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The Clinton County Farm Bureau: What’s it all about?

The Clinton County Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization and a leader for the agriculture industry. It advances the economic and educational interests of its members through advocacy before government and relationship building, while offering high-value programs and services to sustain membership growth and remain financially secure.

Farm families formed the organization in 1950 as a means of working together to secure a bright future for agriculture and rural communities. Our members volunteer countless hours and great energy to implement Farm Bureau’s policies and programs.

Programs and services are aimed at solving farm-related problems, tackling issues which threaten agriculture’s future, increasing net farm income, enlightening the no farm public about modern day agriculture and advancing rural life in the Commonwealth. Members decide our organization’s priorities and related activity. All members have the opportunity to participate in the development of Farm Bureau’s policies on a broad range of issues.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has grown to nearly 62,000 member families in 54 county bureaus.

There are two types of family memberships. Regular members are those whose main occupation is farming; Associate members are those who join for benefits from the services of the organization or want to help advance agriculture in the rural community.

Farm Bureau membership is with their county bureau and state organization. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is affiliated with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Farm family members have one vote per membership on all policy positions put forth at business meetings of the organization. Only regular members can vote. The organization’s position on issues is determined by an extensive annual policy development process. Policy resolutions start at the grassroots county level and are adopted by majority rule of voting members. Resolutions related to state and national issues are recommended to delegate bodies of the state and national organizations, where they are considered and adopted by majority rule of voting delegates chosen by the membership.

Young Farmer and Rancher program

The Young Farmer and Rancher program is open to members who are ages 18-35.

This program is in place to provide the opportunity for young farmers to socialize and communicate with others who are facing the same trials and tribulations as they themselves have within their farming operations.

Each county is encouraged to have an active committee and in Clinton County the committee is very active. The committee is preparing for an outing at the Meats Lab and the PSU Creamery in October.

Policy meetings

Policy development meetings are held with members and anyone interested in bringing forth issues of concerns for the agricultural industry and rural Pennsylvanians. These meetings surface issues and policy is created to bring forth to the voting delegates at the fall annual meeting. The fall annual meeting for our county will be held on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Learning Center in Lamar.

Other meetings are planned Aug. 8 at 8 p.m, when Jim Harbach will host at Schrack farms, 860 W. Valley Road, Loganton; Sept. 5 at 8 p.m., when the Extension’s Learning Center will host at 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall; and Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., with TA Seeds hosting at 39 Seeds Lane (202 Tiadaghton Ave.) Jersey Shore.

Proposed policies

r We recommend that the pension burden be put on the state employees and not the taxpayers.

r We oppose assessment of fees for state police protection to rural municipalities that do not have a local police force.

r We recommend the study and reintroduction of Ash trees that survived the emerald ash borer.

Taking a stand on the budget situation

“Pennsylvania’s budget was in limbo, and two agriculture priorities were caught up the fray. Gov. Tom Wolf allowed a $32 billion spending plan to become law without his signature. That budget does contain good news for agriculture, including a full restoration of funding for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) and adequate funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The problem is that lawmakers have not come to an agreement on how to pay for the budget. Currently, the House, Senate and governor’s office are having a difference of opinion on the revenue picture. The House is holding firm on a no-tax increase stance. Options being considered to pay for the budget include expanded gambling, liquor and one time loans. This is the issue that very well may not be resolved until the fall. In the meantime, the state has not voted to authorize funding for ‘non-preferreds’ which include Penn State, Penn Vet and other state-related institutions. Until the General Assembly finishes its work on the non-preferreds, the state can’t transfer funding to Penn Vet or Penn State Extension.”

On NAFTA

“NAFTA is important to producers and Pennsylvania residents alike. A healthy trade relationship allows us to sell our food and fiber crops in exchange with Canada and Mexico for crops and goods that we cannot produce. It is important that we ensure a fair relationship that is not biased against our economy. We are working with state and federal leaders to make sure Pennsylvania residents are heard.”

Contact information

Justin Snook, president 570-263-0145 cell; Coreena Meyer, information director – 570-660-0080 cell / 570-725-3549 home or meyertax @yahoo.com.

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