4 West Virginia Farm Bureau News
PRESIDENTIAL PARADIGMS
Legislative Session Keeps Farm Bureau Busy
activities as well .
Charles Wilfong , President , West Virginia Farm Bureau
The past month has been a busy time for Farm Bureau , maintaining our presence in Charleston during the legislative session representing the interests of our members . In addition to our daily involvement with the West Virginia Legislature , we have had several other
On February 8 , WVFB and representatives from Farm Credit delivered box lunches for all members of the legislature as part of our “ Welcome Back Luncheon .” Farm Bureau and Farm Credit literature was distributed with the lunches , to help legislators understand issues important to agriculture and rural life . We have been involved with this activity for several years now . It is always a pleasure to partner with Farm Credit in this and other activities . Farm Credit see Wilfong , page 21
Taking Ag ’ s Message Beyond the Fencerows
Zippy Duvall , President , American Farm Bureau Federation
Welcome to “ Beyond the Fencerows ,” the new monthly column by AFBF President Zippy Duvall . This column is just a snapshot of the ongoing conversation President Duvall is eager to have with Farm Bureau members from across the country on the pressing issues facing agriculture . Just as President Duvall ’ s father encouraged him years ago to step outside his fencerows to make a difference in the policies affecting his farm , President Duvall invites you to make your voices heard to protect the business of farming for generations to come .
When I attended my first county Farm Bureau meeting back in 1977 , I never imagined that I ’ d provides exceptional financial services for our farmers and others . So if you have lending or crop insurance needs I would strongly encourage you to consider Farm Credit and take advantage of their knowledge and commitment to agriculture .
The following day , we held our annual Agriculture and Forestry Day at the Capitol and our “ Taste of West Virginia ” legislative reception at the Charleston Marriot that evening . Many legislators tell us our reception is their favorite event . Even with bad weather conditions we had a full house . With most of our legislatures and statewide office holders in attendance it was an exceptional opportunity to share our views on many of the current issues .
The legislature has done many good things this session that WVFB has supported for years . I applaud them for their courage in many areas .
have the privilege to serve as your president one day . My Farm Bureau journey is truly a testament to how this organization invests in young people and gives farmers and ranchers the tools we need to protect our livelihood . One of the greatest joys of Farm Bureau leadership for me has been getting the chance to give back and pass on what I have learned to the next generation .
It has certainly been a whirlwind since we all met in Orlando , but there ’ s no time to waste in keeping up the important work of our great organization . I ’ ve enjoyed meeting with many of you over the last few months , and look forward to getting out to visit more of our members across the country to hear directly from you about the issues you are facing on your farms and ranches .
see Duvall , page 23