends in 10 the agriculture industry. In addition, teachers will receive educa- tional resources and approximately 25-28 ACT 48 hours. The event is open to Pre-K-12th grade formal educators, pre-service teachers and informal community educators. Interested teachers are responsible for a $100 non-re- fundable deposit. Those interested in registering can do so here pfbfriends.com. Registration closes on May 20.

The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation held its annual Ag Literacy Week March 13-17. Ag Literacy Week is a statewide event put on yearly by the foun- dation that strives to educate students in Kindergarten through second grade about agriculture. The event allows volunteer readers to interact with students and share their own farming experiences. This year, the book for Ag Literacy Week was “My Family’s Soybean Farm” by Katie Olthoff. My Family’s Soybean Farm Written by Katie Olthoff Illustrated by Joe Hox 11

Your Business Depends on Your Employees Getting the right health insurance on your own can be complicated. Whether it’s basic health care coverage or more comprehensive coverage, we have solutions to meet the needs of you and your employees. Farm Bureau’s professional, experienced and licensed staff can answer your questions and provide you with rate quotes so you can make an informed decision regarding the type of cov- erage you need and the plan that fits your budget. Health Services Knowledgeable. Helpful. Dedicated. For Plan and Rate information please call PFB Health Services @ 800.522.2375. (YOU) Who’s the No.1 protein source in chicken feed? Moving Soy Forward. YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning. Moving You Forward. All soybean farmers, including you, are really big in poultry and ©2022 United Soybean Board [61977-1 1/22] livestock feed. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper. 12

TASK Conference Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s State Agriculture Promotion Committee hosted its annual TASK (Together Advocacy Stimulates Knowledge) Conference on Saturday, March 12, at the Penn Stater Hotel. The conference, which encourages advocacy and knowledge, was host to more than 100 attendees with Gian Paul Gonzalez serving as the keynote speaker. Gonzalez is a renowned speaker, famous for his “All In” rally cry message for the New York Giants’ during their 2011 Super Bowl run. He is widely known for inspiring the team and has made numerous appearances on Fox News, ABC and CNN. The Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation announced the results of its “Kiss A Pig 2.0” fundraiser, which eclipsed its fundraiser goal of $25,000 with a total of $25,132 raised for the foundation’s outreach efforts. PFB president Rick Ebert and vice president Chris Hoffman competed against each other to see who could raise more mon- ey. Hoffman won the competition, so Ebert, a dairy farmer, had to dress up as a pig at the TASK Conference. With the foundation reaching its goal, Chris Hoffman, a pig farmer, milked his first cow in celebration of reaching the benchmark. The conference also featured multiple guest speakers, includ- ing Tina Goss, who serves as an Ag Lab teacher who presented a lesson on transforming corn into plastic. Other breakout speakers included Julia Recko, who lectured on how to write children’s books, while Jennifer Albright and Heidi Florry spoke about podcasting. Final breakout sessions included Jessica Herr and Emma Muss- er who presented on using social media from a Gen Z perspective, while Raechel Sattazhan and Christopher Szkutak spoke on grow- ing agriculture in the classroom. 13

BFDuarareymasu Game Commission Approves Several Changes to Red Tag The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau held its annual update meetings March 1-15 as Pennsylvania Game Commissioners recently approved several members met with their respective regions. significant changes to the Agricultural Deer Control Program, The events included informational guest commonly known as Red Tag, that will help farmers better manage speakers and legislative information from deer populations on their lands. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. The program is designed to give farmers an extra option to handle deer damage in the early spring and fall, outside of the traditional big game hunting calendar. Hunters will be able to obtain up to four Red Tag permits per-property, making it consistent with the allocation to the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). The summer period during which Red Tag hunting is closed (currently May 16 - June 30) would be expanded to April 16 - July 31.Permits will be valid from August 1 through September 15 and then Feb. 1 through April 15. Hunters would not be able to use Red Tag from May 16 to June 30, but would cumulatively have more potential days afield to use their permits. Permits would be issued for the license year that begins July 1 and runs through June 30. It will become hunters’ responsibility to report their successful harvest, not the landowner. The program would also be open to all hunters, including those living out of state. Lastly, landowners would no longer need to enroll in the Game Commission’s Hunter Access program before using the Red Tag program. These changes fulfill many Pennsylvania Farm Bureau policies in regards to the Red Tag program. We will monitor the program to see how these changes are implemented and will advocate for other possible adjustments as needed. All of the changes to Red Tag will go into effect November 2022. In related news, the Game Commission also increased Doe Tag allocations for the 2022-2023 hunting season to 948,000 an increase of 23,000 tags from the previous hunting season. 14

Fink Graduates White House from Spring AFBF Announces Women’s Communications USDA-led Rural Partners Network Boot Camp Senior administration officials and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau member Melanie Fink, of Lehigh USDA officials announced the creation of County, was one of 16 Farm and Ranch Women Leaders to graduate the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which from the spring session of the Women’s Communications Boot Camp is being billed as a collaboration between hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation back in March. federal agencies and local leaders focused on improving the way those agencies The intensive four-day course completed by the agricultural lead- partner with rural areas. The program ers featured hands-on sessions related to public speaking, working is intended to help rural communities with the media and messaging. Graduates will use their training in a access government resources and variety of ways such as participating in local media opportunities to funding for job creation, infrastructure strategically support Farm Bureau’s policy work, sharing information improvements and economic stability. with elected officials and joining social media campaigns that spot- light today’s agriculture. The program will be rolled out initially in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, New This is the 16th year of the program which has 239 graduates and Mexico and Arizona, with five more is open to all women involved in Farm Bureau. states and territories being added later in the year. The administration plans to roll The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, in out more areas in the coming year. partnership with AFBF staff, hosts and provides training for Women’s Communications Boot Camp. An application process is used to select “Rural America is incredibly diverse – the participants. A fall session of Boot Camp will be held Oct. 31 - economically, racially, culturally and geo- Nov. 3, with applications opening in June. graphically,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “What makes sense for one com- 15 munity may not for another. The Rural Partners Network will help communities get funding for investments that create long-lasting benefits for their commu- nities, especially those that have been overlooked in the past. By providing one- on-one support to these communities, we can lay the foundation for people to build healthy, successful futures on their own terms.” Information about the Rural Partners Network is available online at Rural.gov.

SAVINGS & PROTECTION HLFOOARNTUHGLE 0% 36FOR WITH UP TO A $1,000 CREDIT MONTHS WITH $0 DOWN* ON SKID STEER LOADERS, COMPACT TRACK LOADERS, MINI EXCAVATORS, COMPACT WHEEL FOR A 2-YEAR/1,000 HOUR CVA* LOADERS, SMALL WHEEL LOADERS, BACKHOE LOADERS, SMALL DOZERS & TELEHANDLERS Call or click today C8a4l4l .o7r2c0li.c4kCtoAdTay8w| 4ww4ww..w7C2.lCe0lve.ev4leaClnaAdnBTdrBortohtehresr.sc.ocmom/Z/eZreorDoDowownn *Offer valid from March 1, 2022 through Dec. 31, 2022 on new small Cat machines sold by Cleveland Brothers. Purchase must occur during offer period. Offer subject to machine availability and credit approval by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Payments based on 36-month loan. The credit of up to $1,000 USD can only be applied toward the purchase of a Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) and Equipment Protection Plan (EPP) that includes a minimum 2 maintenance parts kits; TA1 equipment inspection; Product Link®; EPP coverage. Amount of credit towards protection package varies by model. The maintenance parts cover the first 1,000 hours (estimated 2 years) of machine utilization. The kit contains one set of parts for regular planned maintenance under normal operating conditions. In some severe applications where maintenance parts need to be replaced more frequently, additional parts will be at customer’s expense. Offer excludes additional maintenance parts, dealer labor, wear parts, S•O•SSM and fluids. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options, or attachments. In some areas, EPP might be sold separately from the CVA. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. ©2022 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. 04142022 Farm Bureau EXCLUSIVE members receive CASH REWARD* ON ELIGIBLE NEW SUPER DUTY ,® F-150, RANGER OR MAVERICK FORD SUPER DUTY FORD F-150 FORD RANGER FORD MAVERICK Visit fordfarmbureauadvantage.com today! Computer-generated image with available features shown. We value our long-standing partnership with Farm Bureau and are proud to offer you exclusive savings. *Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2021/2022/2023 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty®. This incentive is not available on F-150 Lightning, F-150 Raptor, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty®. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2023. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #38326 FD22_FB_2022_Generic_7x4.6_Ad_rd01_01.indd 1 16 12/20/21 2:07 PM

NOW IS THE TIME TO PROTECT YOUR FLOCK AGAINST AVIAN FLU First Case of HPAI Confirmed in Lancaster County The highly contagious and deadly avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in Lancaster County, Pa. Immediate actions are required by the Pa. Dept of Agriculture to stem the spread of this disease. HPAI Test Sample Submission Instructions WHO Poultry companies operating in the control and surveillance zones in Lancaster County, Pa. should have biological samples collected by: 1. Company certified poultry technician OR 2. Personal certified poultry technician OR 3. Trained HPAI samplers OR 4. Veterinarian-acquired samples HOW OFTEN Location Operation Type Submit Control Zone Layer operations (10km) 48 and then 24 hours in All other advance of an egg movement Surveillance operations Zone (20km) 48 and then 24 hours in All operations advance of a movement OR weekly if not moving product Weekly through May 2, then every other week WHERE/WHEN Take your samples to any one of the following sites: Location Address Hours ACTION REQUIREDItfprrIryaCfereoveqoymeuquonliuaiutswriareeraeicsetdrt.himentFtinoeihatnnrehttmttheePshsis.saCet.azoiSDrnonuenettrerrhpveoietisqlf.ilZuzoeloaoifnrnnnetAceeedge.,rtripZnoiceogutrnemoletsru,ittlrfesieanaarfvmtroihenrsirgssaeazrpqomeounpuierlle.tinrdygto Northwest Old Messick’s Store Monday-Friday 187 Merts Drive 8 am – 10 am Northeast Elizabethtown, PA For same day testing Southwest (Off Rheems Exit of Rt. 283) Southeast Landisville Research Farm Monday-Friday 1446 Auction Road 8 am – 10 am Manheim, PA For same day testing Lloyd H. Fuhrman Memorial Park Monday-Friday 110 Rock Point Road 8 am – 10 am Marietta, PA For same day testing Columbia Crossing River Monday-Friday Trail Center 8 am – 10 am 41 Walnut Street For same day testing Columbia, PA *If you cannot make it to a site by the cutoff time, you can contact any of the 3 PADLS labs to make a bio-secure drop-off. Failing that, refrigerate your samples for the next drop-off period. General Quarantine Order; Virus Control for Highly Pathogenic This map is updated Avian Influenza Poultry, Poultry Litter, Conveyances, Feed, Refuse, regularly. Scan this Containers and Material Standards will be published in PA Bulletin in QR code or go to April 30, 2022 but takes effect immediately upon this constructive bit.ly/HPAI-map for the notice. You can access the Quarantine Order on the PDA website at most recent information. agriculture.pa.gov under the Avian Influenza tab. Stay informed For more information, resources, and the latest developments in the fight against HPAI, go to the Penn State Extension web page at extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza If you suspect Call the PDA hotline immediately. Do not move the birds. There is no penalty for calling and HPAI in your flock testing for surveillance is free. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) emergency number 717-772-2852 (press option 1 to reach the veterinarian on call). AvianFluAd4.indd 1 17 4/20/22 4:50 PM

Nationwide Agent Promotes Safe Driving on Rural Roads By William Whisler As a part of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s annual Rural Roads Safety Week that urges motorists to be cautious of slow-moving farm equipment on the road, Mifflintown farmers Ray and Linda Geissinger welcomed more than 100 high school students from Juniata County schools to their farm to hear from Grove Financial & Associates' Chaz Sheaffer to speak about how to safely navigate farm equipment on rural roads on April 14. The Geissingers, along with Pennsylvania State Police trooper Christopher Fox and Nationwide’s Sheaffer visited to speak about safety tips when approaching heavy farm equipment and how to safely pass farm vehicles when necessary. Sheaffer believes that being alert and being prepared to avoid potential hazards that could result in an injury, or an insurance claim is of the utmost importance on the roadways. “I think that the most important thing about events like this is that I wake up and think about insurance every day, I think about liability and hazards every single day,” Sheaffer said. “Kids don’t wake up and think about that, so if its even once a year to kind of put in their minds that within the next week or so that they will probably go around a sharp turn or go over a little hill and think that there could be a tractor there. They may not think about it the rest of the year, but the more we can keep those things on the minds of people is important.” 18

Sheaffer noted that having events that and a piece of equipment it is usually not a and they understand that they can see the allow drivers to understand how to safely good result.” long line of traffic in their rearview mirror. navigate farm vehicles during spring planting Sometimes they wave a car around them season is also beneficial. Sheaffer mentioned the importance of that can’t see what is coming, not knowing slowing down, being able to recognize the how that person is going to react. Someone “It’s obviously the best time of year to slow-moving vehicle emblem and to know going past you and gets nervous and takes have this event as we will see people out that farm vehicles that are swinging one way longer than you expected can be facing a car starting the planting season and are proba- may be getting ready to turn and to give head on or if a farmer pulls off the side of bly in it already,” Sheaffer said. “This time of farm vehicles room to do so. Sheaffer noted the road and doesn’t know the stability of year, is the most prevalent for these kinds that being patient and cautious around that ground, a rollover could happen. Those of claims with tractors getting back on the heavy equipment making left turns can help are the two most prevalent events we strive road.” prevent a potential collision. to avoid.” Sheaffer spoke to students about the The two most common claims involving Rural Roads Safety Week took place April severity of collisions with farm vehicles and farm equipment Sheaffer has personally seen 18-23 in Pennsylvania. Each year, PFB part- stressed how distracted driving is the num- involve farmers waving drivers around them ners with the Pennsylvania Department of ber one cause of accidents on the road. or farmers pulling off the side of the road Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania and rolling over due to an unstable berm. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsyl- “The issue is that we don’t see a lot of vania State Police to spread the message of claims, but when we do, they are usually bad “I think its important to just be aware of staying safe on rural roads during the height ones,” he said. “It’s not so much a prevalence what is around you,” Sheaffer said. “One of of spring planting season. issue as it is a severity issue. A lot of the the things that can happen is that farmers claims that I have seen personally are more can wave people on down the road because on the farm with little odds and ends, but they don’t want to be an inconvenience when there is one involving a motor vehicle 19

WORKMASTER 95 THE PERFECT TRACTOR FOR CHICKEN FARMERS! A special model designed with poultry farmers who need to navigate low-clearance buildings in mind. The Poultry House Special version is equipped with an engine-reversing fan that easily blows feathers off the grill. Put more value to work in more ways with a WORKMASTER™ 95 Poultry House Special utility tractor. See us today to learn more and take advantage of great offers. © 2022 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. 800-222-3373 WWW.MESSICKS.COM ABBOTTSTOWN BENDERSVILLE CARLISLE MOUNT JOY HALIFAX It’s like eating out of the Show-your-phone palm of your hand. and save Save 50% on pizza, fast food, at sit-down restaurants and more…with the “My Deals” mobile app. Search and download “My Deals” at your app store here: For assistance go to https://pfb.enjoymydeals.com/ 20

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Applauds Pa. House Passage of Whole Milk Bill Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) applauds vide a much-needed boost for Pennsylvania grocery store or a carton in a school lunch. the state House of Representatives for dairy farmers, but it will help foster a new Without a reversal of consumption trends or passing HB 2397, introduced by Representa- generation of healthy kids who drink milk.” an overhaul to the dairy payment structure, tive John Lawrence and Representative Clint dairy farmers will continue to experience Owlett, which would allow schools to have Guidelines established during the Obama dwindling profitability. the option to serve whole and flavored milk, administration restrict the fat content of provided that they purchase milk that is pro- school meals and beverages, and schools House Bill 2397 now heads to the Senate duced and bottled in Pennsylvania. have been limited to serving 1 percent and for consideration. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau skim milk to students, which is a less fla- is calling on the General Assembly to quickly School districts throughout the country vorful product. As a result, fewer and fewer adopt legislation that will allow Pennsylvania have been prohibited from serving whole students over a ten-year period are drinking schools to serve whole milk. milk due to nutrient guidelines set by the fluid milk while missing out on the vital nutri- federal government. ents it provides. “Pennsylvania dairy farmers need our help, and this legislation will not only help “We are very pleased to see a strong Dairy farmers, meanwhile, are finding it our farmers, but encourage our kids to make bipartisan effort to approve this important difficult to stay profitable. National fluid milk healthy choices. We need to do everything legislation,” said PFB President Rick Ebert. consumption only makes up 33 percent of we can to get whole milk products back into “Whole milk contains a number of key nutri- all dairy consumption, and farmers receive schools and support or state’s dairy indus- ents essential for good health. We support more money from the sale of fluid milk that try,” said Ebert. this legislation because it will not only pro- is bottled fresh; whether it’s a gallon in the 21

DEP Extends Energy Efficiency Rebate Program for Farmers The Pennsylvania Department of Environ- variable frequency drives) and milk pumping program through State Energy Program fund- mental Protection has extended the deadline equipment (including pumps, motors, and ing from the U.S. Department of Energy. for its rebate program for farmers that assists controls such as variable frequency drives). with the cost of energy efficiency projects. All applications must be submitted online Applications will be accepted through through the Electronic Single Application The Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate June 30, 2022, on a first-come, first-served system. For complete program guidelines Program is offering rebates to defray the basis as long as funding is available. The and application instructions, visit the DEP costs of installing LED lighting or variable available rebates will pay for 50% of the agriculture and farming energy webpage at frequency drives on the farm, which can save equipment costs, up to $2,000. Total funding https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/ energy while saving money on utility bills. to any one applicant will not exceed $5,000. OfficeofPollutionPrevention/Energy_Effi- Interested ag producers should apply for ciency_and_Conservation/Agriculture_and_ The rebate program has expanded its a rebate voucher prior to purchasing and Farming/Pages/default.aspx. list of eligible equipment to now include installing the equipment. all energy efficient ventilation equipment (including fans, motors, and controls such as DEP has up to $10,000 available for this In Remembrance Merill G. Ruth Charles D. Rhoads, Douglas C. Graybill Sr. Longtime Farm Bureau Longtime Farm Bureau member Merill G. Ruth Longtime Farm Bu- member Douglas C. Gray- of Montgomery County reau member Charles bill of Bradford County recently passed away. D. Rhoads, Sr. of Mont- recently passed away. gomery County recently He was 92. passed away. He was 80. Ruth was a lifelong He was 89. Graybill was actively farmer who lived his entire life on the family involved in farming his whole life, spending farm where he worked as a carpenter and Rhoads totaled more than 40 years with time as a dairy and bison farmer while serv- milk truck driver before devoting himself full- the Montgomery County Farm Bureau and ing as a pastor for more than three decades. time to farming. He took great pride that his the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and served on Graybill and his wife Leona’s first farm in family farm will be recognized as a Century many other agricultural boards and organiza- Trout Run cemented Graybill’s love for agri- Farm this year. tions within Montgomery County. culture as he pursued an agricultural degree at Penn State. Ruth ran a jug milk store at Rib-L-Brook Farm. He volunteered many hours at the Graybill was actively involved in the Brad- Montgomery County 4-H center, and he ford County Farm Bureau and volunteered served in many capacities as a member of more than 20 years of service to the organi- the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for more than zation. four decades. 22

PA Department of Agriculture encourages enrollment in US SHIP program The Pennsylvania Department of Agricul- ties) that are modeled after the NPIP’s H5/H7 egates conference last August and approved ture Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Avian Influenza Monitored certification of US the initial requirements for certification in Services is encouraging swine producers Commercial Poultry operations. the program. and packers to enroll in the US Swine Health Improvement (US SHIP) program. The certification aims to minimize the Benefits of the US SHIP enrollment risks of disease introduction and provide a include: US SHIP is modeled after the National practical means for demonstrating evidence Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) that began of freedom of disease (outside of foreign • A strengthened ASF/CSF preparedness in 1935. The goal of US SHIP is to provide a animal disease control areas) in support of (prevention, response and recovery) for national program for certifying swine health ongoing interstate commerce and a pathway the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. status focused on African Swine Fever (ASF) towards the resumption of international and Classical Swine Fever (CSF). trade over the course of a trade impacting • An established uniform biosecurity, trace- disease response and recovery period. ability, sampling/testing approach across The program aims to establish a platform participating states in “peacetime” as well for safeguarding, improving, and represent- The Pennsylvania Department of Agricul- as “wartime.\" ing the health status of swine across partic- ture has committed to participating in US ipating farm sites, supply chains, states, and SHIP and is encouraging swine producers to • Participation in a collaborative industry regions. A working system is needed to sup- enroll their production and packing sites in (producers/packers), state, and federal port the current and future health assurance the program. program in which producers can establish needs of the 21st century US pork industry. appropriate standards for health certifi- Industry and Department of Agriculture cation. The initial and principal objectives are to representatives from the Commonwealth at- develop and implement an ASF-CSF Mon- tended the inaugural US SHIP House of Del- For more information, including enroll- itored Certification of US pork production ment information, visit operations (farm sites and slaughter facili- www.usswinehealthimprovementplan.com. 23

Michele McMinn Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Recently I had the opportunity to attend my first legislative days in March. I was excited, yet nervous, to head to Har- risburg and speak with my representatives. The day went by all too quickly as Sandy and I spent time with Representative Kinsey. We spoke with him on the issues that chance to network, develop leadership skills, leaders in WLC. It will be called the Leader- were important to us as well as the Farm and learn positive and innovative ways to ship Mentor Conference or LMC. Bureau. This was an amazing day and oppor- advocate for their own agricultural needs as tunity that we had to discuss concerns and well as their communities. I encourage you This event is currently being planned with issues within agriculture and develop ideas. to start planning to attend some of these the goal for the leaders interested in WLC to events as they start getting put on the calendar. be able to have an opportunity to learn from Representative Kinsey is really interested those of us that love every minute of the in learning more about Farm Bureau issues Currently the first “Growing Stronger experience. and how we together can make a difference. Leaders’’ event is planned for July 13th in I feel that this is what makes being a part of Greene County, PA. This event promises to Please continue to look for these events one of the largest grassroots organizations be filled with fun activities and educational on the website under the Women’s Leader- an incredible experience, because we as in- speakers to cultivate learning that will help ship page and join us for the experience. I dividuals and leaders can share our concerns us grow in our leadership abilities. There are hope to be able to speak with you at one of and thoughts with our legislators in order to also plans for an event to mentor our future these future events. create change. It is important that we as leaders take Drew Ross Some highlights of YAP’s value in action time to meet with those in office but to also this spring include tons of great events! stay on top of the issues that are important Young Ag Professionals From family bowling events in Butler and to our agricultural world. Women and men State Committee Chair Juniata counties, to snow tubing in Bedford, like us are what help create change and grow and a farm succession planning workshop in in our understanding of the political pro- Have you awarded your three free YAP Cambria, our YAP members have been hard cess. Having opportunities such as talking to memberships yet? at work growing the future of Pennsylvania our representatives is just one of the many Farm Bureau. within the Farm Bureau and the Women’s Don’t forget that each county is given Leadership Committees. three free memberships per membership Also remember that any YAP event is year to award to young farmers and agricul- open to all Farm Bureau members, because As planning continues for 2022, more tural professionals throughout the common- we’re all young at heart! One important date opportunities to gain interactions with our wealth. These memberships allow us to help to remember is the upcoming State Picnic at leaders, advance our skills and knowledge in out passionate young members see the value Knoebels on July 10th. This event is free to the agricultural world and grow our skills in in action of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and members and is sure to be a fun time! Have advocating for agriculture await the Wom- foster lifelong grassroots advocates. a great planting season! en’s Leadership Committee. In the upcoming months, some regions of WLC will be holding their “Growing Stronger Leaders’’ events. These events give women in agriculture a 24

PDA Enforcement of Hayride Brown Attractions Will Start in 2023 named to AFBF Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a variance for hay- Promotion ride attractions from the requirement that a registered engineer certify such rides, but those attractions would still need to register with the Department and meet and Education other standards, such as insurance coverage and inspection by a qualified person. Committee After an inquiry from Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Department confirmed they will not perform enforcement actions of hayrides until 2023, and the Department Pennsylvania Farm Bureau member is open to suggestions on other changes to technical safety standards. Andrea Brown, of Cumberland Coun- ty, was recently selected to American The Department of Agriculture has the ability to regulate hayride attractions Farm Bureau Federation’s Promotion under the Amusement Ride Inspection Act. However, until recently, there have and Education Committee. not been national standards for the inspection of hayride attractions. After ASTM, an international standards organization, developed those technical standards, the Brown will serve on the commit- Department of Agriculture started informing operators of those standards and the tee for two years. The Promotion and related requirements under the Amusement Ride Inspection Act. Education Committee is made up of 10 individuals from qualifying Farm Bu- The Department’s decision to start enforcement in 2023 will give operators reau Promotion and Education states. time to adjust to these standards, and also for suggestions to be made. Pennsylva- Its mission is to develop and centralize nia Farm Bureau is reviewing these standards and will continue to work with the resources that inspire and equip Farm Department on possible changes, or legislative solutions, as necessary. Bureau to convey the significance of agriculture. Brown’s two-year appointment began in April. 25

DON’T FORGET the Do-It-Yourselfer on your list! Stock up and save on everyday essentials from A to Z to get you through the toughest conditions • Batteries and bulbs to boot dryers • Hats and handwarmers to portable heaters • Shovels and scrapers to snow blowers For your home or your business, Grainger can help weather the winter. www.grainger.com/farmbureau 26

Keep the Farm Protected with Inflation Guard Coverage The following information is provided by ness Regional Sales Nick McCleish. “We have But inflation guard doesn’t always cover Nationwide®, the #1 farm and ranch insurer to make sure the amount of insurance is all additional costs. It’s important to have a in the U.S.* keeping pace with rising costs.” good idea of costs for things like building ma- terials and equipment ahead of time. Then There’s a lot happening around the world McCleish cites a recent example when a match coverage levels to potential unexpect- that’s applying downward pressure to reve- farmer had to replace a $75,000 grain cart. ed replacement or repair needs. nue prospects for farmers. Inflation, logistical But at the time of replacement, the price hurdles, rising energy and crop input pric- for that grain cart had surged to $90,000. “Your insurance should not be a ‘set-it- es at home and conflict overseas could all That meant the farmer paid the additional and-forget-it’ type of activity. Keep your continue to contribute to the erosion of farm cost out-of-pocket. “Paying those types of agent up to speed on how your operation’s revenue potential. increased costs become much more diffi- changing. Make sure you’re covered appro- cult if you don’t keep your policy updated,” priately,” McCleish said. “Have an agent that But maximizing farm revenue requires McCleish said. understands your operation, and uniqueness investment. That investment is likely to come of what you’re trying to do. Our Farm Certi- with some sticker shock this spring and be- Adding inflation guard fied agents serve that purpose.” yond. The right insurance coverage can help. coverage can help Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more ex- Staying on top of your insurance coverage The optional inflation guard coverage can pert tips and information from Nationwide. can help keep unexpected expenses like ris- help prevent such revenue losses by increas- ing replacement costs from cutting potential ing dwelling and structure coverage limits at *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2020. farm revenue. A close eye on your coverage policy renewal. Also known as Construction Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and and a call to your agent can help make sure Cost Adjustment, it helps to account for in- Nationwide is on your side are service marks of these costs don’t add to the financial pres- flation in replacement or construction costs Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2021 sure caused by inflation and other factors at based on appraisals. Nationwide home and abroad. “All of these issues have a big impact on Six labs, criss-crossing the state to bring agriculture Mobile Ag Ed ® farm operational costs. We’re seeing higher education to K-8th graders | Schedule subject to Science LabSM prices for energy, machinery and many other change | Visit pfbfriends.com/ag-lab for a full list. inputs,” said Nationwide Senior Economist on the road. . . May - June 2022 Ben Ayers. “It puts a lot of pressure on reve- nues many farmers are facing.” Date School School District County May 9-13 Connecting with your agent is key May 9-13 Elderton Elementary Armstrong SD Armstrong May 9-13 During this time of uncertainty, Nation- May 9-13 Candlebrook Elementary Upper Merion SD Montgomery wide and your local Nationwide farm agent May 9-13 are working hard to help farmers maintain May 9-13 North Schuylkill Elementary North Schuylkill SD Schuylkill the right coverage levels without incurring May 16-20 too much additional cost. Now is time to talk May 16-20 Western Beaver Jr/Sr High School Western Beaver SD Beaver with your agent. May 16-20 May 16-20 Liberty Elementary Southern Tioga SD Tioga “My immediate concern is making sure May 16-20 you have adequate coverage,” said Nation- May 16-20 Iron Forge Elementary South Middleton SD Cumberland wide Associate Vice President for Agribusi- May 23-26 May 23-26 Warren Area Elementary Warren SD Warren May 23-27 May 23-27 General Nash Elementary North Penn SD Montgomery John Beck Elementary Warwick SD Lancaster Trinity East Elementary Trinity Area SD Washington West Berwick Elementary Berwick Area SD Columbia Juniata Valley Elementary Juniata Valley SD Huntingdon Hoover Elementary Mt Lebanon SD Allegheny Troy Area SD Bradford 27Troy Intermediate School Lincoln Elementary Mt Lebanon SD Allegheny Brecht Elementary Manheim Township SD Lancaster

committee members, Andrea Brown, was selected for the national AFBF Promotion & Education Committee for a two-year term. Chris Hoffman She will be keeping us in Pennsylvania up- dated on what new programs and ideas the Agriculture Promotion Committee Chair national committee will be working on. Congratulations to Andrea on your appoint- Welcome to spring, Farm Bureau members. ment. It seems like old man winter refused to His message was about being “ALL IN”. The AFBF P&E committee hosted a few of leave. Watching the birds and seeing the us from PA to a conference about consumer deer in our hay fields give us excitement for Gonzalez talked about his life and how perception. It was very insightful to under- the coming months of summer. The Ag Pro- those two words have made the difference stand what the consumer is really thinking motion Committee has really been working for him. I thought about all of us as the Penn- not what we think they are thinking. sylvania Farm Bureau and how important it is hard to come up as members to be “ALL IN”. We are going to continue the farm crates with tools to help us again this year. This year we had over 250 all be better at how No matter what role we play, what issues crates to classrooms. My grandchildren’s we tell our story. we are working on, or the conversations we school principal called to tell me how much Since I last penned are having, we must have that focus Gian he appreciated these resources. an article, our com- Paul spoke of. I’m excited to see where we mittee has hosted as a group make the impact on our issues. I could go on and on about all the great our chair conference After his keynote, we had a lesson taken things that our county Farm Bureau mem- with new name directly from the ag lab, where our members bers are doing across the state. I am so branding. learned how to take corn and make plastic proud of each and every one of you for being out of it. It was a great conference with very “ALL IN” when it comes to promoting and ed- We have re- good attendance, even though we had snow. ucating those around you about agriculture. named our confer- ence, the T.A.S.K We are excited about the future of our Thank you so much for making our orga- Conference. To- committee because we see great things nization great. I look forward to seeing you gether Advocacy Stimulates Knowledge. happening. We are excited that one of our all soon and I hope you have a wonderful Our program highlights consisted of a very spring. moving message from Gian Paul Gonzalez the New York Giants’ football team Chaplin. Farmers Care Farmers Care Farmers Care is a program that recog- participating in the Farmers Care Program. A Million Dollars and Growing nizes the commitment of farm families to Each county/district marks a time (between raising healthy food for our communities. January 1st and April 30th) when farmers At the same time, it shows the way farmers give back to the less fortunate in their com- volunteer to help those in need. Pennsylva- munities. nia Farm Bureau supports this program by collecting food, and monetary donations, for This year, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Ronald McDonald House Charities, or other made $12,488.69 worth of food donations local charities in your district. and another $7,433.25 in monetary dona- tions, totaling $19,921.94 in donations for Each year, the Women’s Leadership the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Committee invites all counties to consider 28

YAP Wins Farm Bureau Harvest for All Award The Pennsylvania Young Ag Professionals (YAP) were recognized with a second-place finish in the Harvest for All funds category at the American Young Farmers & Ranchers banquet in Louisville, Kentucky. Harvest for All is a partnership between the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers and local food charities, which provide food to people in need around the United States. The Harvest for All campaign includes activities organized by state and county Farm Bureaus in collaboration with local food charities across the country. YAP earned a second-place nod in the fundraising category, raising $47,154 in do- nated funds. Overall, more than 36.4 million pounds of food and more than $258,000 were raised to help fight hunger in 2021 through Farm Bureau’s Harvest for All pro- gram. Combined, the monetary and food donations totaled the equivalent of 30.5 million meals. In addition to raising food and funds, farmers and ranchers tallied 9,405 volunteer hours assisting local hunger groups in 2021. As a second-place winner, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will receive a $250 grant from Nationwide to donate to a local food bank. The awards were presented during AFBF’s 2022 Young Farmers & Ranchers Confer- ence, which took place Feb. 25-28. Since Harvest for All was launched, Farm Bureau families have gathered 412 million pounds of food, logged more than 224,000 volunteer hours and raised more than $10 million in donations. 29

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Clapper Named Names Todd Bailey as PFB Manager of Chief Administrative Officer Government Affairs and Communications Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s (PFB) State Board of Directors has named Todd Bailey as the organization’s chief administrative officer. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) has named Justin Clapper as the organization’s Bailey leads the staff in the day-to-day operations of PFB, PFB Manager of Government Affairs and Commu- Members’ Service Corporation, and the Pennsylvania Friends of nications. Agriculture Foundation. He started in the role April 4. Bailey takes over for former CAO Michael Stolitca, who resigned for personal Clapper will reasons on March 25. lead the day-to-day operations of PFB’s “I am excited for the opportunity to take the next step in my Government Affairs ongoing service to an organization that is recognized as a leader and Communica- in Pennsylvania agriculture,” Bailey said. “I look forward to work- tion Division and ing with Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s grassroots leaders across the assumed the role on state to continue growing and guiding the organization into the April 18th. future.” Todd Bailey Clapper previous- Bailey started with PFB as regional organization director in 2004, then served as marketing director for 10 years until being promoted to membership Justin Clapper ly served PFB mem- relations manager in 2015. Bailey graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in bers as a Regional business management. He is a Pennsylvania native and has been involved in agriculture his entire life. Organization Director since 2017. He has also served as the Young Ag Professionals (YAP) Committee Director since 2019, and will “We are confident that Todd will continue the forward progress of our organization,” PFB continue in that role. President Rick Ebert said. “He has proven himself to be a servant leader who values our membership and our organizational values.” Neil Dembeck, who previously served as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Membership Coordinator moved into a new position as the Regional Organization Director of Region 2, which services Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union and York counties, effective April 18. Kyle Kotzmoyer previously served as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Neil Dembeck Kyle Kotzmoyer Ed Weiss Regional Organization Director of Region 3 and has moved into a Region 2 ROD State and Local Health Services new position as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s State and Local Affairs Affairs Specialist Sales Manager Specialist, effective May 2. Kyle brings his knowledge from serving PFB members for the past three years as well as a passion for policy Kristina Watson departed as PFB’s Federal Government Affairs and and government relations. Dairy Specialist after 16 years of service to our members. Her last day with PFB was March 25. We wish Kristina well in her new ventures. Ed Weiss was hired as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Health Services Sales Manager on March 31. Weiss brings experience in the insur- Darrin Youker departed as PFB’s State and Local Affairs Director ance industry and has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from after 10-plus years of service to our members. Youker’s last day with the State University of New York at Albany. PFB was April 29. We wish Darrin well in his new ventures. 30

Dave Fleming Health Services Director Retires Bonnie Beck After 4 Decades of Service Clinton County After more than four decades of service to Pennsylva- Farm Bureau nia Farm Bureau, Health Services Director Dave Fleming announced his retirement on March 31. With more than three decades of Fleming, who navigated countless industry changes service, Bonnie in the healthcare field was a valuable asset to members Beck has been an throughout his 41 years of service. integral member of the Clinton County Farm Bureau. We wish Dave well in his retirement and thank him for his continuous dedication to Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Beck serves on the Farm Bureau Wom- its members. en’s Leadership Committee and Livestock Committee and also serves on the Clinton PFB Manager of Government County Board after working as the Board Affairs and Communications Secretary. Beck has been instrumental Announces Retirement in the promotion of agriculture and has helped with local fair displays, Farmers Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Manager of Government Affairs and Care and has read to students by partic- Communications, Joel Rotz, announced his retirement in April ipating in the PA Friends of Agriculture after 27 years of service. Foundation’s Ag Literacy Week. Rotz truly embodied what grassroots involvement is all about “Bonnie has been a very intricate part of our County Farm Bureau,” Clinton Coun- Joel Rotz having been a dairy farmer for 21 years with 60 milking cows, ty Farm Bureau president Justin Snook 110 total livestock and 205 acres of corn and alfalfa as well as an said. “She keeps excellent updated records and keeps up with current events happen- active volunteer member of Franklin County Farm Bureau. ing with PA Farm Bureau.” Rotz began his employment with PFB as Director of Local Government Affairs. Since Snook commended Beck for her active- 1995, he has held several positions within the Government Affairs and Communications ness in Clinton County Farm Bureau and Division. her contributions to their members. In 1998, he became the Director of National Legislative Programs. In 2004, he moved “She keeps in contact with all the mem- to State Government Relations Director (later the position was renamed State Govern- bers of the board when important issues ment Affairs Director). In March of 2017, Rotz was promoted to Manager of Government arise,” Snook said. “Bonnie is always will- Affairs and Communications. ing to lend a helping hand to everyone.” Through his service at PFB, Rotz has had an impact on many agricultural and rural fam- ilies. He has also led the Government Affairs and Communications division to numerous AFBF awards and recognitions. PFB thanks Rotz for his hard work and dedication to Pennsylvania farmers, rural fami- lies and Farm Bureau and wishes him happiness in his retirement. 31

Protect your next Whether you’re focused on business success, family security or community prosperity, Nationwide® can help you constantly evolve to ensure a bright future. To learn more, visit nationwide.com/pfb Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. The Farm Bureau, FB, and the FB National logo are trademarks of the American Farm Bureau Federation and are used with permission under license by Nationwide. © 2021 Nationwide GPO-0486PA.1 (12/21)