President s Message

Volume 5, Issue 2



Summer 2021

President's Message

Hello to All My Fellow Farm Bureau Members:

As we head towards the end of summer and to the beginning of fall, we look at changes in the seasons as well as changes in Farm Bureau with our new bylaws. We look for more positive and engaging members with new member benefit programs for Farm Bureau members. We also look forward to new and exciting membership benefits. In the July/August Country Focus there is a list of all the new deals available to members. In Bucks County, a suburb of Philadelphia and Allentown, many of our farms participate in some sort of ag tourism. We have finally been able to receive passage of the agritourism civil liability reform which helps protect many Farm Bureau members. This bill allows the public to come to our farms and allow us to educate the public about agriculture. This is a huge win for Bucks County farmers. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will have agritourism liability signs for sale to post on your farm giving the public notice of the liability laws (see page 4).

If any of our members would like to be more involved in Bucks County Farm Bureau, we have openings on the board of directors. If you are interested in serving on the board, please contact myself or Don Buckman, Vice President. We will be more than happy to answer your questions or concerns.

A President's Message would not be complete without urging you to renew your membership early (by October 11, 2021) to be eligible to participate in a Wawa gift card drawing. You may also bring your renewal to our Annual Meeting. Thank you and have a very safe fall and please look out for farmers on the road with their harvesting equipment.

Sincerely,

President Bucks County Farm Bureau

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BUCKS COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Scheetz, President

215-723-4904

fivemfarm@

Don Buckman, Vice President

267-718-0313

donbuckman81@

Dolly Rutherford, Secretary/Treasurer

267-566-2123

orruth91@

Tom Haldeman

215-795-0627

susanhaldeman3530@

Jeffrey Heacock

215-453-1195

jdjeth@

Kenneth Herstine

215-795-2385

ksherstine@

Jessica Moyer

267-221-9128

oreosspot@

Joshua Rice

215-738-6927

overlookhillfarm@

Joel Roney

610-847-5702

traugersmarket@

Beth Snyder

215-485-7203

bethjonczyk@

Michael Stitzinger

215-348-1914

bstitz@

Bruce Weikel

215-257-1962

bruceweikel@

Glenn Wismer

215-766-0675

wisglen1@

Ken & Sandy Herstine, Membership Chairs 215-795-2385

ksherstine@

Glenda Wismer, Women's Committee Chair 215-766-0675

pamperedchefglenda@

Dolly Rutherford, Newsletter Editor

267-566-2123

orruth91@

The Bucks County Farm Bureau meets the 4th Wednesday of the month @ 7:30 p.m.

Plumsteadville Grange, #1738, Route 611, Plumsteadville

FARM-tastic Book Program--2021 Book: What's In The Garden $10.00

Past books are also available. Contact Glenda Wismer 215-766-0675 or pamperedchefglenda@

Mobile Ag On the Go Teacher (Part Time)

Mobile Ag on the Go Teacher: Conduct promotions & Administrative meetings with schools prior to "Ag on the Go" visits. Conduct instruction of "Ag on the Go" program according to established lesson plans & procedures. Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab Teacher: Conduct instruction of mobile Ag Ed Science Lab program according to established lesson plans & procedures. Please mail letters of introduction & resumes to: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Personnel PO Box 8736, Camp Hill, PA 17001-8736 or as an email attachment

Jerry Harris Young Ag Professionals Grant-2021

Applicants must be between ages 20-30, a Bucks County resident, and be actively involved in production agriculture. Applicant and/or family must be members in good standing of the Bucks County Farm Bureau and be committed to a career in production agriculture. Applicants may receive up to two grants of $2500.00, but not in succeeding years. Preference will be given to first time applicants. Applicants must be present to receive their grant at the Bucks County Annual Meeting in September. This grant is non-renewable. Please contact Mark Scheetz at 215-723-4904 or fivemfarm@ or Don Buckman at 267-718-0313 or donbuckman81@ to request an application.

There are many agricultural careers, so I encourage you to go to a website put together by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's Ag Promotion Committee and view all the different careers that are in agriculture. Thank you. Mark A Scheetz, President

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Farmer's Care Day

Bucks County Farm Bureau donated $1500.00 to Ronald McDonald House.

SAVE THE DATE

Friday, September 24, 2021 6:30 p.m.

Delicious Dinner, Door Prizes, Entertainment. More details to follow.

MILFORD AG DAZE--SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 11:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m.

Molasses Creek Park, 2175 Krammes Road, Milford PA

Hayrides, Farm Animals, Farmers Market, Free Crafts for Kids

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PA Farm Bureau is currently selling agritourism liability signs to get agri-tainment operations up to compliance with the new law to limit civil liability for farms engaged in agritourism. The signs are $62 each

plus shipping. They're 24 by 36 inches, waterproof, and UV safe. They are also guaranteed to last a minimum of five years and rustproof.



"2022 Membership Appreciation Barbecue"--Molasses Creek Park, Quakertown, Region 1, for volunteer membership workers. The

presentation was how to make your county more accessible for new members. Vice President, Chris Hoffman, attended as well as Todd Bailey, Manager of PFB Member Relations.

Ethan Howard, Region 1 ROD shown making presentation

PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP EARLY (BY OCTOBER 11, 2021) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO A WAWA GIFT CARD DRAWING. THANK YOU!!!

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Published by the Government Affairs and Communications Division

Agritourism Civil Liability Reform Signed Into Law

Pennsylvania farm families will have more opportunity to diversify their businesses and connect with their communities around food and agriculture thanks to a new law that addresses a significant legal barrier to offering agritourism activities. Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed legislation to enact commonsense legal protections for agritourism--one of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's top legislative priorities for close to a decade--following its passage by the General Assembly.

PFB worked closely with state Rep. Barb Gleim to introduce the legislation, House Bill 101.

The law's adoption is a major victory for Pennsylvania agriculture and PFB's grassroots advocacy. Farmers have sought for years secure civil liability limits for agritourism to help family farms remain viable through a changing farm economy and connect with their communities around family fun and local food. PFB led the effort to put momentum behind the measure, making it a priority of the organization's grassroots advocacy campaign and holding a news conference last fall to build support.

"This commonsense legal reform will help Pennsylvania's family farms preserve their futures so they can continue to grow their rural communities and enhance our state's agricultural heritage," PFB President Rick Ebert said. "Farmers prioritize safety; but farms are natural environments and it's impossible to eliminate every hazard. This reform will enable Pennsylvania farm families to safety invite the public to experience agriculture without having to risk their farms' futures or pay cost-prohibitive insurance premiums." The law offers commonsense legal protection to farms that invite the public onto their property for agritourism activities, such as corn mazes, pick-your-own produce, hayrides, and similar attractions. Specifically, farms that offer agritourism activities will now have reasonable protection from lawsuits that arise from circumstances beyond their control and in which no party is at fault as long as they warn visitors of the inherent risks of being on a farm, such as uneven ground, weather, and unpredictable animals. At the same time, farmers will still need to take reasonable steps to ensure guest safety. The law does not give farms a free pass from ensuring guest safety and farms can still be held accountable if they fail to fix or warn patrons of obvious and dangerous safety risks. The measure is modeled off similar laws already on the books in at least 20 other states, including New York and Ohio. The threat of frivolous lawsuits has been a significant barrier for agritourism operations. In addition to putting their farms at risk by inviting the public onto their property, farmers who engage in agritourism have difficulty finding insurance coverage or have to pay high premiums due to the legal risks involved. The new law limiting civil liability seeks to address this challenge.

Sign Up for PFB Text Message Alerts for a Chance to Win $50 Gift Card

Be the first to know about major developments in Pennsylvania agriculture, state and federal policy, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau advocacy and engagement by signing up for PFB text message alerts.

PFB keeps members informed through our print and digital communications. But sometimes, there's news you need to know right away. That's why we've developed PFB text message alerts to send important updates right to your phone.

Signing up is easy. Simply text "PFBALERTS" to 833.554.0849 or sign up online at text-alerts.

By signing up for PFB text message alerts before July 15, you'll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.*

By texting to this number or signing up online, you agree to receive promotional messages sent via an autodialer, and this agreement isn't a condition of any purchase. You also agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Msg&data rates may apply. Up to 5 msg/mo. To unsubscribe, text STOP to 833-554-0849.

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Presentations typically cover a wide variety of topics, such as, but not limited to, agricultural economic trends and forecasts, agricultural education, animal health, commodity promotion and marketing; communicating about controversial subjects, environmental conservation practices, family wellness, farm and food blogging and social media, farm business planning; farm management, finance and marketing, farm safety, farm-to-table promotions and direct marketing, invasive species, leadership development, new farm technologies, and rural entrepreneurship.

More than 600 people from across Pennsylvania typically participate in PFB's Annual Meeting, where county Farm Bureau leaders debate policy positions of the organization, set PFB's agenda for the coming year and recognize achievements of the past year.

The deadline for submission of proposed presentations is Thursday, July 15, 2021. Proposals may be submitted online at . For more information about criteria for the presentations or to submit a proposal, please contact PFB's Annual Meeting Special Events Coordinator Kim Flegal at 717.731.3580 or klflegal@.

Time to Nominate Candidates for PFB Awards

County Farm Bureaus are beginning the process of considering candidates to nominate for two Pennsylvania Farm Bureau honors: Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award and Distinguished Local Affairs Leader Award. The recipients of each will be recognized as part of PFB Annual Meeting in November.

The Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award recognizes an individual whose dedicated work and service has significantly contributed to the advancement of Pennsylvania agriculture. The Distinguished Local Affairs Leader Award recognizes an individual whose local affairs efforts and activities have helped solve problems and improve rural living for county Farm Bureau members.

Only county Farm Bureau boards can nominate candidates for the awards but other PFB members may suggest candidates to their county boards for consideration. The nominating period ends Sept. 7.

Time to Apply for YAP Awards

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will be accepting applications throughout the summer for four Young Ag Professionals contests: Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award, Discussion Meet and Social Media Video Contest.

The Achievement Award recognizes an individual or couple who has made significant achievements in production agriculture and leadership and who has the majority of their income subject to normal production risks. The Excellence in Agriculture Award has a similar focus but recognizes an individual or couple who does not have the majority of their income subject to normal production risk. The Social Media Video Contest invites participants to make a fun, educational video about a farm or agricultural facility that helps promote modern agricultural practices to consumers.

Applications for the Achievement, Excellence in Agriculture and Social Media awards are due by Sept. 30. As a special incentive this year, any applicant who submits a complete application for the Achievement or Excellence in Agriculture awards will receive $100.

Young ag professionals can also apply now to compete in the Discussion Meet competition at PFB's Annual Meeting. Applications for Discussion Meet are due Oct. 15. The contest gives young Farm Bureau members a chance to discuss issues facing agriculture in a competitive but also cooperative setting. Participants will be judged in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.

All four contests are open to Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35.

The winners of all contests will receive great prizes and will be recognized as part of PFB's Annual Meeting. Winners of the Achievement and Excellence in Agriculture awards and Discussion Meet will receive all-expenses-paid trips to compete against other states' winners at the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2022 convention in Atlanta as long as it can be held. The winner of the Social Media contest will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2022 national Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Louisville.

Application forms and additional information are available at yap.

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Hoffman, Cairns Elected as PSU Trustee

Chris Hoffman and Don Cairns have been elected by agricultural societies to the Penn State Board of Trustees. Both are Farm Bureau members and were endorsed by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's State Board of Directors.

Hoffman will serve his third term on the board while Cairns won his first. Agricultural trustees serve three-year terms, with two trustees up for election each year.

Hoffman, of Juniata County, is vice president of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and operates Lazy Hog Farm-- a 1,400 sow farrow to wean, 4,800-head nursery barn and 4,400-head finishing barn-- and Lazy Chick Farm, raising 250,000 chickens annually. He also chairs PFB's Ag Promotion Committee, serves on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, a charitable organization supported by PFB, and is involved with numerous agriculture organizations in his community and beyond. In 2019, he was named America's Pig Farmer of the Year by the National Pork Board.

Cairns operates Cairns Family Farm raising 250,000 pullets and growing 1,600 acres of crops. Before starting the farm operation, he was a commercial insurance broker and risk management consultant. A Penn State alumni, Cairns is a board member for Chester County 4-H, serves on his Farm Service Agency county committee, and is involved with several other agriculture organizations in his community, including Chester/Delaware County Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Kelly, were named Chester County "Farmer of the Year" in 2017 and were nominated for the Leopold Conservation Award by their conservation district.

USDA Swine Study Kicks Off in June

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will kick off a study next month that will take an in-depth look at swine operations.

The aim is to gather data to benefit swine producers by exploring current production practices, countering consumer misinformation, helping to guide public policy and both public and private research benefiting the industry, and more.

The 2021 Swine Enterprise Study will be conducted by USDA's National Animal Health Monitoring System and National Agricultural Statistics Service.

One part of the study will focus specifically on operations with fewer than 1,000 pigs and will include about 5,000 producers in 38 states, including Pennsylvania. The other will examine operations with more than 1,000 pigs and include about 2,700 producers from 13 states, including Pennsylvania.

Responses will be kept completely confidential and no data will be tied to a producer's name or contact information. The study will ask about practices related to health and disease management, marketing, and other day-to-day operations.

Selected Pennsylvania producers with 1,000 or more hogs total inventory will be notified the week of June 15 and sent materials via mail. NASS staff will conduct initial interviews with producers, if needed, between June 28 and Aug. 2. The second phase will include a follow-up interview and collection of biologic samples if allowed by the producer.

Selected Pennsylvania producers with fewer than 1,000 hogs total inventory will also be notified by mail the week of June 15. Those producers will be sent a questionnaire that can either be mailed back or completed online. NASS will follow up with producers who have not responded by phone.

Producers are encouraged to respond as the study is intended to benefit the industry. In addition to objectively measuring how producers' livelihoods were affected in 2020 and gathering information to better inform public policy, the study will provide accurate information about animal welfare and production practices to better inform consumers and push back against misinformation.

For more information, contact USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Charles Haley at 970.225.1377 or charles.a.haley@aphis..

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USDA Won't Appeal Court Ruling on Pork Processing Line Speeds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said it will not appeal a federal court ruling restricting line speeds at pork processing facilities, which is likely to reduce processing capacity and disrupt the market for pork producers.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau had urged USDA to take action in light of the ruling to protect producers' ability to market their hogs according to pre-existing contracts. Without such action, PFB warned, farmers will be forced to sell their hogs at significantly lower prices and smaller-scale producers, including many in Pennsylvania, will be disproportionately affected.

"This court ruling will have very real impacts on our state's hog farmers, causing them significant economic harm," PFB President Rick Ebert wrote in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The lost revenue resulting from the court ruling will predominantly hurt small hog farmers like we have in Pennsylvania. When capacity is short, packers are far more likely to terminate contracts with small farmers than laer ones, forcing small producers to sell hogs at reduced spot prices."rg

The court order takes effect June 30. USDA still has other options to support producers; however, no mitigation steps have been announced as of early June.

The ruling by a U.S. District Court in Minnesota vacated part of USDA's 2019 rule implementing the New Swine Inspection System that allowed pork processors to set line speeds rather than be limited by a federally mandated maximum. Other aspects of the NSIS, implemented following a two-decade pilot that began during President Bill Clinton's administration, remain in place.

While the court ruling cited USDA's failure to consider worker safety concerns when drafting the rule, evidence that increasing line speeds poses a risk to worker safety is lacking. Processors participating in the NSIS pilot have been running at faster speeds for more than 20 years without a corresponding increase in worker safety concerns. In fact, a comparison of federal data found that the NSIS pilot facilities had lower mean injury rates than other facilities that were required to follow line speed limits.

Farm Bureau is continuing to examine the issue to determine what steps can be taken to continue to advocate for pork producers.

Reminder: Tell Congress Tax Plans Would Threaten Family Farms

Members of Congress need to hear from the farmers they represent how taxing unrealized capital gains at death and eliminating the stepped-up basis on those capital gains would be devastating to the future of Pennsylvania's family farms.

Farm Bureau is opposing plans in Congress that would make those tax changes, warning the move could force many farms out of business. Enacting those changes would result in a significant and disproportionate tax burden for family farms, which depend on being able to transfer assets between generations.

Stepped-up basis enables farms to reduce the burden of capital gains taxes by resetting the value of an asset when it is transferred between generations. It's especially important in agriculture because assets, such as land, are often held for decades and passed on from generation to generation. Currently, the capital gains taxes on the stepped-up value of an inherited asset are deferred until that asset is sold. So if capital gains are taxed at death and the stepped-up basis is removed, the next generation inheriting the farm could be forced to pay taxes on the increase in value over generations.

In Pennsylvania, the average cropland value has increased 168 percent since 1997, resulting in an estimated capital gains tax of $890 per acre. In that scenario, the capital gains tax would be close to 10 times the average cash rental rate.

Make your voice heard by responding to PFB's Action Alert at ActNow.

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